Holidays on Kennet Avon Canal - Wiltshire

Holidays on Kennet Avon Canal are the perfect way to enjoy and explore the Heart of Wiltshire, an uncrowded and historical landscape second to none.



What better way to see the county than by navigating the canal through beautiful Wiltshire countryside or walking or cycling the towpath from end to end.



The Wiltshire part of the canal is about 45 miles long and forms part of the 87 mile waterway linking Bristol and the river Avon in the west with London and the River Thames in the east. The canal enters Wiltshire through the tiny village of Little Bedwyn. It skirts the Savernake Forest through a tunnel past Devizes and down the Caen hill with its 29 locks, to leave the county at Bradford-on-Avon in the west. The canal was finally completed in 1810 but following the development of the railways it soon fell into disuse. The Kennet Avon canal now navigable from end to end was restored in the 1970’s by the volunteers of The Kennet Avon Canal Trust.



The restored canal as well as providing a valuable leisure facility for walking, cycling and boating is a haven for wildlife, including heron, kingfishers and watervole. This tranquil and beautiful setting will give you a very special holiday experience in deepest Wiltshire.



There are many places providing accommodation along the canal , B&Bs; sometimes right on the canal side itself, pubs and camping sites. If you choose to hire a canal boat for your holiday there are specialist canal barge holiday companies for you to choose from.



B&Bs; close to the canal include The White House at Little Bedwyn village.



If you are looking for camping sites there are several included in our guide. The Barge Inn and Campsite stands at the canal junction with Honeystreet, west of Pewsey. The pub serves meals and is a popular meeting place for crop circle enthusiasts. Situated right on the canal the pub is also a popular stopping point for canal boats.




Another small friendly camp site is that of The Golden Swan at Chilcot. This very popular pub is at the heart of the village of Wilcot and close to the canal. Also serving delicious meals The Golden Swan is a good spot for walkers and cyclists to rest awhile for a bite to eat and welcome pint where you they always be sure of a warm welcome.



Whether you walk, cycle the canal towpath or cruise on the canal holidays on Kennet Avon Canal provide the perfect route for all the family to explore and enjoy the Heart of Wiltshire

Holidays on Kennet Avon Canal