Explore a award-winning heritage attraction featuring horse-drawn barge trips, boat hire, and peaceful canal walks along the Grand Western Canal.

Tiverton Canal Co is an award-winning living heritage attraction and home to one of Great Britain's last remaining horse-drawn passenger barges. Located on the banks of the beautiful Grand Western Canal and Local Nature Reserve between Exeter and Taunton, this family-owned venue offers visitors a truly unique and environmentally friendly experience stepping back in time. Guests can enjoy scenic horse-drawn barge trips along the tranquil Grand Western Canal, with staff and crew dressed in period clothing and large heavy horses including Shires on hand. The venue also offers rowing boat and Canadian canoe hire for those wanting to explore the waterway at their own pace. Special 'Serenity Sunday Afternoon Trips' are available for adults aged 14 and over, emphasizing peace and tranquility. Beyond boat activities, visitors can explore the canal gift shop, enjoy waterside dining at The Ducks Ditty Bar, take scenic walks along the canal towpath, go cycling, or simply relax while observing the local wildlife and nature reserve. Educational visits and group bookings are available, making it suitable for families, school groups, and visitors of all ages seeking a memorable Devon experience. The attraction has won Devon's Best Small Attraction of the Year (2023-24) and received TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Awards three years running, including 2025.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

A

Ann Onni-Mouse

a month ago

A lovely quiet experience on a Serenity Sunday boat trip, which is for over 14s only. Everyone is asked to make sure there phone is off or on silent. Then after a short time along the canal they ask everyone to observe a 'library hush'. It was bliss. Just the sounds of the water, the birds and the gentle steps of George the horse. A very special afternoon on the canal. If you enjoy peace, quiet, and nature, this is thoroughly recommended.

L

Lisa Pimlott

a month ago

Amazing. Kids loved it, walked part of the trail as got there early. Kids loved being able to interact with the horse as well.

H

Heather Gibson

2 months ago

What a beautiful canal to walk, well kept paths, excellent for anyone with mobility issues

H

Harry Sharpe

3 months ago

If your in or around Tiverton down in Devon and your looking for a relaxing couple of hours try tjis canal boat trip, has a bar soft drinks and alcoholic which is good, the barge is pulled by a horse so nice and quiet.

L

Lexi Lewton

3 months ago

Great trip with family and kids first we visited the cafe Cottage and had coffee and cake then we went on the canal ride with the beautiful horse called George pulling us along. Friendly staff and really helpful. Drinks on the boat and snacks

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026