A Weekend by Water 2026
Enjoy a weekend of activities, guided walks and open days. Led by the incredible organisations bringing the docks to life, including the Canal & River Trust, the iconic tall ship Kathleen & May, Gloucester Civic Trust, Llanthony Secunda Priory, and a host of fantastic local businesses.
Whether you’re exploring maritime history, soaking up the atmosphere, or simply enjoying a day by the water, there’s something for everyone.
Do you have a ticket for any of the events? Yes? Then check out the offers available to “A Weekend by Water” ticket holders, right at the bottom.
Saturday 25th April
10am-4pm National Waterways Museum Open
10am-2pm Let’s Paddle! – Welcome on the Water with Canal and River Trust (please book, see below)
10am-3.30pm Dockside Detectives Trail
10am-4pm 100 Goodie Bag Giveaway at HeadKandy
10.30am-2.30pm Boaters’ Crafts Group
11am Gloucester Civic Trust Guided Walk (please book, see below)
11am-4pm Dry Dock Music Day
11am-4.30pm Kathleen & May Open
2pm Gloucester Civic Trust Guided Walk (please book, see below)
Find more information and booking below
Sunday 26th April
10am-2pm Let’s Paddle! – Welcome on the Water with Canal and River Trust (please book, see below)
11am-4.30pm Kathleen & May Open
11am Gloucester Civic Trust Guided Walk (please book, see below)
11am-3pm Llanthony Secunda Priory Open Day
11am-4pm Dry Dock Music Day
11am Llanthony Secunda Priory Guided Walk (please book, see below)
12pm Pub Talk with Tony Conder: History of the Docks (please book, see below)
2pm Gloucester Civic Trust Guided Walk (please book, see below)
2pm Llanthony Secunda Priory Guided Walk (please book, see below)
Find more information and booking below
Check out the offers from businesses at the bottom.
National Waterways Museum
Opening hours 10am-4pm
2 for 1 offer on day tickets
These can be bought in advance or on the day.
Visit the National Waterways Museum Gloucester for a fun and educational day out. The museum boasts a delightful café, and children’s play area.
Let's Paddle
25th April
10am, 11.15am, 12.45pm & 2pm
A guided paddle in Gloucester Docks, experience SUP, canoeing and kayaking.
Join one of the free taster sessions guided by experienced and qualified volunteers. The sessions are suitable for anyone wanting to try paddling. With our step-free launch we aim to offer inclusive paddling so please tell us of any requirements you have when booking.
Please book one time slot per person. Please arrive 15 minutes before your booked slot. These sessions are suitable for adults and children aged seven years old and above, providing an introduction to paddling in a safe and enjoyable manner. Explore the stunning waterways while learning about their history and encountering incredible wildlife along the way.
Dockside Detectives Trail
10:00 – 15:30
Free to pick up from the National Waterways Museum
Find the location of where we have taken each photo, answer the questions and bring it back to the museum! Pop your email address at the end (or your parent/carer’s email address if you are under 16) and we’ll send you your completion certificate and details of loads more things you can do for free with the Canal and River Trust at Gloucester Docks and the Canal! Remember to stay SAFE! – Stay away from the Water’s Edge. Happy hunting!
Boaters' Crafts Group
25th April
10:30-14:30
Free (donations welcome)
Join the Boaters’ Crafts Group on Saturday 25th April at the National Waterways Museum Gloucester for demonstrations of historic crafts, including rag rugging, stitching and crochet.
Chat to the craft group, see their historic costumes and talk to them about joining if you fancy it! You can also buy their craft in the shop and try on the clothes they have made in the dressing up area.
