Horse Drawn Canal Boat Trips In Devon
Horse Drawn Canal Boat Trips In Devon
Tiverton Horse-Drawn Barge Trips
"A little bit of Heaven in Devon”
When you visit us, you and your family will experience a natural, environmentally friendly and relaxing boat trip, aboard one of the very last Horse-Drawn Barges in Great Britain today.
Passengers have described their Horse Drawn Boat experience as: “Wow! ... totally relaxing, peaceful, a feeling of serenity (as the barge has no engine) It is like being at one with the canal and its wildlife”.
Just relax, as our crew and large Heavy Horses Ross, George or Brindley take you on a historic journey, 200 years into the past at two miles per hour.
Serenity on a Horse Drawn Canal Boat
With the gentle rhythmic clip clop of their hooves, the ripples of the water gently disturbing the sunlight, as you listen to birdsong and the occasional call from waterfowl. The brightly coloured flag iris, lilies, damsel & dragonflies catch your eye, as you slowly pass by. You can’t help but drift off into the past, and imagine the canal of yesteryear.
At the beginning of your horse-drawn barge experience the skipper will introduce the crew, and during the voyage he will share some interesting stories and anecdotes about the canal, horses and history. A lot of visitors are also very surprised to see just how easy the barge is to pull for our horses, the skipper will also explain about weights floating on water and how this is entirely different to weights on wheels on land! That very fact, led to the reason that small horses were able to pull such huge weights along our canals in Britain many years ago.
From Our 50th Anniversary Year back in 2024
We have been running our special 'Serenity Sunday Afternoon Trips' (For adults only, sorry kids)
Each Sunday at 2.15pm, our two and a half hour return boat trip will run with an emphasis on peace and tranquillity for the whole trip, which will allow everyone on the barge to listen and immerse themselves with this mindfull and magical Horse-Drawn experience. This one is for adults only (14 years old & Above)
Facts about the Horse Drawn Barge:
The horse drawn barge 'Tivertonian' is a wide beam 75-seater horse-drawn (wide beam) barge and is traditionally painted with canal art known as roses and castles. The barge is carpeted throughout with fully upholstered seating. Other facilities include a fully licensed bar/shop (card or cash) and modern flush toilet. Access to the barge is via 3 steps (there is no disability ramp or lift) as the barge is too old.
The barge operates public trips on a regular timetable during the daytime from 1st April to 31st October. Our canal boat is also available for private hire during the day and evenings.
So if you're looking for things to do in Devon, book your trip on our horse drawn canal boat today!
The Fastest Way to Slow Down
Our most loved and popular barge trip is a two and a half hour return where you travel for an hour to East Manley where the horseboat turns around and moors up, allowing you the opportunity to talk to the horse as he rests for a while under the shade of a tree.
During your voyage, the skipper will share some memorable tales, anecdotes and historical facts about the horse-drawn barge and the Grand Western Canal. During the boat trip we often have a couple of minutes silence to hear the tranquillity of travelling without motor power.
A lot of visitors are also very surprised to see just how easy the barge is to pull for our horses, the skipper will also explain about weights floating on water and how this is entirely different to weights on wheels on land! That very fact, lead to the reason small horses were able to pull such huge weights along our canal in Victorian Britain.
Picture of the Bar/Shop on the horse-drawn barge "Tivertonian"
(cash & cards accepted)
Is Tiverton Canal horse-drawn barge open in all weathers?
Yes. The fantastic design of the Tiverton horse-drawn barge means we are in action no matter what the weather, as long as it is safe for our passengers and horses!
You will be travelling inside, with large sliding picture windows which can be raised or lowered dependent on the UK weather and time of year.
However should temperatures raise to 30+
degrees or the Met Office give severe weather warnings... Call us before you travel as we may have to cancel for safety reasons.
Is there a Bar or Shop on-board the horseboat?
Yes. We have a fully licensed Bar, which serves a wide range of Hot and Cold drinks from tea, coffee and hot chocolate to real ales, draught lager, great quality wines, a range of Sandford Orchard ciders, gins, spirits, old-fashioned soft drinks, tea, coffee and hot-chocolate, as well as crisps, snacks and a range of Marshfield ice creams!
Postcards and hand painted souvenirs are also available.
What facilities are available onboard the barge?
The horse-boat has easy 3 steps access, and is carpeted throughout, with upholstered seating and a modern flushing toilet also a fully licensed Bar/Shop for refreshments and or gifts.
Can we bring our dog on the barge?
Sorry. Only Registered Assistance Dogs can be accommodated on the barge by prior arrangement.
Do you accept Card & Cash payments?
Ticket Office & Shop - YES.
Horse-Drawn Barge Bar/Shop - YES.
Can I buy a gift voucher for a friend?
Yes. If you would like to give a friend or someone you love the opportunity of taking a horse-drawn barge trip, gift vouchers are available for one (or multiple people) from our lovely gift shop.
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