Site of Eastgate House

The ruins of Eastgate House sit quietly on the outskirts of Gloucester, a proper slice of Tudor-era architecture that most visitors to the city completely miss. What remains today is the gatehouse itself - a substantial brick structure from the 1540s that once guarded the entrance to a grand estate. You can still make out the original decorative brickwork and chimney stacks, which gives you a real sense of how important this place once was.

It's the sort of spot that appeals most to architecture enthusiasts and local history buffs rather than casual tourists. You won't find crowds here, which is partly because access can be tricky - it's not always signposted brilliantly, and opening hours aren't always reliable. Allow fifteen minutes to have a proper look around, though history types could spend longer studying the brickwork patterns and imagining what the full house looked like.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Red Lion Inn Camping or The Glamping Orchard are both within easy reach - it makes a decent short walk or quick drive from Gloucester itself. Free admission and no facilities to speak of, so come prepared. It won't blow your mind, but if you're already exploring Gloucester's medieval side, the gatehouse is worth a detour. Just don't expect a visitor centre or explanatory boards. This is archaeology in its quietest form.