A Weekend by Water - Gloucester BID - Business Improvement District

A Weekend by Water 2026

weekend by the water (Instagram Post (45))

Join us for a fun weekend at Gloucester’s historic docks as we celebrate its rich heritage, vibrant community, and stunning waterfront setting.

Enjoy a weekend of activities, guided walks and open days. Led 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.

Saturday 25th April

National Waterways Museum Open 10am-5pm
Dockside Detectives Trail 10am-3.30pm
Boaters’ Crafts Group 10.30am-2.30pm
Gloucester Civic Trust Guided Walk 11am (please book)
Kathleen & May Open 11am-4.30pm
Gloucester Civic Trust Guided Walk 2pm (please book)
Paddleboarding – TBC (please book)

Find more information and booking below

Sunday 26th April

Kathleen & May Open 11am-4.30pm
Gloucester Civic Trust Guided Walk 11am (please book)
Llanthony Secunda Priory Open 11am-3pm
Llanthony Secunda Priory Guided Walk 11am (please book)
Pub Talk with Tony Conder: History of the Docks 11:30 (please book)
Gloucester Civic Trust Guided Walk 2pm (please book)
Llanthony Secunda Priory Guided Walk 2pm (please book)

Find more information and booking below

Saturday 25th

National Waterways Museum

25th April
Opening hours 10:00 – 17:00

Dockside Detectives Trail

25th April
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

National Waterways Museum
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.

The Boaters’ Crafts Group usually meet on the last Saturday of every month, 10.30am-2.30pm