The city could be an affordable option for those who want to work from home or start a remote business, as it’s more affordable than some of the surrounding areas, and offers access to beautiful countryside
Remote workers looking for a new home should consider this city(Image: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)
A city in the south west that offers affordable housing, a pretty centre, and easy access to the countryside for lunchtime walks has been named the UK’s best place to start a remote business.
A study that looked at factors including rent prices, number of post offices, business survival rates, and other information useful for remote workers identified Gloucester as the top place to work from your laptop.
The Roman city topped the list, compiled by payment provider Dojo, narrowly beating Norwich and Southampton. Carlisle and Swansea.
The average private rent in Gloucester came in at £1,069 in January 2026, and three-bedroom homes can be bought for under £200k according to Rightmove listings. The city has a five-year start-up survival rate of 43% thanks to local support networks, meaning entrepreneurs have a better chance of their business succeeding in this area.
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Gloucester’s Forum in the Kings Quarter is one example of projects being run by the council to support local businesses. A multi-million-pound regeneration scheme has seen co-working spaces and offices open in the area, so if you get bored with homeworking, you can rent a desk.
Best Cotswolds holiday cottage deals
The Cotswolds is famous for its rolling hills, honey-coloured villages and quintessential English charm. Sykes Cottages has a wide range of places to stay, starting from £38 per night.
Just a short walk away is Gloucester Quays, another area of the city that has been given a complete makeover. Once an industrial wasteland, it has been turned into a pleasant waterfront promenade full of shops, restaurants and cafés, perfect for a lunchtime walk.
Around 88% of the Gloucester area also has access to ultrafast broadband – over 100 Mbps – a practical consideration that many homeworkers need to take into account.
If you’re just passing through the city, there’s plenty to see. Visit Gloucester Cathedral, a grand, imposing building that dates back to the 11th century and is the resting place of King Edward II. History buffs will also love the National Waterways Museum on the docks, where they can see vintage narrowboats up close and a replica lock.
Nature in Art is also worth a visit. Set in the grounds of a 17th-century mansion, this unique art trail includes paintings, sculptures, and many unique works.
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Perhaps best of all, Gloucester is set within the Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty made up of rolling green hills, meadows, and charming traditional villages. You’re just a short drive away from country walks and cosy pubs to explore after work or at weekends.
Visit Haresfield Beacon just south of the city, a walk that combines woodland and grassland, with a one-mile circular walk that enjoys beautiful views. WWT Slimbridge is nearby on the banks of the River Severn. This wetland wildlife reserve includes flocks of flamingos, pretty swans, and mischievous otters, which can be seen in their natural habitat. The best way to see it is on a canoe safari. Grab a paddle and follow the trails to see wetland creatures up close.
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