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Gloucester Cathedral

Top choice in Oxford & the Cotswolds

Gloucester’s spectacular cathedral is among the first and finest examples of the English Perpendicular Gothic style. Benedictine monks built a Norman church here in the 12th century, on the site of a Saxon abbey. After Edward II died mysteriously at nearby Berkeley Castle in 1327, he was buried here, and his tomb became a place of pilgrimage. Further elements, including the present-day tower, were added to the church during the 15th century.

Inside, the finest features of Norman Romanesque and Gothic design are skilfully combined, with stout columns creating a sense of gracious solidity. The Cloister , which featured in the first, second and sixth Harry Potter films, is a real highlight. Completed in 1367, this airy space contains the earliest example of fan vaulting in England and is matched in beauty only by Henry VII’s chapel at Westminster Abbey. When the sun shines through, the light-dappled Cotswold stone glows with a rosy light.

From the breathtaking 14th-century wooden choir stalls, you’ll get a good view of the imposing 22m-high Great East Window . The size of a tennis court, it was the largest in Europe when it was installed in the 1350s, and around 85% of the glass you see today is still original.

Edward II’s elaborate alabaster tomb, originally gilded and bejewelled, stands beneath the window in the northern ambulatory. Behind the altar, the glorious 15th-century Lady Chapel was largely destroyed during the Reformation, but following restoration work, completed in 2018, it’s looking wonderful once more. In addition to its soaring vaulted roof and astonishingly delicate stone arches, its Arts and Crafts stained-glass windows rank among the cathedral’s greatest treasures, featuring Adam and Eve, scenes from the life of Mary, and various English saints.

Alongside the crypt, St Andrew’s Chapel is emblazoned from floor to ceiling with colourful 19th-century frescoes that hint at how vibrant and dazzling the medieval Abbey must have been.

Tours give access to otherwise inaccessible areas including the 15th-century library and its illuminated manuscripts (weekly, 30 minutes); the 69m tower, with its amazing views (three weekly, one hour), and the Norman crypt (daily, 30 minutes). Unexpected treasures in the five simple chapels in the crypt, the very oldest part of the cathedral, range from a pillar carving of a mysterious moustachioed figure to a hefty granite font built by George Gilbert Scott in 1878.

12 College Green

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01452-528095

https://www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk

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Gloucester Cathedral

Gloucester Cathedral is a glorious sacred space and iconic landmark in the heart of Gloucester, with a history that can be traced back to 679AD. It is the mother church of the Diocese of Gloucester and welcomes around 350,000 visitors every year. The Cathedral is open daily, with entry by donation, and hosts a packed and varied programme of services and events throughout the year.

The foundation stone of the Cathedral that we see today was laid by Abbot Serlo in 1089; the East End was dedicated in 1100, and by around 1130 the Nave was complete. A great deal of the Romanesque church survives, including the entire Crypt, much of the East End, the great Nave pillars and the Norman Chapter House.

Following the burial of King Edward II in the North Ambulatory, the young King Edward III wanted a more fitting resting place for his father, so the remodeling of the East End took place between 1331-1355. The South Transept is the earliest surviving example of Perpendicular architecture, and the Quire and Presbytery were remodeled in what became the standard English style of architecture for more than 200 years.

The Cloister of Gloucester Cathedral represents some of the most significant medieval architecture in the world, famed for its remarkable fan-vaulting; this imaginative new style of architecture was developed here during the 1350s, and the current Cloister was completed by Abbot Froucester by 1412. Since then, the Cloister has taken on a new life as a popular filming location, starring as ‘Hogwarts’ in some of the Harry Potter movies, as well as featuring in the likes of The Hollow Crown, Wolf Hall and Mary Queen of Scots.

During the 1350s, the remarkable Great East Window was installed. At the time, it was the largest stained glass window in the world, measuring a staggering 22 metres in height and 12 metres in width.

The Cathedral’s architectural gems – including the tomb of Edward II, the Cloister and the Great East Window – can all be seen on a Highlights Tour. You can also descend the steps from the South Transept and discover the oldest part of the Cathedral on a Crypt Tour. Highlights and Crypt Tours take place daily, led by an expert Guide, and can be booked via the Cathedral Welcome Desk. Tower and Library Tours also take place at various points throughout the year too.

There is plenty on offer for families: in the Tribune Gallery, little ones can build their own gruesome gargoyle, discover the secrets of how the Cathedral was built and dress up as a Cathedral character, whilst the Family Discovery Guide will show you some of the building’s most fascinating spaces.

The Monk’s Kitchen is the Cathedral’s on-site café, where you’ll find a varied menu including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Meanwhile, The Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir for a loved one.

Whatever your reason for visiting, a warm welcome awaits!

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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Take a tour of Gloucester Cathedral's Gothic Tower

Gloucester, gloucestershire.

Ancient, spectacular and a beautifully serene place to visit, the Cathedral is one of the most magnificent Gothic buildings in the world.

Climb the 269 steps of Gloucester Cathedral Tower and marvel at the spectacular views of Gloucestershire countryside spanning 40 miles. For history buffs and the energetic, continue onto the historic Cathedral where Henry III was crowned, Edward II was buried and where pilgrims have flocked for centuries. Harry Potter fans will get a kick out of Gloucester cathedral as the stunning cloisers doubled up as Hogwarts in two of the films and a walk around them is a real treat. NB -Tower Tour only suitable for reasonably fit people and children over 6.

