Things To Do
in Hucclecote

Hucclecote is a residential suburb on the eastern edge of Gloucester in Gloucestershire, England, offering a quiet base a short drive from the city's historic centre. It combines post-war housing estates, local shops and green spaces with easy access to the River Severn and the Cotswolds. The area is popular with families and commuters who appreciate its schools, parks and links to Gloucester and the M5.

From Hucclecote you can quickly reach major attractions such as Gloucester Cathedral, Robinswood Hill and the scenic villages of the Cotswolds.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Local Charm
morning
:

Start your journey with a hearty breakfast at a cozy café in the heart of Hucclecote, where you can indulge in local pastries and freshly brewed coffee. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll around the village, admiring the quaint architecture and the lush greenery that surrounds the area. Don’t forget to stop by the local shops for unique souvenirs and artisan goods.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the nearby nature reserve, where you can unwind while walking along scenic trails. Bring along a picnic to enjoy in one of the designated areas, soaking in the tranquility of the countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife, as the reserve is home to various flora and fauna.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, head to a traditional pub where you can savor delicious local dishes paired with an array of craft beers. Engage with locals and other travelers, sharing stories and laughter in a warm, friendly atmosphere. End your day with a nightcap while enjoying live music, if available.

day 2
Historical Exploration
morning
:

Begin your day by visiting the historic Gloucester Cathedral, just a short drive from Hucclecote. Marvel at the stunning architecture and take a guided tour to learn about its rich history dating back to the 7th century. Capture beautiful photographs in the tranquil cloisters that have featured in various films.

afternoon
:

For lunch, try a local café in the city center, where you can enjoy a taste of traditional British cuisine. Post-lunch, explore the Gloucester Docks, where you can wander around the shops and museums located in this vibrant area filled with maritime history. Consider taking a boat tour on the canal for a unique perspective of the docks.

evening
:

Return to Hucclecote for dinner at a family-run restaurant known for its warm ambiance and delicious homemade meals. Spend your evening at the pub listening to a local band perform or participate in a trivia night to get to know the locals better. End the night with a peaceful walk back to your accommodation under the stars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee (regular)$3-4
🍺Pint of beer in pub$5-6
🚕Short taxi ride (5–10 km)$12-20
🛒Weekly groceries (per person)$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to Gloucester city amenities while remaining quiet and residential
  • Easy access to Robinswood Hill, the River Severn and the Cotswolds for outdoor activities
  • Good connections by road to M5, convenient for exploring the West Country
  • Family-friendly community with local shops, schools and parks
  • Limited nightlife and fine-dining options within the suburb itself
  • Dependence on a car for the quickest access to wider attractions and public transport hubs
  • Weather can be changeable, affecting outdoor plans
  • Some areas may experience commuter traffic during peak times

Places to Visit in Hucclecote

Visit one of these nice places.

Robinswood Hill Country Park

Panoramic views over Gloucester and the Severn Vale, heathland and woodland trails offering varied landscapes and sunset opportunities.

Gloucester Cathedral

Gothic architecture, ornate cloisters and dramatic interiors — excellent for architectural and detail photography.

Gloucester Docks and Quays

Historic warehouses, reflections on the water and modern waterside development provide atmospheric urban and candid scenes.

Severn River Views and Over Bridge Areas

Riverside viewpoints for wide landscape shots, especially dramatic at high tide or during the Severn Bore events.

Cotswold Villages (e.g., Birdlip, Painswick)

Classic Cotswold stone cottages, rolling hills and narrow lanes — ideal for quintessential English countryside photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in Hucclecote

Hucclecote’s food scene reflects classic West Country and British pub cuisine, with an emphasis on hearty fare, local meat, cheeses and ciders, while Gloucester city and the nearby Quays add international and contemporary options. You’ll find traditional pubs, cafés, and farm-supplied ingredients in local markets and shops. Expect many family-run establishments and friendly service rather than a heavy fine-dining presence within the suburb itself. The wider Gloucestershire area is known for Double Gloucester cheese, pork from local farms and apple cider.

Hucclecote Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Cream Tea

A quintessential West Country treat of scones served with clotted cream and jam, easy to find in local cafés and tearooms around Gloucester and the Cotswolds.

Must-Try!

Roast with Local Pork or Beef

Sunday roasts in local pubs often feature Gloucestershire pork or beef sourced from nearby farms — a hearty, traditional meal to try at a gastropub.

Local Cheeses (Double Gloucester)

A firm, mellow cheese produced in Gloucestershire; available at farmers’ markets, delis and many pub cheese boards.

Cider

West Country ciders—ranging from dry to sweet—are widely available in pubs and shops; try a local craft producer when you can.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Gloucester Farmers’ Market

A regular market in the city (check dates) offering local produce, cheese, baked goods and seasonal items from Gloucestershire producers.

Gloucester Quays Food Options

The Quays area hosts casual eateries and market-style outlets where you can grab international street-food-style options and riverside snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Hucclecote has a temperate maritime climate: mild winters, cool summers, and rainfall spread throughout the year. Average summer highs sit in the mid-teens to low-20s °C (60s–70s °F), while winter lows commonly hover just above freezing. Weather can change quickly so layers and waterproofs are useful year-round. Winds can pick up in exposed spots near the Severn and hilltops.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queuing and Politeness

Britons value orderly queues and polite manners — say please and thank you, and wait your turn rather than pushing ahead.

Punctuality

Be punctual for appointments and tours; if delayed, a quick message or call is courteous.

Respect for Countryside

Follow the Countryside Code: close gates, keep dogs under control near livestock and take litter home.

Driving and Road Rules

Drive on the left, overtake on the right, and adhere to speed limits; rural lanes can be narrow so be considerate to other drivers and farm vehicles.

