Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

Canal in Gloucester

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Celuici

The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal in Gloucester, England, is a long waterside attraction built for navigation, walking, and cycling rather than a single enclosed visitor site. It links Gloucester Docks with Sharpness along a broad channel that was designed to carry large vessels safely past the River Severn. Today, the canal is still used by boats, but much of the activity along its banks comes from people on the towpath.

What visitors notice most is the open water, the steady line of bridges, and the mix of working canal features with quieter stretches of reeds and wildlife. It is best for walkers, cyclists, boat watchers, and anyone interested in Gloucester’s dockland heritage. It can also work well as a short outing near the city centre, though longer sections suit visitors who are comfortable spending more time on foot or by bike.

History and Significance of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal
Things to See and Do along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal
How to Get to the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal
Practical Tips on Visiting the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal
Where to Stay close to the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal
Is the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

History and Significance of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

Construction began in 1794 with the intention of creating a safer, more efficient alternative to the treacherous tidal River Severn. The canal was meant to be 18 feet deep in its centre to accommodate the deep keels of large sailing ships. Although it was ultimately not dredged to the full depth due to the shift toward flatter-bottomed steam vessels, it remained a major engineering achievement.

It was once described simply as “16 miles long, 16 feet deep, 16 bridges”-a memorable but not entirely accurate summary. In reality, the canal grew more complex over time. Originally, there were 16 bridges plus one over Gloucester Lock, with additional railway bridges added later. While some were removed, new road bridges built in 2007 and 2008 mean that today there are 18 bridges across the canal and one at Gloucester Lock.

The canal played a crucial role in transporting timber, grain, and imported goods inland and helped establish Gloucester as a thriving Victorian port. Its history is closely tied to the city's heritage, linking the docks, warehouses, and industries that developed along its banks.

Things to See and Do along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

Walking or cycling along the towpath is one of the most enjoyable ways to appreciate the canal. The route offers open views, peaceful stretches of water, and opportunities to spot swans, herons, and narrowboats passing quietly between bridges.

Many visitors begin their walk at Gloucester Historic Docks and follow the canal south toward Llanthony Bridge, Hempsted, or the historic swing bridges further along the route. The canal is still navigable, so it's common to see narrowboats, pleasure cruisers, and occasionally tall ships making their way between Gloucester and Sharpness.

Points of interest along the canal include swing bridges, old warehouses, boatyards, and wildlife-rich sections of reeds and open water. For a longer adventure, the canal’s full length leads to Sharpness, where visitors can see the junction with the River Severn and explore views across the estuary.

How to Get to the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

Gloucester enjoys excellent rail connections, with direct trains from London Paddington, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, and Cheltenham. From Gloucester Station, the canal and docks area are a short walk away. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travellers arriving by air typically use Bristol Airport, with convenient rail and bus links to Gloucester from Bristol Temple Meads. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Gloucester on Booking.com.

For those driving, the canal is easily accessed via the M5, A40, or local Gloucester routes. Car parks near Gloucester Docks or along towpath entry points provide convenient starting points for walks or bike rides.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

Suggested tips: Bring water and comfortable shoes if walking long stretches of the towpath.
Best time to visit: Spring and summer for wildlife; autumn for beautiful foliage.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free to explore.
Opening hours: Open year-round at all hours.
Official website: See the Canal & River Trust pages for updates.
How long to spend: From a 30-minute stroll to a full-day exploration.
Accessibility: Many towpath areas are flat and suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.
Facilities: Cafés and facilities at Gloucester Docks; occasional pubs along the route.
Photography tip: Avoid midday light-early morning or sunset creates lovely reflections on the water.
Guided tours: Occasional guided waterside walks are offered locally.
Nearby food options: Numerous dining options around Gloucester Quays and the docks.

Where to Stay close to the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

The canal is easily accessible from central Gloucester hotels. For modern, waterside convenience, Premier Inn Gloucester City Centre sits next to the docks. For boutique charm near both the canal and cathedral, try The Locking Castle Hotel. For a historic stay within easy walking distance, consider The New Inn.

Is the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal Worth Visiting?

