15 Hidden Gems around our College Campuses to Visit

Gloucester Hidden Gems:

1. Warehouse Climbing Centre

This revamped Victorian warehouse is home to an indoor climbing and caving centre. Students can join sessions running in the afternoon and on the weekend where five floors are waiting to be explored.

2. Kat’s Corner

Tucked away in Southgate Street is a treasure trove of vintage and modern games and collectables for all obsessed video game fanatics. With rows and rows of Lego, game consoles, hit sci-fi films merch, vintage arcade games and endless comics, this is a fantastic place for students to hang out after a long day at college.

3. Vinyl Vital Signs

Are you a music lover? Eastgate shopping centre is home to a vinyl record shop that also sells CDs, merchandise and memorabilia from every era.

4. Sherborne Cinema

This fantastic independent vintage cinema is fully equipped with up-to-date digital projection and Dolby surround sound to enhance your experience. With a fantastic programme of films and affordable snacks and drinks, this is a hidden gem worth checking out.

5. Bake and Brew

Coffee, baked goods and delicious savouries are only a short walk away from our Gloucester Campus on the docks. Bake and Brew have now added an outdoor seating area which is perfect for brunch and of course getting in your morning coffee!

Cheltenham Hidden Gems:

1. Smokey Joe’s Diner

Cheltenham is home to a fantastic American Diner that transports you back to the 1950s. Burgers, hot dogs and soda floats are on the menu and there’s even some retro arcade games at the back.

2. Tea Star Bubble Tea

This place’s menu is full of exotic and delicious bubble tea options – just take a look at their Instagram and try it for yourself.

3. Paint It Yourself Pottery

Paint till your heart's content at this pottery painting experience. You can paint a mug, bowl, animal or vase to take home and cherish.

4. Cheltenham Festivals

There is always something fun happening in Montpelier throughout the year. Check out the 2022-23 schedule and see what interests you. In the meantime, Montpelier is a quiet place you can relax and get in that all-important reading for your studies.

5. Malone’s Vintage

Are you a bit of a thrifter when it comes to clothes and accessories? Malone’s vintage is a hidden gem of vintage pride and fashion, specialising in stunning mid-century fashion from the 1940s – 1960s. Just take a look for yourself.

Forest of Dean Campus:

1. The Palace Cinema

At only £4.50 a ticket you can’t go wrong with this Cinderford cinema. Originally built in 1910, it now shows Hollywood and blockbuster films, and not only are the tickets affordable but so are their range of snacks and drinks so you’ll never have to spend a fortune at the cinema again!

2. The Twilight Lounge

This family-run restaurant allows you to custom-build your burger whilst giving you a unique interactive experience. Check out the fabulous ice cream too.

3. Bird’s Pottery

Visit this family-run studio in Littledean and have a go on the potters wheel or take a ceramic class. This truly is a wonderful find for experienced or newcomers. And you might even make a furry friend!

4. Forest Climbing Ltd

You may be looking for something more adventurous and exciting, we’ll look no further than forest climbing. If you're looking for a challenge while having little experience, bouldering is for everyone and is a great starting point with no equipment needed. 

5. Steam Mills Lake

…and relax. After a long week, month or term at College it’s important to relax and rejuvenate and what better place to do so but at Steam Mills Lake? Located at our Forest of Dean campus, you’ll likely find many other students enjoying the peace and even finding inspiration by the water.

Want to find out more about studying at Gloucestershire College and our three campuses? Come along to one of our events or contact our friendly Student Services team who’d love to help.