A visit to Gloucester would not be complete without a tour of Gloucester Cathedral.

Gloucester Cathedral is truly breathtaking as you approach and that feeling does not change as you walk through its' doors. Known as Gloucester Abbey until the 1540's, the original section of the Cathedral was founded in 678-9AD and it has evolved over time to become the beautiful structure that it is today, having provided community worship for more than 1300 years.

The Eucharist and Morning and Evening Prayer take place every day, is open to all and at no charge. You are welcome to light a candle or to take a seat to ponder a few silent thoughts.

The view of Gloucester Cathedral as you approach from College Green is truly breathtaking.

Gloucester Cathedral plays its' part in many of the yearly events and concerts held across Gloucestershire, including the Cheltenham Music Festival and is one-third of The Three Choirs Festival, rotating with Hereford and Worcester Cathedrals to hold this event that has been taking place since the 18th Century. Over the course of the year it is a regular home to wonderful organ recitals, glorious flower shows and readings.

Throughout the school holidays there are activities for the children at Gloucester Cathedral.

On a clear day, you can see for around forty miles from the top of the Tower.

Greatly preserved over the years, the emphasis for the custodians of Gloucester Cathedral is now more on restoration, repairs and conservation rather than any new building or re-modelling. This means for instance that we can still enjoy the large stained glass window, measuring 24m x 12m which celebrates the victory of local Knights at Crechy and hear the sounds of Gt Peter, Englands only remaining medieval Gt Bell – weighing 14lb and measuring 68 1/2” in diameter it does deserve its name. Alongside stained glass windows from the 18th -20th centuries, an incredible amount of art and artefacts live at Gloucester Cathedral from the Norman times right through to today, as the Cathedral continues to commission new works.

The Cathedral is a background hive of activity. Along with The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester, there are over fifty staff members and more than 400 volunteers helping to look after Gloucester Cathedral, including the clergy, admin team, professional musicians, flower arrangers, bell ringers, guides and welcomers. The stonemasons are kept almost constantly busy and not just with cleaning the stone, they also have to repair and maintain any failing stone work inside and out. The current artist in residence, David Behar-Perahia works in video, sculpture, installation, performance and drawing. Residency includes giving open lectures, exhibitions both at the Cathedral and off-site, working with students of Fine Art and other parts of the community.

There are many claims to fame here from all eras and walks of life with over 400 memorials and monuments of warriors, musicians and others from centuries past such as the shrine to King Edward II of England and the monument to Dr Edward Jenner to the present day filming of popular fiction such as three of the Harry Potter films and Dr.Who.

The Cathedral is also a place of learning, and was proud that this year the Education and Outreach Centre was awarded the prestigious Sandford Award for Heritage Education. The centre supports the National Curriculum syllabus, holds seminars for sixth formers and adults, uses its' herb garden for lessons and welcomes all schools to use it.

Gloucester Cathedral has been the setting for several films including Harry Potter.

Other delights to be found here are the well stocked gift shop selling books, CD's, small gifts and cards; the coffee shop, off the west walk of the Cloister providing you with light refreshments and drinks and an interesting and delightful Herb Garden can be found by the Infirmary Arches.

Gloucester Cathedral. It is as relaxing as it is interesting.

Open daily from 07.30am to 6pm (closed during term time 8.45-9.15am), admission is free but donations are very gratefully received towards the maintenance of the Cathedral. Guided tours are available.