Grand Western Horseboat Company in Devon

Grand Western Horseboat

Company
in Devon

Brambles Bed and Breakfast Tiverton
Whitnage, near Sampford Peverell, Tiverton, Devon
E-mail: info@bramblesbedandbreakfast.co.uk or Phone: 01884 829211
Self Assessed

Grand Western Horseboat Company near Tiverton in Devon

Explore the Grand Western Canal aboard a traditionally painted Horse-drawn barge. Step back in time as you board the 'Tivertonian' and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of The Grand Western Canal, Devon's Prettiest Canal Country Park. The Grand Western Horseboat Co. upholds the nostalgia of yester-year on one of only a few, traditional Horse-drawn Barges remaining in England today.

The Horse-drawn Barge operates in all-weathers and has varying lengths of trip available - the choice is yours. Sit back and relax as our friendly Captain and crew give a commentary on the fascinating history of the canal and often has a minutes silence......, so that you can experience the peace and tranquillity of travel by Horse-Drawn Barge.

Catering for individuals, families, schools, corporate events, coach parties or private groups, The Grand Western Horseboat Co. is an ideal day out come rain or shine. Other features include Rowing and self-drive Day Boats for hire and the Floating Canal Gift Shop, which also provides refreshments.

There are varied walks and cycling to be enjoyed along the canal with an abundance of wildlife, flora and fauna. Coarse fishing is a popular pastime, and there is plenty of perch, roach and pike for all! A Canal Permit and Rod Licence are required.

So visit The Grand Western Horseboat Co. today for a unique experience where you can enjoy this picturesque and unusual Country Park setting and soak up the history and atmosphere of a bygone age.

The Grand Western Canal dates back to 1814, when it was built as part of a major transportation plan to link the Exeter Ship Canal to the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, thus avoiding the long and dangerous voyage around Land End. John Rennie who supervised the construction work between 1810 and 1814 surveyed the Canal's route.

The canal was built primary for the use of the lime trade, conveying stone from the quarries at Loudwells to Tiverton Lime Kilns for firing and producing lime for farming and house building. In 1838 the Canal was extended from Loudwells to Taunton, which had seven lifts and an incline plane.

At the beginning of the nineteenth century the Horse-drawn Barge was one of the cheapest and fastest means of commercial transport and the Canal worked commercially for 130 years. However the Canal also witnessed the intrusion of the Railways with the building of the Aqueduct and then the opening of the Tiverton Branch Line in 1838, which, resulted in the Canal's decline whereupon it was sold to GWR. The last steam train on this line was the "Tivvy Bumper" now preserved at Tiverton Museum.

The section of 14 miles from Loudwells to Taunton is now dry. The remaining 11 miles runs through some of the prettiest country in Devon, with the Canal's survival due to the fresh water springs that naturally feed it, where it provides a home for an abundance of wildlife including a large variety of fish, and the ever constant Mallard patrol! It's banks are a natural habitat for dragon flies, swans, herons and butterflies and the area is enriched with the native kingfisher, yellow water iris and water lilies.

There are varied walks to be enjoyed along the canal, including the unrestored sections with the historical remains of James Green's tub boat lifts. Course fishing is a popular pastime along the canal, with many a story to be told of the catch. A Canal permit and rod license is required and there is plenty of perch, roach, pike, for all. You can bring your own boat to catch that fish, or perhaps take a picnic trip. You can also travel along this beautiful Canal on a traditionally painted Horse-drawn Barge, the only one in the West Country.

Grand Western Horseboat Company, The Wharf, Canal Hill, Tiverton, Devon. EX16 4HX Tel: 01884 253345

E-mail: info@bramblesbedandbreakfast.co.uk or Phone: 01884 829211
Address: Brambles Bed and Breakfast, Whitnage, near Sampford Peverell, Tiverton, Devon EX16 7DS.

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