Things to do in

Gloucester

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Harry Potter at Lacock Village and Lacock Abbey, real-life film locations from the movie series. Explore historic streets and medieval chambers, then journey to Gloucester Cathedral, where Gothic architecture brings Hogwarts to life. Step into the enchanting world of Harry Potter as you journey through Lacock Village and Lacock Abbey, iconic real-life film locations that have captured the imaginations of millions. Explore Lacock Village, a timeless gem boasting timber-framed cottages and historic streets frozen in time. Witness the magic of Lacock Abbey, its ancient walls echoing with the secrets of Hogwarts. Delve into the cloisters and medieval chambers that provided the backdrop for key moments in the Harry Potter film franchise. From the eerie corridors to the majestic halls, every corner holds a piece of cinematic history. Embark on a spellbinding tour through the majestic halls of Gloucester Cathedral. Marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture as you explore the corridors that doubled as the iconic Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Stand in awe beneath the soaring vaulted ceilings that served as the backdrop for numerous scenes in the beloved film series. From the hauntingly beautiful cloisters to the grandeur of the Cathedral, immerse yourself in the magic of cinema brought to life.

Experience Gloucester as you have never done before with this guided walking tour, excellent for paranormal enthusiasts, with the tour guide being an investigator herself. Learn about the history of the area, as well as some of the ghosts who refuse to move on. Uncover local history, stories, and paranormal experiences as you see sights like The Old Crown pub and Pinchbelly Alley. Meet your guide at the The Folk of Gloucester museum, 3 Tudor-style buildings, now merged as one, that’s one of the oldest buildings in the city. Get in the spirit as your guide tells you about personal brushes with the paranormal and about experiences that others that have taken the tour have had. Walk through Wetsgate Street to uncover sights like the 13th century Dick Whittington's pub and The Old Crown, a traditional public house (now closed). Pass by the Bishop Hooper Memorial in St Mary's Square which commemorates a Protestant martyr. Take in the Gothic features of the Gloucester Cathedral. Hear tales behind the charming College Court. Stroll by the Tiger's Eye Restaurant and Cafe Rene to reach the eerie St Mary de Crypt Church and end your tour at the Greyfriars Priory ruins.

Experience the Gloucester Cathedral Highlights Tour, a must for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers. Explore this 11th-century Gothic masterpiece, one of the most spectacular medieval buildings in the country and learn about its rich history and artistry. Begin at the Great West Door, where your friendly guide will introduce the Cathedral’s fascinating past. Marvel at the grandeur of the Nave, with its soaring pillars, vaulted ceilings, and stunning stained glass. Visit the South Transept’s Great East Window and the Lady Chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Discover royal connections like Henry III’s coronation and King Edward II’s tomb. No tour is complete without a walk through the Cloister. Learn about their historical significance and monastic origins, as well as the artistry behind the famous fan-vaulted ceilings. Now known for its role in the Harry Potter films, you may recognise the Cloister as the corridors of Hogwarts! The Highlights Tour tells the captivating story of Gloucester Cathedral’s history, architecture and people, perfect for first-time visitors and returning admirers alike.

The Harry Potter Tour of Gloucester and Lacock is a magical adventure to some of England's most historic places and scenic countryside. See filming locations, including sites used in actual scenes from Hogwarts School, or which served as an inspiration to the filmmakers. On the Harry Potter tour, experience one of the most beautiful villages in England and get a guided tour around the ancient streets and its local abbey. Stretch your legs and soak up the history of this picturesque village before a visit to the cathedral city of the Cotswolds. Visit the magnificent cathedral which doubled as Hogwarts School. Learn how the films were made, discuss the books and hear trivia about the magical world of Harry Potter. Have the chance to walk around the locations you visit, take pictures, and re-create some of the scenes from the films.  Feel free to dress up as Harry or any other character in the series! On the tour, Harry Potter trivia questions will be asked, so keep your spell book handy to test your knowledge of spells and see how well you know Harry, Ron and Hermione. 

