Gloucester Train Station

Famous for its long history, glorious cathedral and easy access to the gorgeous countryside, Gloucester should be near the top of your places to visit. Fortunately, CrossCountry Trains operates several popular routes to this wonderful city, including Birmingham to Gloucester and Sheffield to Gloucester. Cheltenham to Gloucester is less than ten minutes away by train—perfect for a day out.

Gloucester Railway Station is your gateway to the beautiful countryside of the Cotswolds and South Wales. The station was originally built in 1840 as a terminus, but in 1951 it was developed further to become a through station for the South Wales Railway. The station’s complicated arrangement led to it being redeveloped again in the 1970s. Today it boasts the second-longest platform in the UK, second to Colchester Railway Station.

Things to do in Gloucester

Gloucester is full of things to see and do. History stretching back almost two thousand years to 48AD fills this Roman settlement. The Romans even installed plumbing and sewers in the town. You can still see parts of the original Roman walls around the city, and the Gloucester City Museum & Art Gallery hosts many historic artefacts. Some of the city streets are still based on the original Roman plans. Not far from the city is the beautiful Cotswolds countryside and the Forest of Dean; an area which has been inhabited for around 15,000 years!

Gloucester Cathedral dominates the skyline of the city and with good reason. The Norman cathedral is nearly 1,000 years old, and the site itself has been home to continual Christian worship since the 7th century. King Edward II was even buried here in 1327.

With all this heritage, it’s no surprise that the city has become a popular place to film movies and television shows. Gloucester has been a key location for productions like Doctor Who and Harry Potter, to period dramas like Mary Queen of Scots and The White Princess. Why don’t you see what famous scenes you can recognise as you explore this city?

The city has its quirks, too. Did you know Gloucester is home to a six-hundred-year-old extreme sport? The annual Cheese-rolling competition takes place at Cooper’s Hill each year, where competitors race to win a wheel of Double Gloucester.

For more traditional entertainment, you can explore the National Waterways Museum and surrounding Gloucester Docks, or spend some time wandering the Eastgate Shopping Centre or the local Farmers Market for a spot of all-important retail therapy.

Time for a break? Dive into one of the city’s historic pubs for a refreshment or meal, or try another local eatery for something different. Perhaps try some BBQ in town, or locally made dishes at the not-for-profit community café The Clean Plate.

There’s plenty more to see and do, taste and experience in Gloucester, but the best way to learn more is to see for yourself.

Gloucester’s name can be traced back to two words meaning ‘bright’ and ‘fort’, and after two thousand years you can see the city is still shining bright in the 21st century so why not book your ticket today with CrossCountry and see what you are missing?