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Gloucester Cathedral: Kings, Cloisters & Harry Potter

Gloucester Cathedral has loomed over the South Western city of Gloucester for centuries. Let’s take a look at this impressive and historic building…

How many of us have dreamed of one day entering the magical world of Harry Potter?

While the world itself may have come from the imagination of author J.K Rowling, that doesn’t mean that places like Hogwarts don’t exist in the real world. They just aren’t as magical.

They do exist, though. In fact, some of the most memorable scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed on location at the Cathedral Church of St Peter and the Holy and Indivisible Trinity – better known to many as Gloucester Cathedral .

Gloucester Cathedral has stood the test of time and is incredibly impressive.

It is the final resting place for several kings, and it is made with stunning architecture that impresses any who sees it.

That’s to say nothing of the fact it has also become something of a holy site in another way by being a central location for Harry Potter fans.

Please note, though, that most of the filming took place in the cloisters of the Cathedral and not necessarily the Cathedral itself. 

Gloucester Cathedral History 

The area of Gloucester has been an important one for the Church since at least the late 7 th  century.

It was important for other reasons as well, mostly for being an important crossing point for the River Severn.

The first stone in what would become Gloucester Cathedral was laid at the behest of Abbot Serlo around 1089 A.D. The abbot decided to go for the standard Norman design of the age.

Gloucester became a central area for pilgrimage when Edward II was laid to rest there, and pilgrims would flock to see the shrine and pay their respects. It went on to become the resting place of Robert Curthose as well. 

Norman architecture is characterized by the use of bulky foundations and rounded arches.

As the Cathedral was built and added to, it played host to different architectural designs, including Gothic styles with tall structures and refined decorations. The final changes for the monastery were put into place around the start of the 16 th  century. 

The Gloucester cathedral officially became a cathedral after King Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, turning what was Gloucester Abbey into Gloucester Cathedral.

It was the place where the Domesday Book was ordered and served as the Norman Winter Court. The Forest of Dean by the Church was a hunting forest for the royal family. 

When the monarchy was restored in 1660 following the civil wars, the Cathedral was once again placed in the hands of the Dean and Chapter. This is how the Cathedral continues to be run to this day. 

Gloucester Cathedral Today – Harry Potter, Doctor Who, and More

The modern Gloucester Cathedral stands as a beautiful example of the concept of perpendicular architecture.

Perpendicular architecture is a Gothic subgenre from between the 14 th  and 16 th  centuries. It involves the use of vertical lines for paneling and tracery.

Perhaps the most visually striking examples of this perpendicular architecture in the Cathedral is the south porch, which features a fan-vaulted roof designed to resemble a spider web.

The narrow and tall columns that offer support for the vault are also a prime example of the lightness of this perpendicular style.

If something goes wrong with the Cathedral, then it is repaired or handled through conservation efforts instead of being rebuilt or remodeled.

As such, much of the Church had retained the original design and architecture from when it was built. 

The cloisters of the Cathedral – which also include spiderweb-esque fan-vaulted roofs, are recognizable to anyone who was watched, Harry Potter.

They were used as a filming location for scenes from the first, second, and sixth Harry Potter movies. You can immediately recognize the door to the Gryffindor common room and the hallway where the warning about the Chamber of Secrets opening appeared.

A small piece of the set was left behind on location to hide a lightbox, so there’s a piece of Potter history still there.  

While the Cathedral is known for being a central filming location for Harry Potter, it’s also played host to plenty of other T.V. shows, movies, and documentaries. For example, it was used as a filming location for Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Wolf Hall. 

While visiting the Cathedral, be sure to check out the stained glass windows. One interesting little note about them is that they offer depictions of not just important moments of the bible, but also golf.

They are actually among the earliest known depictions of golf as the windows date back to 1350. They also offer a glimpse at what historians believe could be the medieval equivalent of football. 

Visit Gloucester Cathedral 

The Cathedral is open every day of the year and always welcomes guests.

Guests can enjoy the relaxing and calm atmosphere of the Cathedral and take in what appeals to them most – whether it be looking at the architecture, touring the crypts, checking where their favorite movies were filmed, or just participating in a religious ceremony.  

You can get to the Cathedral by visiting Gloucestershire town square. You can arrive by train directly to the Gloucestershire station, and there is a bus that takes you directly to the Cathedral.

If you are arriving by car, then you should follow the M5. However, you should note that there is no public parking on the site. 

The Cathedral is still a working house of God after all, and services and events are regular occasions here.

Check ahead of time to see when the ceremonies are if you are interested. For example, the Three Choirs Festival is held at the Gloucester Cathedral, Worcester Cathedral, and Hereford Cathedral on a rotating basis. 

Entrance into the Cathedral is free, but it is suggested that one makes a small donation (around $7 per adult visitor) to help pay for the costs of preserving this historical masterpiece.

There’s no better place to embrace your inner anglophile than the Gloucester Cathedral.

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Admire The Cloisters At Gloucester Cathedral, England

Harry Potter fans flock to Gloucester Cathedral in southwest England to see the monastic cloisters featured in its films. Potter fan or not, its magnificent gothic architecture mesmerizes every visitor with its revolving architectural styles that transpired over hundreds of years.

While many come to worship in this fantastic building, others visit to enjoy the tranquility of browsing its nooks and crannies.

While I have been to the medieval Cathedral in Gloucester several times, its limestone exterior and jaw-dropping interior still take my breath away. In fact, it’s one of the top cathedrals in England.

