Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum

About the museum

The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum was established in 1990 to look after the military heritage of the county. It is an independent charity and tells the story of the Gloucestershire Regiment, the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars and the modern regiments that carry on their traditions.

The museum is housed in the Custom House at Gloucester Docks. After a major redevelopment supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund it reopened in April 2014 as a more interactive visitor attraction, with galleries that follow Gloucestershire soldiers from the Napoleonic Wars through the two world wars to Korea and recent conflicts.

The displays include a recreated First World War trench, the story of the regiment's famous Back Badge, and the Hussars' service in North Africa. Visitors can handle objects, try on uniforms and follow trails. The collection holds thousands of items, among them medals, uniforms, photographs, archives and personal belongings covering twelve generations of local soldiers from 1694 to the present day.

A team of volunteers carries out research for visitors and families, using officer and enlistment records, newspapers and regimental journals, and maintains a database of more than 40,000 First World War soldiers. The museum also offers school sessions, handling boxes for loan and a boardroom for hire.

Highlights

• Recreated First World War trench
• The Back Badge story of the Gloucestershire Regiment
• Royal Gloucestershire Hussars in North Africa
• Medals, uniforms and personal belongings
• Database of over 40,000 First World War soldiers

Permanent exhibition

• Soldiers of Gloucestershire galleries – Galleries on Gloucestershire soldiers from 1694 to today, with a recreated First World War trench, the Back Badge story and the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum (independent charity)

Admission & discounts

Visitors who pay tax in the UK can add Gift Aid to their admission.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The ground floor is fully accessible. The upper galleries are normally reached by lift; when the lift is out of service an alternative route may be possible with help, so visitors should contact the museum or ask at reception. Accessible toilets are available. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout; other dogs are not allowed in the galleries. SEND bags with headphones and sensory toys are available on request. Blue Badge holders get the first three hours free in the Gloucester Docks car park.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Interactive displays, family trails, a reconstructed First World War trench and activities in the school holidays. SEND bags are available on request.

Getting there & parking

About 6 minutes from the station by taxi or car. Bike parking outside the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

No cafe, but drinks can be bought and enjoyed in the atrium or garden; cafes and restaurants are a few minutes' walk away at Gloucester Docks and Gloucester Quays. The museum shop sells books, gifts and military history items.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 30 guests.

The Regimental Boardroom on the upper floor seats up to 20 boardroom style or 30 lecture style. Whole-venue hire is available after 17:00 seven days a week, with an optional bar.

Plan your visit