The National Waterways Museum and docks gives schools a unique first-hand experience of Victorian docks. It provides an excellent location to study the local area, wildlife and learn more about the history of the waterways.

The National Waterways Museum Gloucester is part of Llanthony Warehouse, Gloucester, built in 1873. The warehouse would have been used for timber, grain and alcohol. The building was converted to the museum in 1987 and now tells the story of Gloucester Docks and the historic trade routes from Birmingham to the sea.

School Visits

A school visit typically lasts between 10am and 2pm and features a choice of workshops, self led activities with the option of a lunch time boat trip. (additional charges apply)

Workshops

KS1 Local History: Build a Canal

This workshop looks at how and why the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal was built over 200 years ago and the main cargoes that were carried by boat. Helping children to understand why new engineered transport links were demanded by the Industrial Revolution.

KS1 STEM: Floating and Sinking

Children discover properties in objects that help them to float and what causes something to sink. Plus, whose boat can hold the most cargo?

KS2: Unravelling Rivers

A focus on local history and geography. Using maps to create the journey of the River Severn with rope and learn its features, towns and importance of trade.

KS2 STEM: Canal Maintenance and Water Quality Testing

A canal demonstration showing what causes banks to erode and investigate protection and maintenance methods.

Children investigate water quality using pH testing and why it is important for our environment.

KS2 STEM: Build a Crane

Understand how mechanical advantage helped dock workers move heavy cargo. Combining maths and physics in a hands-on, interactive activity for small teams.

Facilities

Free facilities for teachers include pre-visits, entry for teachers (and carers), lesson planning and outreach visits to schools when you can't make it to us. 

Practicalities include: indoor or outdoor picnic area, toilets including disabled access, shop, café, bag/coat storage, coach parking, goodie bags available to book in advance.

Don't forget a boat trip!

Get out on to the water and board the Queen Boadicea II. Our 45-minute cruise is the perfect way to make your school visit truly memorable. See lift and swing bridges in action and hear fascinating facts about the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. Children can even eat their sandwiches on board – a great treat! 

April to October inclusive.

Price

Child museum admission: £4.50 - supporting adults go free.

Boat trip (April - October) + £4.50 per passenger (applies to children and adults).

All volunteer led activities and workshops are included in the price of admission.