England1 September 2021 5 min read

Chapter 1 of English cities & towns

Glorious Gloucester

Gloucester, England

What can I say about Gloucester except that it’s a great base for exploring the Cotswolds (see separate blog) and captivating place for a city break?!

The Thatch Inn, Quedgeley, Gloucester

My travel buddy I chose Gloucester as our base for spending a few days in the Cotswolds. We were lucky to have found The Thatch Inn. It’s only 3 miles from Gloucester City Centre with frequent bus connection (Number 12). The bus-stop to the city centre is right opposite the hotel.

Built in the 1300’s The Thatch Inn is one of the oldest buildings in Gloucester. However, much of the accommodation is in the modern extension set back from the road.

The charming exteriors are matched by the characterful interiors and comfortable accommodation

*inside The Thatch Inn, Quedgeley, Gloucester*

Having chosen The Thatch Inn for its “olde worlde”charm, I was even more impressed by the hospitality of the staff! If a hotel is judged by its customer service and customer’s satisfaction, The Thatch Inn ought to be a 5* hotel!

The helpfulness of the staff was top notch right from the word go. As the hotel restaurant was fully booked on our first night and we were too tired to go far for dinner, the staff not only had no problem with our bringing in food from outside but offered to lend us plates and cutlery as well. The notable team spirit amongst the staff also created a warm atmosphere.

Gloucester Cathedral

The Romanesque and Gothic architecture of Gloucester Cathedral looked grand and imposing under a clear blue sky. At the time of the visit (late August 2021) there was no access to Crypt, Tower and Library. However, I was able to go up to the Tribune Gallery

Excitement mounted as soon as I turned into College St and saw the eye-catching Comfy Pew Café Bistro, a Tudor framed building, just outside the entrance to Gloucester Cathedral

*Pew Café Bistro just outside the entrance to Gloucester Cathedral grounds*

As I was there half an hour before the Cathedral opened (at 10.00), there were plenty of time to look around and take copious photos!

Saint Mary’s Gate

The Cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral

Finally, the Cathedral was open for visitors! I headed straight for the medieval monastic cloisters like a greyhound off the trap door!!

*South West Corner, Gloucester Cathedral Cloisters*

I must be one of the few people who haven’t read a single Harry Potter book or watched a single film. However I could see why Gloucester Cathedral was chosen as a film location.

The cloisters are majestic, magical and mystical in equal measures!

*The Lavatorium at Gloucester Cathedral*

The Cathedral Green

St Andrews chapel, Gloucester Cathedral

Views from the Tribune Gallery

The Tribune Gallery was accessed by 44 steps up part of a small spiral staircase. It afforded fantastic views of the Cathedral interiors

*The High Altar and East Windows at Gloucester Cathedral*

Every part of the Cathedral was equally stunning. Wandering around this 11th-century Cathedral was like getting lost in a labyrinth of wonderment.

*Saxon Christus, The Anglo -Saxon carving of Jesus Christ* *which dates from the 9th Century*

Elsewhere in Gloucester City Centre

Folk of Gloucester Museum

The museum is the merging of two of the oldest buildings in the City of Gloucester, a Tudor merchant’s house and a 17th-century town house. Unfortunately it was temporary closed

Robert Raikes’s House

This charming 16 Century townhouse on Southgate Street is now a public house

*Robert Raikes’ House on Southgate Street, Gloucester*

Gloucester Historic Docks

Gloucester Historic Docks once formed a thriving inland port where the northern part of River Severn meet Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.

The restored Victorian warehouses have been converted into upmarket dwellings. With an outlet shopping centre and plenty of eateries in the vicinity, the area has become a very popular tourist attraction. The swing bridge and lift bridge together with long boats moored at the quays provide the additional attraction

Greek on the Docks – a great place for lunch with a river view!

*Greek on the Docks* – *good food to eat and great view to drink in!*

*Greek on the Docks Restaurant*, *Gloucester*

Retail Therapy at Gloucester Quays!

What could be better to walk off a lovely lunch than to head off to the neighbouring Gloucester Quays for a bit of retail therapy afterwards!? Designer outlets are housed in brick-built former warehouses

*Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum at Gloucester Quays*

So ended another delightful staycation that assuaged the disappointment of not being able to go abroad! With fine weather and wonderful places like Gloucester in England, staycations could become a more regular feature!