Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

History

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 and is 26.5km or 16.5 miles long.

Today the canal can be used by boats up to 64m in length, 9.6m in beam and 32m in height. The maximum draft is 3.5 m. By the mid 1980s commercial traffic had largely come to a halt with the canal being given over to pleasure cruisers with the exception of a few passages by grain barges.

In 1985 the oil trade ceased with the closure of the petroleum depot at Quedgeley. In order to allow the A430 south-west bypass to be built the canal had to be diverted. On the 6th May 2006, the new section of channel was opened. Later in January 2009 a project began to replace the Patch Bridge swing bridge with a motor powered design instead of the former hand cranked system.

The Canal is easily reachable by the Gloucester Docks; you can follow the canal up to the Sharpness Dock. Here you are able to enjoy the beautiful view of the stunning waterside views from the pubs, bars and reestaurants and enjoy some of the local ale.

You are also able to visit the Waterways Museum which is located on the Gloucester Docks and on the waterfront of the canal. There ae various events operated by the Waterways Museum, a favourite for children being Santa Cruises; a 45 minute cruise where children are able to sing along to festive songs and the parents enjoy hot mince pies. There is something for all ages wih the museum.

During the Tall Ships Festival you are able to see the ships sailing down the canal towards the Gloucester Docks; an enjoyable view for all along canal.