Our Hotels In Gloucester

Exploring Gloucestershire

Gloucester is in the county of Gloucestershire, one of the most picturesque in England. Home to the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, Gloucestershire is a perfect destination for outdoor adventures. Historic castles and stately homes stud the lush landscape. At the same time, chocolate-box villages are charming escapes from the bustle of everyday life.

Getting there

Gloucester is easy to get to, conveniently located on the M5, just two and a half hours from London and an hour from Birmingham. Travel by car and look for a central hotel with parking to make arriving here a breeze. Or hop on a train to Gloucester station and walk into the city centre in less than ten minutes.

Gloucester Cathedral

Gloucester Cathedral is one of the most impressive medieval buildings in England, so it's no surprise that the towering landmark attracts over 300,000 guests every year. The stunning cathedral was also used for the making of Harry Potter films. Fans of the franchise can look out for iconic Hogwarts locations on a visit.
Make the most of your trip to Gloucester Cathedral when taking a guided tour. Enjoy strolling around the famous cloisters (film fans will recognise them from the big screen), the tomb of Edward II, the Lady Chapel and the crypt. Tourists can follow in 15th-century footsteps, climbing the 269 stairs to the top of the tower. When you reach the rooftop, you'll be rewarded with some of the best views in the city. This is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Gloucester!

A day at the Docks

Gloucester Docks are a stone's throw from the city centre, a wonderful place to enjoy a day out with friends or family. Visit the most inland port in England and explore historic Victorian buildings, or hop on a boat tour and admire the docks from a new perspective. Today, Gloucester Docks are home to designer outlet shops, restaurants and museums.

Gloucester Quays

If your idea of a perfect weekend includes plenty of shopping, you won't be disappointed in Gloucester. Gloucester Quays make up the city's bustling leisure quarter, home to an excellent outlet shopping centre. Visit to discover designer pieces at bargain prices, all with the historic Gloucester Docks as your backdrop. Shops include Barbour, Calvin Klein, Levi's, Ted Baker, The North Face and Tommy Hilfiger.
It doesn't stop there! After a long day's shopping, unwind in the Gloucester Quays Cineworld or enjoy a meal at Bill's, Côte Brasserie, TGI Friday's or one of the other waterside restaurants.

National Waterways Museum

Visit Gloucester's National Waterways Museum to learn about the UK's inland waterways and how they helped shape the country. A couple of hours here is plenty of time to enjoy the range of interactive displays designed for all ages. Afterwards, why not head out on a boat trip to experience the docks for yourself?

The Museum of Gloucester

Looking to soak up a little local culture? Don't miss the Museum of Gloucester. Learn about the city's origins as a Roman settlement and how it developed throughout the medieval, Victorian and modern periods.
The museum is home to more than 750,000 treasures, which means plenty to see if you have the time. Swing by for an hour to check out the highlights or set aside an entire day to explore and learn. If you're more interested in art, you won't be disappointed. There Museum of Gloucester is home to a significant collection of art from Richard Wilson, Thomas Gainsborough and Thomas Dibdin.

A scenic stroll

When it comes to Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds is one of the most popular rural areas for relaxing escapes. Still, the small city of Gloucester has plenty to offer too. Discover many beautiful walking spots close to the city centre, enjoying the best of urban and countryside living when you head here for a weekend or longer.
Visit Robinswood Hill Country Park, a 250-acre green space with lots of waymarked walking trails. Robinswood Hill is home to a thriving wildlife population, including foxes, badgers and many species of birds. Keep your eyes open during your walk, and you might spot one of these residents in their natural habitat. Climb the hill to enjoy views across the Severn Vale, the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds. Plus, look out for Gloucester Cathedral towering in the distance.

Traditional afternoon teas

Afternoon tea is an English pastime that stretches back to the 1800s. It's a perfect bridge between lunch and dinner and an easy way to elevate any romantic or special occasion in Gloucester.
But with so many cafes and tea rooms serving afternoon tea, where's the best place to indulge? Try Lily's, right next to Gloucester Cathedral, or sample a more casual afternoon tea in the cathedral's very own café, Monk's Kitchen. The afternoon tea at our Mercure Bowden Hall is one of the best in the city. Enjoy our stunning art deco hotel surroundings and settle in for sandwiches, cakes and scones in the beautiful lakeside dining room.

Classic pubs

Gloucester is a perfect destination for enjoying the best of British. That means visiting a couple of classic pubs! Whether you want to kick back with a pint or settle in for some top pub food and atmosphere, you'll be spoilt for choice here.
The best cosy, friendly pubs in Gloucester include The Fountain Inn, The Pelican Inn and The Tall Ship. If you feel like exploring a little further into Gloucestershire, try The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold, The Maytime Inn in Asthall or the Bell at Sapperton between Stroud and Cirencester.