11th July 2024
The Kennet and Avon Canal is known as one of the most picturesque canal routes to travel on. Offering the versatility of natural wildlife and scenic greenery combined with vibrant towns and quaint villages – there is plenty to see and do.
In our guide, we’ll explore our top villages to visit whilst exploring the Kennet and Avon Canal via the waterway.
This sweet little village, reminiscent of its name, has a population fewer than 250. Surrounded by plenty of hills and tranquil landscape, it is known for its various crop circles that have appeared over recent years.
For those looking to find out more about the phenomenon, there is the Crop Circle Visitor Centre and Exhibition as well as the popular Honeystreet Mill Café serving wonderful breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.
This is an ideal village to explore via walking or cycling, thanks to its various footpaths, or for a spot of lunch before continuing your narrowboat holiday through the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Hailed as one of the top ten villages in England during its prime, not much has changed for the village of Kintbury. With plenty of natural beauty to explore, the town is known for its horse-drawn narrowboats that are available publicly for trips.
The thriving local community boasts a village shop, a village hall, a train station with direct access to London and The Dundas Arms – a famous gastropub. The building itself is a grade II listed building of Georgian architecture
Serving glorious pub classics and a range of cask ale, craft beer, local cider and an impressive wine selection. The building itself is a grade II listed building of Georgian architecture with eight luxuriously decorated rooms to book should you want to stay and explore the Kennet and Avon Canal longer.
Bradford-on-Avon is surrounded by plenty of glorious countryside. But don’t let this fool you, steeped in rich history of the Saxons, Romans and Victorians to name a few, today this town is a well-loved tourist destination with plenty to explore.
There is the Bradford-on-Avon Museum that uncovers the natural and historical heritage of the town and villages surrounding, as well as treasure trails and walking tours of the town.
If you’re looking to explore the town whilst searching for your perfect souvenir, The Shambles is full of old medieval charm that houses various independent stores and quaint market stalls. With an excellent selection of cafés, pubs and restaurants, there really is something for everyone.
The quaint medieval village of Devizes is known for its rich history and colourful past. Taking its name after the Latin, ‘ad devizas’ meaning ‘at the boundaries’, it’s a great place to visit and explore along the Kennet and Avon Canal.
The town is known for its various local attractions such as the Wadworth Brewery, its bustling Thursday market as well as an Arts Festival, International Street Festival and Food and Drink Festival held by the local community at the stunning Hillworth Park.
For something a little more different, the Caen Hill Locks is a great choice. The locks are one of the longest continuous flight of locks in England and one of the seven wonders of the waterways, with a total of 29 locks that rise 237 feet over a distance of two miles. If you would rather watch-on, there is plenty of space to take a leisurely stroll as you enjoy the tranquillity of passing narrowboats.
Looking to explore the Kennet and Avon Canal for your narrowboat holiday? Simply get in touch with a member of our helpful team today who will be happy to help.
