Located right on the doorstep of The Old Smithy Loft is the gateway to some of England’s most idyllic countryside, with the Kennet and Avon Canal linking the country’s southern network to the Bristol Channel via the River Thames. The canal stretches for 57 miles and was previously sculpted to carry various goods such as malt, flour, cheese, coal and iron between London and the Midlands.

Discover a number of charming villages scattered along the route, like nearby Bradford-Upon-Avon. Passing through an area of outstanding natural beauty, this rural waterway includes many highlights, such as the Caen Hill Locks, Claverton Pumping Station and impressive aqueducts at Dundas and Avoncliff. The Kennet and Avon also passes through the beautiful Sydney Gardens in Bath, below the elegant iron bridges, found just mere footsteps from your accommodation at The Old Smithy Loft.

Sydney Gardens is the oldest park in the city, dating back to the end of the eighteenth century and at the time was certainly the place to be seen in local aristocracy. It has frequently been by many established names, including one Jane Austen, who lived directly opposite at No. 4 Sydney Place and members of the Royal family at a time as well. The gardens which are filled with a fine array of trees, shrubberies and flower beds across the lawns, proved a popular spot for hosting local festivities such as banqueting, firework displays and musical concerts. Today it is also common to find theatrical presentations and outdoor cinema screenings taking place throughout the summer months.

The majority of the Kennet and Avon follows a towpath through Bath, making it possible to enjoy a gentle walk or easy cycle along the verdant river bank. You may also wish to utilise accompanying audio trails, which offer further background on the Kennet and Avon, including historic conversations about the waterway in bygone days. Better still, you may wish to find your way via your very own barge and enjoy the splendour of scenery by cruising along the water itself.

In the meantime, do keep an eye on the blog for further ideas on places to see during your stay with Tucking Mill Self Catering. Click here to find out more about the array of accommodation on offer.