Reviews of National Waterways Museum Gloucester. (Museum) in Gloucester (Gloucestershire).

National Waterways Museum Gloucester

279 Reviews

146 Comments

Museum

Museum

Llanthony Warehouse, The Docks, Gloucester GL1 2EH, United Kingdom

Description

Information of National Waterways Museum Gloucester, Museum in Gloucester (Gloucestershire)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

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Open hours of National Waterways Museum Gloucester

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Reviews of National Waterways Museum Gloucester

K. C.

Great day out and good value even in this time of watching every penny. The Boat trip was wonderful and well informed regarding its history as a Little Ship at Dunkirk. Good place for children, pets and those with wheelchair needs although might be a issue getting on board the boat.

K. H.

Pay the extra for the boat trip, you won't be disappointed! Friendly team working there. Some good exhibits; we especially liked watching the talking-head videos/interviews with gentlemen that had worked the canals. Good price cafe just inside the entrance with seating inside and out. We went as a couple (no kids with us) and would recommend to anyone spending some time in Gloucester.

M. S.

Great museum on canal history and Gloucester's place in it. Super trip around the dock and up the canal on a little Dunkirk boat.

M. W.

Great Museum! Lots of exhibits and displays, interactive, very informative, with narrow boats inside and ships outdoors with fab gift shop and lovely, always happy to share knowledge staff

M. I.

My daughter and I went to see Santa at the National Waterways Museum and we had such a great time. We got to look in the museum and it was just great. Both, my daughter and I, had a positive experience and we will definitely go there again.

A. P.

Lovely cafe in a great setting. You can people-watch out of the windows. Fantastic afternoon tea here for Mother's Day. Nothing was too much trouble, even adding jam sandwiches and vegan sausage rolls for my daughter. So much food we ended up taking some cakes home with us. All delicious. I would definitely come back here.

K. N.

Visited on May Day bank holiday - entry was cash only at the time. Lots of interesting exhibits, I particularly enjoyed the area about life on the river with the canal boat on the first floor. There are activities for kids too like dressing up, building an arch bridge and colouring. The building itself has lots of historic/period features. Unfortunately we missed the boat tour/trip but we did get to go inside of the exhibition space on Sabrina 5. Ticket includes annual entry to the museum so we might have to go back to go on the boat tour!!

P. K.

If you're interested in the history of inland waterways, you find quite a few things to look at here. However, the exhibition is not very large, only covering one and a half floors of a much larger building. The boat trip (extra charge) is very good, although not exactly picturesque as it runs through an industrial areas and a modern housing estate. It's made worthwhile by the excellent commentary from the skipper, the operation of a lift bridge and a swing bridge, and the fact that the Queen Bouccida II is a Dunkirk Little Ship.

E. G.

The National Waterways Museum in Gloucester is a great place to see the history of the waterways in the area. You can keep your children busy with activities and stories. They have a cool little gift shop and Cafe I recommend their cappuccino it's frothy and delicious. You can even take a 45 minute boat tour for £6.50.u

a. t.

Great local museum recebtly renovated with a modern frontage with new foyer. Good educational visit for families with lots of interesting exbibits and history on local waterways. Some lovely events throughout the year incl Santa boat trips near Xmas and school trips if you book ahead.

A. K.

Visited here with my grandparents a few years back, and overall a good experience. There's plenty to see and lots of good history.

D. G.

This is one of the best museums in Gloucester!!! I really enjoyed it. We also went on the boat tour and it was an amazing experience. When you are finished enjoying the museum you must try the coffee shop!!!

J. S.

Small exhibition relating to canals and how they were built, why, how they were used etc. Some interactive displays and some video of the old days and interviews with former canal workers. Toilets and a tea room are on site and you can also take a boat trip at extra cost. Pay once for entry and you can come back for a whole year.

L. B.

Such a great experience on our visit here. Was very informative on the history up to present day of the docks and the Gloucester ship canal. The displays were brilliant at giving you the feeling of the times and just how hard life could be on the water. I would really recommend a visit and don't worry if you don't get to see it all on your first visit you get to do it as many times in a year on the same ticket. Great little cafe on site for light refreshments and toilets available to. Alternatively pack up a picnic and enjoy the architect of the local buildings.

