The city of Gloucester is situated in the heart of the Cotswolds with a unique history from its Roman foundations to its Victorian docklands. It is a vibrant multicultural city that combines historic architecture with a wide range of attraction, festivals and entertainment. An excellent collection of high street and independent shops and a huge choice of places to eat and drink make it a great place to be.
With the River Severn running alongside Gloucester there are many waterside attractions, including the National Waterways Museum. Gloucester has a population of approximately 130,000 and is home to The University of Gloucester and the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
Gloucester is easily reached by car from the M5 motorway, with neighbouring towns such as Cheltenham and Stroud. Gloucester is only about one hour’s drive from Wales’s Brecon Beacons National Park. London Paddington is a little under 2 hours away on a direct train.
Gloucester shops offer something a little different
Dedicated shoppers and souvenir hunting day-trippers alike won’t fail to enjoy walking around the Westgate Quarter, under the striking shadow of Gloucester Cathedral. Amongst a range of eclectic independent shops, you’ll find designer labels, old fashioned sweets and an abundance of local crafts and produce.
Gloucester Shopping Centres
The other ‘gate streets’ The Mall and King’s Walk Shopping Centre are home to the best in high street brands; from BHS to Debenhams, and Marks and Spencer to H&M – perfect for those looking to flex their plastic!
Gloucester shopping has changed – Gloucester Quays
Gloucester Quays, the city’s newest attraction offers shoppers the chance to pick up the best designer brands at discounted prices, as well as exploring the adjacent Gloucester Antiques centre with its three floors of antiques and collectables.
Gloucester Restaurants Cater for All Tastes
With an established Farmers Market every Friday it is no wonder that a quiet revolution in food is taking place. The success of this is mostly down to the way the City embraces diversity and a multi-cultural society – living, working and relaxing side by side.
Gloucester restaurants cater for truly global tastes including the best of English, Chinese, Greek, Mexican, Thai and Indian cuisine.
Love Regional Food from your Restaurant
Gloucester people enjoy life and there are many wine bars, pubs and clubs offering a range of local and regional fayre.
Gloucester restaurants offer everything from fresh homemade sandwiches, Gloucester Old Spot Sausages or something more substantial in a number of unique and spectacular settings.
Waterside Restaurants in Gloucester
The opening of Gloucester Quays has created a new waterside restaurant quarter overlooking Historial Gloucester Docks, with Pizza Express and Nando’s already opened and more big names to open throughout 2010. This will add another dimension to restaurants in Gloucester.
Gloucester Cathedral
The former abbey church founded 1300 years ago is now the cathedral church of the Gloucester Diocese. The architecture of the cathedral varies from the Norman nave with its massive columns to examples of Romanesque and early Perpendicular.
Diverse Gloucester Nightlife
Gloucester Guildhall offers a unique programme of live entertainment from the biggest names in live music and stand up comedy to cinema and theatre performances.
The Picturedrome and Kings Theatre bring a mix of professional and amateur theatre to the City. Both of these venues are small traditional theatres and are a great place to see a performance.
Gloucester Cathedral and many churches across the City regularly host choral and classical music concerts. The brilliant acoustics of these buildings make it a must hear experience on your visit to Gloucester.
There are Cineworld cinemas at The Peel Centre in Gloucester offering both digital and 3D facilities, and also in nearby Cheltenham.
Gloucester Night Clubs
Gloucester has a number of night clubs offering a mix of music and nights throughout the week. A number of Gloucester pubs now have late licenses and offer a range of alternative clubbing experiences. Cafe Rene hosts Bounce, a monthly Indie Club held in an underground cellar bar.
Butlers Venue Bar is one of Gloucester’s top night clubs. Long established and with a reputation for a great atmosphere, great drinks offers and an awesome mix of music, Butlers is the place to go for one of the best nights out in Gloucester.
Leisure Facilities in Gloucester
The wide range of leisure facilities in Gloucester include an Esporta health club, Virgin Active health club, rugby, football, karting, climbing, skiing and bowling.
GL1 Leisure Centre boasts spectacular architecture and offers the very best facilities for sports and other activities. There is a national short-course competition swimming pool which hosts British and European swimming events, a major indoor events area, gym, aerobics/dance studio, four squash courts, gymnastics hall, dedicated martial arts area, luxurious sauna, steam room and spa.
Gloucestershire’s premier tennis centre has 6 indoor and 4 outdoor courts and the centre is open to everyone – whatever your age or experience. The Oxtalls Tennis Centre also hosts a number of national tennis events and competitions.
There are plenty of Golf Clubs around the City, including Gloucester Golf Club, Brickhampton Golf Club and Painswick Golf Club.
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