Bowerings Mill at Bridgwater
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Bridgwater and Taunton Canal

4.7
·58 reviews·, United Kingdom

A tranquil waterway offering scenic walks, cycling, boating, and watersports, with historical echoes along its flat, accessible towpath.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
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Bowerings Mill at Bridgwater

Bridgwater and Taunton Canal

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil waterway offering scenic walks, cycling, boating, and watersports, with historical echoes along its flat, accessible towpath.

4.7
(58 reviews)

"A little slice of paradise. Very friendly staff, beautiful location."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Perfect for Walks

The flat towpath is ideal for easy strolls, dog walks, and even longer hikes. Dog bins are available.

🚲 Cycle Friendly

Enjoy cycling along the canal; it's a favorite route for many locals.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Towpath Trails

Towpath Trails

Entire length of the canal

Enjoy peaceful walks or cycles along the flat, scenic towpath, spotting wildlife and historical remnants.

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Narrowboat Adventures

Narrowboat Adventures

Somerset Boat Centre

Experience the canal from the water with self-drive narrowboat hire for a relaxing day out.

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Historical Echoes

Historical Echoes

Various points along the canal

Discover remnants of WWII history, including pillboxes, offering a glimpse into the past.

Reddit
Watersports Fun

Watersports Fun

Various access points

Paddleboarding and kayaking offer a refreshing way to explore the canal's serene waters.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Pace

The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal offers a tranquil escape. Whether walking, cycling, or boating, allow ample time to soak in the scenery and enjoy the journey. Many visitors find a full day is perfect for exploring sections of the towpath or enjoying a leisurely boat trip. TikTok

Boat Hire & Activities

For a unique perspective, consider self-drive narrowboat hire for day trips. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also popular for exploring the waterway. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer mornings
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Community Canal Run days
Why
Vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We visited the Somerset boat centre to go for a paddle along the canal on a paddleboard. The scenery is stunning and it is super relaxing. There's a cute coffee shop/bar there too! 🌟 Rating: 9/10 📍 Somerset Boat Centre, Bridgwater #somerset #canal #paddleboarding #summer #bar
@appleandmango_
53 likes • 2.5K views

🚶‍♀️ Perfect for Walks

The flat towpath is ideal for easy strolls, dog walks, and even longer hikes. Dog bins are available. InstagramReddit

🚲 Cycle Friendly

Enjoy cycling along the canal; it's a favorite route for many locals. Instagram

Pillboxes played a crucial role in WW2! 🪖 Have you spotted any near you? #fyp #history #historytime #historytok #ww2 #bridgwater #taunton #canal #pillbox #somerset #storytime #hiddengems
@the_knight_tales
963 likes • 17.8K views
Yesterday, my brother John and I set off from Bridgwater docks to walk to Taunton along the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal. We started at 9:30 planning to walk 15 miles. It was a stunningly beautiful day, and we stopped to chat with so many people along the way that after nine hours we had only made it to Creech St Michael - still 3 miles from Taunton! We stopped at The Harvest Moon in North Newton fo...
a_hitchhikers_guide_to_life
11 likes • 290 views

🚤 Book Boat Hire Early

Self-drive narrowboat hire is popular, so book your day trip in advance. Instagram

🅿️ Parking Availability

Free parking is available near bridge no. 26, but it closes at 6 PM. Reddit

VERY EXCITING NEWS! Introducing ‘Somerdays’ - our SELF DRIVE NARROWBOAT! Licenced for 8 people, she is available for day trips on our beautiful canal from 9.30am - 4.30pm. £180 includes 30 mins instruction on how to drive and we’ll help you through the lock 😁 For the moment, please call to book: 07508 959996 (website bookings coming very soon). HAPPY days! #canal #boats #selfdrive #somerset #taunt...
somersetboatcentre
59 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Perfect for Walks

The flat towpath is ideal for easy strolls, dog walks, and even longer hikes. Dog bins are available. InstagramReddit

🚲 Cycle Friendly

Enjoy cycling along the canal; it's a favorite route for many locals. Instagram

🚤 Book Boat Hire Early

Self-drive narrowboat hire is popular, so book your day trip in advance. Instagram

🅿️ Parking Availability

Free parking is available near bridge no. 26, but it closes at 6 PM. Reddit

💧 Watersports Welcome

Kayaks and paddleboards are great for exploring; check local rental options. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(58 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal as a 'slice of paradise' offering peaceful walks, cycling, and watersports. The flat towpath, scenic beauty, and opportunities for wildlife spotting are frequently praised. Some mention historical remnants like WWII pillboxes, adding an interesting dimension. While generally positive, some reviews note graffiti on historical structures.

