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Schools and groups

For groups of all ages a visit to Gloucester Waterways Museum is full of interest and enjoyment as well as learning.

learning at the museum
learning at the museum

School visits

We give children an authentic and lively experience of waterways heritage that really brings history to life. Our museum galleries have many hands-on displays which children love and there are historic boats to visit on the docks outside.
 
A new and exciting programme of science and engineering projects for primary school children has recently been launched at the Museum in conjunction with STEMworks, the organisation that aims to enhance and enrich the teaching of science, technology, engineering and maths for young people.
 

Positive feedback

Feedback from schools that have visited us recently has been extremely positive and teachers recognise the efforts we make to accommodate their specific needs.
 
After a recent visit, the trip co-ordinator from Ellwood School said: "We were so well looked after. Nothing was too much trouble. Excellent!"
 
The team at Winchcombe Abbey School said: "It's refreshing to visit a place where children can be children. Staff and volunteers were so engaging and really wanted the children to get "hands on". No-one said : "Don't touch". Thank you!"

To support your visit and for the love of learning we offer:
 
  • Worksheets and other resources
  • Free planning visit
  • Choice of activities
  • Boat trip with historical commentary


2013 school programmes

Roses and Castles
KS1/KS2, exploring the decorative art of the waterways

Engineering a Canal
KS1/KS2, discovering how canals were built

Waterway Transport and Trade
KS1/KS2, examining the transportation of goods and materials

Bridges
KS3/KS3, a design and build activity - discover the principles of bridge building with the opportunity to create your own working model

Gloucester Docks and the Sharpness Canal
KS2/KS3, a look at the way that the docks helped the City of Gloucester to grow and develop

Waterway Wildlife
KS2/KS3, an introduction to the waterway ecosystem

Boat trips
You can also book boat trips with commentaries about the history of the docks, the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, and the River Severn (Our tour boat, Queen Boadicea II, was one of the ‘little ships’ of Dunkirk and in May 1940 helped evacuate troops from the beaches of Dunkirk).

Information and bookings
Download a copy of the Schools Booking Form, call 01452 318200.

Group visits

Gloucester Waterways Museum offers a complete day out with a range of interesting and enjoyable things to do that you and your group will be talking about for years to come.

A typical visit might comprise:

  • museum visit including half hour archive film about the ship canal
  • boat trip on the Gloucester & Sharpness Ship Canal (including morning coffee and afternoon tea options*)
  • time to explore Gloucester Docks and the new designer outlet shopping centre.

*The tour boat King Arthur has a full catering facility and also offers sit-down or buffet lunches and evening meals.

Group visits must be made in advance and we offer generous discounts for groups of ten or more on museum entry and boat trips.

Gloucester Waterways Museum

Brian Blessed pushing a lock gate beam

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