We had intended to set off around 10am but had run a little behind schedule. As we were just about ready to leave, the phone rang which contributed to us leaving nearly an hour later than we had intended.
We consulted ‘The Extra Mile’ book to find a suitable place for lunch and settled on Ferns Bistro which is located in the Malthouse Emporium near to Tewkesbury. We initially struggled to locate the place because we were looking for a refurbished malthouse instead of the modern day pre-fab factory building that it turned out to be.
After lunch we had a mooch around the Emporium which has an eclectic mix of new and pre-loved items for sale. We left the building empty handed and headed into Gloucester to visit the Cathedral.
Neither of us remembered the nave of the church from our previous two visits. It was only when passed through the transept that the building became familiar with its side chapels and glorious stained-glass windows.
I did, however, remember the Labyrinth from my first visit to the Cathedral and it was lovely to see it installed once again albeit for a few weeks only. I would have loved to walk it but sadly there was not enough time to do it justice.
Outside of the main Cathedral building are the cloisters. These are stunning and well worth a visit in their own right. They featured in some of the Harry Potter films and, as we walked round, we noticed a youngster in a Gryffindor cloak having his photograph taken at various locations that featured in the films. My favourite part of the cloisters is the Lavatorium, the communal washing area for the Monks in mediaeval times.
We also navigated some spiral stairs to visit the Tribune Gallery exhibition and get a closer look at some of the higher-level Cathedral features, including the Great East Window. It is on this level that you can experience the ‘Whispering Gallery’ and test out the acoustics in the narrow, almost hidden passageway.
Before leaving the Cathedral, we stopped for refreshments in the Monk’s Kitchen where I was tempted to a maple and pecan slice. The atmosphere in the Cathedral was hot and humid and this was intensified in the small café room.
As we made our way back to the car park, we noticed that Gloucester has become rather run down and that many shops are empty. When we booked in at our hotel, Hatton Court the receptionist commented on the state of Gloucester and suggested that the Cathedral and the Docks were the best parts of the city and that Cheltenham was a better place to visit.
We left our luggage in our room and headed for the hotel terrace for a refreshing drink looking over the Gloucestershire countryside, which was partially obscured by wedding/event tents erected in the hotel’s garden area.
Later we dined in the hotel restaurant where we opted for a sharing dish; pan fried venison steak served on poppadoms accompanied by rice, curry sauce and other small accompanying dishes. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo of the plate of food art. Later we chilled out in the bar area before retiring for the evening.
I used to visit this Cathedral quite often at one time, as I really wanted to get to know it. The Nave and its massive leaning pillar always amazed me, and I loved the stunningChristopher Whall windows in the Chapter House
We were not able to visit the Chapter House as it was closed to visitors. I am not sure that on any of my visits I have been able see the Chapter House.
I didn’t visit the cathedral cos it was not free to see.
Had a quick glance from the ticket booth by the entrance though.
Lucky me, it was free to visit
From the reception desk you are not able to see the best features of the Cathedral so you missed out on some wonderful gems.
It looks a stunning cathedral – I hope I can visit one day. The labyrinth is especially lovely and as for the cloisters…….. well just beautiful.
It has some Thomas Denney stained glass which I know you appreciate. And yes the cloisters are amazing
The labyrinth is not a permanent feature on the Cathedral floor so I was excited to learn that it would be there during our visit.
I remembered to get my ‘Pilgrimage Passport’ stamped before leaving.
The dark sky/weather looked appropriately Harry Potter-ish for your visit, no?
Love the labyrinth and the long hallway with the stained windows is fantastic! (Albeit slightly scary :/)
I’m intrigued with your meal – British/Indian fusion, sounds delicious, was it?
And lastly, a stupid American question – how do you say Gloucester and Gloucestershire, like phonetically?
We Americans would say “Glaouw-SESS-tur” and “Glauw-SESS-tur-shy-ur” which of course is butchering it lol.
So is the pronunciation more like “GLAOWS-tur” or “GLAOW-ses-tur”?
And is it “GLAOWS-tur-schur” or “GLAOWS-tur-SHY-ur?”
Again, pardon my American ignorance, but I’m willing to make an ass out of myself in order to know the correct English way to pronounce these things lol
If you were able to see the long hallway in person you wouldn’t find it the slightest bit scary. It is amazing and so full of light
The meal was a unique chef take of ideas and cannot be described with any normal labelling. I would describe the dish as ‘Interesting’ rather than delicious. We enjoyed it and were glad we chose it but would probably not order it again.
Absolutely not a stupid American question. There are lots of weird British town names that are not pronouced as they are seen on paper (or road sign).
I am not so good with phonetics and even if I was I think they may be lost in translation so….
A couple of links to hear both words pronounced correctly. I hope you can hear the sound clips:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1-6ueGnQ0o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcHefBSB1LY
The voice is annoying but he pronounces the town and county names as they should be.
Oh, okay, so more like “GLOSS-stahr” and “GLOSS-ta-schur,” then – thank you!