to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
With spring well on its way, and the summer sunshine just round the corner, it is worth remembering that Gloucester has more than its fair share of green spaces in and around the City Centre to enjoy. From grassy greens and hidden medieval churchyards, to the wide-open spaces of Gloucester Docks, there are plenty of options for a spot of alfresco dining on your lunch break or whilst exploring the City’s heritage and parks. Lots of excuses to get the gingham picnic blanket and a fully stocked picnic hamper out!
Here’s just a few of our suggestions:
St Mary de Crypt
The churchyard of St Mary de Crypt is a peaceful spot, just off the hustle and bustle of Southgate Street. The beautiful stone Storytelling Bench was designed by Pascal Mychalysin, Master Mason at Gloucester Cathedral, and was carved by his team and visiting stonemasons from all over Europe in just a weekend. The church itself underwent a £1.5 million restoration a few years ago, and today we can enjoy beautiful wildflowers in the yard, kindly planted by volunteers.
Greyfriars Green
Behind Eastgate Shopping Centre and the Indoor Market, is a lovely green space overlooked by the ruins of the medieval Greyfriars Priory. During the summer, the Green plays host to Café Rene’s outdoor stage for festivals such as Renegade and the final weekend of the Gloucester Rhythm and Blues Festival.
St Oswald's Priory
This picnic spot, just to the west of Gloucester Cathedral is the site of the Priory remains and the surrounding green. The Priory was known as the Golden Minster, built around 900AD by Aethelflaed, the Anglo-Saxon ruler of Mercia and daughter of Alfred the Great. After capturing the relics of St Oswald from Viking-held Lincolnshire, Aethelflaed housed them in the church, attracting pilgrims and bringing great fortune to Gloucester.
Gloucester Cathedral
Following the £5 million Project Pilgrim redevelopment, there’s plenty of space for a picnic in the Cathedral grounds. Where there was once a car park, we now have an inviting community space with a series of beautifully sculpted stone benches and wildflower gardens. There’s also plenty of grass around the Cathedral and by the war memorial to spread out your picnic blanket and relax.
Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
In front of the museum and facing the moored canal boats, you’ll find benches that are perfect for tucking into a packed lunch and a spot of people watching. The museum was the former customs house for Gloucester Docks. The wide piazza is named Back Badge Square after the Gloucestershire Regiment’s unique honour of having front and rear insignia on their headdress.
Victoria Warehouse/ Victoria Basin
To the side of the red brick Victoria Warehouse and overlooking the basin are benches and a covered seating area. A perfect spot if the English weather is thinking about misbehaving!
Victoria Basin/ Paju Walk
This long stretch between Southgate Moorings Car Park and Victoria Basin has plenty of seating looking out to the house boats and leisure cruisers. Paju Walk is named after the city close to the site of the Korean War Battle of Imjin River, where the Glorious Gloucestershire Regiment fought a brave last stand.
Llanthony Secunda Priory
There’s plenty of grass and a few benches in the beautifully landscaped grounds of the medieval Augustinian Priory. This popular spot also enjoys views of the Victorian Docks, the Gloucester Sharpness Canal and the SULA Lightship.
Westgate Boating Lake
Also known as Westgate Park, this hidden idyllic spot on the banks of the River Severn contains a picnic area and wetland habitats for local wildlife. There are public footpaths leading to the nearby Alney Island Nature Reserve.
Bakers Quay
Overlooking the Gloucester Sharpness Canal with views of Llanthony Secunda Priory and the SULA Lightship, this is a perfect spot to watch the barges and leisure boats sail by. There are plenty of picnic benches here, plus a handy café and restaurant nearby to pick up some tasty treats.
Pillar and Lucy Square
Pull up a bench at this little square in Gloucester Quays and enjoy a packed lunch, or better yet, order a delicious takeaway from one of the many surrounding restaurants.
Orchard Square
This space in front of the National Waterways Museum has plenty of picnic benches and space for the kids to run around. Some of Gloucester’s best coffee shops are nearby serving a selection of delectable pastries and tempting savouries.
Mariners Square
This large square in front of the Mariners Church in Gloucester Docks has plenty of picnic benches and lots of space to stretch your legs.
North Quay
Pull up a pew and take in the full majesty of the most inland port in Britain. The benches face out to the main basin of the Docks and Gloucester Lock.
Gloucester Park
A vast expanse of greenery that’s ten minutes’ walk from the City Centre. There’s plenty of space for a picnic or to while away the hours in the sunshine. The park also has a children’s playground to keep the little ones happy, and a brand-new café to keep the adults happy!
Wow! When we started this, even we didn’t realise just how many perfect pockets we had throughout the City for an Urban Picnic, or just to sit and watch the world go by on a bench, undercover, or in our beautiful greenspaces. We would love to see pictures of you enjoying your Urban Picnic in our beautiful City, make sure to tag #visitgloucester, #gloucester, @VisitGloucester
Related
A warm welcome awaits you at Gloucester Cathedral - one of the finest medieval buildings in the country and the burial place of royalty. Please refer to the Cathedral website www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk for services and events times.
Greyfriars is a Franciscan House which was founded in 1231. Is particularly of interest as the nave and north aisle are almost of equal height and width (only example in the country). Only remains still stand and can be seen today.
Situated in the heart of Gloucester Docks, the Priory is within walking distance of the Quays outlet mall, restaurants, city centre and Cathedral Quarter. Bursting with character and historic charm, its stunningly restored listed buildings and photogenic medieval ruins are set within five acres of secluded grounds. This somewhat ‘hidden gem’ is a must-see for visitors of all ages.
St. Oswald's Priory was founded by Lady Aethelflaed of Mercia, daughter of Alfred the Great, around 900. Was used as a site for pilgrimages, has been a church and now only the remains still stand. Visit to see the 12th and 13th Century arches.
By far the largest parkland in the city. Gloucester Park has a large play area for children and a skate park for older kids.
The Museum displays the remarkable story of the Soldiers of Gloucestershire who have served their regiments since 1694. It depicts their courage, humour, traditions and their sacrifices in exciting and colourful exhibitions for all ages.
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