A. M.

We went to the tall ships festival and it was great, lots to see and do and a great shopping centre. Some fantastic places to eat too.What's not to like

L. A.

Interesting place to visit for a couple of hours. Not many ‘hands on’ exhibits for young children but plenty to explore. Check opening hours and how much of the space is open - when we visited a whole floor was closed for refurbishment which was disappointing.

T. T.

The history of British waterways is awesome. Must watch. There is also small but clean and friendly restaurant.

G. K.

On the 25th May 2019 I had booked a coach trip to visit Gloucester Tall Ships to be held in Gloucester Docks, a wonderful part of this City’s old and historic part. Gloucester use to be part of the old Mercia Region of Great Britain. Gloucester is a city and district in the county of Gloucestershire it lies in the South West of England, of which it is the county town. Gloucester lies close to the Welsh border, on the River Severn, between the Cotswolds to the east and the Forest of Dean to the southwest. The country's most inland port has seen a regeneration program in the last decade, more visibly at the city's historic docks. It was in 1963 when I visited this beautiful City while I was in the Royal Navy and stayed with my best friend at the time we visited Cookes Cafe in Westgate Street with all his friends. Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, Custom House the Docks, 31 Commercial road, Gloucester GL1 2HE. I returned to this area of Gloucester on another visit on the 2nd August 2019. It was certainly less busy after my visit on the 25th May 2019 when the Tall Ships event was in full swing. This museum’s staff were very courteous and helpful. They had a small cafe area outside the Museum itself with tables outside which was pleasant enough on this very hot and sunny day. It was a bit hot inside under the glassed area. Inside the Museum itself were arranged in small rooms too small really to be able to take decent photos and videos. But that’s how it was it was an old warehouse and they made best use of what they had. The displays were arranged with thought for what was not really a very large museum but was certainly worth the money of Senior Citizen rate of £4.00. I thought this was a fair price to pay for what was on display. There were a number of floors to wander around on and it was well documented as you took the time to stroll around, for those that liked to read the history of the display settings. National Waterways Museum Gloucester, Llanthony Warehouse, Gloucester GL1 2EH. I visited this Museum on Friday the 2nd August 2019. It looked impressive from the outside. Even Reception looked welcoming. Then the facia was laid open. The staff on reception were ok they explained the tickets purchased were for a whole years return visit. I would not want ( at the moment ) any return visit to this boring and hotch potch museum. I was told there were three floors of exhibits. But the second floor could only be visited by using the lift the stairs were being repaired. Fair enough you might add. But when you got to the second floor. There was nothing really worth seeing. Mainly items for kids to play on, which in itself was ok if there was enough to see otherwise. There was not. It was very disappointing what was there to see on this floor. The first two floors were ok but when you stood back and looked around there was not that much to really occupy you spending much time here. I can understand they may well be still putting together this museum. But the charge of £7.50 was way too high for what was on display at that time. It was really a total let down for me after the effort to return to this beautiful part of Gloucester docks and Quays. It was refreshing to be able to walk round after my visit on the 25th May 2019 while the Tall Ships display was on. This part of Gloucester is worth the visit on its own though and this museum is situated in a beautiful area of the Gloucester Docks. Finally ending up at a newly acquired cafe called Brimbles Cafe in Westgate Street near St Nicholas' Church end and directly opposite the Gloucester Town Hall. This was a lovely little cafe that served great snacks and the staff were equally great. There was a very attractive floral display you could sit enclosed in to enjoy your coffee.

P. H.

Great museum. Well laid out and very interesting. Good access for wheel chairs.

E.

Very interesting glint into the history of the canals in Britain. Cheap to get in, tour doesn't take long so if you're in the area I'd highly recommend it.

T. “. T.

Magnificent area to learn about the history. The museum isn't very big I must admit i was expecting alot more. The ticket lasts for a year which I thought was an excellent idea. It has its own a coffee shop. Its a lovely walk around the docks and plenty of restaurants to choose. You also have the queys in amongst it all. The parking wasn't that bad for a few hours.

