Skip to main content

The charity making life better by water

Museum café and gift shop

You can find our lovely café with outdoor picnic area and gift shop at the front on the museum, right at the centre of bustling Gloucester Docks. The gift shop and café are free to visit all year round - pop in for a cuppa!

NWMG Cafe

Visiting the café

When it's time to take the weight off your feet, head to the ground floor. There you'll find our lovely café and outdoor picnic area, with a range of tasty treats to tempt you.

You'll find seasonal hot and cold drinks, as well as a selection of delicious cakes and sweet treats. Plus the all important ice cream! You can enjoy them in the café or, on a sunny day, take a seat outside to relax and do a spot of gongoozling!

Our café is open for sit-in and take-away drinks and refreshments which can be enjoyed in our outdoor seating area overlooking Orchard Square.

The museum and café welcome dogs on leads and we even sell tasty treats for them! You can pick up a dog ice cream from our cafe and gift shop.

We also welcome organised groups and can provide custom catering options for groups of 15 people or more. Please contact us on 01452 915676 if you would are interested in arranging a group visit.

Afternoon Tea Time

We offer a fantastic afternoon tea experience which includes a selection of sandwiches and cakes, a scone with clotted cream and jam, as well a toasty pot of tea or coffee.

Afternoon teas cost £15 per person, with discounts available for a child's portion. Afternoon tea gift cards are also available to purchase in the museum, or by contacting us directly.

If you would like to book an afternoon tea, please give us a call on 01452 915676.

Our gift shop

Who doesn't love a little shop - full of trinkets and treasures that help you hold on to the magical memories made on your day out at our museum? Add a relaxing coffee and a slice of cake - lovely!

Our gift shop is a treasure trove of gifts and goodies that changes with the seasons. From pocket money treats and old-fashioned sweets to painted canal ware and original prints. As well as some lovely crafts and modern takes on museum memorabilia including handmade rag rugs created by the Friends of the National Waterways Museum.

Plus, you will find a comprehensive selection of canal books, guides, and maps - well, we are the National 'Waterways' Museum after all.

Last Edited: 15 August 2023

photo of a location on the canals
newsletter logo

Stay connected

Sign up to our monthly newsletter and be the first to hear about campaigns, upcoming events and fundraising inspiration