Welcome to Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal is a historic waterway that runs through the heart of Gloucestershire. It was built in the early 19th century to provide a direct route between Gloucester and the River Severn, bypassing the treacherous tidal waters of the Severn Estuary. Today, the canal is a popular destination for boaters, walkers, and cyclists, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a glimpse into the region's industrial past.

One of the most striking features of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal is its impressive engineering. The canal is over 16 miles long and includes several impressive locks, bridges, and aqueducts. It was designed to accommodate large cargo ships, and at its peak, it was a vital transportation route for goods such as coal, timber, and grain. Today, the canal is still used for commercial shipping, but it is also a popular leisure destination, with many people enjoying boating trips, fishing, and picnics along its banks.

The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal is also an important part of Gloucestershire's cultural heritage. It played a significant role in the region's industrial development, and many of the canal's historic buildings and structures have been preserved as part of the Gloucester Waterways Museum. Visitors can learn about the canal's history and explore exhibits on the region's maritime heritage, including displays on boat-building, navigation, and the lives of the canal workers who helped to build and maintain this important waterway.