Let me give you the 5p quick guide. Today it costs nearly £8,000 daily just to keep it open and it receives nothing from government - mind you this rancid government only fetes millionaires and billionaires and the working poor are abandoned. The working poor were treated better in the 13th century here. This place is living history and it is still stunning despite decay. From the 6th century through William the Conqueror and the origins of The Doomsday Book to King Edward II, from Roman Catholic control (Benedictine Monks who included Dom Pérignon of champagne fame and the holy order that gave us Benedictine and Buckfast tonic wine) ceded to English Protestantism by Henry VIII to Harry Potter. While Henry VIII didn't mind stealing Catholic Churches his successors never paid to maintain them. That's me not much to add for a religious site for over 1600 years if anyone is interested there's huge amounts about this place on line and if you are ever close by call as it is a heck of a place to behold. We are on a month long tour of England - this time last year we did 7 weeks. It's really become a run down country and it's shocking to see it and we are angry as it's been done deliberately. This time last year it was a heatwave around 30c daily but this time temperatures barely hit 16c. read more

See all

Both a charming and historical place to visit. Avid Harry Potter fan so there was a specific purpose for my visit! There's a helpful digital map to locate all the filming locations. The rest of the cathedral is gorgeous and ornate to see as well. The visit lasted less than an hour. Entry is free, however, do donate at entry so we can all help keep it free! Downsides: no heat - freezing the whole visit and bathrooms were completely unkept no TP. Parking in multiple lots just 5min walk away, average about 2 pounds for 2 hours. read more

See all

Gloucester Cathedral is like a huge stranded sailship. An odd description you might think. Let me explain. Solid Norman architecture underpins soaring perpendicular Gothic accretions. As you enter you see a solid if remarkably large Norman Cathedral. As you approach the choir, you see an amazingly lacelike cathedral within a cathedral. The cloisters are among the world's first examples of fan vaulting, and remarkable they are too. The cathderal sits in the heart of the city, soaring above a largely indifferent and rather cruelly treated medieval city centre . . . . in much the same way as a splendid sailship might were it stranded on land . . . a creature from another place and time outstanding by virtue of its ability to rise above the prosaic and everyday. It says something about us humans that our faith in a higher being and virtue spurs us to create things of beauty. In recent years the Cathderal has gained new fame as a result of the Harry Potter films, wherein the Cloisters features as those at Hogwarts. Do visit. As an example of world-beating architecture it can't be beaten. read more

Gloucester Cathedral - Gloucester Cathedral in late summer - Religious Organizations Near Me - Gloucester, GLS

A HARRY POTTER filming site! About an 1.5 hr drive northwest of London, this cathedral is BEAUTIFUL in its own right. However, there was no architectural or religious reason why we made the journey here. We were here simply as Yankee Harry Potter film geeky fans. After a jaunt through Warwick Castle in the early part of the day, we were in relatively close proximity so, should we do it? DUH?!?! How often are we here??? OF COURSE, go... just remember to stay on the left, Yankee!!! Hah! Probably the most frustrating part was following the directions the GPS was offering once in the town of Gloucester to get me close to the Cathedral. I finally gave up using navigation and just looked up! I saw where the gorgeous cathedral was (tallest structure in town) and found the closest parking area to it. We came in 10min to closing, and the bloke controlling the door kindly let us pass for a quick prayer and photo-op, yay! The Cloisters, the hallways with the fan vaulted ceiling, used in the Harry Potter movies, are straight across the side entrance. Gorgeous architecture makes for a lovely background for snaps. And there's free WC's as well for the weary traveler... bonus!!! We dropped a few quid in the donation box and we were on our way. Thanks be to God ;) read more

See all

Gloucester Cathedral is one of the many shooting locations for the Harry Potter films. It's a remarkable piece of architecture, entrance is free. For taking pictures one needs a £3 photography permit, available from the shop, which is to your left as you enter the Cathedral. We had a sunny spell while we were visiting and so were able to appreciate the courtyard. You will notice an American flag hanging in the Cathedral. It is a mark of respect to John Stafford Smith, who was born in Gloucester, who also happens to be the composer of the American National Anthem. If you wanted to, you could spend a good two hours in this beautiful building, reading about its history, the people involved and the kings that are buried here. Definitely one for any kind of weather! read more

One of the most magnificant places of worship I have visited. With its mix of gothic and modern architecture the building is beautiful. Peaceful and soothing with the choir often in practice whilst you are there. Must see. read more

A truly beautiful and extravagant wedding venue, the stuff of fairy tails to make any bride feel like a true princess. The cathedral is soaked in history and beauty. read more

Gloucester Cathedral - Religious Organizations Near Me - Gloucester, GLS

We didn't find much to admire in Gloucester city centre, but the Cathedral is definitely worth a visit. I wasn't interested in the Harry Potter connection, but it had clearly brought children and teenagers into the building. We joined a tour of the building and tower. There were only 3 or 4 of us, so the guide was drumming up business and talked 3 teenage girls into joining us. they shrieked a bit as they struggled with their flip-flops on the steep staircases, but then settled down and really engaged with the tour. The guide was amazing in the way he gave us information, entertained and interacted with everyone. Maybe he was a retired teacher, he certainly had a gift for discussing his subject with teenagers as well as with the others in the group. read more

Great place to take photos and just contemplate thoughts

It's so beautiful, it's really amazing and you never truely know how small you are until you look up at the huge pillars and the stained glass windows. It's just simply full of awe and so inspiring just to sit and read a book or even write. It's a good place to socialise and simply the heart of Gloucester. I love this place and always keep coming here. read more

Beautiful Cathedral rising from the midst of the town. Very peaceful to walk around and just to stop and take a moment. The children enjoy walking around just to take in the atmosphere and see where Harry Potter walked lol. Some of the chapels are breathtaking with their colourful stained glass windows and their air of calm. Definately a must see for any visitor or resident. read more

Beautiful and free the kids love going there, so why not...

I absolutely enjoy walking around our cathedral and exploring inside of this amazing building and seeing into the history, I have had a few tours around here and everyone was very friendly and told us all about the history of the building and showed us all around the cathedral. The staff also showed me where some of the Harry potter movie was filmed and it was such a lovely day out. I would love to climb to the tower and see across my home town. Lovely place to go and walk around in read more

A beautiful place to visit especially in the Summer, Gloucester Cathedral is a great way to spend a few hours and the staff are incredibly welcoming and very proud of what they are invloved in. You don't have to pay to get in but a donation is of course welcomed. Easily accessible and fairly easy to get around - though you can always pay a fee to climb to the top of the tower. Harry Potter scenes were filmed here and the chambers are just so lovely. There's a central garden that's just so relaxing to sit in and a lovely cafe as well as plenty nearby. I would honestly say it gives York a run for its' money - a beautiful building - well worth a visit. read more