Taking A Visit To The Gloucester Docks

Last updated on 13 October 2024

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The Gloucester Docks are wonderful places to wander through if you’re in the Cotswolds

Living in England for two years meant that I managed to do quite a bit of exploring around the country. But it was often the places nearby that I really loved and would go back to time and again. One such place was the Gloucester Docks.

A complete Victorian port system, surrounded by brick buildings and houseboats, the docks are still used, to some extent, for what they were originally designed for. Of course these days there are modern buildings scattered around, and old buildings that have been turned into apartments overlooking the waterways.

There are so many things to do in and around the docks, so you can easily spend a good morning down there, or even the day. There’s the Waterways Museum, the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, an outlet shopping mall, the Mariner’s Chapel, Antique shops and even a brewery. As well as just taking a wander and seeing what you can find, you can hire a narrowboat for the day and cruise through the canals, or if you’re not into driving the boat yourself, you can take a 45-minute cruise.

During the year there are different events, markets and fairs that take place. While I was there, we went to the Victorian Christmas Market, and it was amazing. Stalls lined the car park, with twinkling lights, and hot mulled wine was in everyone’s hands. There was an old fashion merry-go-round, and people dressed up in Victorian outfits. If you happen to be around, the Gloucester Docks Christmas Market (below) is definitely one to head along to.

If you’re not around at Christmastime, then check out the docks anyway. It’s a proud part of the Gloucester community, and used by a lot of people, both from Gloucestershire and around that part of England.

How much are the docks in Gloucester?

Free! There are shops and food places around the docks, so you’ll obviously pay for those. But taking a wander around the docks, like we’ve talked about above, is a great cheap morning or afternoon out.

What are the Gloucester Docks opening hours?

All hours for a wander around. Check out the Gloucester Docks website for specific shop/museum times.

Where are they?

The docks are located in the centre of Gloucester, just a short walk from the main centre. You can follow Southgate street down to the docks, or head to the Gloucester Quays (shopping mall) for parking. The docks are just on the shopping mall’s edge.

Have you visited the docks in Gloucester?