Delve into the heritage of Gloucester’s docks at the Gloucester Waterways Museum. See a wonderful collection of waterway-related artifacts, including working engines, intricate models and locks. The museum also displays tugboats, river barges and narrowboats as well as steam cranes and a model of a canal.
As you approach the entrance, look for boats of all shapes and sizes in the surrounding docks and canals. Then head inside to discover more about the story of Britain’s inland waterways.
Browse the exhibits, which are held inside a historic dockside warehouse. The exhibits explain the importance of the countries canals and feature old plans, maps and administrative records from British navigation companies.
Leisure cruises operate from the Gloucester Waterways Museum. Arrange to join one and watch for birds and other wildlife as the boat drifts along the waterway. If you’d rather stay on dry land, walk along the working dry docks instead and observe craftspeople overhaul historic vessels using traditional and modern tools. Some of these boats are wooden sailing ships that date back as far as the early 20th century.
If you’re keen to find out more about the docks, take a guided tour with Gloucester Civic Trust. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide around the site as they reveal the history of this significant inland port, which dates back to Roman times.
While here, stop at the nearby Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum at the end of Victoria Dock. This notable museum is devoted to the Gloucestershire Regiment and the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars, a yeomanry regiment of the British Army. Inspect the interesting collection of military artifacts, which includes weapons, medals and clothing.
Find the Gloucester Waterways Museum at Gloucester Docks, about 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) from the centre of Gloucester. The docks are also an excellent place to shop, so allow yourself time to search the outlets, which sell designer fashions at significantly reduced prices. Smaller independent stores at the docks also sell antiques and fine handmade jewellery.
Visiting the Gloucester Waterways Museum is a great way to learn about life on Britain’s inland waterways.
