Getting out on the water this spring – 5 fun ways to enjoy the River Avon

15 March 2016

There are many beautiful things in Bath, but one of the most popular and picturesque runs right through the heart of the city. It is, of course, the River Avon, a source of fun and pleasure for visitors to Bath for hundreds of years, as well as being the perfect backdrop for many a holiday snap.

With the weather warming up and the approach of spring and summer not too far away, now is the perfect time to start planning a trip to Bath to enjoy the River Avon. Here are just a few ideas to help you take to the water this spring:

  • Enjoy a meal in a floating restaurant. For a unique way to enjoy the river, particularly in the evening, is to dine on it in a floating restaurant. The John Rennie, a luxurious floating restaurant with a mouth-watering menu, is perfect for private parties for between 20 and 50 guests. If you’ve got a special occasion to celebrate, it’s the perfect way to push the boat out – so to speak!
  • Hire your own private luxury Victorian river launch. If you want something a little bit special and you fancy a taste of life as a Victorian lady or gentleman of leisure, you can hire the skippered luxury boat, the Lady Lena, for the afternoon. You’ll often spot this distinctive, charmingly old-fashioned boat being used for weddings, hen parties and other special occasions, but it’s also perfect for a romantic tour for two.
  • Set off on your own narrowboat for the day. If you don’t fancy a tour and want to explore the waterways of Bath under your own steam, you can hire a traditional narrowboat from Bath Narrowboats. Before setting off, you’ll be taught all you need to know to handle the vessel safely, and then you can sail off for a day of fun on the river with your friends and family.
  • See scenic Bath on a Pulteney Cruiser. Named due to the starting point of the tour, Pulteney Bridge, these popular river cruisers take you through all of the most scenic sights of Bath. This includes its more rural areas and the fascinating wildlife found in this part of the world. Prepare to take a LOT of photos!
  • Combine a cycle with a spell on the river. Some boat cruise companies, such as River Adventures, link their services with local cycling points so that you can hop on and off with your bike. This is a cyclist’s heaven, particularly with trips down the river to the Boathouse Pub and Bath Caravan Park linking up with NextBike hire stations.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay safely on dry land, Bath Holiday Rentals has a wide choice of luxurious accommodation to choose from throughout the city – including apartments in historic Bath buildings and in properties with lovely views of the majestic River Avon itself.