If you have visited before Gloucester, you will know that it is a land that offers something for everyone, and if you have not yet been there, then what are you waiting for? It’s great to see you there!
Gloucester is located on the beautiful Severn River and has a rich history, vibrant festivals, a shopping paradise, and many more things to do in Gloucester to make 2025 awesome. If you have not yet prepared your checklist for places to visit or activities to spend your day in, read the blog to make your choice wisely.
Table of Contents
1. What’s the best time of year to explore Gloucester attractions?
2. Is Gloucester a good place for families and kids to visit?
3. Are there any guided tours available in Gloucester?
4. Can you explore Gloucester on foot, or is transport needed?
5. Are there student-friendly attractions or hangout spots in Gloucester?
Whatever your definition of a perfect day out is, you can rejuvenate your life here in Gloucester by exploring its top attractions. Refer to the below list of best places to visit in Gloucester with your loved one and make your tour memorable.
Gloucester Cathedral is a masterpiece of architectural design and a marvel for tourists. The Cathedral was founded in 1089 and boasts a unique Gothic style and beautiful cloisters. The Cathedral’s fun vaulting is the finest in Europe. The Cathedral ceremony takes place every Sunday at 10.15 am and on weekdays from Monday to Saturday. Whispering gallery and the tomb of King Edward II are the biggest Gloucester attraction at Cathedral. In addition to this, several scenes of Harry Potter were shot here.
You will have multiple things to discover as Gloucester Docks is a perfect place to visit Gloucester for a family day out. Here, one can explore Victorian dock buildings, designer outlet shops, stunning cafes and fascinating museums.
The National Waterways Museum documents the 200-year history of the docks. Visitors can look at army uniforms and view the first trench of world war. You will also find severals of restaurants within the Gloucester Quay’s outlet.
Jet Age Museum is a registered charity run by volunteers. It showcases the story of aviation in the country from the arrival of the Jet Age to the modern industry of the present age. Their mission is to preserve the past legacy and inspire the upcoming future by telling stories of the people, places aircraft and companies. All these efforts have made Gloucestershire a major centre of Gloucester attractions and aerospace development for over 100 years.
Gloucester Quays is a shopper’s paradise, home to designer and high-street fashion brands. It includes over 60 top names such as All Saint, Osprey, Dune, White Stuff, Joules, Jack Wills, Adidas, etc. Thus, your visit Gloucester is incomplete without exploring the amazing shopping market Quay. The Quays are also known as home to the Gym.
Nature in art displays the artistic work in all mediums and styles from across the world, as it has been the best tourist attractions in Gloucester for years. The collection contains the best creations from over 50 countries for 600 artists. The display embraces 2D and 3D work in all mediums from across the world. You can also get a chance to meet an artist at work in the artist’s studio. Every year, there is a vibrant temporary exhibition programme such as photography, textiles, etc.
Over Farm is a vibrant and family-run Gloucester tourist attractions, offers a unique mix of farm-fresh produce items, occasional entertainment and adventurous activities. Over Farm focuses on sourcing food from the locals and showcasing the freshly grown on their 170 acres of land. They even provide opportunities for visitors to join activities like “pick your own” events. It is a dedicated space for kids and family’s friendly activities such as animal trails, play areas, and a mini golf course.
It was established in the 1820s as a connectivity to allow seagoing vessels to navigate the deep tidal section of the River Severn. During its construction, it was the deepest ship canal in the world, cargo container of up to 600 tons. The canal is a major Gloucester tourist attraction, and is about 16.5 miles long, with two locks. The canal is home to multiple wildlife species such as, kingfishers and herons. Its many areas are designated as sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs).
It is a Benedictine monastic community situated in Cranham, nearby to the city of Gloucester. It is one of the places to visit in Gloucester where monks live, work and pray according to the rule of St. Benedict. It has designated separate footpaths and a walled garden, a monastery shop and a Chapel. The Chapel is open for prayers to the visitors. Moreover, you will observe over 50 forms of creatures roaming including peacocks and waterfowl, love birds and the crown cranes and African Pygmy goats.
It is the largest established antique centre in the UK, located on Westgate Street in the historic old judges’ house. The antique centre has three floors of shops and cabinets containing over 40 dealers, definitely the best things to do in Gloucester in UK. It sells several unique pieces of items such as 20th-century furniture, fine art ceramics, glassware, gold, silver, antique and costume jewelry, cards, stamps, clocks and many more.
Visiting Kingsholm Stadium is a great thing to do in Gloucester, which has a capacity of 16,115. The stadium is best known for its huge fan base and is sometimes referred to as “Castle Grim”. Kings home has a legendary history, hosting international matches. This place was built in the year 1891 and initially had a capacity of only 424 audiences. Moreover, beyond rugby, it hosts several large conferences and events and can accommodate 1000 guests at a time.
Hopefully, you have finished visiting various places. Now, it’s time to explore some unique things to do in Gloucester and experience activities that not only lift your mood but make your day enjoyable and interesting.
