Gloucester

Gloucester is a county town in South West England that sits between the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean on the River Severn. The historic docks preserve Victorian warehouses and canals, while the city center combines medieval streets with Georgian buildings.

The Romans founded this settlement around 48 AD as Glevum and developed it into a major colony at a key Severn crossing. During medieval times, the town grew as a trading port and received its cathedral in the 12th century, which was later expanded in Gothic style.

The medieval cathedral displays Norman and Gothic styles and serves as the resting place of King Edward II. The restored Victorian warehouses at the historic docks have been converted into cafés, museums, and apartments.

The city center can be explored on foot, with shopping districts, markets, and direct train links to London, Bristol, and Birmingham. The docks area sits about a 15-minute walk from the town center and offers walking paths along the canals.

The International Centre for Birds of Prey near the town houses extensive collections of raptors and conducts research programs for species conservation. The cathedral served as a filming location for scenes in the Harry Potter films, particularly for the corridors of Hogwarts.