Fun in Gloucester

Gloucester often gets a bad rep. It’s Cheltenham’s underprivileged cousin. I can remember when I was pregnant someone even commenting that I should not give birth at Gloucestershire Royal to avoid having “Gloucester” on my child’s birth certificate. I was so shocked, I didn’t even know how to respond.

Having lived in Gloucester for nearing three years, I have only positives to say. I really feel Gloucester often gets overlooked as a place to spend a Saturday, but there really are so many amazing things to do in and around the city.

1. Gloucester Docks

The docks has been transformed over recent months and there is something for everyone. I love to take a wander round on a sunny day to look at the ships and I’m partial to a toastie from Toast. The Docks have pretty much every cuisine available; from American BBQ style to French, Greek to Italian, and Mexican to British pub grub. They also often have different fairs and markets on, so it’s worth checking out their website.

2. Dixie Dot Crafts

This place is relatively new but business is already booming. Not only are they open daily to come and paint pottery (but do check the opening times on their Facebook page before you go as they vary!) they also run lots of events like decopatch workshops and tutu making classes. They make lovely gifts, and Tracie who runs it is more than happy to help you to ensure you create something you are proud of.

3. The Roastery

I love this little gem in Quedgeley that offers a selection of coffees and cool frappes, and accompanying toasties and cakes. They are dog friendly too! My ultimate favourite element of this coffee house is that they do a delicious orange and lavender cake that is not only gluten free but dairy too! Check out their Facebook page here.

4. Gloucester Cathedral

The cathedral is the perfect tourist location as it’s full of history. King Edward II is buried there, you can take a tour of the crypt, see graffiti from 1807, see the bell tour, and scenes from three of the Harry Potter films were even located there! Although sadly they are currently doing building work which affects the view of the cathedral.

5. Hubble Bubble Cafe

I love this quirky little cafe in the centre of Gloucester. It has unique decor and a delicious menu including accommodating for the latest craze with a selection of freakshakes. The only negative I think to this flamboyant cafe is that they have no baby changing facilities.

6. Gloucester Quays

The quays has a great selection of shops, some of which are outlets – including Gap, M&S and Next. Take a rest in one of their coffee shops, or grab a pasty at The Cornish Bakery. There’s a newly opened Ted Baker too!

7. Beatrix Potter – The Tailor of Gloucester

Situated down a quaint side road very close the cathedral is this little gem. I love the real life story behind this book; a poor tailor was making a suit for the mayor and returned to his little shop in Gloucester one morning to find the suit complete bar one button and and a note that read “no more twist”. Potter heard about the tale as her cousin lived in Gloucester, and in the original story there features beautiful sketches of Gloucester including the cathedral. Downstairs in the building is a shop selling all things Beatrix Potter and upstairs is a small museum. For years Potter even claimed that The Tailor of Gloucester was her favourite story.