Bridgwater Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Bridgwater, a charming town nestled in the heart of Somerset, England, offers visitors a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant local culture. With its picturesque setting along the River Parrett and its rich heritage dating back centuries, Bridgwater is a destination that will captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression.

One of the town's most iconic landmarks is the Bridgwater Castle. Although now in ruins, this medieval fortress provides a glimpse into Bridgwater's past and serves as a reminder of its strategic importance during times of conflict. Visitors can wander through the castle grounds, imagining the stories that unfolded within its walls.

For those seeking a taste of Bridgwater's vibrant culture, a visit to the Bridgwater Arts Centre is a must. Housed in a historic building, this cultural hub showcases a diverse range of artistic exhibitions, performances, and workshops. From contemporary art installations to live music events, the Bridgwater Arts Centre is a dynamic space that celebrates creativity in all its forms.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in and around Bridgwater. The nearby Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offer breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and heathlands. Hiking or cycling through these scenic surroundings is a wonderful way to immerse oneself in the beauty of the English countryside.

To truly experience the essence of Bridgwater, a visit during the annual Bridgwater Carnival is highly recommended. This internationally renowned event, dating back over 400 years, features colorful illuminated floats, mesmerizing music, and lively street performances. Join the locals as they celebrate their town's heritage and revel in the festive atmosphere that fills the streets during this vibrant carnival.

In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Bridgwater also boasts a vibrant food and drink scene. From traditional English pubs serving hearty meals to trendy cafes offering artisanal coffee, there is something to satisfy every palate. Indulge in local delicacies such as Somerset cider and traditional West Country dishes, and discover the flavors that make Bridgwater a culinary delight.

Alternative names: Population: 41.3 thous.Elevation: 39 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 51°7'43"N, 3°0'6"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Bridgwater Top Attractions

Bridgwater Attractions - What to See and Explore

Bridgwater offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Burrow Mump, Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum, St George's Church, Bridgwater Town Hall. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • View point • Ruins
Burrow Mump
Burrow Mump is a hill and historic site overlooking Southlake Moor in the village of Burrowbridge within the English county of Somerset. It is a scheduled monument, with the ruined church on top of the hill a Grade II listed building.
History museum • Specialty museum • Museum
Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum
The Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum of Steam Power and Land Drainage is a small industrial heritage museum dedicated to steam powered machinery at Westonzoyland in the English county of Somerset. It is a Grade II* listed building.
Church
St George's Church
The Anglican St George's Church was founded in the 13th century in the village of Wembdon within the English county of Somerset. The current building dates from the 14th and 15th century but was largely rebuilt in 1868 after a fire. It is a Grade II listed building.

