Beside The Canal Trust Café, Bradford Wharf, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LE
Bradford on Avon, a quaint town in the heart of Wiltshire, England, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. A great way to do this is by taking a Canal Trip Boat on the Barbara McLellan, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. As a tourist who has taken this canal trip, I can attest to its charm and appeal.
The Barbara McLellan is a beautiful canal boat that has been refurbished to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers. It is named after a local woman who was one of the first female skippers on the canal. The boat has a capacity of up to 60 passengers and is manned by an experienced and knowledgeable crew.
The canal trip starts at the Wharf in Bradford on Avon, where the boat is moored. As soon as you step aboard the boat, you are transported back in time. The boat's traditional design, coupled with the serene and tranquil surroundings of the canal, creates a peaceful and calming atmosphere that is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The trip takes you along the Kennet and Avon Canal, which is a marvel of engineering, and one of the best-preserved waterways in the country. The canal was originally built in the late 18th century to transport goods between London and Bristol, but now it's mainly used for recreational purposes. The canal trip on the Barbara McLellan takes you past some of the most picturesque scenery in the area, including rolling hills, verdant fields, and quaint villages.
One of the highlights of the trip is passing through the Bradford Lock, which is the deepest lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal. The crew expertly guides the boat through the lock, giving passengers a real sense of the engineering marvels that were required to build the canal.
As you glide along the canal, the crew provides an informative commentary on the history of the canal and the local area. You'll learn about the canal's role in the industrial revolution, its decline, and its subsequent restoration. You'll also hear about the local wildlife, which includes ducks, swans, herons, and even the occasional kingfisher.
The trip lasts around 2 hours, during which time you'll have the opportunity to relax, take photos, and enjoy the scenery. There is a bar on board the boat where you can purchase drinks and snacks, making it the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Canal Trip Boat on the Barbara McLellan as a must-do tourist attraction in Bradford on Avon. It's a fantastic way to explore the area and learn about its history, all while enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the canal. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this trip is not to be missed.
| Thursday | 9 am–4:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Friday | 9 am–4:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 9 am–4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–4:30 pm |
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