The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal is a canal in the west of England, between Gloucester and Sharpness; for much of its length it runs close to the tidal River Severn, but cuts off a significant loop in the river, at a once-dangerous bend near Arlingham. It was once the broadest and deepest canal in the world. The canal is 26.5km (16.5 miles) long.
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Opened in 1827, the canal was built to enable boats to reach Gloucester Docks and avoid the narrow winding stretch of the River Severn. Today, the Canal is owned and managed by the Canal & River Trust. It is mainly used by pleasure craft and is very popular with walkers and anglers.
Gloucester Docks
The historic Victorian docks are a unique and inspiring destination, described by Charles Dickens himself as ‘extraordinary’, and granted port status by Queen Elizabeth I in 1580. Gloucester is the most inland port in Britain, and the docks are dominated by towering warehouses which stand proud along the water’s edge. Visitors can see skilled shipwrights and riggers repairing, restoring and building traditional ships and rigging all year round in Tommi Nielsen’s dry dock on the West Quay.
With its stunning location, beautiful boats and rich and varied displays Gloucester Waterways Museum is perfectly placed to tell the story of Britain’s waterways and provide insights into the history of Gloucester’s impressive docks. Gloucester & Sharpness Canal news can be found here. Why not visit the Cafe on the Cut before you depart? Running on solar energy and serving local free-range foods, this unique narrowboat cafe is located next to our mooring and can prepare cream teas or packed lunches for your trip.
Sellars Bridge, Hardwicke
The first canalside pub reached from Gloucester Docks is the Pilot Inn which welcomes clientele from the canal and keeps alive a long tradition of pubs along the nation’s waterways. The Pilot Inn got its name from its waterways heritage. It was built by N Hawkins, who was at the helm of many of the ‘pilot boats’ which were used to tug larger ships along the canal into Gloucester Docks. It has been a pub ever since.
The Pilot Inn – Hardwicke
Saul Junction
Saul Junction (GL2 7LA for Sat Nav) sits at the crossroads of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal and the Stroudwater Navigation. Narrowboats glide up and down and this beautiful area is a haven for wildlife.
The Cotswold Canals Trust Visitor Centre can be found here, along with parking, refreshments, boat trips and great opportunities for walking.
Saul Junction Visitor Centre – Opening times and directions
River & Canal around Saul Junction – Walking route
Explore Saul Junction – Canal & River Trust
Stables Cafe – More information
Slimbridge
Slimbridge is the headquarters of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust where vast flocks of thousands of migrant birds visit each winter. From birdwatchers to families there is plenty to discover all year round and is a great way to spend a couple of hours with it being so close to the canal. At Slimbridge there is a great pub called the Tudor Arms which offers real ales & good food. This is about 3 hours cruising from Gloucester and would in our opinion make for a good destination for a perfect day out before returning to Gloucester Docks.
Tudor Arms Slimbridge
Sharpness
Tall Ship near Saul
Sharpness Docks (GL13 9UF for Sat Nav) is one of the most inland ports in Britain and has been the gateway from the River Severn to the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal for almost 200 years. Visitors can see a variety of ships here. The best time to see the most is at high tide, observed from the picnic area overlooking the river.
An array of wetland birds can be seen here and a short walk takes you to the Purton Hulks – the largest ships’ graveyard in maritime Britain.
Sharpness Port – Canal & River Trust
Purton Hulks – Intriguing ships’ graveyard
Severn Tales – Shipping information
