Top 10 Heritage Attractions

With Gloucester History Festival starting on the 7th September we thought we’d give you a rundown on some of Gloucester’s top historic attractions.

Immerse yourself in Gloucester’s history at the stunning cathedral, spectacular docks, and enlightening museums.

Get your adventure on and you’ll discover more than you ever envisaged in the historic city that is Gloucester. Tourists from far and wide, locals and neighbours of Gloucester love stopping by to see what the city has to offer. So, you’re probably wondering, what makes Gloucester so unique?

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10. Eastgate Viewing Chamber

Discover what remains of the Eastgate of the city and the defences in the underground chamber on Eastgate Street. Dating back to AD 68 this chamber situated beneath the surface of the street is where roman remains and the foundations of a 13th-century tower have been uncovered. As well as a large glass viewing panel on Eastgate Street, tours of the chamber can also be booked.

9. King’s Walk Bastion

Hidden beneath the floor of the King’s Walk Shopping Centre rests a whole room of historic secrets to discover. Who knew that there would be part of the Roman City Wall and defensive medieval tower under this well-known city shopping centre? Book onto a tour a see this secret piece of glorious Gloucester history for yourself.

8. Llanthony Secunda Priory

A heritage attraction and cultural venue, the building has been restored from what it was once, remains of a large Augustinian Priory. With Llanthony now revived it is now accessible to your curiosity. Visit the grounds upon which royalist Henry VII stayed and canons once worked and lived. See the original priory remains and imagine what it was like before the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

7. Folk of Gloucester

A living museum, previously named the Folk Museum is going to be open for one day only during the Heritage Festival. Definitely worth a visit, pop down to the museum on Westgate Street on the 13th of September to see the Tudor interior, being one of the oldest buildings in Gloucester. You can expect to see devotion to the social history of Gloucester within these walls but be quick before it closes for redevelopment by the Civic Trust.

6. Blackfriars Priory

Once part of the Norman castle site founded in 1239, Blackfriars is a remarkable 13th-century medieval Dominican priory, the best preserved of its kind in northern Europe. The priory and the exceptionally scenic cloister garden are hidden away in the heart of Gloucester city centre - it’s no wonder that it can be hired for weddings. The buildings are mesmerizing, boasting beautiful, historic architecture, Blackfriars is a must-see if you’re in or around Gloucester.

5. Museum of Gloucester

As the main museum for Gloucester, this one is essential for all you need to learn about the history and heritage of Gloucester. You’ll be taken through the ages of Gloucester on this visual and interactive journey through time from the Roman settlement, through to the dark ages and medieval period. The exhibition space has everchanging events and displays on, so keep your eyes peeled to find out what’ll be on during your visit. 

4. Discover Decrypt

Located in the heart of Gloucester city centre, this grade 1 listed church is a peaceful and beautiful setting with magnificent acoustics. Pop down to this building which holds so much history and walk under the arches which famous evangelist George Whitfield once walked. Sit in the schoolroom and take in the atmosphere as well as discovering Tudor school artefacts. See the remarkable architecture in all its glory after a restoration funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

3. Beatrix Potter Tailor of Gloucester Museum and Shop

You’ll find the Tailor of Gloucester shop and museum tucked away in College Court, a stone’s throw from Gloucester Cathedral. Located in the original building where Beatrix Potter based her favourite book in 1894 that she would name ‘the Tailor of Gloucester’, you’ll find an adorable museum and cute little shop where you’ll stumble upon all kinds of treasurable souvenirs.

2. Gloucester Historic Docks

Once the broadest and deepest canal in the world, the Gloucester Sharpness Canal was used  to ship goods to and from the city., Gloucester Docks is the most inland port in the UK and boasts beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, it’s no wonder the docks are one the busiest tourist attractions in the city. Don't believe it? Come and see the scenic views and charming boats that rest on the calm dock waters.

You can find the National Waterways Museum in a former grain warehouse. Explore what life was like at the country’s most inland port with a history of the 200 captivating years. Quench your curiosity and uncover all there is to know about the history and heritage of the Docks with interactive exhibits and even boat trips! 

While you’re at the historic Docks, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is well worth a visit. You can explore 300 highly decorated years of the Gloucestershire Regiment and even dress up in old military uniform and peer out of a first world war trench. 

1. Gloucester Cathedral

And now for the finale! As seen on screen Gloucester Cathedral is a familiar setting with the likes of Harry Potter, Dr Who, Mary Queen of Scots and many more TV and film productions shot in the cathedral grounds. With the cathedral architecture dating back to over 1000 years ago, with its gothic exterior and film famous cloisters, Gloucester Cathedral is definitely a must-see attraction of the city!