Tiverton Canal Co & Horse Drawn Barge

The canal basin at Tiverton is where you'll find the Horse Drawn Barge operation - a proper throwback to how people actually moved goods and themselves around Devon in the 1800s. You board a traditional barge pulled by a real horse, ambling slowly along the Tiverton Canal for a journey that genuinely feels like stepping backwards in time. The pace is glacial, which is entirely the point. You're not rushing anywhere; you're floating through meadows and past lock gates at walking speed, which somehow makes the Devon countryside feel bigger and slower than it does from a car window.

It's brilliant for families with younger children who'll be mesmerised by the horse and the gentle rocking motion. Adults who expect constant activity might find it a touch sedate, but if you're after an hour of proper peace and watching countryside unfold without an engine roaring, it delivers. The barge commentary tends to cover the canal's industrial heritage - this wasn't pleasure cruising territory, it was serious transport infrastructure.

The whole experience takes roughly an hour to ninety minutes depending on the route. You'll want to check ahead for opening times and whether tickets need booking, as this sort of operation runs seasonally and can be weather-dependent. It's only a short drive from Tiverton town centre, making it an easy half-day addition to a canal-side stay. If you're based at Nirvana Glamping nearby, it's a lovely contrast to glamping's comfort - this is about unplugging entirely.