A truly magnificent building
Gloucester Cathedral stands in-between Northgate and Westgate streets; close to the Docks, the city centre and the river Severn.
The Cathedral was founded by King Osric around 679 as an abbey dedicated to Saint Peter. Over the next 750 years till the mid C15th there were periods of disrepair, fires, wilful damage as well as periods of restoration and leading edge construction resulting in the magnificent building that we see today.
Major historical events have played out at the Cathedral; the coronation of the ten year old King Henry 111, the royal ceremonial burial of Edward 11, the meeting from which the Domesday Book was commissioned. King and Queens from Normans to Tudors have stood and admired the architectural achievements of the medieval masons (and monks) in the same way that you may when you first set eyes on Gloucester Cathedral.
You can walk in their footsteps, touch the stones, listen to the choirs, whisper in gallery and breathe history; in the Crypt the Aisles the Tower the Cloisters and more. See our What to See page for more information on visiting the Cathedral.
The Cathedral continues to make history in its role as an ambassador for Gloucester.TV and movie sets including Dr Who, Harry Potter and The Hollow Crown Wolf Hall and Sherlock have been filmed here; the Crucible a world touring art and sculpture exhibition, has visited twice. Contemporary dance music and theatre events compliment traditional performances of classical work like Handel and Elgar.
This 300yr old Three Choirs Festival is hosted at the cathedral usually in late July. It occurs every third year sharing with Hereford and Worcester. There are a variety of events held throughout the year sometimes in conjunction with other festivals going on in the city. More information for the Three Choirs, for visiting choirs, and for events can be found on this site.
Admission is free however there is a contribution box at the entrance for the maintenance of this magnificent building so if you can’t stretch to the suggested £5 donation per adult please give something. The Cathedral prefers larger groups to book in advance with the Cathedral Office especially if tour guides are required.
The Cathedral is open all year. Generally you can visit from 7.30am till 6pm though in term time weekdays it is closed for school assembly between 8.45 and 9.15am. The best times to visit on a Sunday are 11.45 to 2.45 avoiding the services. You can still visit during the services but part of the Cathedral will be restricted access.
Sunday services are at 7.40am, 8am, 10.15am and 3pm.
Opening times can vary during special events.
The Cathedral Refectory – Coffee Shop;
Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm (4.30pm in winter)
Saturday 10am – 4.30pm
Sunday 11am – 3pm
There are a number of other cafes nearby, our favourite is Hubble Bubble in Westgate Street.
The Edward Hotel is located about a 10 minute walk to Gloucester Cathedral; guests often attend concerts or just pop along to view the magnificent buildings. There is parking available at the Cathedral accessed from the bottom end of Westgate Street. A taxi from the Edward should cost about £5.00p.
Gloucester Cathedral
www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk
College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX
01452 528095