Enjoy the Bath Water

The clue’s in the name – Bath is an aquatic city surrounded by waterways, with water firmly soaked into its historic foundations, and not just because of its famous Roman Baths.

When you come to visit Bath, particularly in the summer, it would be a crime not to make the most of the tranquil, scenic Kennet and Avon Canal and the magnificent River Avon, which you will see flowing strongly over the weir below Bath’s landmark Pulteney Bridge.

It’s interesting to note that the River Avon (known as the Bristol Avon to distinguish it from other rivers with the same name elsewhere in the country) is merged with sections of the 87-mile long Kennet and Avon Canal, making it possible to travel from Bath to Bristol by boat, or downstream from Bath all the way to Reading.

Bath River/Canal Cruises and Excursions

You don’t have to travel all the way to Bristol or Reading to enjoy a cruise down the Avon when you’re in Bath – in fact if you don’t fancy getting on the water at all, you can have just as much fun walking or cycling beside it on the towpath.

Whatever your preference, here are the details of some local operators who offer great day trips, pleasure cruises and excursions along the Avon from Bath that give you a whole new perspective on the beautiful World Heritage city:

• Bath Narrowboats – day trips cruising the Kennet & Avon Canal from Bath to Bradford-on-Avon. Also, narrowboats, bikes and canoes available for hire for the hour or the day for self-exploration from Sydney Wharf in the centre of Bath, and Brassknocker Wharf just outside the city.
• Original Wild – for the truly adventurous who want to try some watery challenges in the heart of Bath, like private stand-up paddleboarding or kayak city tours.
• Bath River Cruise with Commentary – Sail on board a traditional 1960s Broads Cruiser past Bath landmarks with an entertaining live commentary for a short but sweet 25-minute trip from Broad Quay.
• Pulteney Cruisers runs two boats each seating 70 people, with an on board café, taking hour long scenic cruises up the River Avon from Pulteney Weir with a fascinating live commentary.
• Do it yourself and follow the Towpath: Starting at Bath locks at the beginning of the Kennet and Avon Canal you can enjoy a wonderful walk (or cycle) along the towpath to the village of Bathampton and beyond. The further you walk or ride the more interesting it gets.
• Follow a two-mile circular walk along the canal through Bath from Darlington Wharf, courtesy of the Canal & River Trust, which provides an online audio trail to help you make the most of this fun way of seeing the city’s sights.
• Bath Boating Station – pack a picnic and head for the tranquil Bath Boating Station in Forester Road where you can take to the water the old-fashioned way in punts or rowboats, drifting along a quiet stretch of the Avon.