Trainspotting has never interested me (why collect lists of numbers?) and I find bird spotting too competitive. On a short break based in Gloucester, I took up the hobby of waterway spotting.
Waterways – canals and navigable rivers – are features of the landscape we tend to take for granted. They are quiet and peaceful, attract a variety of wildlife and it’s fun finding reminders of “olden days”. They take us from the humdrum to hidden corners, often on our doorstep. Hardly any equipment is required. You don’t even need a boat, just a comfortable pair of boots and a map. A curious nature helps, too.
It was impossible to miss Gloucester’s biggest water feature: its inland docks. I was told they’re the farthest inland in Britain. Where the River Severn meets the city, 15 huge Victorian warehouses rise above the water. These stately monuments to the era of sail and horsepower were once full of produce being traded around Europe. In one of them, the Llanthony Warehouse, the National Waterway Museum (0303 040 4040, canalrivertrust.org.uk) brings this romantic age to life. When I first visited in the 1970s, the docks had an air of dereliction and decay but now – what a contrast. A variety of bars, cafes and restaurants have sprung up, providing ample people-watching opportunities as well as sustenance.
Denne historien er fra March 2023-utgaven av Best of British.
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Denne historien er fra March 2023-utgaven av Best of British.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Animal Magic
Hilary Middleton recalls a children's author whose tales are still enjoyed today
BACK IN TIME WITH COLIN BAKER
BoB's very own Time Lord prepares for an alternative to panto, recalls his early reading choices and having his scenes cut from two cutting edge comedies
Marvels in Miniature
Claire Saul learns about the exquisite works on display at a new exhibition being held at a historic Georgian mansion
The Last Post
Michael Foley witnessed the end of an era
The Box of Delights
Chris Hallam remembers how his Christmas 40 years ago was lit up by a magical television drama
The Queen of Stage and Screen
Chris Hallam pays tribute to actress Dame Maggie Smith
Other 07
Jonathan Sothcott looks at the seven Sir Roger Moore films that you should have in your collection
In the Best Possible Taste
Derek Lamb remembers the wireless wizardry of Kenny Everett
POSTCARD FROM BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Bob Barton remembers a ghostly train journey, enjoys some wassailing and fulfils a long-held ambition of attending a lawnmower festival
MERCY MISSION
John Greeves recounts the remarkable exploits of Sunderland flying boat T9114