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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
It's a Lottery
Claire Saul celebrates 30 years of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which supports heritage projects across the United Kingdom
In Memoriam
Michael Foley pays his respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice
Leader of the Pack
Paul Williams examines the history of War Horse
French Fancies
Alain Carraze explains how cult British shows are perceived as the best on television in France
Redheads & Rollers
Simon Stabler talks to Crossroads' Tony Adams
Bringing Memories Back to Life
Richard Haines on the importance of making the most of your vintage photographs
POSTCARD FROM KENT
Bob Barton investigates a network of caves, takes a ride on a thriving heritage railway, and marvels at the beauty of the garden of England
Laughter in the Air
Chris Hallam remembers writer, television presenter and comedian Barry Took
My Good Old Days
Tim Quinn takes us behind the scenes of Leeds City Varieties
The Battersea Bardot
David Barnes remembers the star of Cathy Come Home