Things to do in Gloucester
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National Waterways Museum
A major part of the city's regeneration is taking place at Gloucester Docks, once Britain's largest inland port. Fifteen beautiful Victorian warehouses, many now restored, surround the canal basins and house a series of museums, shops and cafes. The largest warehouse at the docks, Llanthony, is home to the National Waterways Museum, a hands-on kind of place where you can discover the history of Britain's inland waterways. Exhibitions explain what it was like living, working and moving on the water, featuring plenty of historic boats and interactive exhibits that are great for children.
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Gloucester Cathedral
The main reason to visit Gloucester is to see its magnificent Gothic cathedral, a stunning example of English Perpendicular style. Originally the site of a Saxon abbey, a Norman church was built here by a group of Benedictine monks in the 12th century, and when Edward II was murdered in 1327, the church was chosen as his burial place. Edward's tomb proved so popular, however, that Gloucester became a centre of pilgrimage and the income generated from the pious pilgrims financed the church's conversion into the magnificent building seen today.
Inside, the cathedral skilfully combines the best of Norman and Gothic design with sturdy columns creating a sense of gracious soli…
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Gloucester Folk Museum
This folk museum examines domestic life, crafts and industries from 1500 to the present and is housed in a wonderful series of Tudor and Jacobean timber-framed buildings dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.
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Cafe Rene
For a decent but predictable choice of pub grub head to this cheery joint through the archway on Southgate. There's live music on Wednesday nights and a pleasant beer garden outside. Food is served until 21:30 and includes everything from wraps and sandwiches (£4.50) at lunch to burgers, chilli, pasta and curry by night.
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Historic Gloucester Docks
Once Britain's largest inland port, Gloucester docks feature restored Victorian warehouses and a series of shops, cafes and museums, including the excellent National Waterways Museum, a hands-on kind of place where you can discover the history of inland waterways. Boat trips along the canal are also available.
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Fosters on the Docks
The most lively option down at the historic docks is this cheerful place serving tapas, traditional grills and Mediterranean dishes including pizza and pasta. There's a nice conservatory overlooking the water, as well as more cosy dining in the industrial chic interior.
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Bearlands
Crisp white linen, a large airy conservatory and an atmospheric vaulted wine cellar make Bearlands an interesting and popular venue. It's a stylish place serving a competent modern British menu in relaxing surroundings.
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House of the Tailor of Gloucester
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Tigers Eye
This place attempts to please everyone with a menu that veers from baguettes and wraps to sushi, noodles and Black Rock grills (where you cook your own meat or fish on a sizzling volcanic plate). It's a strange mix, but somehow it manages to work and the food is some of the best in town.
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National Waterways Museum
This interesting 45-minute boat trip runs along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.
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Gloucester City Museum & Art Gallery
The city museum houses everything from dinosaur fossils and Roman artefacts to paintings by the artists Turner and Gainsborough.
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Civic Trust
Ninety-minute guided tours of the city's most historic buildings leave from St Michael's Tower at 11.30am Monday to Saturday. Tours of the docks depart from the National Waterways Museum at 2pm Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
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Cathedral Coffee Shop
For hearty soups, diet-busting cakes and sticky buns, the cathedral coffee shop provides a wonderful setting for a quick cuppa.
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Blackfriars
One of Britain's best-preserved 13th-century Dominican friaries.
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