Now coming to the most lovable part of your tour that is activities. At present people are more interested in discovering something extra, which gives them a peace or just mind-relaxing therapy. Thus, apart from visiting good places, there are several other things to do in Gloucester, that are given below.
Ninja Warrior is inspired by the popular ITV show Ninja Warrior UK. This brings excitement and curiosity to the real world for you to challenge yourself and face the task, of becoming a Ninja Warrior UK hero. The Ninja Warrior UK adventure allows you to explore the park and handle the selection of obstacles that vary as per the situation. Sounds interesting! Yes, of course, it is, thus an answer to your doubt, about what to do in Gloucester for an infamous and adventurous experience.
Gloucester provides several stand-up paddle boarding(SUP) options, such as sessions and tours in Gloucester docks, the River Severn and the canal. It offers several unforgettable experiences, from initial sessions to half or full-day river trips. You will enjoy good experience with your family as it is a kind of group fun activity with families, friends and team working. It could be even a great activity taking out time from accommodation in Gloucester for students, to spend their spare time.
The warehouse climbing and caving centre is located in an old Victorian warehouse, nearby to the historic docks of Gloucester. Recently it finished the splendid task of a million-pound refurbishment project. It is spread across five floors and offers a vast range of climbing experiences suitable for all age groups.
If you do not like to visit outdoors as much, then also you will have many best things to do in Gloucester for well spent day. Karting is one such event, the circuit is approximately 300m long with different circuit features. You will find three very high-speed banking corners, that greatly aid overtaking opportunities. All the karts are powered by the popular 160cc Honda 4-stroke engine, which can power the karts to speed up to 40mph.
Till now, you have done things as per your interest, budget and time, but you must experience its local cuisines, sightseeing and etc. to feel the place more closely. Therefore, in the next section, all such kind of things to do in Gloucester is elaborated with special features.
Now, discover the essence of Gloucester City through some must-do experience, which often blends history, culture and adventure. It will be a life-long venture for you. So, if you are struggling with what to do in Gloucester, then read the below section for more clarity.
Gloucester food offers a unique blend of cuisines experience. Gloucester Dock area is a hub for famous restaurants and bars. It also boasts a strong focus on local and seasonal ingredients from Cotswold’s. Being here is a blessing for the visitors, as it provides a chance to explore cuisine such as British fare, Mediterranean flavours and global options.
Gloucester offers a stunning sightseeing venture due to its rich historical legacy and mind-blowing architecture. You can explore ancient landmarks places in Gloucester such as the Cathedral, the English Civil War battle location waterside cafes and retail towns. Moreover, Gloucester has a connection to past Roman times and became an important wool trading centre.
Nightclubs are distinct experiences, and give you an energetic atmosphere. Therefore, besides an outing in the daytime, this could be another attraction in Gloucester for visitors. The city has student-friendly and relaxed bars and live music venues. For instance, Eastgate venue is a hub for clubs like ATIK, Butler’s and Fever. In addition to this, Jax on Brunswick Street is popular for its dance and live music.
You can explore amazing fun-fulling places in Gloucester with your kids. It includes VR EXPERIENCE for virtual reality gaming, laser quest and Houdini’s escape room experience for challenging puzzle-solving adventure. Moreover, you also look for other options as well such as Eagles Indoor Golf Gloucester, Axe Play, Skaters Club, Retroo and Buzz Bingo.
So here we are! In 2025, Gloucester must be your ultimate space to visit and dive into a world of history, adventure and fun-filled activities. From affordable student accommodation in UK to Gloucester Cathedral, and Ninja-warrior to Go Karting, the city has a bunch of things to offer to tourists, students and locals. Moreover, do not forget to savour the local food, explore vibrant nightclubs and have the best time with family and friends. So, pack up your bags- 2025 is the perfect year to explore it all!
The best time to visit Gloucester is usually from May to October, which is the prime duration for outdoor activities and events. However, Gloucester can be enjoyed year-round with a focus specifically on indoor attractions and activities during the off-season.
Yes, Gloucester is a place for families and children to visit. The city provides a blend of historical events museums and prime spots that cater to younger visitors. It offers several educational and engaging experiences.
Yes, numerous guided tours are available in Gloucester, both for persons and groups. Gloucester Civic Trust provides 18 types of guided walks for historical periods, Roman Eastgate chamber, etc. Moreover, you can explore some behind-the-scenes at the Gloucester brewery.
Yes, Gloucester is very walkable, especially in the city centre. It is a small, safe and friendly city, making it easy to explore on foot. The city centre is compact and well-connected with various transport options available for longer distances.
Yes, Gloucester provides numerous student-oriented and hangout options. Café Rene is popular for its student-priced beers and pleasant remote work atmosphere. Moreover, lounge 72 is a good spot for watching live sports matches in a friendly atmosphere. The Guildhall and Ninja Warrior Gloucester can also be an enjoyable experience.
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