Parks and Open Spaces

Gloucester is surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside and the city itself is dotted with green spaces for you to enjoy. Here is a list of our picks for a stroll, play or picnic.  

Robinswood Hill Country Park

Photo credit GWT and Nick Turner

Robinswood Hill Country Park features a large hill which overlooks the city giving the perfect view point for landmarks such as the Cathedral and the Docks. The park is noted for its wildlife, nature trails and orchard which has been replanted in recent years.  

Alney Island Nature Reserve

A serene nature reserve for walking, biking and bird watching amid grasslands & riverside scenery. 

Gloucester Park 

By far the largest parkland in the city. Gloucester Park has a large play area for children and a skate park for older kids. At the north entrance is the City’s War Memorial. The park provides a location for a number of groups such as boot camps, tai chi and yoga. Keep your eye out for other special activities such as Gloucester Fake Festival. 

Hillfield Gardens 

Hillfield Gardens provide a beautiful peaceful spot for quiet reflection just off the bustling and busy London Road. Here you can find array of stone monuments and mature trees dotted about them which feels like you are discovering a hidden ancient garden. The park was opened to the public around 1933 and is home to three monuments of historical significance: Scriven's Conduit, the King's Board and the chancel of the 12th century leper chapel of St May Magdalene. The remnants of a Roman road have been unearthed during a recent archaeological dig.  

Barnwood Park and Arboretum

 Barnwood Park, including the Arboretum and Balancing Pond, occupy the grounds of the former Barnwood House Hospital and was Gloucester's first Green Flag park. There are magnificent mature and recently planted trees - including 6 Giant Redwoods, Dawn Redwoods, Indian Bean Trees, Cedars and Pines - an orchard of local varieties, Local Nature Reserve (grazed by cattle in late summer), wildflower meadows and wildlife ponds.  

Armscroft Park 

Just nine minutes’ drive outside the centre is Armscroft Park which has a little brook running through it. The park is a large open space and is very popular with dogwalkers.  

Quedgeley Arboretum 

A small, wooded area with footpaths only 15 minutes’ walk from the City Centre.