Safety Guide

Safety

Hucclecote and Gloucester are generally safe, with typical low-to-moderate levels of petty crime — exercise usual precautions such as locking vehicles and securing valuables. Be cautious around busy roads and the River Severn (strong currents and tidal changes); observe warning signs and avoid walking on riverbanks during high tide or flood alerts. Check local news for flood warnings in wet seasons and carry a charged phone and emergency contacts.

Tipping in Hucclecote

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, tip around 10–15% if service is not included and you are satisfied with the service; tipping in pubs is not expected (pay at bar) but you can leave small change or use the card tipping option if available. For taxis, rounding up or adding 10% is common; for hotel porters and housekeeping a small tip is appreciated but not obligatory.

Payment Methods

Contactless cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely accepted; cash is still used but increasingly less so. ATMs are available in Gloucester and the Quays; inform your bank if using foreign cards to avoid blocks.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blossoming hedgerows and bluebells on woodland walks; some muddy trails after rain so waterproof footwear is recommended. Good time for birdwatching at Slimbridge and for countryside photography.

Summer

Warmer, relatively dry weather is ideal for walking, cycling and exploring the Cotswolds, though occasional rain and cooler evenings remain possible. Popular spots can be busier on weekends, so book restaurants or attractions if needed.

Autumn

Crisp air and colourful foliage on Robinswood Hill and Cotswold lanes make this a scenic season; expect shorter daylight hours and the chance of wet weather. Harvest events and seasonal pub menus are common.

Winter

Generally mild winters with some frosts and occasional snow; shorter days and chilly evenings mean packing layers and waterproofs is sensible. Indoor attractions, cosy pubs and seasonal markets are highlights.

Nightlife Guide

Hucclecote at Night

Hucclecote itself is primarily residential with a handful of friendly pubs and community events in the evenings. For a livelier nightlife, Gloucester city and Cheltenham (short drive) offer bars, live music venues, theatres and late-night dining. The Quays occasionally hosts evening events and riverside bars, while pubs in nearby villages host quiz nights and local entertainment.

Hiking in Hucclecote

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Robinswood Hill

Woodland and heathland trails with easy-to-moderate routes and panoramic views over Gloucester and the Severn Vale; family-friendly.

Cotswold Way (near Birdlip / Painswick stretches)

Sections of the long-distance Cotswold Way are within easy reach for day hikes featuring limestone escarpments, rolling hills and classic Cotswold scenery.

Crickley Hill and Barrow Wake

Scenic viewpoints and walking routes offering dramatic landscapes and limestone grassland; ideal for photography and wildflowers.

May Hill and Surrounding Trails

A distinctive hill with great 360-degree views, woodlands and varied paths suitable for moderate hikes.

River Severn Walks

Riverside paths and towpaths for gentle walking, birdwatching and observing river life; check tide and flood information before venturing close to the water.

Airports

How to reach Hucclecote by plane.

Gloucestershire Airport (Staverton)

A small regional airport close to Gloucester offering private, charter and some scheduled services; convenient for light travel and business flights.

Bristol Airport

About a 1–1.5 hour drive depending on traffic, with a wide selection of European and international flights and good car hire options.

Birmingham Airport

Approximately 1–1.5 hours by car or rail, offering extensive international connections and frequent services.

Cardiff Airport

Around 1–1.5 hours’ drive (depending on route) across the Severn, providing regional flights and some international routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Hucclecote is fairly walkable for local errands, parks and short routes; pavements and footpaths are generally good. For exploring Gloucester city centre, the Quays and many attractions, walking is convenient once parked or after arriving by bus. However, to reach wider countryside or scattered Cotswold villages you'll likely need a car or bicycle.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Hucclecote hosts many families attracted by schools, parks and suburban housing.

Commuters

Many residents commute to Gloucester, Cheltenham, Bristol or further afield via the M5 and local roads.

Retirees

The area also appeals to older residents seeking a quieter lifestyle with local amenities.

Local working population

A mix of service, public sector and light industrial workers based in and around Gloucester and nearby business parks.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Rugby

Rugby Union is hugely popular in the region — Gloucester Rugby has a passionate local following and matches draw enthusiastic crowds.

Football (Soccer)

Local amateur and semi-professional football clubs are common and community participation is strong across age groups.

Cricket

Cricket is a traditional summer sport with village and county clubs active throughout the season.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be busy on commuter routes into Gloucester and on the M5 during peak hours and holiday weekends. Local A-roads (A417, A40) carry significant traffic at times; allow extra time during rush hour. Public transport consists mainly of local buses linking Hucclecote to Gloucester and nearby towns; rail access is from Gloucester station with services on main lines. Cycling is a viable alternative for short commutes and leisure.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Hucclecote.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most pubs and cafés provide vegetarian options (and many vegan) — menus are increasingly clear about ingredients, but check with staff for daily specials and cross-contamination if needed.

Vegan

Vegan choices are available in city cafés and larger eateries at the Quays; smaller pubs may have limited offerings, so consider calling ahead for options.

Gluten-Free

Gluten-free options are commonly available in cafes and modern restaurants; always confirm with staff, as cross-contamination can occur in pub kitchens.

Allergies

UK food businesses are legally required to provide allergen information — ask for ingredient details if you have serious allergies or carry necessary medication.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Primary care is provided by local NHS GP surgeries and pharmacies within Hucclecote and Gloucester. The nearest major hospital is Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in Gloucester, offering A&E and specialist services; Cheltenham General Hospital is also nearby. For non-emergency issues, pharmacies and walk-in centres in Gloucester can help; emergency services (999) should be contacted for serious incidents.

Discover United Kingdom

Read more in our United Kingdom 2025 Travel Guide.

United Kingdom Travel Guide