Surroundings, Gloucester
|
|
Related Attractions
Berkeley Castle
Berkeley Castle (13mi/21km southwest of Gloucester) is worth a visit. It is a 12th century stronghold which is still in the hands of the Berkeley family. An imposing structure built in stone of different colors, it stands commandingly above the Severn, surrounded by beautiful grounds. Visitors are shown the cell in which Edward II was murdered in 1327 for alleged homosexuality by his wife and her lover Mortimer as well as the large 14th century hall, the old kitchens and the state apartments with beautiful tapestries, silver, furniture and pictures. In the fine Early English parish church are Berkeley family monuments. Dr Edward Jenner (1749-1823), recognized as the pioneer of vaccination, is buried in the churchyard.There is also a Butterfly Farm on the property with hundreds of species in free flight.
Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
Not far from Berkeley Castle, near Slimbridge Station, are the grounds of the "Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust" with a large collection of waterfowl, founded by Peter Scott.
Forest of Dean
Walkers and nature lovers will find ample scope in the Forest of Dean, a wooded area of more than 40 sq.mi/103 sq.km lying between the Severn and the Wye. Formerly a royal hunting reserve it now contains little in the way of game.The Dean Forest Railway operates daily between Easter and October.
Mines
In some areas of the Forest of Dean there are iron and coal workings, particularly around the tiny industrial towns of Coleford and Cinderford. The pits, all small, were worked by "free miners", but most of them are now closed.At Clearwell there is a fascinating complex of tunnels and caves. Displays tell the history of the iron ore industry which began in this area more than 2,500 years ago.
St Briavels
One attractive place in the Forest of Dean is St Briavels, with a 12th century castle, now a youth hostel, offering fine views of the surrounding area.
Cathedral of the Forest, Newland
Newland has an interesting church, All Saints, but better known as the Cathedral of the Forest that dates back to the 13th C. The church comprises a west tower, nave with five arches, adjoining very large north and south aisles, south porch and chapels.
Coleford - Clearwell Caves
The Clearwell Caves have been mined since the Iron Age, 2,500 years ago. Displays throughout the mine tell the story of iron and its formation millions of years ago, as well as Freemining (a practice that entitles men with the ancient birthright to dig for minerals here).The caves cover 600 acres and have miles of passageways to explore.
Deerhurst, England
Deerhurst (9mi/14km north of Gloucester) is a charming little village in the heart of the countryside.There is still one 10th century building in Deerhurst, St Mary's Priory Church.
St Mary's Church
One of the best preserved Saxon churches in the country, St Mary's Church originally belonged to a monastery which is first recorded in 804. The chancel is entirely Saxon: the aisles, arches, roof and clerestory are Norman. The lower half of the tower is Saxon with later long-and-short work; in the east wall is a two-light triangular-headed window. The cylindrical font, with spiral ornament, is also Saxon, dating from the eighth or ninth century.
Odda's Chapel
Near St Mary's Church, adjoining a half-timbered house, is Odda's Chapel; a stone found here bears the date 1056, making this the oldest dated chapel in England.
| Highlights: |
|---|
Beckford, England
Beckford, near Tewkesbury, has a hill-fort with a regular pattern of rectangular, fenced yards which were arranged beside a street. These forts were old agricultural communities of about a dozen families. You can still see remains of ancient houses and storage pits in Beckford.
Tredlington, England
Tredlington is 2.5 miles southeast of Tewkesbury with the Norman Church as its most prominent feature.
Bredon, England
The village of Bredon can be reached on the B4080. It has a Norman and Decorated church and a large tithe barn. The village lies below the rounded Bredon Hill, which offers fine views of an Iron Age hill-fort.Bredon is also the home of several wildlife sites.
Tithe Barn
Bredon Tithe Barne is a National Trust property located near Tewkesbury. The 14th century barn is constructed of Cotswald stone and has an unusual stone chimney shaft.
Berkeley, England
Berkeley is located southwest of Gloucester and has an interesting castle. Berkeley Castle, located in the south-east portion of the town, is still inhabited and open for tours.
Jenner Museum
The Jenner Museum is a manor house bought by the father of the naturalist and medical scientist, Edward Jenner. Included in the museum is a collection of Jenner's papers as a naturalist and samples of his surgical equipment. An adjacent room shows films about smallpox and the efforts made in controlling the disease.An interesting building, known as the Temple of Vaccinia, is tucked away in the gardens of the museum. It was here that Jenner would give out free vaccinations to the poor.
Westbury-on-Severn, England
Westbury-on-Severn has a lovely water garden and a large church with a steeple that is not attached because the wooden church burned down soon after the new steeple was completed.
Westbury Court Garden
Westbury Court Garden is a National Trust property located in Westbury-on-Severn.The garden is a formal water garden designed originally by Maynard Colchester between 1698 and 1705 and was restored in 1971. A notable Dutch influence is seen in its canals and yew hedges.
Newent, England
Newent is an interesting town with timbered houses, a Victorian museum and St Mary's Church from the 13th century.
National Birds of Prey Centre
The National Birds of Pery Centre in Newent has 110 aviaries with 81 species of birds. The birds all live and breed in Gloucester and range from huge eagles to tiny owls. The birds are housed in aviaries and kept comfortable in all weather.
Shambles Museum of Victorian Life (closed)
ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.The Shambles re-creates life in a Victorian town with a maze of cobbled streets, alleyways, cottages and houses. Visitors can get a glimpse of life in the 1890's.
Surroundings Pictures
Map of Gloucester Attractions
Gloucester Map
More Gloucester Attractions
Popular Destinations Nearby
