See what events are on at the National Waterways Museum in Gloucester.
Pirates Ahoy! Half-Term Adventure
24 October- 31 October 2026 | 10am-4pm
Ahoy, mateys! Get ready for a swashbuckling adventure this half term at the museum.
Follow our pirate boat trail throughout the week, can you find the secret code word and prove you’re a true pirate?
Then, on 31 October, it’s time for Pirate Day! Enjoy the pirate trail, get transformed with pirate face painting, and come dressed as your favourite pirate for the chance to win a prize.
So grab your crew, dress up and set sail for a day of pirate adventure.
Pirate trail: Free with Museum entry
Pirate face painting: £1 per child
Craft Workshops
Tote Bag Block Printing / 17 October / 10:30-12:30 / £28
Join us at this workshop on the ancient art of Indian Block Printing, we have handpicked blocks that reflect the countryside and waterways. After a short demonstration and practice, we shall help you to unleash your creativity to decorate a small drawstring Bag and a useful Tote Bag.
Rag Rug Workshop / 24 October / 10:00-13:00 / £45
Introducing the traditional craft of rag rugging. Have fun upcycling old t shirts & discarded fabrics into useful objects and colourful works of art. You will learn all the skills to make handcrafted rag rugs, cushions, flowers etc .You will also go home with the piece you have created, and have the opportunity to purchase tools and equipment at a discounted rate.
SeaGlass Pendant and Sun Catchers Workshop / 6 November /10:30-12:30 / £25
Join us for this fun workshop to make a Pendant and a Sun Catcher from a large selection of genuine sea glass collected from the beaches of Pembrokeshire and Cornwall. Using silver plated copper wire, you will use a technique known as Wire Wrapping to attractively “cage” your chosen piece of glass so that it can be attached to a chain and turned into a beautiful pendant necklace. Your second wrapped piece of glass will be made into a beautiful hanging ornament with the addition of beads that will sparkle when hung in the window.
Buy tickets below
Stories with Santa
December 5,12,19,22 & 23 | 11am & 1pm
Join us for a magical 30-minute session designed especially for little ones and their grown-ups. Gather together with other families to hear Santa tell a festive Christmas story, before each child gets the chance to meet Santa and collect a special present from the man himself.
The 30 minute sessions will run limited days during December. Tickets cost £15.00 (1 Child and 1 Adult) and include entry to the museum on that day.
We have a wonderful range of festive drinks and cakes available in our tea rooms and an Elf trail in the galleries, so relax in the warm before or after your Santa experience.
