Visiting Gloucester Docks

Gloucester Docks &
the Sharpness Canal

Visiting Gloucester Docks

The former dock estate has become a popular free destination where visitors can enjoy interesting views and a range of modern facilities while wandering around a remarkably complete example of a Victorian port. Views include many fine warehouses and other dock-related buildings that have been found new uses. Where ships once discharged their cargoes, there is now an ever-changing miscellany of visiting narrow boats, smart motor cruisers and the occasional yacht or tall ship. The whole area is suitable for wheel-chairs.

Getting To The Docks
The Historic Docks and Gloucester Quays are well sign-posted with brown signs on the main approach roads. For those with satellite navigation aids, the post code is GL1 2EH. Car park (pay & display) can be accessed direct from Southgate St. Cars are not allowed to cross Llanthony Bridge. The nearest Park & Ride bus stop is in Southgate St.

Visiting Boats
Facilities for visiting boats are administered by the Canal & River Trust, based in the Dock Office.

Refreshments

Barge Restaurant - serving English food near the Mariners Chapel.

Blue Bamboo sports bar near the Mariners Chapel.

Cafe on the Cut - in a converted narrowboat moored in the Barge Arm.

Caffe Corretto and Caffe Tucci - two Italian-style coffee shops at the head of the Barge Arm.

Fosters on the Docks - a restaurant/bar in Kimberley Warehouse.

Greek on the Docks, serving traditional Greek dishes, and Grill Shed, offering Californian style cuisine, both in the Merchants Quay building.

McColl's - a convenience store at the east end of the Barge Arm Apartments which includes a Subway food outlet.

On Toast - a speciality restaurant on the West Quay serving a wide range of toast dishes.

Med Kitchen - serving a fusion of Mediterranean cuisines adjoining Vinings Warehouse.

Weatherspoons pub adjoing the Waterways Museum - the Lord High Constable of England.

Also cafes at Upstairs Downstairs Antiques, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum (summer only) and the National Waterways Museum.

City of Gloucester
For information on other places of interest in Gloucester, see City of Gloucester.

National Waterways Museum
Occupying two floors of Llanthony Warehouse, this museum features life on the waterways between the Bristol Channel and the Midlands using artifacts, photographs and videos. It has a shop that is open to all. Historic craft moored by the quay side include steam dredger SND No 4, tug Severn Progress, barge Sabrina and (ashore) narrowboat Northwich. (More)

Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum
Occupying the former Custom House at the north end of the Victoria Dock, this Museum tells the story of the lives, travel and service of the men of the Gloucestershire Regiment and the Gloucestershire Huzzars over the last 300 years. (More)

Queen Boadicea II leaving Gloucester Docks Gloucester Leisure Cruises
45 minute trips down the canal and back from the Waterways Museum and some longer cruises on the canal and River Severn. See website for times.

Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet Centre
To the south of the main docks area is the Gloucester Quays designer outlet centre which has an outstanding mix of high street and designer labels at up to 60% off recommended retail prices. Refreshments are available at various coffee shops and restaurants. (Website)

Working Dry Docks
Maintenance and repair work on vessels in and around the large and small dry docks is managed by T Nielsen & Co. Craftsmen can be seen at work using traditional skills aided by modern tools. For information on interesting vessels currently at Gloucester, see Vessels for Overhaul.

Narrowboat Day Hire
Gloucester Narrowboats offer a day boat for hire with seating for up to ten passengers, a galley and a flushing toilet. (Website)

Mariners Chapel
The chapel in the centre of the docks is open to visitors each day. For times of services, see website.

Guided Tours
Gloucester Civic Trust guides lead tours around the docks for pre-booked parties. (Website)

Model Boat Displays
Members of the Gloucester & District Model Boat Club sail their models from the entrance to the Victoria Dock each Saturday afternoon. These include yachts, tugs, paddle boats, hovercraft, submarines, warships, patrol boats, lifeboats and motor cruisers. (Website)

Gloucester Sea Cadets
The cadets moor their boats in the Barge Arm and may often be seen using them on Monday or Thursday evenings during the summer. (Website)

Upstairs Downstairs Antiques
Specialists in clocks, furniture and lighting, across Severn Rd from the Lock Warehouse. Cafe on the first floor.

Gloucester Brewery
A micro brewery, shop and tasting room in Fox's Kiln (next to Alexandra Warehouse), open Tuesday to Saturday, with guided tours available. (Website)

Stand Up Paddleboarding
Learn paddling skills, board control and water safety alongside tall ships and with the Cathedral as a backdrop. All equipment provided. (Website)

MV Edward Elgar
This vessel, based at Alexandra Quay, is the biggest hotel boatnow cruising UK inland waters. She offers holiday cruises for 2 to 7 days right along the Severn navigation between Sharpness and Stourport-on-Severn. (Website)