The Kennet and Avon – Brief introduction for your canal boat holiday

The Kennet and Avon canal is among the loveliest waters in UK for a canal boat holiday. It rambles for 86 miles between Reading and Bristol, and passes via the historic city of Bath. It is possible to take a canal boat holiday on a narrow boat enjoying the canal and the adjoining area. 

The Kennet and Avon canal was officially opened back in 1810, although it was to be reopened again in 1990 by Her Majesty The Queen after undergoing some renovation. It passes through beautiful, unspoilt and tranquil scenery full of plant and wildlife. It also passes through picturesque villages, bustling market towns and past historic monuments. Along the way there are numerous inviting canal side pubs and restaurants. 

This canal includes the Georgian magnificence of the City of Bath, the pastoral delights of rolling Berkshire and Wiltshire, as well as unique engineering and architectural features of majestic bridges and aqueducts. The route begins at Brunel’s historic Floating Harbour located at Bristol, near the city’s shops, theatres and restaurants, initially taking the tidal River Avon to Bath. There is Roman remains and Georgian architecture in this spectacular World Heritage City that includes the famous Abbey, Baths and numerous historic attractions. 

Travellers get to cruise through the dramatic River Avon’s valley on top of the Dundas Aqueduct and then to a little town called Bradford on Avon that has a fascinating history. They will then pass through rolling farmland and land on the famous flight of locks at Caen Hill. It takes about a day to climb or ascend these locks.

The next step for travellers involves passing through historic Devizes, which happens to be home to the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust as well as its canal shop. Through a 15 mile pound, meaning no locks. Passing through the home of Honeystreet Boats in Honeystreet. After here, they will go via Pewsey onto Crofton, which is home to the well-known working steam beam engines, please check with their website for steaming days. The striking Hungerford town contains centre of town moorings in which visitors can browse around the numerous antique shops. The Kennet and Avon canal goes on to Newbury where travellers will experience a touch of Venetian charm, and after that meet the River Thames just after passing Reading.