Gloucester Docks — Attraction in Gloucester

I used to come here in the 80’s & 90’s as a kid, and I hated it. Of course back then it was a very different place, the Warehouses were either derelict or at least looked it. Always dull & dismal with questionable characters knocking about.

Fast forward 30+ years, how is it now? Well I’m glad you asked….. unfortunately it’s just not that special a place 😔. I’d heard it had been tidied up and developed in recent years, and in fairness it has however it’s pretty bland. Lots of generic eateries which is fine I guess as it offers lots of choice but there just a lot of “nothing”. Im visiting in mid-October on a Saturday so perhaps in the summer there a lot more going on? Compared to Liverpool Docks which I visited in April time a few years ago Gloucester Docks is severely lacking. Granted very different cities but Gloucester could lean a few things I feel.

I was expecting lots of Artisan units/stalls, perhaps giving more opportunities to local artists etc

Also there’s the sensitive subject of parking…. Joke!! We had to park a fair distance away up a back street which was not ideal. Traffic was very heavy too.

Overall, a...

A real highlight of the local area; I would recommend visiting. It’s a charming spot to walk around - you may want to check out the nearby Waterways and Soldiers museums, the nearby Quays shops or some of the nearby restaurants and coffee shops. For the docks themselves I’d especially recommend walking across the lock at the northern side of the water, and the dry dock at the southwestern side, where you can see ships being worked on. The area is quieter than the high street, and more historic/picturesque with the calm water and narrowboat and small yachts moored up. Southgate (busy street running near the docks) does get a bit sketchy after hours but the docks themselves are generally fine. Overall it’s a cute area I’d recommend checking out on a relaxed...

3rd of August 2021: We finally chugged into here after getting through the two manned locks and wow! So loved being moored up here at Gloucester Docks/Basin and absolutely stunning! The historical docks and canal cultural landmarks and heritage is amazing. It was hard leaving Gloucester Docks/Basin but we'll be chugging back here again after we've been to the end of the Gloucester and Sharpness canal....float a few days at Sharpness and then back to Gloucester Docks/Basin again, can't wait! Thanks to all the CRT Bridge and Lock Keepers at Gloucester and on the Bridges all the way to Sharpness.... Finally, a big thank you to Gloucester City for such an amazing historical area here at the Gloucester Docks/Basin. Gloucester City is now definitely on my favourite...