Gloucester

A beautiful and historic city on the banks of the River Severn, a waterway which dominates the life of the local people. The National Waterways Museum commemorates a lot of the city’s past.

The cathedral is a magnificent building, used in many films – Harry Potter devotees include it on their pilgrimages to film locations. Other ancient churches are scattered around the city, as are many medieval and Tudor buildings, an example of which is the New Inn, dating back to 1450 when pilgrims used to rest there.

Festivals of various kinds are held frequently in Gloucester, the jewel in the crown being the Three Choirs Festival held here every third year. For a different type of music there is the Rhythm and Blues Festival, and the Cajun and Zydeco Festival, a  Louisiana –style three day extravaganza. A Medieval Fayre each year celebrates the historical side of the city.

Gloucester County Cricket Club holds a festival each year too, and there is a large dry ski slope for the really energetic visitor. Other attractions include Llanthony Secunda Priory, the remains of a once important outlying post of a Monmouthshire  abbey where open-air events and displays are put on for visitors today.

Gloucester Cathedral, 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX (01452) 528095
A place of continuous Christian worship for over 1,300 years, Gloucester Cathedral has witnessed a tempestuous history. Henry III was crowned in the cathedral in 1216 while King Edward II was buried there after a particularly suspicious death.

More recently, Gloucester Cathedral’s cloisters have been used for the filming of the first two Harry Potter films.

Gloucester City Museum, Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1HP (01452) 396131
Currently closed until spring 2011 for refurbishment, Gloucester City Museum aims to return with brand new floor displays and an improved interactive experience.

Future highlights will include a Roman house, Medieval street scene and a toys and games gallery.