Gloucester Sport

The people of Gloucester are passionate about their sport. The city’s fantastic rugby team have a proud and successful history, terrorising opponents in the Premiership each season and, after lifting the LV Cup Trophy in March 2011, assuring them of European competition in the Heineken Cup for 2011/12. 

It’s not all rugby, though. Gloucester City AFC also known as the Tigers have certainly bared their teeth and claws over the last couple of seasons. Boasting one of the best atmospheres in non-league football, the club is steadfastly building a squad with designs on moving up the ranks into league play.

During the summer months, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club play a number of games at the King’s School in Gloucester (2011’s Twenty 20 lineup featured the Sri Lankan spin legend, Muttiah Muralitharan, no less) with the majority of fixtures taking place in Bristol.

Hartpury College Equine Centre boasts some of the finest three-day eventing facilities in the country and attracts the cream of equestrian talent each year when hosting the annual NAF International Hartpury Horse Trials.

Those who want to participate rather than just watch sport can get their fix across a range of activities, including swimming and lots more at GL1, the city’s leisure centre, and tennis, at the fantastic Oxstall’s Indoor Tennis Centre facility. Avid golfers needn’t feel short changed either with Gloucester Golf Club located just outside the city centre in Robinswood Hill, plus there more courses in nearby Highnam and Churchdown.

The city also features a great climbing centre, The Warehouse, a thrilling go-karting and darklight laser tag arena JDR Karting and the fantastic Ski and Snowboard Centre, which boasts one of the best and longest artificial dry ski slopes in the UK.

Gentler activity can be had by visiting some delightful green open spaces, including Gloucester Park, Robinswood Hill Country Park and Highnam Court and Gardens. Special mention must of course go to the spectacular natural phenomenon that is the Severn Bore; a surging wave that travels up the River Severn when tidal conditions are right.