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Leysdown-on-Sea

in the county of Kent

Wells Cathedral

Wells

in the county of Somerset

Pictures of Bridgwater

a Historic Market Town in the county of Somerset

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.

Recommended towns & villages near Bridgwater

Quantocks

Holford (4 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset

(9.0 miles, 14.5 km, direction W of Bridgwater)

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...

Glastonbury church and cross

Glastonbury (103 Pictures) a Historic Market Town in the county of Somerset

(12.5 miles, 20.1 km, direction E of Bridgwater)

This little town now enjoys world renown for its annual music festival which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the globe. None-the-less, this still remains very much a.....

Cheddar gorge from Jacob's Ladder. Cheddar, Somerset

Cheddar (132 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset

(14.4 miles, 23.2 km, direction NE of Bridgwater)

Often called 'Englands Grand Canyon' Chedder Gorge was carved out by a river that now runs underground...

The Ring o Bells Pub, Wookey, Somerset

Wookey (5 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset

(14.9 miles, 23.9 km, direction E of Bridgwater)

..

A picture of Martock

Martock (22 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset

(15.0 miles, 24.1 km, direction SE of Bridgwater)

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...

All towns & villages in Somerset
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Nearby attractions..

Taunton Castle, Taunton, Somerset

Taunton Castle (1 Pictures)

(9.1 miles, 14.7 km, direction SW)

The turbulent past of historic Taunton Castle, is masked by its transformation into a luxurious comfortable hotel with an award.....

Halsway Manor Children's Festival

Halsway Manor (4 Pictures)

(10.4 miles, 16.8 km, direction W)

Halsway Manor is unique residential Folk Centre set on the southern slopes of the Quantock Hills in West Somerset. Set in.....

Quantock Hills

Quantock Hills (216 Pictures)

(11.0 miles, 17.8 km, direction W)

This beautiful range of hills is a part of England where stags and deer can still be seen roaming freely. In many ways the.....

Glastonbury Abbey, Fall 2006

Glastonbury Abbey (95 Pictures)

(12.6 miles, 20.3 km, direction E)

This is believed to be the site of the oldest Christian Church in the world, for centuries it has been the focus of Christian.....

Chalice Well Entrance

The Chalice Well Gardens (11 Pictures)

(12.9 miles, 20.8 km, direction E)

There are many associations with Chalice Well covering countless centuries; it is a timeless and sacred place, full of legend,.....

Barrington Court, Somerset

Barrington Court (49 Pictures)

(13.1 miles, 21.0 km, direction SE)

Barrington Court is an attractive 16th-century house built in the engaging "E" shaped style of the period in mellow Ham Hill.....

Glastonbury Tor, Glastonbury, Somerset

Glastonbury Tor (37 Pictures)

(13.3 miles, 21.4 km, direction E)

Swirling mists rise over the Somerset Levels, where approaching the town of Glastonbury, suddenly above the mist you catch a.....


All attractions in Bridgwater
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