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Bridgwater

Bridgwater
Bustling Bridgwater is a busy market town set in the heart of Somerset’s vastly contrasting but equally beautiful countryside. The town lies in the valley of the fiercely tidal River Parrett at the foot of the Quantocks, with the Somerset Levels and the Mendip Hills stretched out before it. The King Charles III England Coast Path comes into Bridgwater on the route of the River Parrett Trail, before returning to the coast.
  • Bridgwater Docks image
  • Bridgwater River Parrett
  • Bridgwater Blake Museum

Bridgwater has walks for everyone from multi-day trails and country loops to historic town walks. The River Parrett Trail comes through Bridgwater on its way to Langport, and the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal offers a great tow path walk. There are also many circular walks in the satellite areas of Chilton Trinity, Wembdon and Dunwear and in the Somerset Levels to the East of the town at the nature reserves of Shapwick, Westhay, Catcott and Ham Wall.

The town is home to Europe’s largest illuminated carnival, which lights up the streets every November, and the unique squibbing event which takes place after the carnival has passed through – squibbing involves lighting up a line of large fireworks held on poles by 150 people to create a trail of fire – so not for the feint hearted!

The town also has many historic walks and its rich commercial, mercantile and often bloody political history is celebrated in the Blake Museum, the birthplace of one of England’s greatest naval heroes Admiral Robert Blake, of whom Nelson said “I am not the equal”. Other venues worth visiting include Bridgwater Arts Centre, the Somerset Brick and Tile Museum, and the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal and Docks.

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Where to stay

Please note: this map shows approximate location
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