Bridgwater

Bridgwater is a large town in Somerset, around midway between Taunton and Weston-super-Mare. It is not a major tourist destination and, as such, it has a more authentic feel than many other, more visited, destinations.

The town lies on the River Parrett and it has been an important inland port since medieval times and in the 19th century, it developed into a major centre for manufacturing bricks and tiles.

The main points of interest in Bridgwater include Blake Museum and the Somerset Brick and Tile Museum. You can also visit the EDF Hinkley Point Visitor Centre to learn more about nuclear energy (although tours of the nearby power station are currently suspended) and the Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum. However, Bridgwater is probably best known for its annual Guy Fawkes Carnival, which is held on the nearest Saturday to 5 November and attracts around 150,000 people.

Coming and going

Bridgwater has easy access to the M5 motorway and it also has a good selection of large affordable hotels, which makes it a good spot to base yourself if you’re exploring Somerset by car. The town is also well connected by bus, coach and rail services.

Bridgwater railway station is an important stop on the line linking Cardiff with Taunton with some trains continuing west to Exeter, Paignton and Plymouth.

National Express coaches connect Bridgwater with Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, London and Plymouth and Berry’s Coaches operate a direct coach service to London. Bridgwater is also served by regional buses with regular services to Glastonbury, Street and Wells (route 75) and Taunton (route 21).

Sights and activities in Bridgwater

Places to stay in Bridgwater