Yes. The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal is one of the must-see places in Gloucester, especially for those who enjoy peaceful outdoor walks, industrial heritage, and waterside views. Its combination of history, engineering, wildlife, and scenic beauty makes it a rewarding experience for all ages.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (235)

The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal offers a long, largely flat towpath popular with walkers, families and cyclists, winding through varied scenery and wildlife; many visitors praise its tranquillity, houseboats and river views near Sharpness, and note it links to points of interest like Gloucester Docks and nearby sites, while advising the route can be tackled in sections, may include some narrow, uneven or rocky stretches and a few pushchair-unfriendly parts after rain so bring suitable footwear or properly inflated tyres.

Diaz

a year ago

"The trail is scenic and suitable for both hiking and cycling. However, there are some rough patches along the way. The trail is picturesque and canbe enjoyed by both pedestrians and cyclists. It is an extended route, so appropriate footwear or properly inflated tires are recommended. Be aware that the trail does have some uneven and rocky sections...."

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RAINB0WSH0ES

a year ago

"Gloucester Canal & River Trust Cruise, run by Sabrina cruises. 25th July. A lovely 45-minute cruise on a boat called The Queen Boadicea ll, down thecanal docks, seeing the old warehouses and historic businesses that would have been really busy back in the day. Part way along, a bridge had to be raised to let the boat through, and this was done by a lively, funny guy in full pirate costume. He was in great character, and we were encouraged to wave at him and shout piratey phrases as we sailed by, which we loved! ☠️ nLovely polite guys working on the boat, and we would definitely go on this cruise again...."

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JOHN McCARTHY

6 years ago

"This is a great 16 miles of flat and well maintained tow path. Used by pedestrians and a few bikers. Safe for children on small bikes. Extremelyscenic and well looked after. DO it in sections and savour the tranquillity. Great for wildlife...."

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permia

a year ago

"At almost 27 km long definitely didn’t traverse it all. But the section at its commencement in Gloucester is scenic and imbued with economicactivity. Finally opened in 1827 after many delays and rising costs it was for a time the widest and deepest canal in the world. A laudable engineering achievement. It continued to flourish till the 1980s with increasing commercial trade. But from thereon it has been used almost predominantly for pleasure cruising. A grand lightship is moored at the canal side, a part of which is available to paying guests...."

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Gabrielle

3 years ago

"To review all 16 miles of the canal as a whole is a hard task! The scenery, landscape and wildlife vary over a very short distance (For example, thecloser to Sharpness you get, the more the River Severn is visible). I walked sections of the canal to get from "A to B," for years before falling in love with it proper. One day whilst out walking, I happened upon the site of the former Hardwicke Bridge. This ignited my interest in the bridges, and began my walking of the canal from bridge-to-bridge. From Gloucester Docks, the tow path passes many areas of interest, including but not limited to; Llanthony Secunda Priory, Saul Junction, Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Purton Ships Graveyard and the former site of the Severn Railway Bridge. [I walked a lot of the sections with my young family, certain sections (i.e. from Sellars Bridge to Parkend Bridge) are not pushchair friendly when it has been raining) and it gets very narrow in other places (Purton Bridges to Patch Bridge)]...."

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Welshwasp

a year ago

"It was a pleasant trip along the canal from the docks but could have been better. A warm day persuaded us to take a trip but we were disappointedover the relatively short distance that we travelled having previously walked nearly the length of the route covered. Ideal perhaps for visitors to the area who know little of its history or for those unable to walk any distance, otherwise save your money and take a walk until thy decide to reintroduce longer trips...."

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FAQs for Visiting the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

Around 16-16.5 miles between Gloucester and Sharpness.

Yes, you can walk or cycle long uninterrupted stretches.

Seasonal trips may run from Gloucester Docks.

Yes, with a proper licence.

Yes, with supervision near the water.

Dogs are welcome on the towpath.

Yes, several traditional pubs sit beside or near the water.

Mostly for leisure boating today.

Gloucester Station is within walking distance of the canal.

Yes, it’s a popular and scenic cycling route.

The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Gloucester!

Moira & Andy

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