The Tower Tour at Gloucester Cathedral offers a unique journey through history and architecture, leading you to parts of the Cathedral usually unseen. As you ascend the tower you’ll explore spaces like the bell chamber, ringing room, and roof chamber, culminating in the spectacular views from the rooftop. This tour is about uncovering the Cathedral's hidden layers and understanding the immense effort behind its construction and preservation. Your adventure begins at the base of the tower, where your guide introduces the tour and its historical significance. The ascent starts with a narrow spiral staircase, a marvel of medieval engineering. As you climb, the guide shares insights about the Cathedral’s construction phases, pointing out mason’s marks and other intricate details in the stonework. You will also experience the Bell Chamber housing the massive, ancient bells including the three-ton "Great Peter." The guide also explains the history of the Cathedral’s bells, some dating back to the 14th century and the skill required for bell ringing. You may also witness a bell-ringing demonstration, experiencing the powerful sound that resonates through the tower! Ascending further, you enter the Roof Chamber, a hidden space beneath the Cathedral’s roof, rarely seen by the public. The tour reaches its climax at the Parapet Walk, an open-air walkway just below the tower’s pinnacle. The views from here are spectacular, offering a panoramic vista of Gloucester and the surrounding countryside. The guide points out landmarks and shares stories about the city’s history, providing a rare perspective on the Cathedral’s architecture. The rooftop is over 200 feet above the ground, where you can fully appreciate the Cathedral’s grandeur. The rooftop offers a 360-degree view, allowing you to reflect on the Cathedral’s history, its spiritual significance, and the incredible feat of engineering that brought it to life. The Tower Tour at Gloucester Cathedral is more than just a climb; it’s a journey through time, offering a rare glimpse into the heart of one of England’s most magnificent buildings. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or simply seeking a memorable experience, this tour connects you with the past, offers breath-taking views, and reveals Gloucester Cathedral in a whole new light.

Embark on a captivating 25-minute guided tour of the ancient crypt at Gloucester Cathedral, an experience that reveals the hidden depths of one of England’s most historic sites. Your journey begins in the South Transept, where your guide will lead you down a set of worn stone steps into the cool, dimly lit subterranean level of the Cathedral. As you descend, you’ll feel the atmosphere shift, with the air growing slightly cooler and the surroundings becoming quieter, almost as if you’ve stepped back in time. The crypt is one of the oldest parts of Gloucester Cathedral, and its construction dates back to the 11th century. As you enter this hallowed space, you are immediately struck by the robust Romanesque architecture, characterized by thick stone pillars and rounded arches. The crypt has an undeniable sense of mystery and reverence, accentuated by the flickering shadows cast by the sparse lighting. Your guide will begin by explaining the significance of the crypt in the context of the Cathedral’s history. Built as part of the original Norman church, the crypt was designed to support the massive weight of the structure above, including the magnificent choir and presbytery. The crypt’s architecture provides a fascinating glimpse into the construction techniques of the medieval period, with its solid, functional design standing in contrast to the more ornate elements of the Cathedral above. As you move through the crypt, you’ll learn about its role as a place of burial and worship. In the early days of the Cathedral, this space would have been used for private prayer and as a resting place for important figures. One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to see remnants of the original Saxon church that predated the Norman construction. These ancient stones, carefully preserved within the crypt, offer a tangible connection to the Cathedral’s origins. Your guide will discuss the significance of the crypt as a place of pilgrimage, particularly in relation to the shrine of St. Oswald, a saint whose relics were once housed within the Cathedral. Pilgrims would have descended into the crypt to pray at the shrine, seeking healing or spiritual aid. The crypt's atmosphere, with its low ceilings and heavy pillars, would have created a powerful sense of being closer to the divine, a feeling that is still palpable today. The tour concludes in a reflective chamber, offering a moment to absorb the crypt’s atmosphere and centuries of history.