The Bell Inn, Frampton on Severna Canal User’s Haven near the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

About a 7 minute walk from Swingbridge 8. Mooring looks to be 48 hours.

Boater Friendly Pub in Frampton on Severn

When travelling along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, one of the most picturesque and historic pubs you’ll find within walking distance is The Bell Inn at Frampton on Severn. Just a short stroll from the towpath, this traditional country pub offers canal users the perfect place to moor up, stretch their legs, and enjoy classic hospitality in one of the prettiest villages in Gloucestershire.

A Pub Steeped in History

The Bell Inn has stood at the heart of Frampton on Severn for centuries, welcoming locals, travellers, and now a steady stream of canal boaters. The village itself is famous for having the longest village green in England, and The Bell Inn overlooks this charming expanse, providing stunning views in all seasons.

For those exploring by boat, stepping ashore here feels like stepping back in time. The pub retains much of its original character, with timber beams, cosy open fires, and traditional furnishings, while also offering all the comforts that today’s boaters and walkers expect.

Perfectly Placed for Canal Users

The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal is one of the most scenic waterways in the country, running parallel to the River Severn and connecting Gloucester Docks with Sharpness. It’s popular with narrowboaters, widebeam cruisers, and leisure boaters, thanks to its wide locks, historic swing bridges, and sweeping countryside views.

The Bell Inn is conveniently located just a short walk from the canal’s towpath, making it an ideal stop for:

• Boaters seeking a hearty meal after a day’s cruising
• Walkers and cyclists following the canal towpath
• Families mooring nearby for a break on longer journeys

Its proximity means you won’t have to trek far from your mooring – an important consideration for tired crews at the end of a day navigating bridges and locks.

Food and Drink at The Bell Inn

The Bell Inn is renowned among boaters for its generous portions of home-cooked food and wide-ranging menu. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional pub classic like steak and ale pie, fish and chips, or a lighter seasonal dish, the pub caters to all appetites. Sunday roasts are especially popular and often attract boaters from neighbouring moorings.

The bar is well stocked with local ales, real ciders, fine wines, and refreshing lagers—perfect for winding down after a cruise along the canal. For many visitors, sampling a pint of locally brewed ale while overlooking the village green is one of the highlights of their journey.

A Welcoming Atmosphere
One of the key reasons canal users love The Bell Inn is its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Boaters often speak of the warmth of the staff, who are accustomed to greeting visitors arriving from the canal. Whether you’re travelling solo, with family, or as part of a flotilla, you’ll find the pub a place where you can relax, refuel, and meet fellow travellers.

In the colder months, the open fires create a cosy retreat from the crisp canal air. In summer, the pub’s outdoor seating area and views of the green make it the perfect spot to enjoy a pint under the sun.

Why Canal Users Should Visit The Bell Inn

• Proximity to the canal – Just a short walk from moorings, making it one of the easiest pubs to reach on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal
• Great food and drink – Home-cooked meals and local ales ensure a satisfying visit
• Historic village setting – Located in Frampton on Severn, with its famous village green
• Friendly welcome – Staff and locals alike are used to canal travellers, so you’ll always feel at home
• Dog-friendly – Ideal for boaters and walkers with four-legged companions

Exploring Frampton on Severn

A visit to The Bell Inn is also a chance to enjoy the wider charm of Frampton on Severn. Many boaters take time to walk across the enormous village green, lined with historic houses, and admire the peaceful setting. The village church, St Mary’s, is another point of interest, adding to the sense of heritage that makes this stop memorable.

For those staying overnight on the canal, combining a visit to the pub with an evening stroll around the village is a perfect way to enjoy life off the towpath.

Practical Tips for Boaters

Moorings: Visitor moorings are available along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal near Frampton on Severn.
Walking Distance: Around 7 minutes from the towpath to the pub.
Opening Times: Food is served at both lunch and dinner; check in advance if visiting late.
Navigation Notes: The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal offers wide, deep waters ideal for larger boats, and Frampton is a convenient stopping point for journeys between Gloucester and Sharpness.

A Must-Visit Pub on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal
For those exploring the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, The Bell Inn at Frampton on Severn is more than just a pub—it’s part of the boating experience. Combining history, hospitality, and a prime location, it’s a natural stopping point for narrowboaters, cruisers, walkers, and cyclists alike.

Whether you’re mooring for a quick pint, sitting down to a hearty meal, or spending the evening soaking in the atmosphere of this historic village, The Bell Inn delivers everything canal users could hope for.

For many boaters, no journey along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal feels complete without a visit to The Bell Inn—a true gem of the waterways.