T. A.

Very friendly, lots to see, lovely cafe, barista coffee & great cakes. Lots for all ages inside and out. Trips on ex Dunkirk little ship, but check timings. Reopening 8 Feb 2022 after some building improvements.

B. P.

Very good museum with a lot of information and stories about the waterways.

P. N.

Wow was open on a Sunday. Nice friendly staff very helpful. Enjoyed my vist. Looking forward to going back and having a boat trip.

Y. C.

Interesting exhibits well described and explained, but not as big as I remember it being. It set us off on an afternoon jaunt to find the Purton Hills, which was worth doing.

L. C.

Highly recommended with the boat ride. Child friendly

B. C.

Quite interesting for non boaters, some things poorly labelled. Some good exhibits for kids. Sadly no discount on the ticket price for the non running trip boat. Could be better.

t. b.

Don't miss this if you're visiting Gloucester. The price of the ticket gives you free entry for a year, not only to this museum but to others throughout the country. Lots to interest all ages, including interactive displays and films of bygone days , where people who worked on the boats tell their tale. Good coffee too in the cafe on the way in 😊

H. D.

Our 10 and 7 yr old grandchildren enjoyed the experience but this was mainly because of the dredging going on in the canal just outside. The building and its history are fascinating but could be made so much more interesting and interactive for young people. A bit boring but so much potential.

M. H.

Very interesting way to spend a couple of hours! A+

N. G.

What an amazing quay Loads of the original warehouses, very open and spacious. Only walked through museum as there for a leadership day on one of their barges! Great idea in principal, and the barge was amazing. The only downside was that you were indoors with no view of this fantastic, needing to be viewed, place. Gloucester docks Well worth a visit.

D. C.

Really interesting insight of the industry that Gloucester and the water ways of Western England brought wealth in times past.

V. K.

It's a nice little museum, visit for the canal boat ride on HMS Boudiccea, a Dunkirk boat with a wonderful history, the captain and tour guide's a hoot!

P. S.

A particularly interesting museum, not just inside but there are exhibits surrounding the old harbour or dockland. One can certainly gain an insight into this old harbour by studying old machinery and docking facilities. Enjoy the ambiance and allow your children to experiment with the informative screens.

A. S.

A very nice place. Recently renovated. A nice cafe. Lots to look at and lots to learn about the local area. A boat ride is also available via purchased tickets. 45 mins with an excellent pilot with a great sense of humour! Very knowledgeable of the local waterways.

J. s.

I love canals and industrial history so this is a must for me. Exhibits good and detailed. Lots of working machines and history of docks, trade and the people who worked there. Lots for children to do as well. There is also a small reasonably priced cafe and a shop. Entry lasts for the year and includes Elsmere Port waterways museum. Brilliant value.

C. m.

Not as impressive was I remember as I was a child. When they use to have a narrow boat simulator and lock gates. The museum is currently in the middle of a referb. Only 2 floors are currently open. The boat trips are great. Not to be missed.

M. S.

Great day out excellent place to spend a few hours

J. P.

The museum is set over 2 floors with additional outside. We found it really interesting to see old film showing the river, canal and Gloucester docks. The museum has a few activities for children and the building has a nice atnosphere. The outside area was disapointing though. It had a train to look at and a view of the docks and the rear of Wetherspoons. Perhaps better outside on a warm day?

B. F.

A really interesting museum on something a bit different, it was really informative on the history of the waterways. It's good for kids and adults. There is also a little gift shop downstairs where you can also buy tickets for a bost trip down the river.

S. M.

Took extended family as part of a day in Gloucester. This museum is a local museum telling the story of the Glos' Sharpness Canal, The Docks and the River Severn. We saw exhibits on the dockside and plenty of interesting things inside. We went round in about an hour and a half. Staff were helpful although for the foreign visitors in our party there was no information in any European language. Given the interest in canals and rivers in Holland, Germany, France etc etc this seems a little strange. Members of our party particularly liked the video of the river, the WWII area and the ropes showing how pulleys can help lift weighty sacks. Worth a visit if you take your time to look at the exhibits and the info.

