Top 10 things to do in Gloucestershire
Whether you are a student studying in Gloucestershire and staying here for the summer or you are a student elsewhere that has come back home – we have picked 10 top things that you might want to do in Gloucestershire (listed in no particular order). There are as many free things as possible but where there is a cost we have looked at the Student Discount Price.
1. Gloucestershire Cathedral
https://www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk/
Magnificent Cathedral right in the heart of the City with almost 1,000 years of history. Free entry except when paid for Concerts or Events are taking place. Gaining a new kind of fame with its appearances in two Harry Potter Films ( Philosophers’ Stone and Chamber of Secrets and a recent appearance in Doctor Who).
2. Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
https://www.forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk/
A 4.5 mile long circular walk starting at Beechenhurst Picnic site, in the heart of the Forest of Dean. Features an array of specially commissioned sculptures all situated within the beautiful Forest of Dean. Free to walk, paid for car parking.
3. Cheltenham Town Football Club
https://www.ctfc.com/matches/fixtures/
Cheltenham Town Football Club play in League Division 2. Their home ground the Jonny Rocks Stadium is just a short walk from Cheltenham Town Centre. The new 2019/20 Season sees their first match taking place on Saturday 10th August against Scunthorpe United. Student concession tickets start from £13, depending on which stand you choose.
4. Severn Bore
https://www.severn-bore.co.uk/
Describes as one of the natural wonders of the world, this is a large surge wave in the estuary of the River Severn. There are two 3 star bores in August which can be viewed from various vantage points along the river. See website for details. Free.
5. Jet Age Museum
The Jet Age Museum celebrates Gloucestershire’s rich aviation heritage from the early days of flight, through the birth of the Jet Age (the world’s first jet aircraft was built in Gloucestershire) to the present day. Check website for days that it is open. Free.
6. GWSR – Steam Train from Cheltenham Racecourse to Broadway
https://www.gwsr.com/
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire is a volunteer run, award winning Heritage Railway. You can join the train at Cheltenham Racecourse Station and take a 14 mile journey through picturesque countryside to Broadway, a beautiful Cotswold Village, just over border in Worcestershire. You can even enjoy a drink on the train which has a well stocked bar in the buffet car. There are no Student Concessions – an all day Rover ticket costs £19 when bought in advance online.
7. Gloucester Quays Food Festival – 26th-28th July
Described as the South West’s biggest free food festival, this year will offer free cookery demonstrations from Dean Edwards, a firm favourite on ITV’s Lorraine, TV personality Rosemary Shrager and This Morning’s Phil Vickery (not to be confused with the Gloucester Rugby and Masterchef winning Phil Vickery). Free admission but spending money essential to make the most of masses of great drinking and eating opportunities. There is also live music on all three days.
8. Sandford Parks Lido, Cheltenham
https://www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk/
On a hot summers’ day this Lido which opened in 1935 and is within easy walking distance of Cheltenham Town Centre, is hard to beat. Get there early to avoid the queues and to guarantee entry. £2.50 concessionary tickets for full time students.
9. Cirencester Park Polo Club
http://www.cirencesterpolo.co.uk/
Team up with some friends (one with a car) and head for this scenic and historic Polo Club. Maybe pack a picnic and you might even be able to secure a pitchside parking space to enjoy watching top level polo. Day membership is £5 per person (more on certain days – check website for details).
10. Gloucester Rugby
https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/fixtures-teams/fixtures-and-results/
Summer officially ends on 23rd September, so just before that on Saturday September 21st watch Gloucester play London Irish in the Premiership Rugby Cup. Sample the pre-match atmosphere in the many bars and pubs near the ground (the Coach & Horses is the one you want if you are a Cider fan) and for the ultimate Gloucester atmosphere get a ticket in the world famous terraced stand, called “The Shed”. Ticket prices not yet available.