HCT 2017 - The Leaning Tower of Gloucester: Walking tour of the Medieval City
Explore some of Gloucester's key heritage sites
We begin with a short walk to Gloucester Cathedral, a continuous place of worship for over 1300 years. Built largely in the Romanesque and Perpendicular styles, the latter being one of the earliest examples of the style in England, we will enjoy a tour of the cathedral including the fan-vaulted cloisters. Just watch out for the scaffolding(!) which will be in place as part of the HLF-funded Pilgrim project.
From the cathedral we move onto Blackfriars Abbey, one of England’s most complete Dominican black friaries. Founded in 1239, the buildings have performed many purposes since the Dissolution of the Monasteries, including mansion, factory and private school. Today you will still find the oldest surviving purpose-built library in the country.
Our medieval adventure concludes with a trip to our own St. Nicholas’, the ‘Leaning Tower of Gloucester’. Its spire was damaged in the Siege of Gloucester during the English Civil War and inside we will find many wonderful monuments, tombs and memorial slabs commemorating some of the city’s citizens during this period.
Travel: Meet at Gloucester train station at 10.00, returning on foot to the station by 16.30.
What’s Included: The price includes lunch, expert tour guides and entrance fees (where applicable).
To book: to book more than one tour online, please complete a individual booking process for each tour. Alternatively, you can download and print a booking form and return it to us at The Churches Conservation Trust, Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London, N1 9RL, or call us on 0800 206 1463 (Monday – Friday; 09:30-17:00).
Please note: In the unlikely event that any of the above tour details need to be amended before the tour, guests will be informed immediately. You will receive specific tour contact information nearer the time with your tour itinerary.
Gloucester FAQs
- What is the capacity on this tour? We’ve got space for 23 people, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
- Where at Gloucester train station will we be meeting? We’ll be meeting at the front entrance to the station. Look for a staff member wearing a CCT lapel badge.
- I would like to stay in the local area the night before. Are there any hotels near Gloucester train station that you would recommend? Please visit The City of Gloucester’s website for information on hotels in the local area.
- I am planning to drive to the meeting point. What parking arrangements are available near the train station and how much does it cost to park overnight? There is an APOCA-operated car park at Gloucester train station with 244 spaces. Its daily charge is £8.20.
- How frequently do trains arrive to and depart from Gloucester train station? Gloucester train station runs services to Cheltenham Spa, Swindon, London Paddington, and other destinations. Direct services to and from London Paddington take approximately 2 hours and leave Gloucester every 2 hours. For more frequent journeys to London Paddington you can change at either Swindon or Bristol Parkway. For more information on times and fares please visit National Rail Enquiries or Trainline.
- What are the lunch arrangements? We have arranged for a private buffet lunch at Blackfriars Abbey.
- Are there charges for entry to Gloucester Cathedral and Blackfriars Abbey and if so, are they covered in the price of the tour? All admission fees are covered in the price of the tour, meaning you don’t have anything extra to pay for entry to Gloucester Cathedral and Blackfriars Abbey.
- What happens if I am no longer able to make the tour once I have made my booking? If you’re no longer able to make a tour after booking, then please let us know as soon as possible. If you cancel you’re booking more than 1 month before your tour, then you’ll be entitled to a full refund. If you cancel within 1 month of your tour, then unfortunately we’re not able to offer a refund, however we’ll do our best to offer you a place on another tour.