H. D.

A good museum, but it's not that big. Very good to have a ticket valid for a whole year. (Includes the museum in Ellesmere Port too!) And I expect the events are worth attending.

C. G.

Canal trip brilliant, crew were very informative, did the museum tour, but spoilt by the very rude guide, who was not in the least child frieindly, and as a result we cut the tour short. Other than that the place was worth seeing.

M. P.

Very interesting museum, explaining history of Gloucester docks, and the canal network Helpful and friendly staff Was given a good talk by one chap on the docks in the 1930s, next the large photograph on the first floor

J. B.

Visited on the first day of it being open due to the Covid19. Only the ground and first floors were open. We enjoyed our visit and the staff were really friendly and helpful. Lots of hand sanitizer and continues cleaning.

J. F.

Lovely place, mueseum was only aloud on 2 floors so didn't get to see much but still really nice staff was lovely

D. W.

Truly amazing displays and exhibits. Staff very helpful and all having in depth knowledge of the waterways and in particular the Gloucester area. Well worth a visit.

L. W.

Great place to see a bit of local history. Good value for money and really interesting to see how the docks and waterways were so beneficial to the early Gloucester economy. Not far from the quays shopping centre either.

R. M.

Boat trip is well worth the money, even if the British weather is against you. The captain is good humoured and the whole ride is entertaining and informative

G. S.

Loved it! The boat rides are great value and so much fun. The museum is very nice and has interesting displays.

K. D.

I recently visited the 'water borne' arts group at the National Waterways Museum which us organised by Jugsaw Gloucester. The National Waterways Museum is a great place to visit and is getting better all the time with the improvements and additions they are making.

b. a.

Brought my grandson for a boat trip and a look round the museum, he loved every minute of his visit, also friendly and helpful staff. My grandson thought it was five star.

G. B.

Well presented and deals with Covid-19 very, very well. Worth every penny. The whole area is worht a full day visit.

B. S.

The museum is not like I remember it from a long time ago. Much less hands on from children than I remember. Recommend a boat trip available on certain days!

G. G.

A lovely museum, I very much enjoyed the videos of actual canal workers talking about their experiences.

j. p.

Lovely staff, and well maintained, loads of history in hear brilliant place to visit

D. K.

Nice tour on boat ride

P. S.

Very pleasant lovely canal boat ride excellent commentary although I feel a little expensive

G. M.

Great museum and they do fantastic coffee too. Picture is of a nice Soya Mocha just £2.20

D. N.

Very interactive. Lots to see and physically get involved with. Although, I did go during the tall ships festival, so not sure if always this much going on there.

M. L.

One room good for a 4 year old. St.Helens glass museum is better. Staff dressed as pirates but not very helpful.

P. A.

Combine with a river /canal trip to get the most from it.

R. P.

Really interesting museum covering the uses of the docks and waterways of Gloucester. Well set out and very helpful staff

C. Y.

Went on the boat ride along the Severn, really good. The captain was very welcoming and entertaining and definitely made the journey very enjoyable!

B. R.

We only did the boat trip which was informative and amusing if a little short

I. B.

Interesting museum in Gloucester based on two floors with some exhibits outside on quayside too. Boat trips are available too.

A. P.

First time visiting the new version of this museum. As a child I visited the original more than twenty years ago. This new incarnation is smaller and less interactive.

O. P.

nice museum. arrive early enough so you can enjoy the boat tour. no discount if you are too late.

D. B.

Fabulous museum, highly recommend it. Very friendly staff and interesting exhibits.

K. V.

Many interesting exhibits in a well presented and historic setting. Cafe, toilets and boat trips onsite. Well worth a visit.

S. A.

We'll curated, recommend the canal trip on HMS Boudacia (a Dunkirk boat)

M. S.

Looking back at how our canals were made and run with actual equipment and vessels used a treat for adults and kids alike we have a three year old who loves it.

M. S.

Good overall. Canal trip a must. Captain has a Fabulous sense of humour. 🤭. Made the trip worth while. XX

J. H.

Small informative place with exhibits of all kinds over three floors. Plenty to interest children.

