Avoncliff, near Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire BA15 2HB. The supplied address also gives BA2 7BL
Avoncliff Aqueduct
Industrial heritage
Place photograph
6.4
Wildland
Under 1 hour for the aqueduct
Time
Free
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.4The Kennet & Avon Canal crosses the River Avon here on a Grade II listed aqueduct more than 100 metres long and 18 metres wide.
A working canal route becomes a striking piece of industrial engineering at the point where it crosses the Avon. The aqueduct is a worthwhile short visit in its own right, with a canal-side walk towards Dundas Aqueduct or Bradford-upon-Avon for a longer outing.
Atmospheric · Characterful
Find your way
Open mapAvoncliff, near Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire BA15 2HB. The supplied address also gives BA2 7BL
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
See the aqueduct from the waterside, then walk the canal towpath if you have time. The Canal & River Trust identifies Dundas Aqueduct in one direction and Bradford-upon-Avon, via Barton Farm Country Park, in the other.
Things to do
See the canal cross the Avon
Take in the Grade II listed aqueduct carrying the Kennet & Avon Canal over the River Avon; the Canal & River Trust gives its dimensions as over 100 metres long and 18 metres wide.
Not specified
Walk the canal towpath towards a second aqueduct
The Canal & River Trust suggests visiting Dundas Aqueduct from Avoncliff. It does not give a route distance or duration on the supplied page.
Look for waterway wildlife and flowers
The Canal & River Trust suggests watching for water birds, foxgloves and red clover, and says deer and badgers may also be seen.
Watch for bats at dusk
The Canal & River Trust says bats live in crevices in the aqueduct and may be seen at dusk.
Walk towards Bradford-upon-Avon
The Canal & River Trust describes a walk in the opposite direction, passing Barton Farm Country Park, towards Bradford-upon-Avon. No distance or duration is supplied.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
Quick look at the aqueduct
- 01
Visit the aqueduct and take in how the canal crosses the River Avon.
- 02
Look along the structure to appreciate its reported length of more than 100 metres and width of 18 metres.
- 03
If staying into dusk, watch for bats in the aqueduct’s crevices; sightings are possible, not guaranteed.
Half day · Allow a half day; walking distance and duration are not specified in the supplied evidence.
Canal-side half day
- 01
Start at Avoncliff Aqueduct and explore the canal and river crossing.
- 02
Walk in the direction of Dundas Aqueduct, which the Canal & River Trust identifies as a nearby place to visit, or head the other way towards Bradford-upon-Avon via Barton Farm Country Park.
- 03
Pause for a picnic and look for water birds, foxgloves and red clover; deer and badgers are also mentioned by the Canal & River Trust.
- 04
Treat a pub or café stop as an option only after checking current availability; toilets are reported as for customers.
Verified history
Avoncliff Aqueduct carries the Kennet & Avon Canal over the River Avon. The Canal & River Trust describes it as Grade II listed, more than 100 metres long and 18 metres wide. The supplied source-row description says it opened in 1805, but that date is not independently established in the supplied research excerpts.
Hidden details
Bats in the aqueduct — The Canal & River Trust says bats live in crevices in the aqueduct and may be visible at dusk.
When to go
· Dusk may offer a chance to see bats in the aqueduct’s crevices; sightings are not guaranteed.
The supplied evidence does not identify a preferred season.
Check conditions before visiting; the approach by car is described as narrow and steep.
Worth pairing with
Dundas Aqueduct
The Canal & River Trust identifies Dundas Aqueduct as a nearby place to visit from Avoncliff.
Bradford-upon-Avon via Barton Farm Country Park
The Canal & River Trust describes walking from Avoncliff towards Bradford-upon-Avon, passing Barton Farm Country Park.
What to look for
The aqueduct’s length and width, its position above the River Avon, and the canal carried across it. At dusk, look out for bats in the structure’s crevices, as noted by the Canal & River Trust.
The story
Industrial heritage; the Kennet & Avon Canal crossing the River Avon.
Best time to go
No particular season is specified by the supplied evidence; check conditions before visiting.
No best time is established by the supplied evidence. At dusk, the Canal & River Trust says bats may be seen in crevices in the aqueduct.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour for the aqueduct; allow longer for a towpath walk.
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Canal & River Trust lists Avoncliff Aqueduct as a place to visit and says visiting is free. Check current access conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
Canal & River Trust reports limited free parking and access down a narrow, steep hill. Check conditions before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Canal & River Trust says toilets are for customers of the local pub or café; availability is not confirmed.
Food & drink
The Canal & River Trust mentions a local pub/café but does not confirm its current opening or food service. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The approach by car is described as a narrow, steep hill. Other accessibility details are not established; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Water
River and canal. No swimming or paddling permission established.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Avoncliff Aqueduct
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
