24 hours in Gloucester

Great things happen in Gloucester and if you've only got 24 hours, you'll want to make the most of them. Take your pick from some of the best things to squeeze into an action-packed day, soaking up the sights and the sounds of the city in this SoGlos round-up.

By Emma Luther  |  Published
Get the most out of a trip to Gloucester with the SoGlos guide on the best way to spend 24 hours in the city.
In partnership with WSP Solicitors  |  wspsolicitors.com
WSP Solicitors

WSP Solicitors is an independent legal practice, with offices in Stroud and Gloucester. The firm has been offering straightforward legal advice and support for over 260 years and provides a wide range of legal services for personal and business matters – from family law to residential and commercial conveyancing.

Gloucester has got it all — history, culture, shopping and entertainment.

Dive in and explore the best bits with SoGlos's round up of 14 of the most awesome activities to pack into 24 hours.

Tuck into brunch with a view

Start your day with a dreamy view at the newly revamped Dr Foster, offering excellent waterside sights and a cracking brunch menu that's served until 3pm every day.

Or opt for Gloucester Food Dock, with Hetty's Place serving up serious treats with amazing views from its glass cabin, too. The team are early birds, opening from 7am, which is perfect if you're having a spritely start.

Get active and have some fun

Let the good times roll at Putt Putt Noodle, with 18 holes of undercover crazy golf jazzed up with an ocean aroma and sweet jasmine streams.

Alternatively, why not whizz around on roller skates at Roller Xpress at Gloucester Quays or reach dizzying heights at nearby Warehouse Climbing Centre?

Soak up some culture in the city

Gloucester Cathedral is THE place to go for magnificent architecture and a profound sense of peace, not to mention spotting spectacular scenery from the Harry Potter movies.

The Folk of Gloucester and Museum of Gloucester are perfect for a rainy day, letting you uncover more about the city's colourful past. There's no need to book ahead — just turn up!

Delight in a delicious lunch

Greek on the Docks has the friendliest welcome in the city and fabulous Gloucester Docks views too. 

You're spoilt for choice at Gloucester Food Dock with independents offering everything from tapas and wine at Our House, to tacos at Elote, sizzling meats at Strip Steak Bar, pizzas at Bella Mia and brilliant burgers at Chuck Burger.

Saunter around the sights

Beautiful Llanthony Secunda Priory is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while embracing a bit of history too.

The grounds of Gloucester Cathedral offer a peaceful retreat and there's always a wander along the Docks to soak up the serenity of being beside water.

Boost your energy with a pancake pick-me-up

Spago is a bit of a hidden secret tucked away behind Gloucester Quays but its pancakes are legendary. They do fantastic gluten-free buckwheat versions and its coffee is top-notch too.

And, for fans of cryptocurrency, you can settle the bill in Bitcoin if you want to! 

Spoil yourself with a spot of retail therapy

Dip in to discover the vast array designer discounts at Gloucester Quays or saunter around the vintage treasures at Upstairs Downstairs Antiques Centre in Gloucester Docks. Who knows what you'll find in this treasure-trove! 

There are a host of creative craft stores and charity shops in the city centre if you fancy bagging a bargain with the feel-good factor.

Sip on locally brewed beers

If the sun's shining, bask in the beer garden at Gloucester Brewery. It serves up an array of tasty tipples and depending on the day, there might even be some live music too.

Not far away is TANK, its dedicated pub with an array of coffees and Guilt Trip doughnuts to enjoy during the day too.

Take to the water with a relaxing boat trip

Set sail from National Waterways Museum Gloucester on board Dunkirk Little Ship, Queen Boadicea II.

Trips run from Tuesday to Saturday, setting sail at midday and 1.30pm from the museum quayside, at the back of the museum and there's no need to pay for museum entry if you just want to go on the boat.

Get a game in at Gloucester Rugby

Cheer on Glawster if you're visiting on a Friday night or weekend. Just ensure you check the fixture listings before heading over.

The atmosphere in The Shed is superb. Brace yourself for the Kingsholm roar!

Soak up glorious sunset skies

There's something pretty special about the view from Hop Kettle Brewery's beautiful big windows.

Sip on something scrumptious from this independent brewer at Gloucester Food Dock and gear up for a busy evening out and about!

Let Gloucester entertain you

Take your pick from comedy, live music or cinema screenings at Gloucester Guildhall or head over to The Kings Theatre to catch a play.

There's a cute retro cinema in Kingsholm, that's worth a visit too, The Sherborne exudes passion and warmth. Old school charm never goes out of fashion!

Dance the night away at Gloucester's newest nightclub

Trilogy nightclub is opening at the end of August 2024 after a lavish £750,000 refurbishment.

Taking over Gloucester's iconic nightlife venue, ATIK, it promises something extraordinary for revellers to let their hair down in style. Sip, sip hooray!

Settle down for a peaceful sleep

Hotel Indigo is the top pick when it opens at The Forum later this year and it's arriving with a rooftop bar showcasing incredible city views. We can't wait!

In the meantime, a stay at the quayside Premier Inn won't break the bank and you're perfectly placed to explore everything the city offers.

In partnership with WSP Solicitors  |  wspsolicitors.com

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