Sunday 25 July 2010

Gloucester.
Back during the World Cup, while England were still in it, me and Tracy went down to Gloucester for the weekend and I've been meaning to write a bit of a review, as is my custom.

We stayed at a hotel called The New Inn. It was a 15th century inn built to house pilgrims to the Cathedral (and quite probably King Edward II's shrine). So, given the history, we had no choice but to stay there!

Sadly though, I have to give our stay there an average rating. Even though it was a 4 star hotel, the place felt a bit jaded. As if it was great a few years ago but that the odd thing here and there had been allowed to slip.

Now don't get me wrong, it was a comfortable stay (despite noise from pigeons and seagulls but there's not a lot that can be done about them!) and the bars were good. Breakfast was served in a buffet style and was okay, though I would question the wisdom of letting scrambled egg stand around on a hot plate.

We went around some of the many MANY tourist locations - there was no shortage of things to do! Gloucester Cathedral is well worth a visit. For me, who likes his early English history, there was a lot to read and learn about. There were a few activities for kids too surprisingly.

We went to the City Museum & Art Gallery which was also well worth the visit (and free). They were celebrating their 150th birthday when we were there and again, had lots of activities for kids to try.

We didn't get to go to the folk museum unfortunately but it looked good from the outside.

We went to the local cinema to see Death at a Funeral. I really struggled to find the film entertaining or engrossing. I found myself day dreaming and getting restless. I don't think Americans can do 'farce'.

The city itself was easy to get around - we never really got lost. It was a very nice few days and I'd recommend a visit to Gloucester - but stay more than a few days and don't expect many things to be open on a Sunday.