National Historic Fleet
One of the largest boats in our collection, Sabrina 5 was built in 1944, for the Ministry of War Transport, to move a variety of cargoes.
Sabrina 5 was actually one of six boats – or barges as they are known. The barges were an impressive sight, measuring 90ft long and specifically designed to carry imported goods from Avonmouth up the country. She would have been towed, together with other barges, behind a tug, laden with cargos of copper, zinc, steel and aluminium and food such as wheat, cheese, cocoa beans and tinned tomatoes.
The Sabrina Barges were working right up until the 1960s, when road and rail offered a more competitive transport option. Sadly she lost her original purpose, but through careful design and restoration in 1988 Sabrina 5 joined our exhibits here at the National Waterways Museum, Gloucester. Then in 2004, her hold was converted into a performance area for theatre, music and lectures.
New career as a venue
Now Sabrina 5 is beginning a new chapter, she's been transformed in Neilsen's dry dock into a fully equipped space for education, learning, private meetings or party hire and she is already welcoming visitors of all ages. This unique venue could add that something special to your event. She is hirable for a full day (£200) or half a day (£100).
Sabrina has a small kitchen, a toilet, tables and chairs and a screen as well as electricty points. There is no wi-fi available on board. Capacity with tables is around 20-25 people.
The museum can provide lunch, afternoon tea or hot drinks and cake alongside your event or you are welcome to provide your own catering.
Contact us at [email protected] to find out more about hiring her.
We also have multiple spaces within the museum for hire
You can hire out the whole museum space for exclusive events or just Level 2, a wide open warehouse space ideal for meetings or larger events.
Our cafe atrium (pictured below) can also be reserved free of charge for local groups or meetings, we just ask that you purchase from our cafe while you are utilising the space.
