The Kennet and Avon Canal
The Kennet and Avon Canal, which runs from Bristol to Reading, took 16 years to construct. It was opened in 1810 and used to transport many products by barge and narrow boat along its route. However the coming of the railways took away much of its trade and as time passed the canal fell into disrepair.
Restoration work by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, British Waterways and local authorities that began in 1975 resulted in the canal being reopened in 1990. This event was celebrated by a visit from Her Majesty The Queen. Restoration work on the 86 mile length continues.
Boating activities
Bradford on Avon offers angling and boating on the canal, while the particularly attractive mile and a half stretch to Avoncliff is a popular walk. Built with stone from local quarries Avoncliff aqueduct was designed by canal engineer and architect John Rennie.
Boat trips from the wharf on the Frome Road run regularly in the season.
The Wharf
The Wharf on the Kennet and Avon Canal was split over two sites. The lower wharf, where the Lock Inn Cottage café now stands, is where coal was received from the Somerset coal fields; transported here via the Somerset Coal Canal and the Kennet and Avon Canal.
The larger wharf is the upper wharf, beside the lock. Both were busy as commercial wharves from 1810 to the 1930s.
The first cuts for the Kennet and Avon Canal itself were made in Bradford in 1794. It opened for commercial business in 1810 and revolutionised the transport of stone from the local quarries.
Bath river trips
Choice of cruises departing from just below Pulteney Bridge, offering contrasting views of the River Avon.
Avon Cruising Ltd and Pulteney Cruisers provide trips upstream to rural Bathampton.
Bath City Boat Trips and Avon River Cruises supply trips downstream through Bath, culminating by sailing into the “V” of Pulteney Weir.
Boat Hire on the River Avon and the Kennet & Avon Canal
River
Bath Boating Station - Victorian boating station hiring rowing boats, punts and canoes.
Canal
Lady Lena – skippered trips aboard this elegant electric river launch dating from 1890.
Tranquil Boats - electric boats.
Kennet and Avon Canal Pleasure Cruises
Enjoy views of the picturesque Avon Valley and cross dramatic aqueducts aboard a comfortable, licensed narrow boat.
M.V. Barbara McLellan offers return trips from Bradford-on-Avon wharf to Avoncliffe Aqueduct.
M.V. Jubilee departs from Brass Knocker Marina west to Bath, or east to Bradford-on-Avon via Dundas and Avoncliffe Aqueducts.
© 2012 Bradford on Avon Area Tourism Association
This website has been developed with the help of the Community Area Partnership
Photography by eberlin and others
