Gloucester Waterways Museum

National Waterways Museum which includes signage and interior views
National Waterways Museum showing signage
National Waterways Museum showing signage
National Waterways Museum which includes interior views
National Waterways Museum which includes a river or creek and signage


Play around with interactive exhibits, study educational displays and examine an extensive collection of boats at this quayside museum.

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.

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Things to do near Gloucester Waterways Museum

At Gloucester Waterways Museum, visitors can enjoy a variety of engaging activities, including guided museum tours and interactive exhibits that bring the region's maritime history to life. Don't miss the fascinating craft demonstrations and the chance to take a scenic canal trip, offering a unique perspective of the beautiful surroundings. For relaxation, nearby spas provide an excellent way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Gloucester Waterways Museum, visit Gloucester Quays, just 249m away, offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore Highgrove Shop in Tetbury, 9.9km away, or The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, 17.4km away, both with great shopping options.

Recreation

Kingsholm Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located a mere 311m from the Gloucester Waterways Museum. For a tranquil retreat, Haresfield Beacon, 3.7km away, provides stunning views and relaxation. Painswick Golf Club, 5.0km distant, invites outdoor sports lovers to enjoy its lush greens.

Adventure

For thrill-seekers, the Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre offers exhilarating slopes just 1.2km away, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. For karting aficionados, JDR Karting provides an adrenaline-pumping experience only 559m away. If you're into motorsport, Prescott Speed Hill Climb, located 11.2km away, promises exciting races.

Nightlife

In Gloucester, the Everyman Theatre and Cheltenham Playhouse offer a delightful mix of culture and romance, both located 5.0km away, perfect for an enchanting evening. For a more casual vibe, Cineworld Gloucester Quays, just 249m away, provides a fantastic selection of films for all the family.

Find the best attractions near Gloucester Waterways Museum

While visiting the Gloucester Waterways Museum, you'll find a variety of attractions nearby, including historic churches, modern colleges, and urban parks. These points of interest are ideal for those seeking cultural experiences, family outings, or outdoor adventures. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the museum itself, along with the National Waterways Museum Gloucester, and other local gems that showcase the rich heritage of Gloucestershire.

  • Gloucester Cathedral: A magnificent example of Gothic architecture, Gloucester Cathedral is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows and serene cloisters. Just 124m from the museum, it offers a rich tapestry of history and culture, making it a must-visit for those who appreciate ecclesiastical heritage.
  • Hartpury University and Hartpury College: Located 2.5km away, this modern institution is known for its focus on agriculture, animal science, and sport. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant campus atmosphere that combines education with community engagement, making it an intriguing stop for those interested in contemporary academic life.
  • Cheltenham Town Hall: Situated 5.0km from the museum, this striking civic building hosts a variety of events and concerts. Its architectural grandeur and business-like ambiance provide a glimpse into Cheltenham's cultural scene, making it a lively destination for arts and community events.

Best time to go to Gloucester Waterways Museum

The best time to visit Gloucester Waterways Museum is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
April47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July61.9°F (16.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September57.4°F (14.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
October52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Gloucester Waterways Museum

To save on your visit to the Gloucester Waterways Museum, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Aim to book your stay on a Thursday, the cheapest day, while avoiding Saturdays for better rates. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels and filter for eco-certified options. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities in a package for additional savings. Don't forget to check for discounts and ticket deals to further enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Gloucester Waterways Museum are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March, May and July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Gloucester Waterways Museum is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Gloucester Waterways Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel stay at the Gloucester Waterways Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.