Gloucester is the 53rd largest settlement in the United
Kingdom with about 123,000 people.
Located in a sheltered area along the River Severn it is protected on
one side by the majestic Forest of Dean and on the other by the magnificent Malvern
Hills. A port town, the wharfs,
warehouses and docks that make up this area have been modernized and renovated
and now make a charming public area with shops, bars and luxury
apartments. The history of the town
dates back to the middle ages and remnants of this still exist today. Gloucester Cathedral is built on the
foundation of an abbey originally dedicated to Saint Peter in 681. Also the burial place of King Edward II, it
has been used as a setting in several of the Harry Potter movies because of its
architecture and impact. Several other
churches of note can also be found in Gloucester including St Mary de Lode, St
Mary de Crypt, St Michael s and St Nicholas church. Throughout the city can be found the remains
of ancient buildings and ancient civilizations, and in some cases artifacts are
encased and housed on the spot they were found, in amongst modern businesses
and walkways. For thousands of years
Gloucester has been a center for commerce and industry and that still remains
true today. With its historic
architecture, visitor attractions, festivals, specialty shops, restaurants and
of course, tea shops, it is a city with something for everyone. The city is also proud to house the
Gloucester Beatrix Potter Museum and Shop.
A must-see for fans of the author.
Just outside the city lies the Cotswolds region, famous for its beauty
and rural tranquility. Enjoy walking or
hiking, cycling, horse back riding, gliding, fishing, camping or ballooning in
this picturesque setting. If you prefer
not to explore on foot, you can also rent a vintage classic motorcar to tour
the area yourself. A unique experience
in itself, it will be hard to go back to your modern car after you ve
experienced the luxury and craftsmanship of these vintage vehicles.