From their permanent moorings at the Gloucester Waterways Museum, the Queen Boadicea II and the King Arthur provide a great opportunity to take to the water, either on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal or the River Severn.
The Queen Boadicea II operates forty-five minute pleasure trips along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal on weekends and bank holidays between April and October. Regular sailings every day are operated in the summer months, starting at the beginning of May and running through to the end of August.
Having recently taken the trip on the Queen Boadicea II, we can recommend it. To view everything from the water is an experience in itself and gives you a completely different perspective. This is true whether you are a resident of Gloucester or a visitor.
The commentary by the skipper of the Queen Boadicea II is both interesting and amusing and reminds us of the part this former Dunkirk "Little Ship" played in helping our heroes in the allied evacuation from Dunkirk during World War II in 1940.
The King Arthur is a comfortable pleasure cruiser with a covered seated deck area, below deck saloon and a fully licensed bar. In addition to regular cruises, the King Arthur can be privately hired for a variety of uses including corporate functions, family events, parties and weddings.
The King Arthur offers a great selection of themed cruises which operate throughout the year including special pleasure trips to Sharpness, Fathers Day lunch, and even the opportunity to listen to the mellow sounds of the resident jazz band whilst cruising along the River Severn.
During December, a variety of Christmas themed cruises take place aboard the King Arthur including a one hour cruise giving children the opportunity to meet Santa in his special on-board grotto. All children receive a present and there are hot drinks and mince pies for the adults.
Trips to Tewkesbury aboard the King Arthur in 2012 are scheduled to take place on the 9th June, 14th July and 25th August. The trip up the River Severn takes in beautiful Gloucestershire countryside with the added excitement of navigating through two canal locks.
For further details on cruises and pleasure trips aboard the Queen Boadicea II and the King Arthur, please contact the Gloucester Waterways Museum by calling Gloucester (01452) 318200 or email gloucester@thewaterwaystrust.org.uk