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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Sian Lewis

This relaxed, car-free level cycle or walk makes the perfect country escape from Bath, especially on a hot summer’s day.

After following the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath for three miles of brightly painted canal boats, honey-hued villages and a few tempting pubs, you’ll reach Warleigh Weir. This wide cascade, with a still pool feeding it, is classed as Designated Bathing Water – so you can hop in for a spot of wild swimming (so remember to take your swimmers).

The Weir is also flanked by a field – ideal for a picnic next to the historic Claverton Pumping Station.

While you're there

Stop for a coffee at the dinky Café on The Barge, a converted canal boat that does great sticky cakes. You can call in at two good country pubs, The George and the riverside Bathampton Mill.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 1-3 hours

Getting there & doing it

The towpath is very simple to follow – just cycle with the water on your right to reach the Weir at Claverton in three miles (you’ll share the wide path with walkers and joggers) and then pedal back the way you came. If you’re up for an all-day adventure you can continue along the towpath to reach Bradford-On-Avon (and lovely riverside pub the Cross Guns along the way), nine miles from Bath.

Bike hire is widely available in Bath. Green Park Bike Station rent bikes for around £30 for a day. The Julian House Bike Workshop hire E-bikes for half a day and full days.

When to do it

The canal path is open year-round, but late spring to early autumn offers the balmiest weather for a relaxed cycle and swim.

Saturdays and Sundays on the towpath do get busy with pedalling families, and on hot weekends in the school holidays Warleigh Weir is full of swimmers cooling off, so, if possible, pick a weekday for a quieter cycle without the crowds.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Brindley’s

Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[3.4 miles]

A bijou bed and breakfast with pretty bedrooms just a five-minute walk from the city centre – Jane Austen would approve.

Official star rating:

The Bird

Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[3.6 miles]

Expect friendly, youthful vibes at this relaxed hotel, decorated in jewel tones and with a buzzy restaurant. The location is excellent – the city centre is a five-minute walk away.

Official star rating:

No 15 Great Pulteney

Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[3.8 miles]

Slap bang in the heart of things, No 15. is one of the smartest places to stay, on arguably Bath’s grandest road, close to  the city centre. There’s beautiful décor, a relaxed bar and fine attention to detail.

Official star rating:

The Gainsborough

Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[4.2 miles]

No need to head to the often-busy Thermae Spa to get the full benefit of Bath’s healing waters – the gorgeous Gainsborough Hotel, which shouts luxury throughout, has its own thermal pools in its in-house spa, right in the city centre.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Bath

Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)

A lovely west country city of world-class Georgian architecture, ancient and modern spas, and an atmosphere of romance and refinement.

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Bristol

United Kingdom (UK)

Bristol is the beating heart of the UK’s South West, with an offbeat focus on culture and the arts plus interactive history, a cutting-edge independent food scene and street eats all on offer.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Roman Baths & Pump Room

Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[4.1 miles]

The historic Grand Pump Room next door has a fountain spouting genuine mineral-rich Bath spa water for tasting. It also does an enjoyable afternoon tea, a popular and highly recommended way to round off your visit.

Best for ages: 8+ | £15

Thermae Bath Spa

Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[4.2 miles]

A unique modern spa with steam rooms and showpiece rooftop pool, that uses Bath’s natural thermal water.

Best for ages: 12+ | £38

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Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

The modern glass add on to the Grade 1 listed building as seen over a hedge of flowers. People at cafe tables.
Experience

Holburne Museum

Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[3.6 miles]

An art gallery and museum housing more than 4,000 Georgian treasures bequeathed to the city, displayed in period rooms and offering an insight into Georgian life in Bath. The Sydney pleasure gardens surrounding it are worth a post-gallery stroll on a sunny day.

Best for ages: 13+ | £13

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Overview >
Empty punts lined up on the water's edge
Experience

Boating on the Avon

Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[3.7 miles]

Pile into a punt or a rowing boat from this pretty boating house on the outskirts of the city, and paddle along the River Avon. Stop for lunch at the Bathampton Mill country pub before making your way back.

Best for ages: 4+ | £12 | 1-3 hours

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Overview >
Exterior of the small cafe, with dark blue frontage
Experience

Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House

Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[4 miles]

A historic café in one of Bath’s oldest houses, serving up trademark light, fluffy and sweet brioche-like buns since 1680. See the original, 300-year-old kitchen.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

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Overview >
Exterior front facade of beautiful abbey in golden bath stone
Experience

Bath Abbey

Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[4.1 miles]

This Gothic beauty, built in Bath Stone in the 12th and 16th centuries, known for its unique architecture and fan vaulting. You can climb the tower for views of the city, and there’s also a small museum in the vaults housing artefacts and exhibits about the abbey’s history.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >