Grand Western Canal Country Park near Tiverton in Devon

The Grand Western Canal Country Park and Local Nature Reserve, also known as the Tiverton Canal, 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), including Halberton, Sampford Peverell, Ayshford, Burlescombe and Westleigh. Accessible nearby at Sampford Peverell (1.1 miles, 20-minute walk), the canal and park offer a haven for wildlife, as it has a variety of habitats including woodland, hedgerows, open water and ponds, attracting Swans, Grey Herons, Egrets, Kingfishers, Ducks, Little Grebes and Cormorants. There is also an abundance of fish species and otters present.

Swans Neck Cafe at Halberton
- 7 minutes by car (2.5 miles) via Uplowman Road and Sampford Peverell
The Ducks Ditty cafe-bar in Tiverton
- 13 minutes by car (5.4 miles)
Canal Tea Rooms and Gardens
- 14 minutes by car (5.5 miles) via Blundells Rd and Tiverton
Globe Inn and Sampford Peverell
- 4 minutes by car (1.3 miles) via Uplowman
Hickory Inn at Halberton
- 7 minutes by car (2.9 miles) via Sampford Peverell
Canal Visitor Centre at Tiverton
- 13 minutes by car (5.4 miles)
Horse Drawn Barge trips
- 13 minutes by car (5.4 miles)
Rowing Boat Hire
- 13 minutes by car (5.4 miles)
Canadian Canoe Hire
- 13 minutes by car (5.4 miles)
National Cycle Network Route 3 (West Country Way)
- 4 minutes by bike (1.0 mile)
Flat surfaced towpath
Public toilets
Picnic sites
Car parks

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.

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.

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