Pleasure on the Severn

Today people mostly use the Severn to relax rather than work. However, the river and its banks have always been a source of enjoyment for the citizens of Gloucester.

For many years steamboats took city workers for day trips when bank holidays were their only holidays. For the more athletic, Gloucester has one of the oldest rowing clubs in the country. Others went swimming, but the strong currents make this an incredibly dangerous thing to do.

On the riverbanks, you can still sit and fish as people have done for centuries, or walk along the specially constructed paths. Beside the river are the flood meadows used for special events and celebrations, from fairs and visiting royalty to fighting mock-battles.