Gloucester Cathedral

Gloucester Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and interior views
Gloucester Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and interior views
Gloucester Cathedral showing interior views, a church or cathedral and art
Gloucester Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, interior views and heritage architecture
Gloucester Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral and interior views as well as an individual female


Home to the tomb of King Edward II, this magnificent 1,300-year-old cathedral was also a filming location for the Harry Potter movies.

Visit Gloucester Cathedral to discover centuries of British art, architecture and history at one of its most impressive cathedrals. Admire the range of architectural styles, descend down to the ancient crypt and enjoy views of Gloucestershire’s lush countryside from the tower. Walk in the footsteps of celebrated kings and famous movie stars.

Gloucester Cathedral dates back to around A.D. 678, when it was established as a simple abbey. In 1089 work began on church that has developed as Gloucester Cathedral. Continuing work in the 1300s was in the Perpendicular style. Take a moment to observe the Gothic, Norman and Romanesque features of the exterior. Spot expertly carved gargoyles and look up at the 225-foot-tall (69-meter) central tower.

Step inside to discover a glorious nave characterized by its Norman pillars and zigzagging arches. Go to the choir to see fine examples of medieval and Victoria misericords. Gaze in awe at the 14th-century Great East Window, which depicts the Virgin Mary and Jesus flanked by apostles, saints and martyrs. Get a close view of the window which is the size of a tennis court.

Pause for contemplation at the tomb and stone effigy of King Edward II, who died under suspicious circumstances at Berkeley Castle. Also here is the tomb of Robert of Normandy, the son of William the Conqueror.

Stroll through the cloister, crowned by an exquisite fan-vaulted ceiling. This area of the church was used when filming scenes from three Harry Potter movies. Join a guided tour of the crypt, home to some of the cathedral’s oldest remains. Climb the 269-step spiral staircase to the top of the tower and appreciate the inspiring views of the encompassing Cotswold landscapes.

Experience the cathedral’s acoustics by attending carol concerts and organ recitals. Browse temporary art exhibitions and watch stonemasons work diligently to maintain the grandeur of the cathedral’s stonework.

Gloucester Cathedral is in the heart of Gloucester’s city center and is open daily. Admission and guided tours are free, although donations are welcome. Purchase a self-guided brochure for a small fee at the cathedral’s gift shop.

Reviews of Gloucester Cathedral

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
62
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
26
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beautiful cathedral but Gloucester town centre is not worth a visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Free on site parking for blue badge holders. (drive through pedestrian shopping area)Good accessibility for disabled with personal lifts. Lots to see. Site restaurant "Monk's Kitchen" crowded but good value

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A very beautiful place - give yourself plenty of time to wander around - a great deal to see and admire.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A staggeringly beautiful and well maintained historic cathedral, don't miss the cloister and hidden garden for quiet thought. This is a real place of worship and we were lucky enough to hear evensong. I was very pleased to give the suggested donation of £5, Westminster Abbey, which charges an entry fee four times that amount per person, was a very unpleasant and disappointing experience.

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Things to do near Gloucester Cathedral

Gloucester Cathedral offers a range of activities for visitors, including scenic walks around its stunning grounds and nearby spa experiences for relaxation. For those keen on fitness, there are fitness classes available in the vicinity. Enjoy the blend of historical charm and modern wellness in this beautiful part of England.

Shopping

Close to Gloucester Cathedral, you can explore Gloucester Quays, a vibrant shopping centre just 966m away, offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting Highgrove Shop in Tetbury, 25.7km away, or The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, located 45.1km from the Cathedral.

Recreation

Kingsholm Stadium, a vibrant sports venue, is a mere 644m from Gloucester Cathedral, perfect for those who thrive on athletic energy. For a peaceful respite, visit Robinswood Hill Country Park, 3.2km away, offering serene landscapes and relaxation. Haresfield Beacon, 9.7km distant, is ideal for tranquil nature walks.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre, located 3.2km from the cathedral, perfect for snow sports enthusiasts. Enjoy high-speed excitement at JDR Karting, just 1.6km away, or challenge yourself at Prescott Speed Hill Climb, 13.2km away, for an exhilarating motorsport adventure.

Nightlife

Experience Gloucester's nightlife by catching a film at Cineworld Gloucester Quays, just 805m from the cathedral, perfect for a romantic evening. Alternatively, enjoy a cultural performance at the Everyman Theatre or Cheltenham Playhouse, both 12.9km away, offering family-friendly entertainment and a charming atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Gloucester Cathedral

Within and around Gloucester Cathedral, visitors can explore various points of interest, including the historic church itself, urban parks for leisurely strolls, and modern universities that showcase contemporary architecture. These attractions cater to those seeking cultural enrichment, family-friendly experiences, and a taste of city life, making it a delightful destination for all types of travellers.

  • Cheltenham Town Hall: Nestled 12.9km from Gloucester Cathedral, this modern civic building is a hub of local government. Its impressive architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it an ideal spot for those seeking a taste of civic life while enjoying the surrounding green spaces.
  • University of Gloucestershire, Oxstalls Campus: Located 1.6km away, this modern university campus exudes a lively city vibe. With its contemporary facilities, students and visitors alike can engage in cultural events and community activities that reflect the dynamic spirit of education in the area.
  • Gloucester Guildhall: Just 322m from the cathedral, this historic building is a cultural treasure. It hosts various performances and exhibitions, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich artistic heritage of Gloucester.

Best time to go to Gloucester Cathedral

The best time to visit Gloucester Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Gloucester Cathedral falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Gloucester Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
April47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July61.9°F (16.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September57.4°F (14.1°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Gloucester Cathedral

To save on your visit to Gloucester Cathedral, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices drop. Aim for a Thursday stay, as Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates, filter for eco-friendly options, and look for package deals that include flights and activities to maximise savings. Additionally, explore free local attractions and use public transport options, which are often economical, to navigate the area without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Gloucester Cathedral are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and June to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Gloucester Cathedral is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Gloucester Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can organise your search results to display prices in ascending order, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you can refine your selections by hotel type—by selecting the Eco-certified filter, for instance, you will be shown sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by booking a package through Expedia that combines your hotel stay near Gloucester Cathedral with your flights and activities.