Somerset Space Walk
A unique outdoor walk along a canal, featuring a scaled model of the solar system with planet sculptures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Somerset Space Walk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique outdoor walk along a canal, featuring a scaled model of the solar system with planet sculptures.
"A fun, educational journey through space on a scenic canal path!"
🚶♀️ Start at Maunsel Lock
Begin your journey at Maunsel Lock Tea Rooms for easy access to the Sun sculpture and facilities .
🚲 Consider your transport
The towpath can be bumpy; trailers and young children might find it challenging .
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 117 reviews
Type
Sculpture
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sun Sculpture
Maunsel Lock Tea Rooms
The impressive starting point of your solar system journey, marking the Sun with informative details.
Planet Sculptures
Along the canal towpath
Discover scaled models of planets spaced out to represent their vast distances from the Sun.
Canal Towpath Scenery
Between Maunsel Lock and Taunton
Enjoy picturesque views of the canal, wildlife, and occasional historical remnants like wartime pillboxes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Solar System Adventure
Navigating the Cosmic Path
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Start at Maunsel Lock
Begin your journey at Maunsel Lock Tea Rooms for easy access to the Sun sculpture and facilities.
🚲 Consider your transport
The towpath can be bumpy; trailers and young children might find it challenging.
☕ Check cafe opening times
The cafe at Maunsel Lock can be closed unexpectedly, so don't rely solely on it for refreshments.
🗺️ Plan your distance
The full walk to Taunton is long; do as much or as little as you like.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Start at Maunsel Lock
Begin your journey at Maunsel Lock Tea Rooms for easy access to the Sun sculpture and facilities.
🚲 Consider your transport
The towpath can be bumpy; trailers and young children might find it challenging.
☕ Check cafe opening times
The cafe at Maunsel Lock can be closed unexpectedly, so don't rely solely on it for refreshments.
🗺️ Plan your distance
The full walk to Taunton is long; do as much or as little as you like.
📸 Capture the scale
The sculptures highlight the vast distances between planets, a great photo opportunity.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Somerset Space Walk for its unique educational concept and scenic canal route, offering a fun way to learn about the solar system. The scale of the planets and the picturesque surroundings are highlights. However, some find the towpath terrain challenging, and the inconsistency of cafe opening times can be a drawback.
"Sharing this as a cyclist with a trailer carrying two toddlers:
We started at Maunsel Lock Tea rooms and followed the canal all the way to the Morrison's supermarket in Taunton. This was 7.9 mile trip that took us just over two hours as we stopped to read the information on the sculptures take photos along the way. We did exactly the same journey back with less stops and it took just under 1.5 hours. It would be far quicker without our precious cargo but no where near as fun! We loved it, so much beautiful scenery and nature, a railway to cycle alongside at points and even some wartime pillboxes. There was a stretch somewhere around Mars that was doable with a trailer but really not ideal terrain - I think we may have damaged our trailer on that part and the generally gravelly terrain, the road running parallel means you can skip this but you'd need to do so from the Sun missing the first few planets if I remember correctly. The sculptures are a little worn and less informative as they go on but with the first 4 so close together the route highlights the distances between the planet's orbits beautifully, even to a 4 year old space enthusiast.
There are a number of bridges along the way with very narrow path. We negotiated them with care but I think pretty much all had a route over the bridge that lead straight back to the canal- I was just minimising hills by going under rather than over. As you get into Taunton the route us less picturesque but we easily found our way to Vivary Park via the high street to take the kids for a well deserved play and vegan cake at the attached cafe (what a relief to a family of exhausted vegans!) Overall we had a brilliant day but not for the faint hearted with kids in tow!
We struggled to find info before we left about the suitability of this route with a trailer so I hope this review is helpful to others. It was a bumpy ride (the kids had a cushion to sit on which I'm very glad I brought) but really you can do as much or as little of it as you like so its worth a go if you're looking for an adventure."
Alexandra Harrowell
"Excellent parking facilities along with toilets which makes this walk a great pleasure, unfortunately twice now have looked forward to tea and a snack, but cafe closed both times, especially surprised today 12th April as after three months lockdown there were a good turnout of customers. Still a very pleasant walk along a well kept towpaths, but still can't spot the moon!"
