Guide To Gloucester Waterways Museum

Model of a Canal with Working Locks

Visitors can witness a canal in action through a meticulously designed model that showcases a portion of the canal equipped with working locks. This hands-on display provides an entertaining and informative learning opportunity for people of all ages. 

Historic Boat Collection

The museum boasts an impressive collection of boats, including narrowboats, river barges, canal and river tugs, and a steam-powered dredger. Visitors can climb aboard these historic vessels and learn about their unique stories and their important roles in developing Britain’s waterways. 

Steam Crane and Heavy Oil Engine

 The museum also features a steam crane and a heavy oil engine in the setting of a canal repair yard. Complete with a working machine shop, forge, and weighbridge, this exhibit provides a glimpse into the industrial past of Britain’s waterways. 

Archive Films and Galleries

 Visitors can explore galleries filled with canal heritage and stories and watch archive films showcasing the history and development of Britain’s inland waterways.

Gloucester Waterways museum at the heart of the fine Victorian Gloucester Docks

Boat Trips and Boat Hire 

The Gloucester Waterways Museum offers 45-minute boat trips along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal aboard Queen Boadicea II, a Dunkirk Little Ship. These boat trips give visitors the opportunity to see the beauty and history of the canal first-hand. Boats are also available for hire, allowing visitors to explore the waterways at their own pace. 

Places to Eat and Relax 

The museum features a cafe that offers a selection of tasty treats and refreshing beverages. Visitors can also relax on the picnic benches, funded by the Friends of the National Waterways Museum, located outside the cafe. The cafe and gift shop are free to visit all year round. 

Dog-Friendly Environment 

The Gloucester Waterways Museum welcomes well-behaved dogs both inside the museum and on board the trip boat. The cafe even sells vanilla dog ice cream, ensuring that canine visitors are treated just as well as their human counterparts!

Accessibility and Facilities 

The museum is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all visitors. Facilities for disabled visitors include:

• All areas accessible to disabled visitors
• Ramps and level access
• Toilets for disabled visitors
• Facilities for hearing-impaired visitors, such as enhanced audio on individual displays
• Guide dogs permitted

Events

The Gloucester Waterways Museum regularly hosts family activities during school holidays, talks for enthusiasts, craft demonstrations, and seasonal cruise specials. Follow the museum on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates on upcoming events and activities. 

An Award-Winning Museum Experience

The Gloucester Waterways Museum has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor for 2013 and 2014. With its rich history, interactive exhibits, and picturesque surroundings, the museum offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking to explore Britain’s inland waterways. Remember, your ticket allows you to return as many times as you like within 12 months, ensuring that you can fully immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Gloucester Waterways Museum.

Sister Museums and Collaborations 

The Gloucester Waterways Museum is one of several museums run by the Canal & River Trust. Other museums in the network include The National Waterways Museum, based at Ellesmere Port, and The Canal Museum in Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire. Together, these museums offer visitors a thorough understanding of the fascinating history of the United Kingdom’s waterways.