From sailing ships to narrow boats

Gloucester’s docks were a gateway between the world of tall ships and international trade, and Britain's network of inland waterways. Sailing vessels and tall ships still visit the docks today.

On the museum quayside you can see historic craft, including steam dredger SND No 4, tug Severn Progress, barge Sabrina, narrow boats Northwich, Wye and Oak, and the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust's workboat Renton. You can even explore the inside of some of them.

Many features remain from the working docks, including a steam crane, fireless locomotive and railway lines and turntables. Friends of the Museum will often be on hand to answer your questions and to power up the steam crane or the magnificent dredger.