Junction Swing Bridge

The Junction Swing Bridge is one of those Victorian engineering feats that makes you stop and actually look at how things work. Spanning the Gloucester Docks, this iron structure pivots on its axis to let boats through - and if you time it right, you can watch the whole thing rotate. It's properly impressive when it swings, the mechanics absolutely fascinating if you're into that sort of thing.

You're looking at maybe 30 minutes here unless you're genuinely keen on industrial heritage. The bridge itself is free to cross, and it's right in the heart of Gloucester's docks area, so you can combine it with a wander along the waterfront and a look at the restored Victorian warehouses. The docks have had money spent on them in recent years and there's more life here than there was a decade ago.

Families with older kids will get something out of it - younger ones might lose interest quickly. History buffs and anyone who appreciates Victorian engineering will find it genuinely worthwhile. The bridge is still in use, so there's the small thrill of potentially seeing actual boat traffic negotiating their way through.

Stay at Baldwin's Brook Glamping just down the road if you want proper comfort, or base yourself at one of the farm campsites like West End Farm for something more traditional. Gloucester itself is compact enough to explore on foot, and the docks area is the nicest bit. Go during daylight hours - the light on the water is better in late afternoon.