#OfftheBeatenTrack is NationalRail.com’s tribute to the tracks less travelled – finding hidden gems amongst towns and stations that don’t regularly attract the headlines or the limelight.
Today, we are heading towards the Welsh border and the city of Gloucester, bursting with English tradition. Possibly stretching the boundaries of our #OfftheBeatenTrack remit, but Gloucester is a great city with fascinating history and is well worth a visit.
So why not take the train somewhere new today? Remember, you can buy all your train tickets at nationalrail.com – so what are you waiting for? Book train tickets with us today.
Town/city: Gloucester
Population: 125,649
By train: Gloucester’s railway station, formerly known as Gloucester Central Station, was originally built in 1840. Conversion throughout the following years has resulted in the station being situated off the main Bristol-Birmingham line, putting it #Offthebeatentrack.
Things to do:
If you enjoy exploring the historic buildings of these hidden treasures of the UK, why not try something different and test your bravery with Gloucester’s Ghost Walks. Beginning at 6.30pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, you can explore the unexplained stories and ghostly going-ons of Southgate Street, Addison’s Folley and Westgate Street.
Or perhaps you would rather experience the past in the safety of daylight and visit the Gloucester Quays Antiques Centre, one of the largest and longest established Antique Centres in the UK. Located in the heart of the Docks and with three floors of shops and cabinets, you’ll find yourself lost in this Aladdin’s cave.
Popular/famous tourist spots:
Gloucester Cathedral – pictured (image courtesy of www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk) is truly spectacular – one of the finest medieval buildings in the country and the burial place of royalty.
Trace 1000 years of architectural styles from Norman through Perpendicular to the present day where its team of stonemasons are still carving and casting. The extraordinary fan-faulted medieval cloisters and Great East Window are national treasures and the Lady Chapel houses some of the finest Arts & Crafts glass in the country.
Gloucester is also the home of The House of the Tailor of Gloucester. Originally built in 1535, the house became the setting for Beatrix Potter’s story, The Tailor of Gloucester, with her illustrations being used for the remodelling of the current gift shop interior and frontage. Now staffed by dedicated volunteers, The House of the Tailor of Gloucester offers a great day out for Beatrix Potter fans.
Did you know?
Gloucester Cathedral has had its share of the Hollywood limelight. Whether you choose to explore the hidden crypts of the cathedral or climb its 269 steps, you can find yourself walking the corridors of Hogwarts. The cathedral was used in the filming of the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the Chamber of Secrets and the Half Blood Prince films.
If you fancy testing your nerves with the ghosts of Gloucester, finding yourself a piece of treasure at the Antiques centre or being a Hogwarts pupil for the day, why not return to our home page and book your train tickets to Gloucester.
