Bradford on Avon to Bristol (5 nights) Sunday 07 May 2023

Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol’s Floating Harbour

Join us for a fabulous five night journey from the chocolate box Cotswold town of Bradford on Avon to the magnificent floating harbour in the heart of Bristol, embracing the delights of both canal and river cruising.

Bradford on Avon is a historic town with an enchanting town centre as well as boasting a magnificent 14^th Century Tithe Barn alongside the canal and both are well worth exploring before joining the boat.

Departing Bradford on Avon Wharf we pass through Bradford lock (the second deepest on the Kennet and Avon at 10ft 3in) heading for Avoncliff, a small hamlet at the Eastern end of John Rennie’s magnificent Avoncliff aqueduct which spans the River Avon. Guests will have the opportunity to view the splendid triple arched structure from below before we cruise across and follow the canal along the scenic Limpley Stoke Valley to reach another of Rennie’s masterpieces, the Dundas Aqueduct. Named in honour of the first Chairman of the Kennet and Avon Canal Company, the aqueduct is a scheduled ancient monument and carries the canal across the River Avon again to Dundas Wharf and the delightfully named ‘Brassknocker Basin’.

Beyond Dundas lies the 200 year old Claverton pumping station, home to a wooden water wheel once used to drive pumps lifting water 48ft from the river into the canal. The wheel and pumps have recently been successfully restored and the station opened to visitors so a visit may be possible.

From Claverton the navigation winds through spectacular countryside to the picturesque village of Bathampton. The parish church of St Nicholas is the final resting place of Captain Arthur Phillip, the first governor of New South Wales. From here a gentle and scenic stretch of canal takes us into the grand city of Bath with its elegant architecture echoed along the canal in numerous ornate bridges and buildings. Here we will secure a suitable overnight mooring and guests will have ample time to visit the city, a designated World Heritage site with a plethora of stunning architecture and interesting attractions to explore.

Leaving Bath, a series of locks drop the canal down to join the River Avon, including Bath Deep Lock, the second deepest in the country at 19ft 5ins deep and an impressive sight from on or off the boat! At the bottom lock the canal joins the River Avon and we take a short cruise upstream for a splendid view of the famous Pulteney horseshoe weir and bridge before turning to begin our river journey to Bristol.  The navigation follows the Avon downstream through varying urban and rural landscapes and picturesque hamlets and villages as the river leads us out of Bath and carries us through the beautiful Somerset countryside. The last of the six locks we encounter on this journey leads us into the impressive Floating Harbour in the heart of Bristol. The moorings here offer easy access to the city and its wealth of attractions, not least of which is Brunel’s splendid SS Great Britain. We aim to arrive in good time to allow guests an afternoon exploring the city before spending the final night of their cruise on board.

To book please select the required number of cabins below. Our three cabins are identical and can all be configured as either twin or double bedded rooms according to your preference.

Please refer to our terms and conditions before booking. If you have any questions or specific requirements please contact us.

*Price based on 2 people sharing a twin/double cabin. Cabins booked for 1 person incur a single occupancy supplement of 50%.