"very good for paddle boarding, we have managed to do the entire canal 24.1 km in eight hours of continuous paddling on our kayaks!"

Mircea Balogh

"A little slice of paradise.
Very friendly staff, beautiful location.
Open Thursday to Sunday.
Fish and chip cruise, paddle board and canoe hire, boat hire… perfect!"

Adam Appleby

"Lovely walks along the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal - easy stroll along the canal side toe path. It's a recreational place.

We started off on this leg from the Fair Field in Bridgwater Somerset, went along, under the M5 and along out towards 'the Zoylands' ...

We went past 3 or 4 WWII Pillboxes which formed part of 'the Taunton Stop Line', to try and stop part of an inland river invasion. Of course, these pillboxes are overgrown, but you can see in to some of them. Sadly a few are covered in the scourge of graffiti.

You could walk all the way to Taunton, but we didn't get that far. We'll carry on next time. It's a pleasant walk, no climbing involved. A pub or two along the way also."

Stu Loveday

What People Like

Peaceful walks and cycles
Scenic natural beauty
Watersports opportunities

What People Dislike

Graffiti on pillboxes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The canal is accessible from both Bridgwater and Taunton. You can reach it by car, with parking available at various points, or via public transport. Bus timetables for routes serving the canal area can be found on the First Bus Somerset website. Reddit

Yes, free parking is available, notably near bridge number 26. However, be aware that this car park closes at 6 PM. Reddit

The towpath is generally flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers for much of its length. Some sections may be more challenging after recent improvements. Instagram

Key access points include Bridgwater Docks, Taunton town center, and various smaller villages and bridges along the route, such as Creech St Michael. TikTok

Both towns have clear signage directing towards the canal. In Taunton, you can access it near the River Tone, and in Bridgwater, the docks are a prominent starting point. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, access to the towpath for walking and cycling is free. You only need to purchase tickets or hire for specific activities like boat trips or rentals. Instagram

Self-drive narrowboat hire for a day trip typically costs around £180 and includes instruction. Prices can vary, so it's best to contact the hire company directly for current rates. Instagram

The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal is a public waterway, and there are no general entry fees for accessing or using the towpath. Instagram

Yes, dogs are welcome along the canal towpath. There are dog bins available to help keep the area clean. InstagramReddit

Yes, events like the Community Canal Run take place annually, attracting many participants and spectators. Keep an eye on local event listings for updates. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Many visitors enjoy walking or cycling the towpath, while others opt for a relaxing narrowboat trip or kayaking. The best experience depends on your preference for activity and scenery. TikTokInstagram+1

Walking the entire 24.1 km (approx. 15 miles) of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal can take around 8 hours of continuous paddling or walking, depending on your pace and stops. TikTokReddit

Yes, there are pubs and cafes located along the canal route, offering opportunities to rest and refuel during your visit. Reddit

You can spot various bird species, including herons, and other local wildlife. The serene environment makes it a great spot for nature observation. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, canals in the UK are often used for fishing. Check local regulations and permits if you plan to fish. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are pubs and cafes situated along the canal, providing places to eat and drink. Some offer specific cruises like fish and chip trips. Reddit

Absolutely! The canal banks offer many scenic spots perfect for a picnic. Remember to take any rubbish with you. Reddit

Yes, some boat hire services offer special 'fish and chip cruises' for a unique dining experience on the water. Instagram

Canal-side pubs typically offer traditional pub fare, including meals and lighter options, perfect for a break during a walk or cycle. Reddit