Where Is Gloucester Cathedral?

• Location:  12 College Green, Gloucester |  Open:  Mon to Sat 10 am to 5 pm, Sun noon to 5 pm

By vehicle, take the M5 and follow the signage. Located in the center of Gloucester, it’s just 6 miles from the motorway. Alternatively, visitors can catch a train to Gloucester Railway Station and walk for ten minutes to the cathedral.

Other nearby attractions that are worthy of visiting are Winchcombe’s Sudeley Castle, also accessible off the M5, and Painswick, a beautiful Cotswold village. Should you drive as I did, Gloucester Cathedral has no public parking, but there are many paid parking lots nearby.

I parked at Westgate Street car park, a short distance away. Do note, that some parking lots have a two-hour limit, and some offer free parking on Sundays. Due to the attraction’s busyness, these fill up fast, especially on weekends.

While the cathedral does not charge an entrance fee, they welcome a suggested donation of GBP 5.00. Since it costs a whopping GBP 6,000 a day to keep the doors open, we gladly donated.

Gloucester Cathedral’s History

The original Cathedral was erected between 678 and 681 but, over the years, underwent many modifications. The earliest part of the structure seen today dates back to 1100 when its full name was Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Holy and Indivisible Trinity. That’s quite a mouthful!

In 1540, Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of all monasteries so, the abbey became known as Gloucester Cathedral. Thankfully, that’s a name I can remember.

During the Norman Conquest in 1066, Serlo, the appointed abbot, started constructing the present-day building. The Norman Nave, Chapter House, and Crypt dating from the 11th century remain. However, workers completed the majority of the work in the 13th century.

Another century later, the architectural details and ornate décor adorned the bones of the structure, making it the impressive Cathedral seen today.

Like many famous places of worship, the Cathedral serves as a burial place for clergy and notable people. King Edward II may be the most famous of them, but the house of worship has many Bishops of Gloucester interned there.

Wandering the aisles and exploring the corridors, I read the burial plaques on walls, floors, and marble tombs. Admiring the stained-glass windows, I even found one dedicated to the Cathedral’s organist, Charles Hartford-Llyod.

The holy place hosts happy events like the coronation of King Henry III. Given its fantastic interior, moviemakers have featured Gloucester Cathedral in many films such as Harry Potter , Doctor Who, and Sherlock.

Gloucester Cathedral’s Exterior

While most visit Gloucester Cathedral to admire its magnificent cloisters, take some time to walk around the outside too. I particularly love the butter-colored stone, typical of many buildings in the Cotswolds.

The predominant material, Oolitic limestone, came from the nearby village of Painswick. Due to its abundance, many famous buildings used this stone, including the more famous  London residence, Buckingham Palace.

The southwest corner offers the best views, with its grand central tower ascending 69 meters or 225 feet above the Cathedral. Visitors can easily spot its peak from miles away.

At the South Porch entrance, look above the doorway. The stonework features six figures representing the founders of the initial church. On either side of the arched entrance, another six figures greet guests upon their arrival.

These structures are not original to the Cathedral. Added in 1871, James Frank Redfern sculpted these incredible figures. The attached photo shows these figures which are in remarkable condition, considering their age.

Gloucester Cathedral’s Interior

Entering the Cathedral through the west door, I was blown away by its grandeur. My eyes were drawn upwards to a white vaulted ceiling supported by tall, circular pillars. After the original wooden roof succumbed to fire, monks, replaced it with a more durable stone structure.

With light filtering through the upper windows and upwards lighting within the Cathedral, this was truly a tranquil space, perfect for prayer.

The Nave’s towering pillars were erected by Abbot Serlo, although much of the surrounding décor dates from the 1300s. Compared to other parts of the Cathedral, the Nave seemed relatively simple and less dramatic than similar Gothic structures.

The Norman Nave connects to the Choir Stalls, and on each side, the south and north aisles have the same white-plastered ceiling.

With some smaller chapels within the Cathedral, I found myself wandering for a few hours, admiring every inch of the architecture and discovering new treasures through every doorway. Through exploration, here are some of the stand-out areas for me.

The Choir Stalls And Presbytery

The Choir Stalls are a marvel in construction with its Perpendicular Gothic architecture created around 1370. Here and above the adjoining Presbytery, the ceiling changes to a more elaborate fan-vaulted style that I could have admired forever.

I was in awe of the craftsmanship, from the intricately carved wooden stalls and ornately tiled floor to the beautiful organ above.

Further ahead, the Quire, surrounding the high altar, mesmerizes visitors with its magnificent stained glass window, famously known as the Great East Window. Measuring 22 meters high by 12 meters wide (72 by 38 feet), it’s as big as a tennis court.

At the time of installation, it was the largest window in the world. Today, York Minster’s East Window has the title for the largest medieval window in Great Britain. Gloucester Cathedral’s East Window takes second place.

Above the Choir Stalls and the Presbytery, the elaborate ceiling demonstrates the additions and changes in architecture. Created between 1331 and 1355, I admired the ornate, painted ceiling.

It was fashioned in the Rayonnant style, famous in France during King Louis IX’s reign. Enhanced in hues of red and blue, with gold-gilded angels and flowerets, I was blown away by the craftsmanship.

On either side of the Presbytery, the North and South Transepts lead to the Ambulatories and one of my favorite places, The Lady Chapel. The above Gloucester Cathedral map shows the main floor layout.

