Exhibition Announcement - Update
The Canal in Swindon
The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust (Swindon Branch) are pleased to announce a special exhibition to be shown at Swindon Central Public Library Regent Circus, beginning on Tuesday 28th May to Saturday 8th June 2024 inclusive during normal library hours.
It had been designed by Robin Earle of the Trust’s History Hub and is intended to show all aspects of the Canal through a series of seven large Ordnance Survey maps created between 1888 and 1915 from Acorn Bridge in the east to East Wichel in the south, and to Mouldon Hill on the North Wilts Canal branch. To compliment this other trust members will present:
- The Benefits of a Canal in Swindon, by the Swindon Branch Chair Chloe Ford.
- The Canal of the Future by Rod Hacker, one of the Canal’s engineering team.
During the Exhibition period the Trust will also be organising boat trips from Wichelstowe, which can be booked separately using the details below.
Additionally, Canal Walks will be organised twice weekly, beginning from the Wilts and Berks Visitor Centre, again, the details are below.
The current Central Library opening hours call 01793 463238 or visit the WEBSITE.
Swindon Canal Guided Walks
There will be guided walks along the Canal route leaving the Library at 12 midday and going to the Dragonfly trip boat berthed at Wichelstowe, the walk will be approximately 2 miles and take between 45-60 minutes, public buses from Wichelstowe are available for return if so wished.
DATES: Tuesday 28th May - Saturday 1st June - Wednesday 5th June - Saturday 8th June.
We reserve the right to cancel any walk due to inclement weather or the unavailability of a walk leader. If you have any questions, please contact gary.kenyon@wbct.org.uk.
Please complete the online form, for us to collect dates, names and email addresses of anyone who would like to join the walks: ONLINE FORM.
Trips on the Dragonfly from Wichelstowe
Email or phone to book a trip on Dragonfly (DO NOT TEXT)
07401 220076
Dragonfly is a great way to see the restored section of the canal in Swindon. She is of traditional narrowboat design, with a steel hull and superstructure. She can carry up to 12 passengers and 2 crew, has plenty of room inside with heating so is comfortable even if the weather is poor. In good weather there is plenty of room for passengers outside the cabin. The engine has a sound reducer for a smooth, quiet experience.
There is a hydraulic lift to allow wheelchair users or those who have a mobility problem to access the boat from the landing stage. Please note that there is only space for one wheelchair, and it is not possible to get larger powered wheelchairs on the lift.
Our Dragonfly Experience trips run from the landing stage at Waitrose, Wichelstowe, SN1 7BX. Please remember we require a minimum ratio of 1 adult to 3 children; you can just turn up on the day, but if you want to be certain, please book using the telephone number or email below. Trips last approximately 20 mins. Fares are £4 for 14+ years, £2 for children and under 2s are FREE (max 3 children per adult). Trips (depending on season) run at weekends & Bank Holidays, plus Wednesdays during the spring & summer school holidays, from 10.30 am - 3.30 pm and run approximately on the hour and half hour, weather permitting.