From exploring wildlife or testing engineering skills to building a lock gate, getting creative or simply enjoying a picnic, this unique oasis in the River Severn has something to keep everyone entertained.
Sharing Diglis Island
Our visitor services manager Mark Miles says: “We are proud of Diglis Island and our historic locks and we want to share them. Our calendar of summer activities is designed with something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover, budding young engineer or simply someone who likes to escape the city and spend time outdoors. As we can only welcome a limited number of people, there’s a definite feeling that you’re experiencing something special.
“And it's thanks to our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers that we can open our Island to help people make some very special memories.”
What's on
Severn Rivers Trust Family Days (July 21, 23, 25 & 28)
Four free sessions in July will offer the chance for families to get closer to river creatures and craft a clay critter to take home, become eco detectives, get clever with a team challenge and explore why green spaces matter so much.
Getting Inspired by Victorian Engineering (24 & 31 July and 7 & 28 August)
Under 16s can channel their inner James Brindley (the father of English canals) with 90-minute sessions that explore the amazing engineering behind Diglis and its Victorian locks. Then it’s a team challenge to make lock gates, all lead by Canal & River Trust Explorers.
In August, the engineering adventures continue with a look at the weirs and fish pass that make Diglis so special. These 90-minute sessions include an animated ‘shadventure’ film and a team challenge to make a fish pass.
The sessions are £5 and adults go free (with the paying child). There’s a free fish poster to take home. Booking is essential. Everyone joining is welcome to bring a picnic and make a day of it.
Diglis Island & Fish Pass Tours (28 July and 6 August)
These popular guided 90-minute tours take visitors around the Island to explore the history and wildlife and then take them down into the fish pass to experience the view below the waterline. There the anticipation mounts with the possibility of seeing aquatic life swim by – 28 species of fish have been recorded so far this year. But what might be seen? Could it be the elusive shad? Salmon? Or something different – an otter perhaps?
The tours are £7 for adults, under 18s are free. Booking is essential as numbers are limited.
Free Open Afternoons and Drop In Sessions
On dates in July and August, Diglis Island welcomes visitors to the unique fish pass viewing gallery and also enjoy a documentary looking at the making of the stunning structure. On the open afternoons the focus is on the Island, its wildlife, industrial heritage and its views across the beautiful Severn. Visitors are invited to lead themselves around the Island and there are Diglis Island Guides on hand to answer questions.
Booking is not always needed and more information on the dates and availability can be found at: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/diglis
Let’s Create (29 July and 27 August)
Diglis Island, nature and canals provide endless inspiration for some self-led creative session for children aged? It’s a chance to make a leaf creature, curate a nature gallery, design a campaign poster for an important cause, paint traditional Roses and Castles designs and much more.
Booking is essential as places are limited.
Picnics and pop-up café
Diglis Island makes a perfect picnic location, but it’s a special one, and only open at limited times. So, these lunchtime sessions (22 & 30 July and 4 August) give people the chance to have the Island (almost) to themselves.
Visitors bring their own picnics and there are activities for under 16s to enjoy such as mini-beast hunts, bird spotting and bridge building (costs £5 with free admission for adults accompanying the children).
Places are limited so booking is essential for the picnics.
If a picnic is not possible then Diglis Island’s new pop-up café has the answer. With hot and cold drinks, cakes and biscuits on offer it’s the ideal place to relax and enjoy the views. And the Island’s friendly guides are nearby to answer any questions. Booking is not needed for the pop-up café, but it is only open on the specified dates/times.
Dates and times pop up café can be found at https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/diglis
Sirens of Sustainability Exhibition
During the summer, Diglis Island will be hosting an exhibition by the Worcester Craftivists. Called ‘The Sirens of Sustainability’ it’s a display focusing on the growing threats to our oceans and rivers and is the result of arts workshops in schools, colleges, community groups and festivals over the past year. It was developed in response to the University of Worcester's International Centre for the Picture Book in Society’s Sea Change project.
Further details, including timing and booking arrangements can be found at: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/diglis