The Lady Chapel

Built in the 15th century, I admired the intimate space of The Lady Chapel. When I visited, it had just completed a three-year restoration of both exterior and interior.

The stonework looked remarkably new, from its deep cleaning and the latest lighting added a sense of airiness to the space.

Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, “Our Lady” Chapel is adorned with stained glass windows. Most of these dated from the 1900s, and artist Christopher Whall created them.

Off to the right side, the Musician’s Chapel has unusual stained glass windows. Based on their distinctive style, they obviously date from a newer era.

Within the Lady Chapel, I admired a beautiful memorial to Elizabeth Williams, who died during childbirth in 1622. The humbling monument features her child cloaked in a chrisom shroud, laying by her side.

During my visit, the Cathedral had no access to the Crypt. Accessed from the South Transept, visitors view some of the earliest parts of the structure, which sit eight feet below ground level. Throughout the day, volunteers guide visitors through the Crypt.

There’s no fee to access the Crypt. However, should you want to take photos, the Cathedral suggests a donation to take pictures. I happily donated and was given a sticker to wear on my jacket.

Even though the outer walls of the Crypt are ten feet thick, it experiences frequent flooding. Initially, the subterranean chapels hosted services and events such as funerals. Gloucester cathedral’s Crypt is one of four apsidal cathedral Crypts in England.

The Cloisters

Many visitors come to see Gloucester Cathedral because of its appearances in several Harry Potter motion picture films. The north aisle provides access to the famous Cloisters from either end of its hallway.

The Cloisters are a marvel of design with stunning fan ceilings and stone walls encasing small stained glass windows. The picture-postcard setting is what draws many tourists to the Cotwolds Cathedral.

Archaeologists believe the Cloisters were designed from a cathedral of trees that arch and meet high above the ground. Wherever the inspiration came from, I found them stunning!

Constructed in the 14th century, the cloistered hallways provide access to the inner courtyard or “Garth.” Depending on the time of day, the light filtering through the mullioned windowed cast beautiful shadows on the masonry.

In the north walk, the North Lavatorium has a stone trough, once used by monks for cleaning and bathing. Initially, the monks used the cloisters for work, study, and living.

Browsing the Cloisters, I viewed niche spaces called “carrels” in the south walk. The carrels once housed desks used by the monks to study.

Outside, the garth features an enclosed garden surrounded by the Cloisters. In the center, a small water fountain and park benches provide a space of tranquility.

I visited during the Cotswold AONB Hare Trail event, so I was pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful five-foot-high hare in the garth. Wearing a top hat and donning a red jacket, he looked mighty dapper in his surroundings.

The Tribune Galleries

From the North and South Transepts, winding narrow staircases lead up to the second level. Here, the Tribune Galleries and Bridge Chapel overlook the Cathedral, providing different views.

In the one Gallery, visitors can dress up in period costumes and relive medieval times. So, will you be a mighty monarch or a penniless peasant? I chose the Queen’s outfit, and Brian dressed as a Pope.

In the adjoining Gallery, we learned the difference in architectural styles. Lighted billboards told the history, explained the stained glass-making process, and detailed the Cathedral’s construction.

While the cathedral serves as a resting place for many individuals, it also enshrouded three royalty members. King Edward II’s tomb stands out amongst the others for its spectacular limestone carvings. Located on the north side of the Presbytery, I was in awe of the detailed craftsmanship.

The marble figure lay in a saintly pose as two angels cradle his head. On one hand, an orb, and on the other, a specter. At his feet, a resting lion sits, vigilantly guarding the king.

Interestingly, he was an unpopular king, and his peaceful pose contrasts strongly with his brutal death at Berkeley Castle.

The second memorial belongs to the eldest son of William the Conqueror, Robert Curthose. His colorful effigy immortalizes the warrior once imprisoned for the last twenty years of his life. In 1134, Robert died in his early eighties during his imprisonment in Cardiff Castle.

Located in the North Ambulatory, King Osric’s effigy was created two hundred years after King Edward II’s tomb. Osric’s claim to fame was founding two prominent religious structures, Bath Abbey and Gloucester Cathedral.

Final Thoughts

Other exciting exhibits include the processional cross, circa 1923. Queen Elizabeth used it regularly for processions and at her coronation in 1953.

Should you have the time, consider a guided tour of the Cathedral’s tower. After a couple of hours, I felt I got a good overview of this spectacular Gloucester attraction.

However, I could have spent another hour exploring its nooks a little more closely. Gloucester Cathedral isn’t a place you can see in an hour. Its vastness and grandeur need savoring in baby steps.

Happy travels ~ Karen

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Gloucester Cathedral in Harry Potter: A Magical Guide to Locations, Scenes & More!

Last Updated: February 16, 2022

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Curious about the connection between Gloucester Cathedral and Harry Potter? This post covers everything you need to know about which of the HP movies/scenes filmed here, along with fun facts about production!

When it comes to chasing Harry Potter locations around the world, I can readily admit that I am as shameless as they come.

So when I recently had the chance to stop by Gloucester Cathedral on my Cotswolds road trip , I was so excited, I might have peed a little.

I mean, it’s  Gloucester Cathedral!  One of the most famous and important churches in England!

… And… uh… *cough* a real life stand-in for Hogwarts in several of the Harry Potter films… one of the few places that wasn’t shot in-studio (besides these spots in London and a few others).