While specific menus aren't detailed, most pubs and cafes offer a range of options, and it's always worth asking about vegetarian or vegan choices. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire length offers picturesque views, especially during sunrise and sunset. Bridges, locks, and the surrounding nature provide excellent photographic opportunities. TikTokInstagram

Yes, taking photos from a narrowboat or kayak offers unique perspectives of the canal and its banks. Be mindful of stability and water safety. Instagram+1

Look out for the WWII pillboxes along the 'Taunton Stop Line,' which offer a fascinating historical element to your photos. InstagramReddit

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. TikTok

Yes, in certain sections, you might be able to photograph trains passing by, especially if they run parallel to the canal. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal is a fantastic destination for families. The flat, easy-to-navigate towpath is perfect for strollers and little legs, making it ideal for a relaxed family outing. InstagramReddit Kids will enjoy watching the boats go by, spotting wildlife like herons, and perhaps even having a go at paddling if you opt for kayak or paddleboard hire. Instagram+1 Pack a picnic to enjoy by the water, or stop at one of the canal-side pubs for a family-friendly meal. Reddit The historical pillboxes can also spark curiosity and imagination. Instagram

🐶 Dog Owners

This canal is a dog-lover's paradise! The long, flat towpath provides ample space for your canine companions to stretch their legs and enjoy a good walk. InstagramReddit You'll find dog bins conveniently located along the route, making it easy to keep the paths clean. InstagramReddit Many dogs enjoy watching the paddleboarders and boats, and some even take a dip in the water on warmer days. Reddit Remember to keep your dog under control, especially around other walkers and cyclists. Instagram

🚴‍♀️ Cyclists

The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal is a highly recommended cycle route for both locals and visitors. Its smooth, level surface makes for an effortless and enjoyable ride. Instagram You can cycle the entire length or choose a shorter section, making it adaptable to your fitness level and available time. It's a great way to cover more ground and explore different parts of the canal. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Towpath: Walking & Cycling

The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal boasts a well-maintained towpath that stretches for approximately 24.1 kilometers (15 miles). This flat, accessible route makes it a prime destination for walkers, cyclists, and families. Many visitors describe it as a 'slice of paradise' and a 'peaceful walk.' TikTokReddit The path is ideal for leisurely strolls, dog walking, and even longer hikes. For cyclists, it's a favorite route, offering a safe and scenic way to travel between Bridgwater and Taunton. Instagram Remember to be courteous to other users, especially when passing. Instagram

Recent volunteer efforts have focused on improving waterside safety and disabled access, including repairing bridges and resurfacing footpaths, enhancing the overall experience for all visitors. Instagram While the entire canal can be traversed in a day, many choose to explore specific sections, stopping at pubs or cafes along the way. Reddit The presence of dog bins scattered along the route is a thoughtful touch for pet owners. InstagramReddit

On the Water: Boating & Watersports

Experiencing the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal from the water offers a unique perspective. Self-drive narrowboat hire is a popular option, allowing groups of up to eight people to enjoy a day trip on the canal. These hires typically include a brief instruction on how to operate the boat and navigate the lock. Instagram+1 It's advisable to book these experiences in advance, especially during busier periods. Instagram

For those seeking more active pursuits, kayaking and paddleboarding are excellent ways to explore the canal's serene waters. Visitors have successfully completed the entire canal length on kayaks in about eight hours, highlighting its suitability for watersports. Instagram+1 The calm waters make it a great environment for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Some operators even offer 'fish and chip cruises,' combining a boat trip with a meal for a memorable outing. Instagram

A Glimpse into History

The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal is not just a beautiful waterway; it's also steeped in history. Along its banks, you can discover remnants of World War II defenses, specifically pillboxes that were part of the 'Taunton Stop Line.' These structures, though often overgrown, offer a tangible connection to the past and a unique element for visitors to explore. InstagramReddit

These historical sites serve as a reminder of the region's strategic importance during wartime. While some pillboxes may be covered in graffiti, their presence adds a layer of intrigue to the canal's landscape. Reddit The canal itself has a rich industrial heritage, originally built to facilitate trade and transport. Understanding this history can deepen your appreciation for the waterway's significance. Instagram

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