Enjoy family-friendly activities by the water at a community fun day in Gloucester this summer

People of all ages can enjoy free fun by the water in Gloucester this June 2026, with paddling taster sessions, sports day activities, crafts, music and more at the Canal & River Trust's Better by Water event.

By Jake Chown  |  Published
The Canal & River Trust's Gloucester Docks Activity Hub is running free paddling taster sessions at the Better by Water event this June 2026, with SUP, kayaking and canoeing to choose from.

Enjoy fun activities and experience the health and wellbeing benefits of being by the water at Gloucester Docks this June 2026, at the Canal & River Trust's fun-filled community event, Better By Water.

When and where is the Canal & River Trust's Better by Water event?

The Canal & River Trust's community fun day, Better by Water, takes place in Orchard Square at Gloucester Docks, outside National Waterways Museum Gloucester, on Saturday 20 June 2026 from 12pm till 5pm.

What to expect at the Canal & River Trust's Better by Water event?

Spend a summer Saturday in the historic Gloucester Docks at this free, family-friendly event designed to bring the community together to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of being by the water.

Get active by giving water sports a go in free paddling taster sessions – with SUP, kayaking or canoeing to choose from – unleash your competitive streak with traditional sports day activities, and use pedal power to blend your own fresh fruit smoothie, on the Gloucester Gateway Trust's smoothie bike.

Little ones can also blow off steam in interactive play zones, while visitors of all ages can get creative with family crafts, and enjoy live music and relaxation in its chill out zones.

How to book for the Canal & River Trust's Better by Water event?

The event is free to attend, with visitors encouraged to drop in throughout the day.

All activities are free to take part in, with booking required for the paddling taster sessions via eventbrite.co.uk/better-by-water-free-lets-paddle-sessions-tickets.

Event

Better by Water community fun day at Gloucester Docks

Dates

Saturday 20 June 2026

Times

12pm till 5pm

Admission

Free, with advance booking required for paddling taster sessions

In partnership with National Waterways Museum Gloucester  |  canalrivertrust.org.uk

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