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But beyond just acting as a pretty backdrop for filming, the connection between Gloucester and Harry Potter runs far deeper. In fact, Harry Potter author JK Rowling was born in Gloucestershire, and drew inspiration from the county for many of her names and characters.

Plus, the University of Gloucestershire even has its own Dumbledore’s Army where they drink bootleg butterbeer, and the Cathedral itself has been known to run Harry Potter tours from time to time.

So yes, you can say this is a travel destination well suited for even the most rabid of Potterheads.

If that sounds like you, you’re in luck. This post is going to dish out ALL about the connection between Gloucester Cathedral and Harry Potter, filming locations to watch out for at the cathedral, fun facts about production/filming, and of course, how to visit for yourself. Enjoy!

Psssst! If you’re interesting in finding more Harry Potter filming locations, you can click here to read my full, detailed list.

Harry Potter & Gloucester Cathedral: A Brief History

Gloucester Cathedral stood in as the oh-so-magical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the 1st two Harry Potter films, as well as briefly in the 6th.

It was one of a handful of English buildings selected to initially depict Hogwarts, before budgets and production certainty allowed them to construct more permanent and realistic sets for the remainder of the franchise.

So why Gloucester Cathedral then?

Well, according to  Harry Potter: Magical Places from the Films , a key initial consideration for choosing Hogwarts filming locations was the right kind of historic architecture that would do justice to the 1000+ year old Hogwarts Castle.

Given a relatively small pool of well-preserved buildings with this kind of lifespan and history, they took inspiration from some of England’s top universities and cathedrals, including Durham Cathedral , Lacock Abbey , and of course, Gloucester Cathedral. 

It wasn’t all smooth sailing though. If you can believe it, there were protests early on at the Cathedral when the decision was announced because religious groups were adamant in maintaining that “witchcraft is wrong”. Whether or not they realized the books were fictional is, um, unclear.

But nonetheless, filming continued as planned, and  in the year 2000 , Gloucester Cathedral got its little makeover as Hogwarts! Filming returned a year later for Chamber of Secrets, with Gloucester Cathedral serving as the setting for several iconic scenes involving the Hogwarts hallways.

Then, after several years away, filming returned in February 2008 for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince according to the BBC , and Gloucester has been a hotspot for Harry Potter pilgrimages ever since.

And this is a connection that they’re thoroughly proud of. No joke, they even have a special electronic screen in the cloisters showcasing the different scenes that filmed there! Talk about a 21st century cathedral.

Harry Potter Filming Locations at Gloucester Cathedral

And so, if you want to sniff out all the locations used at Gloucester Cathedral throughout the Harry Potter franchise, I have some good news: there’s only one! While the Cathedral is absolutely stunning and its many areas/chapels are well worth exploring, the only part of the church ever used in Harry Potter were the cloisters, pictured below.

And while you’ll be smacked with the Harry Potter vibes instantly when entering the cloisters, a few specific areas to keep an eye out for include:

The Lavatorium: This is where Harry and Ron hide from the troll in the first film, and later in Half-Blood Prince where Harry overhears Snape and Malfoy talking about Snape’s Unbreakable Vow.

The South Side of the Cloisters: This is the hallway all the little Gryffindor babies walk down when heading to their common room for the first time. The Common Room door is actually down at the west end of this passage, although sadly, there’s no Fat Lady there to greet you.

The North Side of the Cloisters: On the East Wall at the end of this passage is where that scary “the Chamber of Secrets has been opened” message appears in the 2nd film.

The East Side of the Cloisters: Easily recognizable as the hallway where you see all the water from Moaning Myrtle flooding the toilets in  Chamber of Secrets.

Notable Gloucester Cathedral/Harry Potter Scenes

In total, Gloucester Cathedral appeared in three of the Harry Potter films: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and once again Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. If you want to know which Harry Potter scenes specifically filmed at Gloucester Cathedral, here’s a list complete with little clips to help jog your memory.

The Gryffindor kids walk up to their Common Room for the first time

From: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Look at how tiny these little babies are! In this scene, you can clearly see the distinctive architecture of Gloucester Cathedral as they approach the Fat Lady waiting for them. Sadly, she’s no longer hanging around the cathedral… I checked!

Harry and Ron hide from the troll

Ah, who can forget that angry girls bathroom-terrorizing troll from the first film? If you look closely, you’ll clearly see Gloucester Cathedral in this scene, when Harry and Ron are trying to avoid the troll who is stomping his way through the halls like me searching for a hangry 3am snack in my apartment.

The “Chamber of Secrets has been opened” message appears on the Hogwarts wall

From: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

This scene from Chamber of Secrets is an iconic one that requires no introduction, but before you freak out that they defaced the Cathedral wall for the sake of filming, don’t worry: they used some very realistic panelling over top to protect the real thing.

The Hogwarts profs enjoy a fun Gilderoy Roast session

I love this scene from Chamber of Secrets where all the adults are talking serious business and we get some serious sassy roasting from McGonagall and Snape towards Gilderoy Lockheart… of course, Harry and Ron overhear everything, and realize Ginny’s in some big trouble.

Harry overhears Malfoy and Snape talking about how Snape made the Unbreakable Vow

From: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Just after Slughorn’s Christmas Party is when Harry overhears this important conversation between Snape and Malfoy in Half-Blood Prince, specifically about how badly Malfoy messed up at the party and how it’s Snape’s job to protect him (yenno, whole Unbreakable Vow thing).

