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  • gnet-hatched-from-a-nest-in-my-garden-Anthony-Nixon
  • Pond dipping by Jo Roberts
  • Mid Devon Moorings
  • Crownhill picnic site
  • Canal Basin by (Phil Brind)
  • Play park kids by Mark Baker

The Grand Western Canal Country Park and Local Nature Reserve meanders for eleven and a quarter miles through beautiful countryside and quiet villages between the market town of Tiverton and the hamlet of Lowdwells (near the Somerset border).

The Country Park features:

  • Horse-drawn barge trips
  • Cafés
  • Canal-themed play park
  • Visitor Centre
  • Boat hire
  • 11 1/4 miles of flat, surfaced towpath
  • Marina moorings (non residential)
  • Gift shop
  • Public toilets
  • Picnic sites
  • Car parks

Horse-drawn barge on canal (Christian Schoter)

The Canal’s story covers over 200 years of fascinating heritage, with many of its original features and buildings still surviving. Many people know the park locally as the ‘Tiverton Canal’. The Canal is probably best known for the horse-drawn barge, Tivertonian, run by the Tiverton Canal Co. that has been taking visitors for a leisurely cruise for more than 45 years.

Swans and cygnets on the Canal by Ebear Bridge

Owned by Devon County Council; the Canal is managed by the Ranger Service as both a Country Park and a Local Nature Reserve. The park offers a haven for wildlife, as it have a variety of habitats including woodland, hedgerows, open water and ponds.

Families visiting the park can learn about the Canal’s history in our interactive Visitor Centre or enjoy playing on the Canal-themed Play Park at the Canal Basin. A well surfaced towpath adjacent to the Canal, provides ample opportunities for walking, running and cycling. Alternatively, if you’re venturing further along the Canal, then why not stop at one of our many car parks or enjoy a picnic at one of our picnic sites. Rangers have installed over 150 benches throughout the park, to provide ideal places for visitors to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Activities such as boating, canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding are all popular on the canal. The park also provides a quiet and relaxing venue for angling, and is especially noted for its summer Tench fishing. Please note: You will need to purchase a permit in advanced to do these activities within the Country Park.

  • Visitor Information Guide

    To help you plan your visit to the Country Park, please download our Visitor Information Guide.

  • How to find us

    The Grand Western Canal Country Park is situated in Mid Devon, 17 miles north of Exeter and 20 miles south west of Taunton.

  • Country Park Map

    Download a map of the Grand Western Canal Country Park

  • Horse Drawn Barge Trips

    Experience a ride on a traditional horse-drawn barge,

  • Food & Drink

    Enjoy a break at one of our many cafes and pubs along the Canal.

  • Canal Basin - Annual Car Parking Permit

    Purchase Season Ticket for parking at the Canal Basin Car Park.

  • Online Boat Permits

    Purchase your permits for boating, canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding online.

  • Angling Permits

    Information about angling permits.

  • Events

    The Ranger Service runs a series of events each year. Here are what events we have coming up at the Grand Western Canal in the coming months:

  • Volunteering

    The Grand Western Canal Ranger Service is always looking for new volunteers or volunteer groups to assist with the day to day running of the Country Park.

  • Privacy Policy

    Privacy policy for Grand Western Canal Country Park customers.