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Kennet and Avon Canal Cruise - practical travel guide with honest advice.
Experience authentic canal boat travel on this working narrowboat journey through Bath's section of the historic Kennet and Avon Canal. Built in the early 1800s, this waterway connected London with Bristol and remains a functioning piece of industrial heritage. Passengers can help operate the manual locks, learn about canal boat life, and understand the engineering feat that created this 87-mile waterway. Best for canal enthusiasts and history buffs. This is a moderate activity lasting 2 hours. Group size: max 12. You meet at Bath Top Lock. Key highlights: Hands-on experience operating historic canal locks, Journey on authentic working narrowboat from 1980s, Learn about 200-year-old canal engineering and construction.
Price: £16
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Group size: max 12
Minimum age: 8+
Best for: canal enthusiasts and history buffs
Best time: Spring through early autumn for best weather and full operating schedule
Meeting point: Bath Top Lock
Languages: English
Here is how the experience unfolds:
First 30 min Learn narrowboat operation and lock system basics - Hands-on instruction in rope handling and lock gate operation.
30-60 min Travel through Bath Locks with passenger participation - Navigate the six-lock flight with guidance from experienced crew.
60-90 min Canal basin exploration and narrowboat life demonstration - See how people live aboard narrowboats and canal community culture.
90-120 min Return journey with independent lock operation - Passengers take more active role in boat handling and navigation.
The whole experience takes 2 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Bath Top Lock.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Price | £16 |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Group size | max 12 |
| Minimum age | 8+ |
| Meeting point | Bath Top Lock |
| Languages | English |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation 48 hours before departure, weather-dependent |
| Accessibility | Not suitable for wheelchairs due to narrowboat design, moderate fitness required for lock operation |
What is included: 2-hour narrowboat cruise, Lock operation instruction, Canal history commentary, Hands-on boat handling experience.
Not included: Food and refreshments, Waterproof clothing, Transportation to meeting point. You will need to arrange these yourself.
What to bring: Non-slip shoes for boat deck, Weather-appropriate clothing, Gloves for rope handling. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.
Best time to go: Spring through early autumn for best weather and full operating schedule.
Tip: Help operate the locks
Tip: Runs weekends only in winter
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs due to narrowboat design, moderate fitness required for lock operation.
Operator: Sally Boats | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 1225 864923
After this activity, these are within easy reach:
This activity is run by Sally Boats.
Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48 hours before departure, weather-dependent.
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs due to narrowboat design, moderate fitness required for lock operation.
Best time to go: Spring through early autumn for best weather and full operating schedule.
Lock operation requires basic physical fitness but no experience. Crew provides full instruction and supervision. Most participants find it enjoyable rather than strenuous with proper guidance and teamwork.
Trips continue in light rain but cancel for safety in high winds or storms. Indoor seating available on narrowboat. Winter schedule reduced to weekends only November through March.
Lock operation requires basic physical fitness but no experience. Crew provides full instruction and supervision. Most participants find it enjoyable rather than strenuous with proper guidance and teamwork.
Trips continue in light rain but cancel for safety in high winds or storms. Indoor seating available on narrowboat. Winter schedule reduced to weekends only November through March.
Best for: couples and nature lovers
Best for: families with young children
Best for: families and first-time visitors
Best for: couples and special occasions
Live availability from our partner Viator