THE UK'S BEST SELF DRIVE CANAL HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OUT ABOARD SUPERB NARROWBOATS
CRUISE BATH AND THE KENNET & AVON CANAL
Hire a narrowboat on the Kennet and Avon (K & A) Canal which stretches across southern England from Bristol and Bath through beautiful Wiltshire and Berkshire scenery to Reading, featuring some of the most spectacular scenery and sights of the English canal system. Bradford on Avon is an attractive, historic, thriving market town, full of Bath stone buildings and converted riverside mills nestling in the heart of the Avon Valley close to the world heritage city of Bath.
West from Bradford on Avon, the canal clings to the side of the Avon Valley, crossing two splendid aqueducts, passing the historic Somerset Coal Canal, reaching Bath after 7hrs cruising. If desired the Bath lock flight gives access onto the River Avon toward Bristol, after descending one of the country's deepest locks to offer the world-famous view of Pulteney Weir in central Bath. Cruise down the tranquil River Avon into Bristol and its Floating Harbour with the magnificent SS Great Britain in its dock. Brunel's other engineering masterpiece - the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge - is not far away (but can only be reached on land as the tidal river is not safe for narrowboat navigation).
East of Bradford the Kennet and Avon Canal offers rural cruising as it ascends a number of wide locks, culminating in the famous Caen Hill Flight of 29 locks. After all that work, enjoy a break in the charming canalside market town of Devizes (home to the superb Victorian Wadworth Brewery). Head east into the idyllic Vale of Pewsey (home of the White Horse) with the canal meandering through a countryside of thatched villages and country pubs, then climbing the last few locks to the summit deep in the heart of Savernake Forest. At the eastern end lies Crofton and its famous steam-pump, marking the beginning of a long descent along the pretty Kennet Valley through Hungerford, Newbury and Thatcham before joining the River Thames at Reading. And of course the K&A Canal is home to no less than four Barge Inns even though the barges have long gone!
WEEKEND BREAKS
Our most popular short break – these weekend breaks are ideal for beginners.
West to Bath on the K&A Canal for an almost lock-free cruise mooring above the City with good walking access into the centre – return journey time 14hrs.
The Kennet and Avon Canal toward Bath is one of the most popular routes for a Stag or Hen Party! With appropriate consideration for other waterways users you can enjoy a great party afloat using our narrowboat (s) as your budget-priced accomodation - your very own stag boat or hen boat - whilst you enjoy Bath's nightlife. We offer a pre bookable (only) skippered boat hire service* for the first afternoon to help you learn the ropes in a responsbible way – allowing you to enjoy a weekend to remember on the Kennet and Avon Canal!
*£150 per boat
MIDWEEK BREAKS
West towards Bath With the extended time a midweek break offers, cruise along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Bath and enjoy two full day’s sightseeing before returning to base (14hrs cruising), or descend the Bath Locks and explore the River Avon, including a visit to Pulteney Weir in central Bath – a not-to-be-forgotten highlight of your hire (20hrs cruising – more time the further downstream you cruise).
East towards Devizes rural cruising as the ascent through several wide locks brings you to the famous Caen Hill Lock Flight. The 29 locks take approximately 4hrs in each direction so this is not a cruise for the faint hearted! The lovely market town of Devizes with all facilities and home to the equally famous Wadworth Brewery awaits with plenty of good moorings. If you have time the now lock-free ‘Long Pound’ stretches for 15miles across the stunningly rural Vale of Pewsey but you’ll be unlikely to be able to travel much beyond Allington before turning for home with enough time to spare. (30hrs cruising to Devizes Wharf only).
ONE WEEK
West to Bristol - Cruise along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Bath, descend the Bath Locks and explore the River Avon, including a visit to Pulteney Weir in central Bath – a not-to-be-forgotten highlight of your hire - then cruise downstream on the River Avon to Bristol and enjoy this most maritime of cities - with its world famous Floating Harbour (home to an eclectic mix of seagoing craft, barges, narrowboats), Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain amongst the top attractions. Plenty of time for sightseeing, but ensure that you check tide times as the section close to Bristol is tidal on Spring Tides (we can give advice on this). 30hrs cruising, subject to tide and river flows. Note that an extra visitor licence fee is chargeable by the Port of Bristol for access to the wonderful Floating Harbour.
East to Hungerford This is a fantastic one week holiday full of activity with lots of locks, stunning scenery, and plenty of history! Heading directly east, you could comfortably reach the pretty town of Hungerford before turning homebound. Along the K&A Canal to Hungerford you'll ascend the famous Caen Hill locks, cross the outstanding Vale of Pewsey, reach the summit of the canal and chug through the short Bruce Tunnel, descend past the fascinating Crofton Pumping Station with its unique steam powered pumps before a gentle descent through the infant Kennet Valley to Hungerford. There are no less than 3 waterside Barge Inns and numerous other pubs and villages to enjoy and explore! 52hrs cruising.
TWO WEEKS
With two weeks and some experience you could enjoy the whole of the Kennet and Avon Canal, but you'd have a few long days. We recommend an easier itinerary as far east as vibrant Newbury, offering a taste of the variety that the K&A Canal can uniquely offer. Excellent towpath walking or cycling throughout makes this the perfect activity holiday for all the family!
BEST VALUE & LOCK-FREE HOLIDAYS
If you're looking for a budget boat holiday on the Kennet & Avon Canal, or would prefer a route with few or no locks to work, take a look at our sister company White Horse Narrowboats based at the top of the locks at Devizes Wharf- no frills and excellent value.
Click here to visit the website: WHITE HORSE NARROWBOATS