Our most southerly base, Hilperton, near Trowbridge, Wiltshire is well located on the western end of the Kennet & Avon Canal, often considered one of the very best for natural beauty and wildlife.
These routes provide a truly eclectic mix to suit all tastes.
If you head towards Bristol, you can take in the lovely unspoilt market town of Bradford-upon-Avon. The history of this town can be traced back to Roman times, but it’s since the 17th century that the town started to prosper due to the thriving woollen textile industry.
Before reaching the vibrant city of Bristol, you can take in the wonderful UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, formerly named Aquae Sulis by the Romans, due to its natural hot spring baths. As well as visiting the Ancient baths … you can actually bathe in the natural thermal hot springs at the thoroughly modern Thermae Bath Spa. There is plenty to see and do in this city, with its honey-coloured Georgian architecture, including the Royal Crescent and the Circus along with a huge range of places to eat and drink! For more details Check out this link https://visitbath.co.uk/
And last, but not least, you reach the floating harbour in Bristol, moor up for the day and enjoy everything this city has to offer. Marvel at the Clifton suspension bridge, stroll around the old Port or Bristol Old City, taking time to stop off to refuel in one of the many pubs and dining venues.
If you choose to head towards Newbury instead, you can take the challenge of Caen Hill Locks (29 in total rising 237ft in 2 miles) before reaching the market town of Devizes. Devizes is a town with a colourful Medieval past, a wealth of history and architectural heritage with more than 500 listed buildings and a large Market Place in the heart of the town. You can also take a tour of the Wadworth Brewery and sample their famous 6X and meet the Shire horses that still deliver to pubs in the town.
No more locks for a while now! Just take in the fresh air, and meander alongside the rolling hills of the North Downs taking in the gorgeous views and, of course, occasional visits to a canal side watering hole (pub).
When you reach Hungerford, take a wander around the historic town centre, which is a shopper’s dream and great for celebrity-spotting, with Bridge street dubbed ‘the Bond Street of Berkshire’. If you are into antiques, a visit to Hungerford Arcade Antiques and Collectables is a must …voted Best Antiques Centre in UK, it has something to suit all budgets! Just watch out for David Dickinson!