How to Visit Gloucester Cathedral: Visitor’s Info

Alright, so now that I have you all jazzed about the Harry Potter/Gloucester Cathedral connection, here are some key pieces of information to prepare you for your own visit.

Admission Cost:  Admission to Gloucester Cathedral is by donation, the recommended donation is 5 GBP and they even take contactless cards, as well as cash.

Opening Hours: Gloucester Cathedral is open 365 days a year, usually from 7:30am – 6pm although hours can vary due to special events and circumstances. Check out the official website for the latest. 

Fun Facts About Filming Harry Potter at Gloucester Cathedral

Of course, while researching the connection between Harry Potter and Gloucester Cathedral, I came across tons of really fun random facts. Here are some of my favourites!

Warner Bros paid £100,000 to film the Half-Blood Prince there

As a naturally nosy person, one of my first questions about Harry Potter’s filming at Gloucester Cathedral revolved around how much moola the cathedral actually received for filming.

According to the This is Gloucestershire website, the sum was hefty – £100,000 for the 6th film! This might seem like a lot considering filming only took a few days, but the reality is this is only a small dent in the supposed £2.2 million it takes to keep the cathedral running every year.

Students from a nearby school got to be extras

Can you imagine getting to masquerade as a Hogwarts student simply because your school is next door to the filming location? Well, that happened, and some ridiculously lucky kids from the King’s School got to stand in as extras during filming at Gloucester Cathedral!

And to think the most exciting thing about my school days were our monthly pizza lunches…

All the religious symbols in the cathedral needed a makeover

Since religious symbols floating around Hogwarts would have probably ruined the magical vibe a bit, the crew used some pretty creative methods to cover up any religious symbolism like halos in the cloisters for filming.

This was accomplished through strategic placement of plastic filter paper. According to the BBC , two stained glass windows of Adam and Eve were even given clothing and little Harry Potter lightning bolts on their heads just in case they were caught on camera!

They had to cover up tombs with roofing felt

You know what’s totally not cool and magical to include in your Hogwarts set? Hundreds of tombs!

In reality, the Gloucester Cathedral cloisters are filled with tombs embedded in the ground, so the crew had to cover it all up with roofing felt which was then treated, dyed, etc. to match the scene.

BONUS: Plenty of other cool productions have also filmed at Gloucester Cathedral

So while this isn’t Harry Potter related, I wanted to point out a few other awesome productions that used Gloucester Cathedral as a filming location. A recent one is actually Avengers: Endgame, where the cathedral was the setting for scenes at Asgard.

Sherlock and the 2008 Doctor Who Christmas special also filmed here.

Other Harry Potter Things to do Near Gloucester Cathedral

If you’re a Potterhead who has been let loose in the streets of Gloucester, I have some awesome news: visiting the cathedral isn’t the only Harry Potter thing you can do in the area! Here are some other fun Harry Pottery things to add to your itinerary:

1. Check out Godric’s Hollow and Bubleigh Babberton

Okay, so as die-hard fans will know, the actual Godric’s Hollow scenes from the Harry Potter films were filmed in Lavenham, England (you can click here to see my full list of filming locations ).

That said, the half-timbered houses found in the Gloucester historic center, to me, really resembled the architecture of Godric’s Hollow and even Bubleigh Babberton (which filmed over in Lacock ).

If you’re not able to hit up all these spots on your trip, enjoying the half-timbered whimsy in Gloucester may be the next best thing!

2. Visit the town of “Dursley”

Since JK Rowling is from Gloucestershire, it’s well documented that she took a lot of naming inspiration for the Harry Potter series from the region itself.

One of the clearest examples of this is that the Dursleys were named after a cute little town in Gloucestershire not too far from the Cathedral named, of course, Dursley.

Besides the Harry Potter link of course, it’s a cute little Cotswold market town that acts as a great base for hiking.

3. Visit the little village that the wizarding Potter family is from

While of course, we know that James and Lily Potter lived in the (fictional) Godric’s Hollow, JK Rowling once revealed on Pottermore that “the wizarding family of Potters descends from the twelfth-century wizard Linfred of Stinchcombe, a locally well-beloved and eccentric man, whose nickname, ‘the Potterer’, became corrupted in time to ‘Potter’.”

That means that the wizarding Potter family actually traces its origins back to the little village of Stinchcombe, a short drive away from Gloucester.

The craziest part about this? We actually drove through Stinchcombe en route to visit Gloucester Cathedral, and felt implored to pull over and take some photos of the tiny village, in spite of the fact that there wasn’t much to do there. Was my Harry Potter 6th sense at work? I’d like to pretend it was.

4. Visit JK Rowling’s childhood village

Real hardcore Potterheads might be interested in a little detour/pilgrimage to JK Rowling’s childhood village.

And if that sounds like a stalkery move you’d be into, then the village you’re looking for is known as Tutshill, which you might recognize from the Quidditch team, Tutshill Tornadoes.

This cute village is only a short drive from Gloucester, with fan highlights being of course 1) Church Cottage, Rowling’s childhood home and 2) the Tutshill Church of England Primary School, where Rowling had a teacher that would later inspire the character of Severus Snape.

5. Check out Hagrid’s birthplace and Hermione’s favourite camping spot 😉

Another nearby Harry Potter place in Gloucestshire is the Forest of Dean, which is mentioned several times throughout the Harry Potter franchise.

