Gloucester - perfect holiday destination

Gloucester is a city on Cape Ann in Essex County, Massachusetts. Gloucester is a city, district and county town of Gloucestershire in the South West region of England. Gloucester lies close to the Welsh border, and on the River Severn, approximately 32 miles (51 km) north-east of Bristol, and 45 miles (72 km) south-southwest of Birmingham. Gloucester is the 53rd largest settlement in the UK by population. Gloucester Cathedral Gloucester was founded in AD 48 by the Romans as Glevum, and was granted its first charter in 1155 by King Henry II. Economically, the city is dominated by the service industries, and has a strong financial and business sector. Gloucester is a port, linked via the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal which runs from Gloucester's docks to the Severn Estuary, allowing larger ships to reach the docks than would be possible on the tidal reaches of the river itself. Watch tower Gloucester is situated in the south-western section of England in the county of Gloucestershire, and is very near the Welsh border. Possessing a population that is well over 100,000 people, Gloucester is a bustling and thriving city as well as a popular tourist attraction. Gloucester is home to many historical sites and recreational activities, making it a place where tourists love returning to every year. No matter what time of year someone visits Gloucester there are plenty of things to do and see. View Larger Map
	Places of interest: Gloucester Cathedral, Medieval and Tudor buildings, Churches, Schools, Modern buildings, Shopping areas Gloucester Cathedral, in the north of the city near the river, originates in the foundation of an abbey dedicated to Saint Peter in 681. It is the burial place of King Edward II of England and Walter de Lacy. Many medieval and Tudor period gabled and half timbered houses survive from earlier periods of Gloucester's history. At the point where the four principal streets intersected stood the Tolsey (town hall), which was replaced by a modern building in 1894.
Sea side There may be many churches now, but in the past there were also many dissenting chapels. It may have been the old proverb "as sure as God's in Gloucester" that provoked Oliver Cromwell to declare that the city had "more churches than godliness". Gloucester was the host of the first Sunday school in England; this was founded by Robert Raikes in 1780. Four of the churches that are of special interest are @ St Mary de Lode - with a Norman tower and chancel, and a monument of Bishop John Hooper. It was built on the site of an ancient Roman temple which became the first Christian church in Britain @ St Mary de Crypt - with a cruciform structure of the 12th century. It has later additions, such as the tower. Also the site of the Schoolroom in which The Crypt School was formed @ The St Michael church - said to have been connected with the St Peter ancient abbey @ The St Nicholas church - founded by the Normans but with many additions since then. City Garden Noteworthy modern buildings include the museum and school of art and science, the county jail (on the site of a Saxon and Norman castle), the Shire Hall and the Whitefield memorial church. A park in the south of the city contains a spa, a chalybeate spring having been discovered in 1814. West of this, across the canal, are the remains (a gateway and some walls) of Llanthony Secunda Priory, a cell of the mother abbey in the Vale of Ewyas, Monmouthshire, which in the reign of King Edward IV became the secondary establishment. Gloucester has much to offer both residents and tourists. From museums to galleries, from monuments, to historical sites, Gloucester is filled with an endless array of things to both see and do. Further, Gloucester is situated near other popular English cities, making such cities easily accessible. Popular cities surrounding Gloucester include: Bath, Belfast, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Nottingham, Oxford, and York. HISTORIC BUILDINGS: Gloucester Cathedral is the actual site where King Edward the II has been buried. In 681 AD this church was dedicated to St. Peter and the cathedral itself possesses a tremendous amount of Gothic architecture. WALKS AND TOURS: Both residents and tourists will enjoy the numerous trails and tours that can be found in Gloucester. The Severn Way is a 2100 mile walk along the river in Britain and there are Cathedral guides, historic walks and dock walks for everyone to enjoy. SHOPPING: There are plenty of fantastic places to shop while in Gloucester. The Mall Eastgate and the Kings Walk offer both specialist shops and boutiques, giving every tourist the ability to find suitable souvenirs. MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES: Gloucester is home to some of the finest museums and galleries; among them are the Nature in Art Museum, a museum totally dedicated to art that focuses on nature, and Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery, with archaeological exhibits and more. EVENTS: Gloucester is a busy city, one filled with many events to attend and enjoy. Gloucester frequently hosts many festivals and museum events. Bird view of Cathedral Things to do: There are plenty of things to see in do in the gorgeous city of Gloucester. If truth be told, both residents and tourists will have no trouble finding recreational activities that are suitable for the entire family. From historic sites to educationally suitable recreational activities, Gloucester is the city that offers something for everyone. WILDFOWL AND WETLANDS CENTRE: in Slimbridge is a fantastic site for both children and adults alike. When visiting Gloucester, families will enjoy this recreational facility which was established in 1946. With trails to walk and many different species of birds to see, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre proves entertaining for all families. The cost of admission is as follows: £6, and children £3.60. HAILES ABBEY: in Winchcombe is the ruins of a Cistercian Abbey that was established in the 13th century, in the year 1246. Visitors can still see and enjoy its cloistered arches and visit the shop and museum located on this historic site. WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM: in Tetbury is a section of land that is home to well over 18,000 trees. Families can enjoy the trails all throughout Westonbirt Arboretum and visits will find the location particularly beautiful during the fall. With a visitor's centre, a shop, and a museum as well as a plant centre and places to picnic, Westonbirt has much to offer its visitors. Admission prices are as follows: £3.80 for adults and £1 for children.