Maunsel Lock Canal Centre & Tea Rooms, North Newton, Bridgwater, Somerset
Maunsel Lock at North Newton was once a busy place, with boats toing and froing along the Bridgwater to Taunton Canal, but that’s all long gone now and these days, especially in the summer months, it draws lots of visitors who come here to enjoy the lovely setting and to soak up the laid-back canal side atmosphere.
A visit to Maunsel Lock Canal Centre & Tea Rooms is a very nice way to while away an afternoon. You can follow one of the walking trails, like the Somerset Space Walk, with its impressive sculptures, or cycle along part of the National Cycle Route. If you fancy taking to the waters go up to Somerset Boat Centre where you can hire canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and self-drive motor boats, or have a trip on a chartered narrow boat. Nature lovers will enjoy watching the butterflies and dragonflies among the wild flowers on the canal banks; if you’re lucky you might spot a kingfisher or a heron taking off.
If you’d rather just sit and watch the world go by, take a picnic or get yourself a big fat cream tea from the Tea Rooms; groups can pre-order food, which is handy.
T: 01278 238220 (Tea Rooms)
Opening times vary but they are usually open 7 days a week during the summer.
All information correct at the time of writing