The Severn Bore

Find out where and when to see The Severn Bore in 2012, and don’t miss out on the natural wonder and sporting spectacular which draws thousands of visitors to Gloucestershire every year.

If you’ve ever passed by the River Severn in Gloucestershire and wondered why crowds of people were gathered along its banks, or perhaps more to the point why dozens of daredevils were bobbing about in the cold water clinging to surfboards or canoes, it’s more than likely the world-famous Severn Bore was in town.

What is The Severn Bore?

Taking place on numerous occasions every year, The Severn Bore is an impressive tidal wave of water which works its way up the Severn Estuary over a distance of around 25 miles between Awre and Gloucester – attracting hosts of spectators, and scores of extreme sports enthusiasts, along the way.

The Severn Bore is caused by the tide from the Atlantic Ocean entering the Bristol Channel and forcing its way into the Severn Estuary, filtering into a narrow channel and causing the water to rise by anything up to 15 metres. The water reaches speeds of up to 20kmph as it nears Minsterworth and, as the width of the River Severn narrows, becomes held up causing the natural bore phenomenon.

The Severn Bore in particular is revered because the River Severn has the second largest tidal range – the vertical distance between the high and low tides – in the world, making for a bore which can be anything up to 2 metres in height, and is one of only three surfable tidal waves in the world. Subsequently the powerful bores often see surfers take to the water in a brave feat, hoping to catch the wave at the right time and smash the surfing record which began in 1955.

When will The Severn Bore take place in 2012?

Large bores with a tidal range of 4.9 to 5 metres are denoted by three stars; very large bores with a tidal range of 5.1 to 5.3 metres are denoted by four stars; while the rarest five-star bores have a tidal range above 5.4 metres.

SoGlos.com only lists Severn Bores rated three stars and above, drawing upon The Environment Agency’s predictions for when The Severn Bore will take place in 2012. Please note, times are approximate and can vary by as much as 30 minutes either way, and wearing waterproofs is also highly recommended.

Monday 7 May 2012
Minsterworth 9.53pm, Stonebench 10.08pm & Over Bridge 10.28pm ***

Tuesday 16 October 2012
Minsterworth 9.27pm, Stonebench 9.42pm & Over Bridge 10.02pm ***

Wednesday 17 October 2012
Minsterworth 10.01pm, Stonebench 10.08pm & Over Bridge 10.23pm ***

Wednesday 14 November 2012
Minsterworth 8.07pm, Stonebench 8.22pm & Over Bridge 8.42pm ***

Thursday 15 November 2012
Minsterworth 8.30am, Stonebench 8.45am & Over Bridge 9.05am ***
Minsterworth 8.52pm, Stonebench 9.07pm & Over Bridge 9.27pm ***

Friday 16 November 2012
Minsterworth 9.13am, Stonebench 9.28am & Over Bridge 9.48am ***

Saturday 15 December 2012
Minsterworth 9am, Stonebench 9.15am & Over Bridge 9.35am ***

Where can I see The Severn Bore in Gloucestershire?

You can catch a glimpse of The Severn Bore at numerous locations along the River Severn, but the best vantage points are located at Minsterworth, Stonebench and Over Bridge.

While large bores of four and five stars attract huge crowds, and nabbing a good spot from which to watch the action can be tricky, The Environment Agency’s predictions for 2011 suggests we’ll be in for a number of medium-sized bores too this year – when the river banks shouldn’t be too crowded.

If you’re feeling very, very brave and fancy joining the daredevils and trying to ride The Severn Bore for yourself, just remember that the water is extremely cold and moves very quickly – so having a 25 metre school swimming badge sewn onto your trunks isn’t going to prepare you.

Severn Bore 2010