Kennet & Avon Canal
Bradford-on-Avon
Every year British Waterways sets aside a sum of money that will make a real difference to all its visitors, including boaters, walkers and cyclists.
This year the South West received £300,000 to spend on Bradford-on-Avon. The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust also made a generous contribution towards the work that was carried out.
The main part of the scheme was to introduce hard landscaping to the Wharf area and lock edges to prevent puddling in winter and dust in summer. We also improved visitor safety around the lock by putting in new quadrants and heel grips. The landing stage for the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust trip boat, the Barbara MacLellan, was made safer and new gates to the off-side of the lock should make operational access easier.
We also applied for a change of use so that the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, who already operate a successful shop, tea room and information centre from the Lock Cottage on the Wharf, can use their recently restored garden as an overspill seating area. A pathway from the car park to the garden of the tea room has been created, along with a picnic area for visitors to enjoy.
The end result of all of this work has improved the visual impact of the area and we hope made it more attractive to visitors.
Caen Hill - Café & Information Centre
British Waterways opened a new Café & Information Centre at Caen Hill in Easter 2005. The Café is situated on the top of Caen Hill Lock Flight in Devizes, Wiltshire.
Opening times:
October
10am - 4pm Monday to Friday
10am - 5pm Saturday & Sunday
November - Easter 2006
10.30am - 4pm Friday to Monday
The Café serves a wide range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, lunches, homemade cakes and afternoon teas.
At the Café you are able to pick up information about various other visitor attractions along the Kennet & Avon Canal. A variety of souvenirs is also available from the Café gift shop.
Other facilities at the Café & Information Centre include a Pay & Display car park and toilets.