R. H. (.

Does a great job explaining the history of the canals via a vis Gloucester.

A. S.

Nothing wrong with this place a good days visit. Not quite 5 Stars but don't let my Fosters put you off visiting.

A. S. G. M.

We went on a canal boat tour. Very good.

D. K.

Great place to visit. Worth the time. Although you need good chunk of hours.

P. N.

Really well laid out, showing the history of the docks through videos of people who lived and worked round the docks, as well as the usual historical objects and pictures.

J. M.

Lots of information about the history of our canal systems well presented, with many activities for children.

M. L.

Very interesting and well laid out, wonderful for children.

M. P.

Lovely place. Very modern and not at all cramped. Loved the amount of hands on stuff

D. R.

A great place to take the kids, very informative with some excellent model layouts explaining how the canals work.

s. j.

Spent the day with the family there, the staff were very pleasant and the over all day was an educational and pleasant experience.

s. s.

Great canal trip

T. M.

Tasteful updates, interesting information, plenty of room, childrens sections, outdoor areas. Good family experience

c. g.

If you like water ways and boats it is a great place for the canals of England.

L. M.

Fun day out with family. Only a few hours if you include canel boat trip

S. K.

Fantastic couple of hours and great ride and excellent commentary on boat trip

L. M.

Took a trip on the boat, was very nice and informative, also very reasonable on the price.

J. S.

Good museum in dock side of Gloucester.

B. B.

Excellent museum, and the boat trip is well worth it.

M. G.

Gloucester a working City with more than level of History

R. L.

It was showing quite a lot of wear and tear in October 2015, they informed us it was closing for a year for refurbishment so hopefully will look better in 2016

V.

Child friendly museum with a dress up corner. Free entrance

O. C.

A great place to spend a few hours with kids especially in winter.

G. S.

Interesting but over priced for what you see

B. f. B.

Loved this museum. Lots of interactive bits for the kids

O. N.

Nice place. Definitely worth visiting if in Gloucester.

O. W.

Interesting little museum,well worth a visit!

L. M.

Excellent place to visit…a must if you're holidaying in or near gloucester!

J. M.

Boat trip worth a go exhibition quite good

s. w.

Could be more interactive for children it is interesting for adults

M. C.

Great place for all ages to see the history of Gloucester Docks

L. K.

A little short on exhibits which is a shame as the new video exhibits are excellent

R. B.

Made use of an old warehouse. Lots of school children there the day of our visit

i. d.

Fabulous, great entertainment, good choice of drinks

A. P.

Staff were great thank you

P. J.

Pleasant, could've used some working examples.

C. S. (.

I visited as a child and enjoyed myself, I'd like to go again when it reopens.

l. b.

Not as much here as expected but boat trip was great

L. T.

Coffee shop was very friendly

c. p.

Fantastic place staff very good really enjoyed! !

J. J.

Lots of good interactive stuff for children

J. S.

Really enjoyed it here and will return.

R. D.

Well worth a look just to see what happened in the past

l. w.

A great day out and a great price for a family day

N. G.

Friendly, informative, explains what the docks are all about xx

G.

It's ok. A bit expensive for what is there to see.

I. M.

What is there is good, but needs more for children

R. M.

Very interesting, take the river trip as well

D. E.

great place to visit.Fun boat trip

L. W.

Found out lots about life and work on the canal.

T. C.

Lovely informative trip down the canal

S. A.

Lovely collection of historical stuff

A. G.

Its ok a little overpriced in my opinion

M. S.

Really interesting, good with kids

S. W.

Lovely history filled building

M. B.

Very good

B. S.

Interesting place for a wander.

R. H.

Great boat trip

w. g.

Small but nice

R. G.

A must see attraction

G. B.

A real must to visit

L. M.

Really enjoyed

B. Y. G.

Amazing

I. T.

Nice

P. T.

smaller than it used to be

V. K.

Definitely visit

e. b.

Informative

S. J.

Kids enjoyed

L. B.

Interesting visit

j. B.

Interesting

e. S.

(Translated) A great place! (Original) Super miejsce!

a. s.

O. K.

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