Firstly, Hagrid was apparently born here, but more importantly, it’s a place that (in Deathly Hallows) Hermione remembers fondly as a place she used to go with her parents… This is also where Harry and Hermione hide out for a while at their campsite, and where Harry gets the sword of Gryffindor.

In the movies, filming occurred at Coppett Hill and also in the trailers, you can spot at Symonds Yat along the bank of the River Wye.

6. Sleep where Hogwarts professors sleep

Last but not least, if you’re looking for a nice  place to stay, then why not book a room where the professors of Hogwarts have slept? Back when they were filming Chamber of Secrets, all the adult actors (including Alan Rickman, Kenneth Branagh and Dame Maggie Smith) holed up in the Hotel on the Park in Cheltenham , now known as No38 The Park , which is housed in a beautiful Gregorian villa.

How can I possibly know this very stalkery and specific piece of information? Well, I stumbled upon this really amusing article from 2005 which details personal stories from the hotelkeepers, who were sworn to secrecy at the time but felt comfortable spilling the beans about the actors’ stays a few years later.

Some wonderful revelations: apparently one of the actors was kind of a demanding diva (they wouldn’t say who!), Kenneth Branagh ordered a massage and the masseuse basically sprinted to the hotel and gave him a massage twice as long as normal (haha), and my personal favourite: Alan Rickman almost immediately invited the hotel owners on set and even greeted their kids in character. So wholesome!

Any other questions about Harry Potter and Gloucester Cathedral?

I hope you enjoyed this (terrifying detailed) post all about the Gloucester Cathedral/Harry Potter connection. Let me know in the comments if you have any more questions. I hope you have a magical trip, and safe travels!

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Visit Gloucester Cathedral Where Some of Harry Potter Was Filmed

Gloucester Cathedral in Gloucestershire is the cathedral I have visited the most, due to it being in my hometown. It is the jewel in the city’s crown and absolutely gorgeous inside and out. Gloucester Cathedral is in the Westgate area of the city, near to the shops, thus easy to find as it dominates the city skyline.

Gloucester Cathedral is great for a mooch around and also to visit one of the many events that take place there. The cathedral has lots on over the Christmas and Easter periods, including some fantastic Christmas decorations. It’s a great subject to take photographs of from many angles, including from all parts of its grounds. The building has been on many films and TV shows, the most significant being Hogwarts School from the Harry Potter Movies.

The Grounds of Gloucester Cathedral is a fantastic place to eat and alfresco lunch on a warm day. There are many places to sit. Lunch in the photo was from the delightful Peppers Cafe , a short walk away. Nearby is also the delightful Angie’s bar who serve some great beer options.

Gloucester Cathedral Architecture

They built Gloucester Cathedral in a combination of Romanesque & Gothic architectural styles. They primarily built the building between 1089 and 1499. The 15th century tower of the building is 69 metres in height, hence it is visible from quite some distance. This tower has 4 pinnacles at the corners of the towers.

The cathedral is 130 metres long and 44 metres wide, surrounded by some nicely maintained gardens. The cloisters in Gloucester Cathedral are one of the most beautiful in any of the world’s cathedrals. They build the cloisters using fan vaulting. This was the first use of this style in the UK.

Best Parts of Gloucester Cathedral to See

First, the grounds outside are absolutely stunning and a great place to look around or enjoy lunch outside. There are some landscaped gardens, medieval walls and gates to see here. As a bonus, you can peruse the exterior at anytime of the day.

Viewing the tower from all over the city is great, including from up close on the grounds. Brilliant spots to see this are from the docks, the far riverbank, or even in a multi-storey carpark. One of the most splendid views from afar is from St Oswald’s Priory, close to the grounds.

The cloisters, made even more famous by the Harry Potter movies, are a grand example of fan vaulting. They are fantastic to have a wander through and look at the decorative features. The small stained glass windows in the cloisters are interesting to look at and make for some interesting lighting, too.

The Pipe Organ

The Organ is a very grand and sits in the principal part of the building. The pipes and position are fantastic to look at. It is also great to listen too, either at an event or if lucky when someone is practicing.

Secret Garden

The secret garden of Gloucester Cathedral is an enclosed garden that has cloisters on three sides and the principal building on the other side. This is a great place to sit and reflect, well it is for me. Its official name is The Garth, which has one of the best views of the tower. For eagle eyed visitors, you may be lucky enough to spot a peregrine falcon here too.

St Andrew’s Chapel

Another nice thing to see while in the cathedral is St Andrew’s Chapel.St Andrew’s Chapel is fantastically painted in the Italian style. Thomas Gambier Parry completed the paintings in Str Andrews Chapel about the theme of disciples.

He painted them between 1866 and 1868. He was apparently inspired by medieval frescoes he had seen in Italian churches. It certainly differed from other chapels in Gloucester Cathedral and is well worth seeking out.

Processional Cross

There are many interesting artefacts to see inside the cathedral is this processional cross. This one dates from 1923 and is regularly used for processions. Most interestingly, they used it at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

The Masons Bracket

Stonemasons mostly built cathedrals like Gloucester Cathedral and sometimes things didn’t go well. In the cathedral is the masons bracket, which they think is a memorial to an apprentice mason who fell from the vault above during the 1300s. The carving shows the Master Mason looking up in horror as he sees the apprentice falling. In keeping with a stonemason tradition, the monument is an L-shape, like their frequently used tool.

History of Gloucester Cathedral

The cathedral has a fascinating and colourful history over the last 13 centuries. This shaped the cathedral and the city.