Make your own skipping rope on our historic Rope Making Machine. See how rope was made from twine to string to rope and complete your efforts by selecting free handles or choosing a set of wooden handles (£2 donation) Let our costumed boatman show you the secrets of rope making and you can have a go at tying a few simple knots
The Boaters’ Crafts Group usually meet on the last Saturday of every month, 10.30am-2.30pm
Dry Dock Music
Tommi Nielsen’s Boatyard
25th April
11am-4pm
Come and listen to some music in a very special setting
Saturday 25 April:
Jamie Robinson 11.30am-11.50am
Severn Whalers 12pm-12.45pm
Crumble Brothers 1pm-1.45pm
Cooper and Toller 2pm-2.45pm
The Vogwells 3pm-3.45pm
Please Book
Kathleen and May
25th April
11:00-16:30
Free (donations welcome)
Explore the cargo hold
Walk the decks
Step inside the Captain’s Cabin
Free kids activities
Docks Guided Walks
25th April
11:00am & 2:00pm
£10 per person
Limit of 15 people per guided walk
Meet by Kathleen and May, by the Dry Dock
HeadKandy Goodie Bags Giveaway
HeadKandy have 100 goodie bags to give away
PLUS a super balloon arch to take a selfie with
National Waterways Museum
Opening hours 10am-4pm
2 for 1 offer on day tickets
These can be bought in advance or on the day.
Visit the National Waterways Museum Gloucester for a fun and educational day out. The museum boasts a delightful café, and children’s play area.
Let's Paddle
10am, 11.15am, 12.45pm & 2pm
A guided paddle in Gloucester Docks, experience SUP, canoeing and kayaking.
Join one of the free taster sessions guided by experienced and qualified volunteers. The sessions are suitable for anyone wanting to try paddling. With our step-free launch we aim to offer inclusive paddling so please tell us of any requirements you have when booking.
Please book one time slot per person. Please arrive 15 minutes before your booked slot. These sessions are suitable for adults and children aged seven years old and above, providing an introduction to paddling in a safe and enjoyable manner. Explore the stunning waterways while learning about their history and encountering incredible wildlife along the way.
Dockside Detectives Trail
10:00 – 15:30
Free to pick up from the National Waterways Museum
Find the location of where we have taken each photo, answer the questions and bring it back to the museum! Pop your email address at the end (or your parent/carer’s email address if you are under 16) and we’ll send you your completion certificate and details of loads more things you can do for free with the Canal and River Trust at Gloucester Docks and the Canal! Remember to stay SAFE! – Stay away from the Water’s Edge. Happy hunting!
Kathleen and May
26th April
11:00-16:30
Free (donations welcome)
Explore the cargo hold
Walk the decks
Step inside the Captain’s Cabin
Free kids activities
Dry Dock Open Day
Tommi Nielsen’s Boatyard
26th April
11am-4pm
Sunday 26th April:
Jamie Robinson 11.30am-11.50am
Gloucester Diamonds 12pm-12.45pm
Bois-Y-Bryn 1pm-1.45pm
The 85ers 2pm-2.45pm
The Swing Rioters 3pm-4pm
Come and listen to some music in a very special setting.
Please Book.
Docks Guided Walks
26th April
11:00am & 2:00pm
£10 per person
Limit of 15 people per guided walk
Meet by Kathleen and May, by the Dry Dock
Llanthony Secunda Priory
Open Day
26th April
11:00 – 15:00
Free (donations welcome)
Llanthony Secunda Priory
26th April
11am & 2pm
£8 per person
Limit of 15 people per tour
Docks History Talk - Tony Conder
Pub Talk Series at Hop Kettle
26th April
12pm
£2.50 per person
30 spaces
SULA Lightship Photo Competition
Capture your best digital images from the quayside on either of these days, entries must be taken during the event to ensure a fresh and fair competition.
The winning photo will receive an exclusive guided tour for two groups of four people, exploring unique areas including the Lantern Room, Look Out Shelter, and Old Engine Room.
Free to enter.
Email Your Photo
Please email your submission, along with contact details to .
Your photo will not be shared or published without your permission
Submission Deadline 26th April 9pm
Do you have an event ticket? Yes? Then head to the below to redeem
Show us a Weekend by Water ticket and get 15% off at Hop Kettle
Hop Kettle
(Sunday Only – a pizza and a drink for £15)
Bella Mia Pizza
15% discount on all gelato &
20% off hot drinks
Wholly Gelato
10% off at Caffe Tucci for all A Weekend by Water ticket holders
Caffe Tucci - Barge Arm
Clip 'n Climb - Gloucester Quays
Roots + Seeds - Gloucester Food Dock
