OK! TRAVEL
SET SAIL FROM GLOUCESTER’S HISTORIC DOCKS TO TEWKESBURY FOR A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY ALONG THE TRANQUIL WATERS OF THE RIVER SEVERN
ON THE WATER
Tucked between the sleepy Cotswolds and the ancient Forest of Dean is the charming city of Gloucester. It’s here, from the fabulous Victorian docking port, that OK! embarks on a fascinating journey along the River Severn to Tewkesbury aboard the four-star MV Edward Elgar, the UK’S largest capacity inland hotel boat. Having been ushered onboard, and with a cocktail in hand, we’re impressed by the spacious saloon and settle into comfortable chairs to enjoy the views from the huge windows. Covid safety is a priority, with hand sanitisers at every table, partisan screens between each group and regular passenger health checks.
Below deck on the 88ft ship are 11 twin cabins, each with an en-suite shower room and a window from which you can soak up the sights after waking from a peaceful night’s sleep. We even spied some swans gliding past with their adorable cygnets.
A major attraction of this vessel is its upper viewing deck. As well as taking in the sights from here, you can join in one of the games organised by the welcoming crew.
WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO BEFORE SETTING SAIL
We squeezed in a whistle-stop tour of Gloucester, which is overflowing with history and has its roots in the Roman era. Gothic and Romanesque architecture makes the 11th-century cathedral a must-see, while the insightful National Waterways Museum tells the story of the 1827 Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. For a more up-to-date treat, you can find discount high street and designer labels – think Joules, Calvin Klein and Le Creuset – at the Gloucester Quays Outlet.
A pre-cruise stay at The Mercure Gloucester, Bowden Hall Hotel can be arranged as part of the package by English Holiday Cruises. Our stylish room overlooked 12 acres of luscious green parkland at the gorgeous Georgian country house. The following day, an English breakfast and a good range of pastries, fresh fruits and cereals ensured we were fully fuelled for our river cruise.
WHAT TO SPOT
Before we boarded the Edward Elgar, members of the crew took our group on a walking tour of Gloucester’s docks. It provided the perfect opportunity to learn the history of the thriving area and discover the impressive engineering behind the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal.
During our boat trip we moored at various points of interest, including the Slimbridge Wetland Centre, a reserve that’s home to a variety of wildfowl, from ducks and coots to flamingos and cranes. And we’ll never forget watching the sensational sunset over the Purton Barge Graveyard, a stretch of water known for the 80-plus barges that were dumped between 1909 and the 1970s to reinforce the riverbank. The sight of these mosscovered relics reclaimed by nature is mesmerising.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
On land, we sampled homemade tipples at the Gloucester Brewery on the city’s West Quay, sipping zesty blood orange-infused gin, tangy sour raspberry vodka and fruity American pale ale.
After setting sail we were treated to the talents of the
Edward Elgar’s chef. An afternoon tea of warm fruit scones with fresh cream and strawberries hit the spot. Later, we indulged in a three-course dinner, starting with sweet cantaloupe melon heaped with salty prosciutto, followed by beef braised in Gloucester Brewery Dockside Dark beer and a dessert of comforting sticky toffee pudding. We barely had room for the moreish cheese board. In the morning a hot breakfast was very welcome, with its peppery black pudding, cooked tomato and thick juicy sausages.