National Waterways Museum Gloucester

The Gloucester Docks are a proper working waterway - boats still move through here - and the museum sits right on the water's edge. You're looking at the history of England's canal and inland waterway network, which is more interesting than it sounds. Inside you'll find restored narrowboats, interactive exhibits about lock systems, and the stories of the people who lived and worked on the water. The building itself is worth seeing, housed in a Victorian warehouse that hasn't been overdone with chrome and glass.

Walkers and history types will find plenty to occupy a couple of hours. Kids under eight might struggle with the text-heavy displays, though the boats usually hold their attention. The whole docks area rewards a wander - the waterfront itself is lovely for a stroll, and you can grab coffee at one of the cafes nearby without paying museum prices.

It's close enough to the camping spots around Gloucester - Court Farm is barely three miles away - so you could easily pair it with a half-day exploring the docks. Not a "must do" if you're only in the area for a weekend, but if you're staying put at one of the caravan parks for a week, it fills a rainy afternoon well. The museum tends to be quiet on weekday mornings, which makes a real difference. Check opening hours before you go - they vary by season.