Boasting the spectacular cathedral, historic docks, eating out favourites and plenty of shopping hotspots, Gloucester is a wonderful place to spend a post-lockdown day out.
In this hot list sponsored by Gloucester City Council, SoGlos have rounded up seven reasons why Gloucester should be on your must-visit list for 2020.
A partnership between Gloucester City Council, Gloucester BID, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Gloucester Quays and King’s Walk has been working hard behind the scenes to make visiting the city as safe as possible. With a regular cleaning schedule, social distancing stickers and help from retail partners, Gloucester is good to go.
Many of the city’s attractions, eateries and shops are open for business again with safety measures in place, just remember to bring a face mask to wear on public transport and in shops and supermarkets.
For more information, visit gloucestercitycouncil.co.uk.
Recognisable all over the world, in part thanks to its role in the Harry Potter movies, Gloucester Cathedral is one of the most impressive sights to visit in the city. It’s open daily for visitors to wander down its famous cloisters, see the tomb of King Edward II and take in the stunning stained-glass windows.
Learn about Gloucester’s nautical past at The National Waterways Museum at Gloucester Docks. Or for a touch of nostalgia, see the house that inspired a Beatrix Potter story at The House of The Tailor of Gloucester.
Gloucester Quays is a great place to grab a bargain with up to 70 per cent off big name brands, including All Saints, Ted Baker and Radley, while the monthly Orchard Street Market is ideal for vintage and craft lovers to pick up unique products.
If high street names are more your bag, there’s Eastgate Shopping Centre which is home to H&M, Accessorize and JD, and Kings Walk where you’ll find Primark and River Island.
From traditional pub grub to incredible Pan Asian cuisine, and one of the best veggie menus in the county, Gloucester has it all. Tuck into pub classics like homemade pies and beer battered cod at The Fountain Inn, or enjoy a Mediterranean feast by the waterside at Greek on the Docks.
Independent coffee shops are plentiful too, with Hubble Bubble Coffee House, just around the corner from Gloucester Cathedral, serving up delicious all day brunch and lunch dishes, while Guru Coffee House near Gloucester Park has loads of veggie and vegan options. For a sweet treat, head to the cake hatch at Hetty’s Kitchen for some of the best brownies we’ve ever tasted.
Craft beer lovers will want to head to Tank at Gloucester Docks to sample some of the vegan friendly Gloucester Brewery beers. Opt for a classic session IPA or try something more adventurous from the selection on tap.
If beer isn’t your thing, Fox’s Kiln Distillery Gin, also from Gloucester Brewery, has flavours including classic; raspberry and rose; blood orange; and rhubarb and ginger, with limited editions made from local ingredients grown at nearby Over Farm.
From art installations to festivals, Gloucester is playing host to some awesome events in 2020. Kids will love the MonsterHero Safari where they can use a smartphone to find colourful characters on an interactive story trail around the city. If they find all 10 characters, they’ll unlock a free eBook.
There’s also the new art installation Of Earth and Sky and Gaia at Gloucester Cathedral, both by Luke Jerram, to enjoy in 2020.
With an abundance of beautiful green spaces, outdoorsy types will be spoilt for choice. Families will love Gloucester Park, with a children’s play area, basketball court, skate park and table tennis, while nature lovers will find walking trails, wildlife and breath-taking views at Robinswood Hill Country Park.
And as Gloucester is surrounded by gorgeous Cotswold countryside, it’s an ideal base to explore some of the nearby beauty spots.
Head to Gloucester History Festival from Saturday 5 to Sunday 20 September 2020 to discover the city’s fascinating past with a programme of events including workshops, talks and performances.
Part of the event includes Heritage Open Days where historic buildings are open to the public for free.
For more information, visit gloucestercitycouncil.co.uk.
© SoGlos
Friday 04 September 2020
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