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a Historic Market Town in the county of Somerset

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About Bridgwater

Bridgwater emerged from a village of the Middle Ages to become a prosperous river-port. Later, it became known as the place where Monmouth proclaimed himself King, and here in July 1685, he and his army spent their last night before the Battle of Sedgemoor which took place around three miles out of the town. Bridgwater benefited during the heady days of the cloth industry, but was to suffer a long decline when the industry began to close down.

Bridgwater has quaint narrow streets where you can see some old buildings, but its centre comprises mainly traffic-free squares full of shops, cafe's and inns.

The town still has an attractive quayside, and the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, this gives visitors the chance to enjoy the life of the canal from its tow-paths, whilst the River Parrett offers picturesque spots and the opportunity to witness the twice daily tidal bore.

A major event is the famous Bridgwater carnival held the Friday nearest to the 5th of November, this is a lively colourful event full of bright costume and music. Also worth visiting is Bridgwater Bay Nature Reserve, this is found where the River Parrett joins with the River Severn at Bridgwater Bay. This is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with hides and a tower to give the best possible view of the site. There are information boards for bird-watchers, and trail following the Parrett back to its source.

In September the town hosts St.Matthew's Fair, this offers fun for all the family with side shows and rides for all ages. The fair is held in St. Matthews Park.

There is a museum in the town, this records the life and times of Bridgwater together with displays depicting Monmouth's Rebellion, the museum is housed in what is thought to be birthplace of Admiral Robert Blake, one of Cromwell's aides.

An indoor swimming pool offers enjoyment for "rainy days" this has waves, a waterslide and a cafe for refreshments.

Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.

Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Bridgwater

Burnham-on-Sea Lighthouse	(8.4 miles, 13.5 km, direction N)	Pictures
Taunton Castle	(9.1 miles, 14.7 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Halsway Manor	(10.4 miles, 16.8 km, direction W)	Pictures
Quantock Hills	(11.0 miles, 17.8 km, direction W)	Pictures
Glastonbury Abbey	(12.6 miles, 20.3 km, direction E)	Pictures
The Chalice Well Gardens	(12.9 miles, 20.8 km, direction E)	Pictures
Barrington Court	(13.1 miles, 21.0 km, direction SE)	Pictures
Glastonbury Tor	(13.3 miles, 21.4 km, direction E)	Pictures
King John's Hunting Lodge	(13.8 miles, 22.2 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Dillington House	(14.0 miles, 22.5 km, direction S)	Pictures
The Blackdown Hills	(14.5 miles, 23.4 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Cheddar Caves and Gorge	(14.8 miles, 23.8 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Birnbeck Pier	(15.8 miles, 25.4 km, direction N)	Pictures
Wookey Hole Caves and Papermill	(16.0 miles, 25.7 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Wells Cathedral	(16.6 miles, 26.6 km, direction E)	Pictures

All attractions in Bridgwater
All attractions in Somerset
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Recommended towns near Bridgwater

Burnham-on-Sea, in the county of Somerset (7.8 miles, 12.5 km, direction N)
This invigorating Somerset coastal resort offers visitors a variety of experiences. It has a rich expanse of sand covering almost seven miles of coast, making it an idyllic resort for families with children.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Holford, a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset (9.0 miles, 14.5 km, direction W)
Holford lies in a peaceful wooded valley at the foot of the lovely Quantock Hills crowning the landscape where the county of Somerset sweeps towards the coast.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Langport, in the county of Somerset (9.8 miles, 15.8 km, direction SE)
This old town cradled at the heart of the Somerset Levels, sits bounded by the soft rolling Somerset countryside.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Glastonbury, a Historic Market Town in the county of Somerset (12.5 miles, 20.1 km, direction E)
This little town now enjoys world renown for its annual music festival which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Cheddar, a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset (14.4 miles, 23.2 km, direction NE)
Often called 'Englands Grand Canyon' Chedder Gorge was carved out by a river that now runs underground.
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Ilminster, in the county of Somerset (14.6 miles, 23.5 km, direction S)
Charmingly set in the favoured Somerset countryside is the pleasant little town of Ilminster.
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Wookey, in the county of Somerset (14.9 miles, 23.9 km, direction E)
It is a pleasant resort village made famous by the glittering limestone cavern known as "Wookey Hole" which comprises of several dramatic chambers.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Martock, in the county of Somerset (15.0 miles, 24.1 km, direction SE)
The interior of Martock's Ham-stone church is perhaps the grandest in all Somerset, the startling effect of the golden stone against the most lavishly decorated of the county's great tie-beam roofs is simply overwhelming.
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Wells, in the county of Somerset (16.6 miles, 26.7 km, direction E)
Wells, situated at the foot of the picturesque mendip hills, is most certainly one of England's most delightful cathedral cities.
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Minehead, in the county of Somerset (21.4 miles, 34.5 km, direction W)
Minehead is a quintessential English seaside resort on the beautiful Somerset coast whose mild climate has been a magnet for...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Broadhembury, in the county of Devon (23.5 miles, 37.8 km, direction SW)
Broadhembury is an idyllic village which is an oasis of calm and beauty lying at the edge of the Blackdown Hills.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Sherborne, a Historic Market Town in the county of Dorset (24.7 miles, 39.7 km, direction SE)
The softly glowing Ham stone of which most of the town properties are built, lends warmth and atmosphere to what is already a unique and attractive place.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Melbury Osmond, in the county of Dorset (25.1 miles, 40.4 km, direction SE)
A long, winding lane, flanked by grassy banks covered in fern and wild flowers, leads to the picture postcard village of Melbury Osmond
Info | Pictures | Hotels

All towns in Somerset
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Nearby travel help

Bridgwater Station	(0.5 miles, 0.8 km)
M5 Junction 24	(1.8 miles, 2.9 km, direction S)
M5 Junction 23	(2.9 miles, 4.7 km, direction N)
Highbridge & Burnham Station	(6.1 miles, 9.8 km, direction N)
Bristol International Airport	(21.6 miles, 34.8 km, direction NE)
Cardiff International Airport	(24.0 miles, 38.5 km, direction NW)
Bridgwater to London	(127.4 miles, 204.9 km, direction E)

Hotels & Accommodation in Bridgwater

Hotel Name	Approximate distance from Bridgwater center
The Old Vicarage Hotel	(0.1 miles, 0.1 km)
Watergate Hotel	(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)
Best Western Walnut Tree Hotel	(2.5 miles, 4.0 km, direction S)
Chestnut House Village Hotel	(4.1 miles, 6.5 km, direction NE)
Laburnum House Lodge Hotel	(5.2 miles, 8.3 km, direction N)
Holiday Inn Taunton	(7.9 miles, 12.8 km, direction S)
The Battleborough Grange Hotel & Restaurant	(8.3 miles, 13.4 km, direction N)
Express By Holiday Inn Taunton	(8.8 miles, 14.1 km, direction S)
Castle Hotel	(8.9 miles, 14.3 km, direction SW)
Salisbury House Hotel	(9.0 miles, 14.5 km, direction SW)
All hotels in Bridgwater