A bit of a resume from me on the Saturday morning trip
As previously described we were in a quandry about where to spend the Saturday morning of the reunion on the coach trip but we have decided on the Gloucester Docks as the venue.
There are lots to discover at Gloucester Docks. Just a stone’s throw from Gloucester city centre, we will take a visit to the most inland port in the country. The perfect place for a reunion day out, explore Victorian dock buildings, designer outlet shops, cosy cafes and fascinating museums!
The award-winning National Waterways Museum
This documents the intriguing 200-year history of the docks and the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. Gloucester Docks is also home to the
Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, where you can look at army uniforms and even peer into a First World War trench.
You can spend time in Gloucester Quays
With designer goods galore. You can enjoy browsing over 50 stores, from clothing to homeware, you’ll be sure to find yourself and your loved ones a treat (or two).
Food
There is plenty of eateries to choose from by the water. On the go? Grab a coffee and sandwich at Caffe Corretto. If you want to make a meal of it, sit down and enjoy the views from Greek on the Docks while tucking into authentic Greek cuisine. You will also find a large variety of chain restaurants within the Gloucester Quay’s Outlet
Fifteen Victorian warehouses stand as proud guardians to Britain's most inland port. The former dock estate has become a popular destination where we 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 late Victorian era warehouses, a working dry dock, a Mariners Chapel and other dock-related buildings that have been found new uses.
Narrow Boats
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.
Whats there
Home to Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet, Gloucester Waterways Museum, The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum and Gloucester Quays Antiques Centre. You will also find a range of waterfront bars, restaurants and coffee shops located within the Quays. The whole area is suitable for wheelchairs.
Gloucester's Historic Docks is a public site and there is no fee to enter this area. The Historic Gloucester Docks is one jewel in the city’s crown and has an interesting history. It is not far to walk to from the town centre or the other major attraction, the Cathedral
A recent addition is the Gloucester Quays outlet shopping centre, which has many great shops and more options for eateries.
There are many Victorian warehouses that make up the docks. Some of the Victorian warehouses are listed buildings. The docks formed when the Canal from Sharpness opened in 1827. This canal allowed boats to bypass a treacherous part of the River Severn.
The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum is at the edge of the docks that have many exhibits. The theme of the museum is the history of the regiments of the county.
Go on a boat trip from Gloucester Docks
English Holiday Cruises is a local company that provides river cruises on the River Severn and canal. You typically board one of their boats in Gloucester, then relax for a unique touring holiday through the glorious English countryside of the Cotswolds Severn Vale. Enjoy a short boat trip on Queen Boadicea along the canal and be treated to an educating tour of the area. The boat trip typically runs for 45 minutes, which includes a commentary of the sights on the way. Queen Boadicea was part of the Dunkirk evacuations during the second world war. You can book tickets at the National Waterways Museum..
The National Waterways Museum is one of the key tourist attractions in Gloucester Docks. It is an interesting place to visit to learn about the waterways of the UK, including the local canals. When in the docks, you can also hire an electric motorboat to have a mooch around on the canal and dockland area. These can accommodate up to 8 people and cost £50 for an hour of fun on the water. These are a fun thing to do and offer a unique experience. You can find out more on the Gloucester Boat Hire website.
The museum’s collection of exhibits tells the story of Britain’s canals and navigable rivers. This is a 300 year history of the waterways of the UK. Their collection has over 12000 objects. These include including 68 historic boats and a dredger.
The Mariners Church in Gloucester Docks opened in 1849. Sailors from many countries frequented this eye-catching Church. It is near to the Reynolds and Vinings Warehouses.
They built the Mariners Church predominantly for the workers in the dockyard and crews of boats that had moored nearby. It has always welcomed all residents of Gloucester. Today, it is still a draw for people who come from far and wide to visit while exploring the historic docks.
Have a fabulous trip. JH
