2027 River Cruise · Round Trip from Gloucester
The Ship Canal Explorer Cruise
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3
Nights Long
32
Miles of Cruising
4
About this cruise
Cruise The World's First Ship Canal
The Ship Canal Explorer Cruise runs in Spring and Autumn and is a great short break to discover the Gloucester to Sharpness Ship Canal.
Highlights
- Gloucester's Historic Docks
- The longest village green in Frampton upon Severn
- Berkeley Castle Tour
- Slimbridge WWT
- Purton Barge Graveyard
- Cotswold Canals Trust
The Gloucester to Sharpness Ship Canal
Capture glorious views of the Cotswolds escarpment, upper Severn estuary and Forest of Dean. Enjoy guided tours of Berkeley Castle to learn about the unique heritage of this place, and the ‘Purton Hulks’ graveyard of 80 barge wrecks scuppered to shore up the canal embankment.
You can also visit the Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre founded by the ‘father’ of nature conservation, Sir Peter Scott and the Cotswolds Canal Trust Heritage Centre to discover the history of the local waterways.
Limited Availability
This cruise is has limited sailings. Book today to avoid disappointment. Group Charters are available on this cruise.
Gloucester's Historic Docks
Frampton upon Severn
Berkeley Castle (not displayed on map)
Slimbridge WWT
Cotswold Canals Trust
Purton Barge Graveyard
Day by day
Itinerary
- 1
Day One
Boarding and Sail to Gloucester's Historic Docks
- 2pm Check-in and park at our purpose-built canalside location "The Boathouse" near Gloucester.
- 4pm Boarding
- 5pm Set sail for Gloucester
- 6pm Arrive Gloucester and moor overnight.
- 2
Day Two
Gloucester and Berkeley Castle
- 9.30am Historic Docks Walking Tour.
- 10.45am Set sail to Frampton upon Severn.
- 14.15pm Coach to Berkeley Castle for guided tour.
- 5pm Return to the boat and moor in Frampton overnight.
- 3
Day Three
Purton Hulks Barge Graveyard and Slimbridge WWT
- 8am Sail to Purton Hulks Barge Graveyard.
- 10.00am Visit Purton Hulks.
- 11.30pm Set sail to Slimbridge.
- 1.15pm Transport to Slimbridge WWT
- 4pm Return from Slimbridge. Moor overnight.
- 4
Day Four
Visit Saul and Depart
- 8.30am Sail to Saul Junction
- 10.00am Visit Saul junction and discover the local canal restoration project with Cotswold Canals Trust.
- 11.30am Set sail to the Boathouse, Gloucester
- 1.00pm Arrive at the Boathouse, Gloucester
- 1.30pm Check out .
*Meal Times are 8.30 am Breakfast, 12.30 pm Lunch and 6.30 pm Dinner. Some cruises have lunch ashore during excursions which passengers must buy at their expense. The above itinerary is subject to change based on weather, tide and local conditions or events.
Your hotel boat
The MV Edward Elgar
98% of our passengers rate our service as "Good" or "Excellent" value for money. That's because we include:
- All meals with traditional English food. Special diets catered for.
- Unlimited house pour wine, beer, spirits, mixers and soft drinks.
- Tea & Fresh Coffee from our coffee machine at all times.
- Afternoon cake.
- All tours and excursions listed on the cruise itinerary.
- Unlimited free WiFi on board.
- Live in crew providing hotel style service.
- All cabins are twin en-suite with climate control and window.
- Reduced rate cabins for single occupancy on every cruise.
Plus Package
Upgrade to the Plus Package and Stay at The Hatherley Manor Hotel and Spa
Twin or Double Rooms
Stay in a twin or double room, all are easy access on the ground floor.
Easy Check-in
Arrive when it suits you so you don't need to rush. On the boarding day of the cruise you are now only a short journey away.
Spa Access
Free access to the on site spa during your stay.
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.
Your package includes a continental breakfast, and up to £32pp to spend on dinner in hotel restaurant.
Book online
Check Availability & Securely Book Online Today
PLEASE NOTE prices on our online booking system are shown PER CABIN based on twin sharing. Single cabins can only be booked by phone on 01452 410411.
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