What to see in Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire has a wealth of events and places to visit. Here is a small selection.

Cheese roll
Britain is a treasure chest of old ways and Gloucester is no exception. Where else can you see people darting down a nearly vertical hill to catch a large double Gloucester cheese? Located on Coopers Hill, just a few miles from downtown Gloucester, the Cheese Roll takes place every May holiday. It is a very dangerous hobby and very dangerous = very fun! This is the original extreme sport and it attracts TV crews from all over the world!

Prinknash Abbey
Located near the town of Cranham, (very close to the foot of the Cheese Roll!), Is the beautiful Abbey of Prinknash. Still inhabited by monks and with a working pottery, it attracts many visitors from the UK and abroad. It also has a bird park and picnic area, as well as a fabulous gift shop. Very quiet and very interesting.

Historic docks
Right in the center of the city are the fabulous Victorian docks. It is now home to many businesses, including outlets, bars, and museums. The Gloucester Inland Waterways Museum details life on the waterways with photos and artifacts and interactive computer features. Outside there is a steam dredge, a barge, a tugboat and several narrow boats that help paint the picture. You can also take river cruises from the museum.

The docks are also home to the Gloucester Soldiers Museum which tells the story of both the Gloucester Regiment and the Hussars.

Gloucester Antique Center is also located here. A fascinating place where you can browse or haggle everything old, from ceramics, watches, jewelry, glass furniture, books, etc. The list is endless.

Gloucester Quays is a designer discount hub with lots of bargains.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, look out for the model ship club that sails all types of vessels, including warships, rowboats, and submarines.

Sudely Castle
Home to the families of Lord and Lady Ashcombe and Henry and Mollie Dent-Brocklehurst, Sudely Castle is a fantastic day out.

Learn about the history of this wonderful medieval site and explore the award-winning gardens. There is also an adventure park for the more energetic visitors and a Pheasantry. Visit St Marys Church where Katherine Parr is buried, and if you’re getting married, you might want to consider Sudely the venue for your big day.

With numerous exhibits and acres of grounds, Sudely Castle is a great day out. Oh! And it also has a very nice cafeteria!