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The Boat Cafe, Gloucester DocksA Canal Boater’s Favourite
The Barge Arm, The Docks, Gloucester GL1 2DN
01452 905198
Website
The Boat Cafe can be found on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal in Gloucestershire and quite near to Gloucester.
What can be found at: The Boat Cafe
A Floating Cafe on the Canal in the Heart of Gloucester
If you’re exploring the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, few stops are as memorable as The Boat Cafe at Gloucester Docks. Floating right on the water, this charming cafe is a unique destination for narrowboaters, leisure cruisers, walkers, and day-trippers who want to experience canal life in a relaxed and authentic setting.
Unlike many traditional cafes, The Boat Cafe is exactly what its name suggests - a cafe set aboard a boat. Moored at the heart of Gloucester Docks, it gives visitors a real taste of waterside living while offering spectacular views of the historic warehouses and the bustling canal basin.
For boaters cruising the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, it’s an easy and convenient stop. With moorings nearby, you can step straight off your narrowboat or cruiser and enjoy coffee and refreshments just a few feet away.
Food, Drink & Friendly Atmosphere
The Boat Cafe is known for its warm hospitality and freshly prepared menu.
Popular offerings include:
- Freshly brewed coffees and teas
- Light breakfasts and brunch options
- Homemade cakes and sweet treats
- Sandwiches and snacks perfect for boaters on the move
Everything is served in a relaxed, informal setting, making it the perfect place to recharge before heading back onto the water or towpath.
Why Canal Users Love The Boat Cafe
- Unique setting – enjoy your meal or drink aboard a real canal boat
- Perfect location – moored right in Gloucester Docks, a hub for canal boaters
- Convenient for boaters – step off your boat and onto the cafe
- Scenic views – look out over the canal and historic dockside warehouses
- Friendly, welcoming service – ideal for solo travellers, couples, and families
The Boat Cafe and Canal Life
The cafe has become a hub for Gloucester’s boating community, often welcoming passing canal boaters, holidaymakers, and local walkers. Its location in Gloucester Docks makes it a fantastic spot to watch boats navigating the basin, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the waterside, or take a leisurely stroll along the towpath after your visit.
A Must-Visit Stop on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal
Whether you’re cruising the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, mooring up in the docks, or simply out for a day’s walk, The Boat Cafe offers a unique canal-side (and canal-on!) experience. With great coffee, homemade food, and unbeatable views, it’s a favourite among canal users looking for something a little different.
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