River Avon
River Avon
4.5
About
This scenic river runs through the center of Bath and offers pleasant walking trails along its banks and boat tours.
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The area
Neighbourhood: Shirehampton
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Restaurants
79 within 5 kms
Attractions
236 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
204 reviews
Excellent
106
Very good
79
Average
15
Poor
3
Terrible
1
bristol02
Bristol, UK29 contributions
Jul 2013 • Friends
After recommendations and general positive mutterings amongst friends and aquaintences, I thought it was time to check out the wild swimming spots along the river avon between Bristol and Bath.
I had heard that it was jolly nice to cycle along the bristol to bath cycle path (old railway route) and stop for a dip in saltford.
We spotted a few spots along the way, one just before you reach saltford, coming from bristol...you cross the river on an old railway bridge and down to the right there is a small jetty and lovely spot for a swim.
We decided to carry on and look for a spot nearer to liquid refreshment!
About a 1/2 mile further along the cycle route you come to the bird in hand pub on your right. We came off the path there and went back on ourselves under the cycle path and followed Mead Lane for 1/2 mile to the Jolly Sailer pub. You could see people swimming along the river by mead lane and we opted for the spot behind the pub itself, where there is a small island and lock, jetty for jumping off and even a rope swing on the other side for swinging into the water.
Great spot for a refreshing dip, thoroughly recommended...and some very friendly barge owners who gave us some of their homemade damsel wine!
Bonus!
I had heard that it was jolly nice to cycle along the bristol to bath cycle path (old railway route) and stop for a dip in saltford.
We spotted a few spots along the way, one just before you reach saltford, coming from bristol...you cross the river on an old railway bridge and down to the right there is a small jetty and lovely spot for a swim.
We decided to carry on and look for a spot nearer to liquid refreshment!
About a 1/2 mile further along the cycle route you come to the bird in hand pub on your right. We came off the path there and went back on ourselves under the cycle path and followed Mead Lane for 1/2 mile to the Jolly Sailer pub. You could see people swimming along the river by mead lane and we opted for the spot behind the pub itself, where there is a small island and lock, jetty for jumping off and even a rope swing on the other side for swinging into the water.
Great spot for a refreshing dip, thoroughly recommended...and some very friendly barge owners who gave us some of their homemade damsel wine!
Bonus!
Written July 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen T
Castro Valley, CA40 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
Took a forty minute boat ride. Thanks goodness very little commentary from the captain. I was able to relax and enjoy the lush green riverside, swans, ducks and gardens of the "rich" houses that front the river on one side..
Written May 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
konatraveller
Potters Bar, UK69 contributions
We went down to the river to take one of the cruises up the river to Bathampton.
Just beside the big double decker boat was a small electric boat with just about enough room for 8 -10 passengers. We are so glad we took this guys boat instead of the big one. The guy (David , i think) was very chatty and pointed out lots of things on the river that we just would not have seen from higher up. We saw swans , cygnets, ducks, ducklings,kingfishers and one enormous rat! The swans recognised the boat and came over for some food.
We stopped at the very nice pub on the river at Bathampton, had a drink in the lovely sunshine and then came back as David told us about some of the building s and bridges.
Definetly take the Bath Small Green Boat Co, there is not much to see on the river if you are higher up and this was really enjoyable.
Just beside the big double decker boat was a small electric boat with just about enough room for 8 -10 passengers. We are so glad we took this guys boat instead of the big one. The guy (David , i think) was very chatty and pointed out lots of things on the river that we just would not have seen from higher up. We saw swans , cygnets, ducks, ducklings,kingfishers and one enormous rat! The swans recognised the boat and came over for some food.
We stopped at the very nice pub on the river at Bathampton, had a drink in the lovely sunshine and then came back as David told us about some of the building s and bridges.
Definetly take the Bath Small Green Boat Co, there is not much to see on the river if you are higher up and this was really enjoyable.
Written June 1, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bestofbritish
Ontario, Canada17 contributions
Jun 2015
Picture this, blue sky the air around is warm you are on a boat slowly drifting down the River Avon, now set your sights on this little tour on this most famous river. You will not be disappointed with the things you will see from your boat. As you pass by the World famous theatre seeing people on the out door café enjoying their high tea, a place you should visit to enjoy an amazing theatre, and of course tasting the wonderful menu in their café. A long the river with its very quite surrounds seeing many homes gardens with its beautiful flowers trees and Monuments. The trip is about an hour, make sure you take your camera along with, you will see some wonderful sites and lasting memories. By now you are thinking of getting a little bite to eat, something light maybe try Muffin Break at Maybird Centre, fresh muffins great coffee plus a fine menu of soups and salads. This is a must tour for enjoying a relaxing stress free afternoon. Two places you must visit, Warwick Castle and Ann Hatherway Cottage. Enjoy your time in this wonderful town.
Written May 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pinkjackie64
Beverley, UK23 contributions
Sept 2012 • Family
Pleasant relaxing cruise up/down the river, beautiful swans and gardens belonging to the houses along side the river. Not expensive and leaves every half an hour from the front of the theatre, no need to book in September. Good value.
Written September 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sturat
Wetherby78 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
The reason this is called the River Avon, along with others in this country of ours, is because the word Avon, in Roman times meant River! Therefore there are numerous River avons' or literally River river! Take the short harbour cruise. very informative and pleasant.
Written July 28, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob S
Bristol, UK67 contributions
Nov 2011 • Friends
It winds through the city, though hard to figure out which bits are where. Recently opened festival way leads from centre of town to Ashton Court but can take you to trail along the river but be careful of bikes, as shared access. Nice flat path for stroll after sunday lunch. Wonderful to have such open space so close to the centre of town.
Written January 4, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vilejelly
Exeter, UK6 contributions
We, too, took the "little electric boat" up the river with David. It was lovely - the best part of our visit to Bath. David gave us bread to feed the swans and ducks who steamed up to, and along side, the boat; he also told us a great deal about the river, its creatures, and the buildings on its edges. A couple of the big boats passed us, and I have to say that David's boat is a much nicer way to travel. Highly recommended! We went in the evening, when it wasn't too hot.
Written September 2, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KentEnglandLife
Chatham, UK2,949 contributions
Aug 2020
Most reviews on here are from Bristol & Bath,but I walked along the river Avon in Salisbury.
A lovely walk from The Maltings down to Queen Elizabeth Gardens, with a lovely view of the cathedral spire and the bridges along the way.
Not a long walk but well worth it.
A lovely walk from The Maltings down to Queen Elizabeth Gardens, with a lovely view of the cathedral spire and the bridges along the way.
Not a long walk but well worth it.
Written February 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul the gardener
Margate, UK123 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
Walked the stretch of the Avon from the Clifton suspension bridge round to the Bristol quay side. Lots of activity on the river, pleasure craft, paddleboarding, canoeing. Lovely scenery up to the suspension bridge. Lots of wild life seen. Nice views of the famous coloured houses, and local and historical architecture. Lovely way to spend a few hours and a nice drink when you get to the famous quayside at one of the cafes and bars.
Written August 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
is it possible to row from Stratford upon avon to Bristol along the river Avon? Thanks
Written September 8, 2019
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