Richard G
"A great little, medium or a long old hike. If by both bike and walkers with room for both (most of the time). Plenty of flora and fauna to look at and then there's the planet sculptures which have information so you can take a breath and take in the facts. There's a lovely cafe at one of the locks there's toilets there and the parking is free!"
Simon “sid” Hibbert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular starting point is near the Maunsel Lock Tea Rooms, where you can find the Sun sculpture and parking facilities. This location offers easy access to the canal towpath and the beginning of the solar system model.
Yes, there are excellent parking facilities available, particularly near Maunsel Lock, making it convenient for visitors.
Yes, the towpath is generally suitable for cycling, and it's a popular route for cyclists. However, be aware that some sections can be gravelly and bumpy, especially if you're carrying equipment or children.
Information on public transport access is limited, but it's generally recommended to drive to the starting points like Maunsel Lock. Check local bus routes for Taunton if you plan to end your walk there.
While parts of the towpath are well-maintained, the gravelly and uneven terrain may pose challenges for wheelchairs, especially with a trailer. It's advisable to check specific sections for accessibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Somerset Space Walk is a free, open-access attraction. You can explore the solar system model and enjoy the canal walk without any admission fees.
As an outdoor public path, the Somerset Space Walk is accessible at any time. However, for the best experience and to see the sculptures clearly, daylight hours are recommended.
There is no entrance fee for the Maunsel Lock Tea Rooms themselves, but they operate as a commercial establishment. Be aware that they may have specific opening hours and can sometimes be closed unexpectedly.
No booking is required for the Somerset Space Walk. It's a public amenity that you can enjoy at your own pace.
While you can technically access the path at night, the sculptures are best viewed and appreciated in daylight. There is no specific lighting for the sculptures along the route.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The full walk from Maunsel Lock to Taunton is approximately 7.9 miles and can take around 1.5 to 2 hours without significant stops. You can choose to walk shorter sections depending on your time and energy.
The walk primarily follows a canal towpath, which is often gravelly and can be uneven. Some sections are more challenging than others, especially if you're cycling with a trailer.
Yes, there are toilet facilities available, particularly at Maunsel Lock. It's advisable to check their availability beforehand, as they may not always be open.
You'll find a scale model of the solar system, with a large Sun sculpture at the start and planet markers positioned along the route to represent their distances from the Sun.
Yes, it can be a fun and educational experience for children, especially those interested in space. However, the bumpy terrain might be challenging for very young children or those in trailers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Maunsel Lock Tea Rooms are located near the start of the walk and offer refreshments. However, their opening times can be inconsistent, so it's wise to bring your own snacks and drinks.
If you complete the walk to Taunton, you'll find various dining options, including cafes and restaurants. Vivary Park in Taunton has a cafe that offers vegan cake, which can be a welcome treat after a long walk.
Absolutely! The canal towpath offers many scenic spots perfect for a picnic. Remember to take any rubbish with you.
The Lock Inn is a popular pub located near one of the locks, offering a place to rest and refuel. It's a good option if you're looking for traditional pub fare.
Given the potential for inconsistent cafe opening times and the bumpy terrain, it's highly recommended to pack your own food and drinks, especially if you have specific dietary needs like being vegan.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the impressive Sun sculpture at Maunsel Lock, the various planet sculptures along the route, and the scenic canal and wildlife. The contrast between the industrial canal and the natural surroundings also makes for great shots.
It can be challenging to take photos while actively walking or cycling on the uneven towpath, especially if you're carrying children or equipment. It's best to stop at designated points to safely take pictures.
Morning light often provides softer, more flattering light for landscape and sculpture photography. Late afternoon can also offer beautiful golden hour hues.
Many points along the canal offer lovely views. Look for spots where the towpath runs parallel to the water, or where you can frame the sculptures against the natural landscape.
Yes, there are historical wartime pillboxes visible along parts of the route, offering a unique photographic element to the walk.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit