Boating the River Severn Navigation

Find boating information for the River Severn Navigation

River Severn Navigation

Length	42.6 miles
Locks	4

Maximum boat dimensions

Gloucester to Worcester

Length	42.67m	140ft
Width	6.65m	15ft 6"
Draught	2.51m	8ft 3"
Headroom	7.47m	24ft 6"

Worcester to Stourport

Length	27.43m	90ft
Width	5.79m	19ft
Draught	1.83m	6ft
Headroom	6.1m	20ft

Boating from Gloucester to Sharpness?

The section from Gloucester to Sharpness is dangerous for boats, and is bypassed by the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. The section below Sharpness is not recommended for inland craft, unless they are equipped for a short sea voyage and have experienced crews, or else with the help of a licensed River Severn pilot.

Before you take your boat onto the Severn

Here's our guide and navigation notes to help you successfully cruise the River Severn navigation

Sharpness Port

What you need to know before making your way through Sharpness

Visit our boating section
Find everything you'll need to know about boating on our canals
Visit our boating section
Find everything you'll need to know about boating on our canals
Check our notices
Before you travel, check our route for any works
Check our notices
Before you travel, check our route for any works
Downloadable waterway guides
Detailed maps and boating information for all our waterways
Downloadable waterway guides
Detailed maps and boating information for all our waterways
River Severn Navigation
From the Welsh mountains down to the lowlands of the Severn Estuary, the River Severn is the longest river in Britain
River Severn Navigation
From the Welsh mountains down to the lowlands of the Severn Estuary, the River Severn is the longest river in Britain

Opening times

From the 13 October – 8am - 4pm (7 days)

From the 31 October – 8am - 4pm – Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday

From 1 April 2026 – 8 am - 6pm (7 days)

You are welcome to contact us at [email protected] or 0303 040 4040 if you would like to discuss this information with a member of our customer service team.

From Thursday through to Monday when the river is open the following locks will be unmanned and therefore operate on a booking system, Lincomb, Holt, Bevere, Diglis and Upper Lode.

These bookings must be made via Gloucester Lock 24 hours in advance of travel , please call 01452 310832 or 07717 681086.