Cafe and Canal Pub
The Ducks Ditty
Canal, The wharf, Canal Hill, Tiverton EX16 4HX.
Cafe and Canal Pub
#1 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Grand Western Canal
Eating and Drinking on the Grand Western Canal
The Grand Western Canal is a historic waterway in southwest England, running for about 11 miles through the picturesque countryside of Devon between Tiverton and Lowdwells near the Somerset border. Originally envisioned as part of a much larger canal connecting the Bristol Channel to the English Channel, only the Devon section was completed, opening in 1814 to transport limestone, coal, and other goods. Renowned for its peaceful rural setting, the Grand Western Canal is now a cherished country park and local nature reserve, popular with walkers, cyclists, anglers, and boaters. The canal’s well-preserved towpaths, historic structures, and abundant wildlife make it a delightful destination for recreation and a living reminder of the region’s canal heritage.
Eating and drinking by UK canals is a classic British pleasure, blending scenic views with great food. Towpaths along 2,000 miles of waterways are lined with historic pubs—many once serving boatmen—offering hearty meals, Sunday roasts, and local ales, with moorings for narrowboats. The waterways now also feature independent cafés, tea rooms, and restaurants in converted warehouses, especially in areas like London’s Grand Union Canal and the Kennet & Avon Canal. Popular venues such as The Rowbarge at Woolhampton and The Dundas Arms at Kintbury attract visitors with outdoor terraces, seasonal menus, and regular events. Whether stopping during a towpath walk or arriving by boat, canalside eateries provide a peaceful setting to enjoy local flavors, wildlife, and Britain’s waterway heritage.
Grand Western Canal's Best Eating and Drinking in 2026