Gloucester, on the east bank of the River Severn, is the county capital and important industrial center for the surrounding area. The main attractions are the Norman-Gothic cathedral, the burial place of King Edward II, and the historic 19th C port.
In Roman times Gloucester, known as Glevum, was an important fortified town at a ford on the Severn guarding the road into Wales. It was one of four coloniae with special privileges, together with Colchester, Lincoln and York. The ending '-cester' comes from the Roman 'castrum', and the town's four streets meeting at right angles in the center reflect Roman planning.
After the Norman Conquest Gloucester became the seat of a bishop and a favorite residence of Plantagenet kings, Henry III was crowned here in 1216 and Lady Jane Gray proclaimed Queen in 1553. The town gained political importance through the parliamentary meetings between 1378 and 1407 from which the separate sittings of the Lords and Commons developed, which typify England's two chamber parliamentary system. During the English Civil War the town withstood Royalist attacks for one month in 1643 but on capitulation was punished by the razing of the town walls. With the construction of the ship canal to Sharpness Gloucester became an important inland port and the numerous warehouses on the historic docks illustrate its former economic status. The modern harbor is situated outside the town center.
The Beatrix Potter Museum (Gloucester Court) contains memorabilia from the animal stories about Peter Rabbit, Tom Kitten and Jemima Puddleduck shown in the house of the "Tailor of Gloucester", the setting of Beatrix Potter's famous story.
Address: Beatrix Potter Museum, 9 College Court, Gloucester GL1 2NJ, England
Hours:
10am-4pm; Sun:12pm-4pm
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
The Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery has Roman exhibits and old furniture displays.
Gloucester's 2,000 year old history is captured in displays of dinosaur bones, unusual Roman remains as well as antique furniture and early decorative arts.
Address: City Museum and Art Gallery, Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1HP, England
Hours:
July 1 to September 30: 10am-5pm; Sun:10am-4pm
October 1 to June 30: 10am-5pm; Closed: Sun
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
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.
Address: Clearwell Caves / Ancient Iron Mines, Royal Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire GL16 8JR, England
Hours:
February 9 to November 2: 10am-5pm
November 29 to December 24: 10am-5pm; Thu:10am-8pm
Tips: Phone for information on disabled access.
For the adventurous, deep level visits may be arranged for groups of 10 or more.
Sturdy footware is highly recommended.
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
The Batsford Arboretum offers 50 acres of rare trees and plant species, plus superb views across the Vale of Evenlode. In Spring the property is carpeted with magnolias and cherries, while in Autumn sorbus and maples show spectacular colors.
Address: Batsford Arboretum, Batsford Park, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9QB, England
Hours:
February 2 to November 30: 9am-6pm
December 1 to January 31: 9am-4pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Dogs on leads.
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
An Indian fantasy-house was built here as part of the oriental water gardens. There is a wide variety of trees and shrubs and numerous other additions have been made by the present owners.
Hours:
May 1 to July 31: 2:30pm-5:30pm; Closed: Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat
Always opened on: Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May ), Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
The Nature in Art Museum north of Gloucester is the world's first gallery dedicated exclusively to art inspired by nature. Housed in a Georgian mansion it offers an international collection of works. Artists work February to November.
Address: Nature in Art Museum, Wallsworth Hall Tewkesbury Road Twigworth, Gloucester GL2 9PA, England
Hours:
10am-5pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
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.
Address: National Birds of Prey Centre, Newent GL18 1JJ, England
Hours:
February 1 to November 1: 10:30am-5:30pm
Tips: Hours may vary as it closes at dusk.
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
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.
Address: The Shambles - Museum of Victorian Life, Newent GL18 1PP, England
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
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.
Address: Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Gloucester GL2 7BT, England
Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 9:30am-5:30pm
November 1 to March 31: 9:30am-5pm
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
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 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.
Address: Westbury Court Garden, Westbury-on-Severn GL14 1PD, England
Hours:
March 12 to June 30: 10am-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue
July 1 to August 31: 10am-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue
September 1 to October 26: 10am-5pm; Closed: Mon, Tue, Mon, Tue
Always opened on: Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May ), Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August ), Good Friday - Christian
Tips: No dogs allowed. Last admission 30mins before closing.
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
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Berkeley Castle
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Newent, England
Abbey, Tewkesbury
Severn Way, Tewkesbury
Abbey, Tewkesbury
Abbey, Tewkesbury
Berkeley Castle, Gloucester
Severn Way, Tewkesbury
