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Making life better by water

River Severn approaching Diglis

River Severn Navigation

The River Severn is the UK's longest river. It runs for 220 miles from the Welsh mountains, through the beautiful Shropshire and Worcestershire countryside and down to the flatlands of the Severn estuary.

The Severn, in our Wales & South West region truly has something for everyone: historic cities, delightful scenery, cosy pubs, stunning cathedrals and boats of just about every shape and size. It is famous for its tidal bore, the second highest tide anywhere in the world. At very high tides, water is forced from the wide estuary into the narrower channel upstream. This forms a wave (or bore) that travels inland as far as Gloucester and beyond.

Thanks to the Severn Way, a continuous towpath along the Severn, you can explore the whole length of the river on foot from source to sea. It's quite a stroll!

Boating the River Severn

All you need to know about boating the River Severn Navigation

Series of walks from Gloucester Docks to Patch Bridge Walk

Gloucester Docks to Sims Bridge Walk

This three mile walk along the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal explores England’s most inland seaport and the initial phase of the ship canal

Gloucester Docks to Sims Bridge Walk

This three mile walk along the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal explores England’s most inland seaport and the initial phase of the ship canal

Sims Bridge to Sellars Bridge Walk

This 2 mile walk is the second in a series of walks describing the length of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

Sims Bridge to Sellars Bridge Walk

This 2 mile walk is the second in a series of walks describing the length of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

Sellars Bridge to Saul Junction Walk

This 4 mile walk is the third in a series of walks describing the length of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

Sellars Bridge to Saul Junction Walk

This 4 mile walk is the third in a series of walks describing the length of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

Saul Junction to Patch Bridge Walk

This 3.5 mile walk is the fourth in a series of walks describing the length of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

Saul Junction to Patch Bridge Walk

This 3.5 mile walk is the fourth in a series of walks describing the length of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

History of the River Severn

More about how the River Severn was once used

Places to visit on the River Severn

National Waterways Museum, Gloucester

The museum will take you on a whole new journey, charting the 200-year history of the docks and the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

National Waterways Museum, Gloucester

The museum will take you on a whole new journey, charting the 200-year history of the docks and the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

Diglis Island & Fish Pass

Learn about the history of the Severn, a Victorian workshop where lock gates were once made, and the plight of a once-renowned fish species

Diglis Island & Fish Pass

Learn about the history of the Severn, a Victorian workshop where lock gates were once made, and the plight of a once-renowned fish species

Stourport Basins

A great place to enjoy cafes, shops and a little relaxation

Stourport Basins

A great place to enjoy cafes, shops and a little relaxation

Worcester and Diglis

From riverside walks to canalside strolls - download this guide and go exploring at your leisure

Worcester and Diglis

From riverside walks to canalside strolls - download this guide and go exploring at your leisure

Saul Junction

Saul Junction is a great meeting place for ships and crew, boats and boaters from around the world

Saul Junction

Saul Junction is a great meeting place for ships and crew, boats and boaters from around the world

Wales and South West

Find out more news, events and wellbeing activities from our Wales and South West team

Free guides for fun days out

Download our free guides - over 100 places to visit

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