From exploring wildlife, testing engineering skills to build a lock gate, getting creative or simply enjoying a picnic, the unique oasis in the River Severn has something to keep everyone entertained.
Summer fun at Diglis Island
Worcester’s historic Diglis Island will be the go-to destination this summer as we host six weeks of activities and events.
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.
Severn Rivers Trust Events - 16 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite
Getting Inspired by Victorian Engineering (24 & 31 July and 7 & 28 August)
This a chance for under 16s to 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.
Buy tickets for Getting Inspired by Victorian Engineering
Let’s Create (29 July and 27 August)
Diglis Island, nature and canals provide endless inspiration for some self-led creative session for children under 16. 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.
The sessions are £5 per child and booking is essential as places are limited.
Let’s Picnic (22 & 30 July and 4 August)
Diglis Island makes a perfect picnic location, but it’s a special one, and only open at limited times. So, these lunchtime sessions give people the chance to have the Island (almost) to
themselves. Visitors bring their own picnic 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.
Pop-up Café (30 July and 3, 7, 12 & 29 August)
Join us for Diglis Island’s new pop up café. 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. No need to book, but there might be a wait if we are busy.
Diglis Island Open afternoons (13 & 25 August)
Diglis Island welcomes visitors to lead themselves around the Island to soak up the atmosphere on the Island, its wildlife, industrial heritage and its views across the beautiful Severn and there are Diglis Island Guides on hand to answer questions. Stay a little bit longer and enjoy a drink whilst taking in the views. No need to book, but there might be a wait if we are busy.
Photography Experiences (3, 4, 12 & 28 August)
Step onto the private manmade Diglis Island to enhance your photographic skills with a local professional photographer, surrounded by nature and industrial canal heritage. You will then explore the beautiful Diglis Island, including the usually off-limits northern end. Finish off the session by sharing and discussing your photographs over coffee and cake. Booking essential.
Buy tickets for Photography Experiences
Island & Fish Pass tours (6 & 11 August) and Diglis Fish Pass Drop In Sessions (6 & 9 August)
Book online to join us for one of our popular 90-minute guided tours of Diglis island and fish pass or just pop along to the unique fish pass viewing gallery and enjoy a documentary looking at the making of the stunning structure. Book tickets for Island and Fish Pass tours
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.
Last Edited: 01 July 2025
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