The Kennet & Avon really is beautiful all year round and each season brings its own delights to this Green Flag award winning canal. One of our favourite times here is spring when the canal is beginning to warm up and coming to life after the winter. You will see many fledgling birds, including kingfishers, ducklings, cygnets and herons. Daffodils and primroses line the banks and many of the trees are bursting into flower.
Easter Weekend on a Foxhangers Canal Boat
The long Easter Bank Holiday Weekend is a great opportunity to spend time relaxing and having fun with family, with friends or to have romantic break as a couple. Four nights (Friday to Tuesday) is plenty of time to travel to Bath and back without using your holiday allowance from work (you have the option to return your boat on Monday any time up until dusk if work commitments dictate that you cannot stay Monday night). This year Easter is later than recent years meaning we can expect warmer weather – always a bonus!
Along the way you will pass through the delightfully quaint and historic market town of Bradford on Avon, two aqueducts where the canal passes over the River Avon (one at Avoncliff and one at Dundas) and plenty of welcoming canal side pubs.
Beautiful Bath
Attractions in Bath include the The Jane Austen Centre, Situated in an original Georgian townhouse, it tells the story of Jane’s time in Bath, including the effect that living here had on her and her writing and The Roman Baths where all ages can enjoy finding out more about the Georgians that flocked to the city to enjoy the therapeutic waters and, indeed, the Romans before them. Archaeological evidence indicates that the site of the baths may have been a centre of worship used by Celts. The springs were dedicated to the goddess Sulis.
Thermae Bath Spa
If you fancy having a spa your self why not visit Thermae Bath Spa where you can choose from the Main Spa which is a fusion of glass, stone, light and water. This creates a special setting in which to enjoy a Thermae Welcome (a 2-hour spa session and use of towel, robe & slippers). You can relax in two spectacular baths, fed by the naturally warm, mineral-rich waters and enjoy the multi-sensory Wellness Suite, or The Cross Bath which is an intimate open-air thermal bath with its own changing facilities. The Cross Bath is in a separate building and provides an alternative to the more extensive spa facilities in the New Royal Bath.
Bath Abbey
Another must see is Bath Abbey , whose site has been a place of worship for over a thousand years. Whether it’s to admire the wonderful architecture, to enjoy exceptional music in a beautiful setting or for more spiritual reasons, visitors love to experience the Abbey’s rich history and special atmosphere.
Dining Out
When it comes to dining out you will be literally spoilt for choice. Whether you are looking for a posh afternoon tea, a family or dog friendly riverside pub, an intimate restaurant for a romantic meal or a lively tapas bar, Bath will not disappoint.
And don’t forget to sample the famous Sally Lunn Bun. According to legend, Sally Lunn, a Huguenot refugee, arrived in Bath in 1680 and started work with a baker in Lilliput Alley (now North Parade Passage). Sally introduced the baker to her light, airy, brioche-style bun, which soon became popular at the public breakfasts and afternoon teas. Historic interest aside, they are delicious!
Shopping
If you like shopping, Bath is definitely for you! Bath is a popular shopping destination offering an excellent mix of independent shops and fashionable high street brands.
You are bound to find what you are looking for in Bath – from clothes to jewellery, and from books to art and homeware, not to mention food and drink. The independent retailers are ideal if you’re after inspiration for gift ideas, offering perfect presents that can’t be found anywhere else. If you’re looking to take home a treat for friends, family or for yourself as a reminder of your stay, the Visitor Information Centre Gift Shop offers a wide range of quality souvenirs and locally made gifts.
Peace and Tranqulity
Best of all, after all of the hustle and bustle of a busy city centre, you can return to the peace and quiet of your comfortably appointed Foxhangers boat and the next evening you could be moored up in the middle of tranquil countryside again. The best of both worlds!