City hall
Bridgwater Town Hall
Bridgwater Town Hall is a municipal building in the High Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, England. The town hall, which was the headquarters of Bridgwater Borough Council, is a Grade II listed building.
Church
Church of the Holy Trinity
The Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity at Chilton Trinity in the English county of Somerset was established in the 13th century. It is a Grade II* listed building.
Monuments and statues
Willow Man
Willow Man is a large outdoor sculpture by Serena de la Hey. It is in a field to the west of the M5 motorway, near Bridgwater in Somerset, South West England, near to the Bristol to Exeter railway line and south of junction 23 of the motorway.
Ruins
Kilve Chantry
Kilve Chantry was a religious site in Kilve, Somerset, England. The Chantry was founded in 1329, when a brotherhood of five monks was employed to say Mass for their founder, Simon de Furneaux.
Church
Church of St Mary
The Church of St Mary in Bridgwater, Somerset, England was built in the 13th century, and has been designated as a Grade I listed building. It is dedicated to Saint Mary, the Virgin.
Specialty museum • Museum • Archaeological museum
Blake Museum
The Blake Museum is in Bridgwater, Somerset, England at what is believed to be the birthplace of Robert Blake, General at Sea. Since April 2009 it has been run by Bridgwater Town Council with help from the Friends of Blake Museum.
Memorial
Bridgwater War Memorial
Bridgwater War Memorial is a Grade II* listed war memorial located on King Square in Bridgwater, Somerset, England, on the site previously occupied by Bridgwater Castle. It was designed by John Angel in the mid-1920s.
Universities and schools
Bridgwater and Taunton College
Bridgwater and Taunton College is a further education college based in the heart of Somerset, England, with main centres in Bridgwater, Taunton and Cannington.
Library
Bridgwater Library
The Bridgwater Town Mill is at the end of Blake Street, Bridgwater, England, next to the Blake Museum. It is fed by the Durleigh Brook, which discharges into the River Parrett through St Saviour's Clyse.
Sailing • Marina
Inter-Basin Lock
The Port of Bridgwater is a port, originally located in the town of Bridgwater, Somerset, England. Created under an 1845 Act of Parliament, it extends from Brean Down to Hinkley Point in Bridgwater Bay, and parts of the rivers Parrett, River Brue and River Axe.
Theater • Concerts and shows • Performing arts
Bridgwater Arts Centre
Castle Street in Bridgwater, Somerset, England was built in the 1720s, on a site previously occupied by Bridgwater Castle, by Benjamin Holloway or Fort and Shepherd, the Duke's London surveyors for James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos. It was originally called Chandos Street.
51°7'45"N • 3°0'7"W
Castle House
Castle House is a house in Bridgwater, Somerset, England. Castle House is associated with two important Sedgemoor families, the Boards and the Ackermans; John Board who extended his family’s brick company into cement in 1844, and his grandson William Ackerman who joined the...
Harbor
Port of Bridgwater
The Port of Bridgwater is a port, originally located in the town of Bridgwater, Somerset, England. Created under an 1845 Act of Parliament, it extends from Brean Down to Hinkley Point in Bridgwater Bay, and parts of the rivers Parrett, River Brue and River Axe.
Bridge
Telescopic Bridge
The Telescopic Bridge in Bridgwater, within the English county of Somerset, was built in 1871 to carry a railway over the River Parrett. It has been scheduled as an ancient monument and is a Grade II* listed building.
Museum
Somerset Brick and Tile Museum
The Somerset Brick and Tile Museum is in Bridgwater, Somerset, England and is administered by The South West Heritage Trust. The museum is dedicated to the Brick and Tile Industry of Somerset.
51°7'20"N • 2°59'44"W
Carter Technical Mouldings
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Day trips

Bridgwater – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Bridgwater, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Cheddar Gorge (Cheddar), Ebbor Gorge (Wells), Stourhead.

15 milesNE
Limestone canyon with caves and trails
Cheddar Gorge, Cheddar
Nestled in the quaint town of Cheddar, within the picturesque Mendip Hills of Somerset, lies the breathtaking natural wonder known as Cheddar Gorge. Renowned for being the largest gorge in England, this remarkable site offers a dramatic landscape that draws visitors...
16 milesNE
Natural attraction, Canyon
Ebbor Gorge, Wells
Nestled within the verdant landscape of Somerset, Ebbor Gorge is a hidden gem that beckons nature enthusiasts to the outskirts of the city of Wells in the United Kingdom. This nature preserve is an oasis of tranquility, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of...
30 milesE
Scenic walking areas, Garden, History museum
Stourhead
Nestled in the verdant Wiltshire countryside, Stourhead is a stunning example of an 18th-century English landscape garden. This picturesque estate, with its classical architecture and tranquil lake, is often referred to as a living work of art.
41 milesSW
Golf
Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve
Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve, located in the United Kingdom, is a site of remarkable natural beauty and biodiversity. This coastal haven stretches across 506 acres, encompassing a variety of habitats including sand dunes, grasslands, ponds, and marshes, which...
13 milesE
Terraced hill with church ruins
Glastonbury Tor, Glastonbury
Glastonbury Tor is an iconic hill near the town of Glastonbury in Somerset, England, steeped in history and legend. Known for its enigmatic silhouette crowned by the roofless St. Michael's Tower, the Tor is a magnetic destination for tourists, history enthusiasts,...