General Chat

That was a shame, we have not yet managed to catch the arrival or departure of the ships, we have seen the occasional tall ship come in down the canal at other times though when they are arriving to go into tommy Nielson's yard for repairs or refit. There are two or three in at the moment, love to see them there.

We walked around at Newcastle quayside to see the ships first, Ann, many years ago now.

I parked across the river at Gateshead and we walked across the blinking eye bridge (lovely construction and especially more so at night when the colours outlining it change all the time).

To go on the river was a novelty for grandchildren though. Drinks and snacks were served. Lunch was available if you booked it but along Newcastle quayside there are some really nice restaurants. We also visited the Sage etc on the other side of the river.

All-in-all, a lovely day with super weather.

We went to the river-mouth to watch the ships depart a couple of days later and it poured down.

I actually haven't seen local boats offering tour of the docks, probably because you can walk all round and see all the ships that way. Some you can also go on although I think you have to pay to go on the pirate ship.

There are trips down the canal run all the time though, One run by the Waterways museum a fairly large boat, and one a canal boat.

As you say a lot to do.

Look out for local boats offering tours along the water around the tall ships.

When the TS were in our neck of the woods many years ago, I took two (including granddaughter) on the river tour and it was well worth it. The quayside was buzzing and we spent the whole day there as there was so much to do.

Ann she has visited so many places in Gloucester,
and loving her experiences down there :-)

Strange how we were taken to older people when young and didn't know why we were there. I think these days it would have been explained to the child, children are much more out going than we who were 'to be seen and not hear'. What a pity you didn't take an ornament, you would treasure it now.
The Christmas fairs were good (we had two, the Victorian Christmas fair that was huge and very crowded, and later on nearer Christmas, the Christmas fair.) Always a good atmosphere. You walked a fair way then, more or less the walk we did last Saturday, we get the bus into town and walk down to the docks and the Quays outlet, but we then walked a little way down the tow path of the canal, past Llantony Priory, had lunch in Wetherspoons (long time since we ate in Dr Fosters, is it ok?), then walked back to town, although didn't visit the cathedral. Including the half mile to the bus and back this end we walked 4 miles.

A little of both Ann. Went for lunch at Dr. Fosters, plus a look round the stalls for the Christmas Fayre. Then up to the town, a quick tour of some charity shops ( not sure if that should be called a weakness or a hobby!), then a quick visit to the Cathedral.
Went with a friend from school who has had two hip replacements, so we both well rather slowly.

Had been to Gloucester a couple of times before. Once when I was eight, I went with my dad and my younger brother. Was very puzzled about what was going on, but remember visiting dome complete strangers in the town. An older man and two young men. The young ones showed me lots of ornaments and told me I could take my pick. Unfortunately I was too why to take anything from them as I didn't know them.. Can remember that I mumbled something about. " next time".

I never saw then again. But the visit always remained in my memory banks as something going on that I did' not understand.

I found out many years later that my paternal grandmother had just died. My dad hsd't seen her since he was a young child, and I had always believed that she had died long before I was born.
One older man was her new "husband", and the young ones were my dad's half- brothers ( my uncles). Dad had tried to see her before she died, but was too late.

Went to Gloucester again around fifteen years ago, after finding the address my grandmother had been in before her death.

She was not originally from Gloucester, but had lived in Herefordshire for some years. Moved to Gloucester with her new partner ( via a few other places).
I really wish that I had got to meet her, and always associate her with Gloucester ,( and vice versa).
R.I.P. Christina.

She will enjoy the atmosphere Emma. I assume by now she has visited the docks.

Tess did you go to the cathedral or was it a shpping trip to the Quays?

Thanks Ann, will let grand daughter know to look out for it.
She will be coming home at some point for Easter break.

Thanks Ann,
I visited Gloucester in December, on a coach trip from Birmingham. Don't think that I will be able to get there for the Tall Ships, but will keep my eyes and ears open to see if there are any more trips on offer.

Had a lovely (if rather cold) time in December, and certainly want to visit again sometime.

T.

For anyone interested.

The award-winning Gloucester Tall Ships Festival makes its return voyage to the city’s historic docks on Spring Bank Holiday 2017. This will be the tenth anniversary of the incredibly popular festival.

The event was the runner up in the Recreation and Tourism category at the Living Waterway’s Awards 2016, to add to its Cotswolds Tourism Award 2014 and Waterside Renaissance Award in 2010.

Gloucester Tall Ships continues to be a huge hit with families, coach groups and ship enthusiasts, drawing audiences from around the country, with the 2015 festival attracting 125,000 people over the bank holiday weekend. What makes the event so distinctive is its setting in the UK’s most inland port surrounded by beautifully-preserved Victorian warehouses.

Five tall ships will sail into the docks and moor up on the quayside for visitors to see. There will be a raft of entertainment featuring marauding pirates (including Captain Jack Sparrow), nautical activities, fun games for children and grown-ups, a food market plus two museums on the docks site. There are live music stages featuring an eclectic selection of local bands and singers as well as the return of the essential Gloucester Shanty Festival

The first Tall Ships Festival was launched to lift local pride and show that the city was open for business following the devastating floods that hit Gloucestershire in 2007. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength, bolstering its reputation as one of the best Spring Bank Holiday events in the South West and an excellent value day for all the family.

For more information call Marketing Gloucester on 01452 207020 or alternatively, contact Gloucester Tourist Information Centre on 01452 396572.