Early History of the Site

The historic Gloucester Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship constantly for over 1,300 years. This started in 678AD when Osric, an Anglo-Saxon prince, founded a religious house here.

During the Norman conquest in 1066, the abbey was not doing particularly well. Thus, in 1072, King William I appointed a monk called Serlo from the beautiful Mont St Michel in Normandy to become the Abbeys Abbot. This resulted in the growth and wealth of the monastery over the next 23 years, thus enabling to start work on the cathedral we know today.

The then Abbey of St Peter becomes a wealthy and powerful institution with extensive landholdings in Gloucestershire and also South Wales.

Middle Ages

In 1216, they crowned King Henry III here. He has succeeded to the throne at the young age of nine. Also in the 13th century, building work started on the first Lady Chapel, the new tower and refectory.

In 1327, King Edward II died in Berkeley Castle in suspicious and gruesome circumstances typical of medieval times. After his death, they buried him here. They erected a shrine-like monument over the tomb of King Edward II. Royal patronage, and popular devotion led to funds flowing into the abbey. The extra money funded the splendid remodelling of the east end. They did this in the very latest Perpendicular style.

In the 15th century, more building work occurred included the remodelling of the west end and construction of the present tower and more.

The 16th & 17th Centuries of History

Buring the ideological “struggles” of the 16th and 17th centuries, bad things happened in Gloucester. The most notorious was Bishop Hooper being burned at the stake for his religious beliefs. The Catholic Queen Mary ordered Bishop Hooper’s death here in 1555. There is now a monument to Bishop Hooper, a stone’s throw from the grounds next to St Mary de Lode church.

Under the rule of Oliver Cromwell, there was a suggestion to demolish the cathedral building altogether. However, they spared it after the intervention of the mayor and burgesses of the City of Gloucester.

Post Civil War Era

After The Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, the Dean and Chapter resumed the running of the Cathedral. This is also how they managed it today. Renovation and conservation of the building become a priority, rather than growth and expansion. Throughout the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, they have carried out repairs and conservation work rather than rebuilding or remodelling the building.

Harry Potter & Hogwarts School

For film buffs, the cathedral is one venue for two of the Harry Potter movies. They transformed parts of the cloisters into the corridors of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The two movies based on JK Rowling’s first two books,Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Christmas At The Cathedral

Each Christmas, the cathedral becomes a festive attraction for a variety of reasons. The interior has some fantastic decorations in the main nave and throughout the cloisters. This year the trees at the altar were splendid and is beautifully decorated. The cloisters had some rather special lighting and a variety of themed decorations. They also host carol services and other events during December. Most of these are bookable via their website.

Entry & Tours of Gloucester Cathedral

To visit the cathedral, as with most cathedrals throughout Europe, is free however, they encouraged donations towards its upkeep. A suggested donation is £5 for a mooch around, however special tours, including visiting the crypts, are available for a fee.

Visitors are welcome between 10am and 5pm on Monday through to Saturday. Also on Sunday you can visit, but only from midday until 5pm. It is best to consult their website about current times of entry.

You can also book tours with guides through the cathedral or the city.

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Gloucester Cathedral to celebrate past residents of Gloucester’s Westgate Street with special service

Gloucester Cathedral invites the community to celebrate the city’s rich heritage with a special service on Friday 26 April at 7pm to recognise and remember the contributions from past residents and employees of the city’s vibrant Westgate Street.

Drawing to a close its display of the atmospheric We Are Gathered Here exhibition, Gloucester Cathedral welcomes the whole community to a poignant service to remember the lives of former inhabitants and employees of Gloucester's vibrant Westgate Street on Friday 26 April at 7pm. We Are Gathered Here is an atmospheric art exhibition that brings past residents of Gloucester to life, by depicting a congregation in silhouette. It pays homage to the people who have contributed to Westgate Street’s heritage over time. They once lived, worked, visited or supported Westgate Street at various times in the past.

The We Are Gathered Here exhibition is in partnership with the Cathedral Quarter High Street Heritage Action Zone (Gloucester City Council and Historic England), Gloucestershire Family History Society, Gloucester Civic Trust, Gloucestershire College and the Churches Conservation Trust, and supported by Voices Gloucester and Nicks Timber.

In a touching tribute during the service, each name acknowledged in the exhibition will be called in recognition of their contribution to Westgate Street. Prayers will also be given for those living and working in Westgate Street today. Ahead of the service at 6.30pm, a private viewing of the We Are Gathered Here installation will take place, providing attendees with a final look at this exhibition.

The service will be led by the Rector of the City Centre, Reverend Canon Nikki Arthy.

Reverend Canon Nikki said:

“To recognise and celebrate our history and heritage, we will honour all those people who once lived, worked, visited or supported Westgate Street in the past on Friday 26 April. The service will be an opportunity to give thanks to God for their lives, to pray for them and for their families, friends and neighbours. We will pray too for the people of Westgate Street today.”

All are welcome to attend this service. No booking is required, and admission is free. Donations to the Cathedral are always welcome. Find out more on the Cathedral website .

For more press information contact:

Elspeth Keep

Marketing & Communications Manager

[email protected]

Notes for Editors

About Gloucester Cathedral:

Gloucester Cathedral is a glorious sacred space in the heart of Gloucester, with a history that can be traced back to 679AD. It is the mother church of the Diocese of Gloucester and is open daily, with entry by donation. It hosts a packed and varied programme of services and events throughout the year.