The Contractor's Guide to Gloucester: What to Do After a Day on Site

You've just finished a 10-hour shift. You're tired, you're hungry, and you're in a city you don't know. The easiest option is to retreat to your room and stare at the TV, but that gets old fast.

Working away from home in Gloucester doesn't have to be a boring cycle of "site-room-sleep-repeat." This is a vibrant, historic city with a proud, independent streak, great food, and one of the most famous rugby clubs in the world.

As specialists in providing worker accommodation in Gloucester, we want our clients to feel at home. That means not just having a comfortable base, but also knowing how to live like a local.

This is your no-nonsense guide for contractors in Gloucester. Here’s what to do, where to eat, and how to relax after a long day on site.

The Best Pubs for a Quiet Pint (and Good Food)

You're not looking for a rowdy club. You're looking for a good pint, a decent meal, and a comfortable seat.

• For the History Buff: The New Inn (City Centre) Don't let the name fool you; this place is from the 15th century. It's a stunning timber-framed pub with a galleried courtyard, a proper "old-school" pub feel, and a reputation for good, honest pub grub.

• For the Ale-Lover: The Pelican Inn (near The Docks) A CAMRA-award-winning, traditional boozer tucked away near the city centre. It's all about the beer, with a great range of real ales. It's small, friendly, and a perfect place to unwind.

• For the Views: The Tall Ship (Gloucester Docks) Right on the water in the heart of the historic Docks. On a good evening, you can sit outside, watch the world go by, and enjoy a well-deserved drink. It's a classic Docks experience.

Where to Get a Decent Meal (That's Not a Chain)

Your serviced apartment has a full kitchen, but for the nights you don't want to cook, here's where to go.

• For Variety: Gloucester Food Dock This is a game-changer. Located at the Docks, this is a new hub of independent street food kitchens. You can get anything from incredible smash burgers and wood-fired pizza to authentic curries and noodles. Perfect for a team with different tastes.

• For a Proper Sit-Down Meal: Greek on the Docks A firm local favourite. Fantastic, authentic Greek food in a beautiful setting overlooking the water. It’s a great place to treat yourself after a tough week.

• For the Best Takeaway: (Local Secrets) Ask a local, and they'll point you to Shimla Spice for a brilliant curry or Polash for a top-quality Indian. These are the places you'll want on speed dial.

Staying Active: Where to Go for a Run or Hit the Gym

Sitting in a van or being on-site all day can take its toll. Staying active is key to feeling good.

• For a City Centre Run: Gloucester Park This is the city's green lung. It's a large, beautiful Victorian park right in the centre of town, perfect for a 5k loop to clear your head.

• For a Real Workout: Robinswood Hill If you're based in a worker accommodation property on the south side of the city (near Gloucester Business Park or J12), a walk or run up Robinswood Hill is a must. The hill is a 193-metre climb, and the reward is a breathtaking 360-degree view over the entire Severn Vale, the Forest of Dean, and even into Wales.

• For the Gym: Gloucester has all the main players. You'll find a PureGym (open 24/7) and The Gym Group at the Quays, and the GL1 leisure centre has a large gym and swimming pool.

Essentials: Supermarkets and Hardware

Living in a "home away from home" means knowing where to get the essentials.

• The Big Shop: There's a 24-hour Asda near the city centre, a large Tesco in Quedgeley (perfect if you're working at Waterwells Business Park), and a big Sainsbury's at the Quays.

• Hardware/Tools: You're never far from a Screwfix, Toolstation, or B&Q. There are large clusters of them around the main industrial estates, so you can easily grab supplies on the way to or from your site.

Experience the Real Gloucester: Go to "Kingsholm"

Even if you're not a rugby fan, you must experience a Gloucester Rugby match at Kingsholm Stadium. The atmosphere is legendary. "The Shed" is a world-famous terrace full of die-hard, passionate fans. A Friday night game under the lights is one of the best experiences in British sport.

The Best Basecamp: Your stayingloucester.co Accommodation

The best part of exploring Gloucester is having a comfortable, central base to return to. Our worker accommodation properties are real homes in real neighbourhoods. They are located with easy access to these amenities, so you can live like a local, not a temporary visitor. You get the comfort of a home, with the convenience of a professional service.

Need a comfortable base for your work contract in Gloucester? Choose stayingloucester.co and start living in Gloucester, not just working in it.