Claverton

About

The Cotswolds village of Claverton is a picturesque spot, surrounded by rolling green Somerset countryside. Located just to the east of Bath, within walking or cycling distance of the city, Claverton makes a pleasant stopping-off point during a journey along the Great West Way.

Claverton is a small hillside village, comprising a few handfuls of houses and the historic 13th century church of St Mary the Virgin. It is also home to the American Museum, which sits on the hillside above the village and offers spectacular views out over the surrounding countryside. Hidden beneath the village, the Bristol Avon, the GWR trainline and the Kennet and Avon Canal run along the bottom of the valley.

 

The American Museum

The American Museum is housed in Claverton Manor - a grand manor house dating back to 1820 and set within 120 acres of wonderful grounds and stunning scenery. Today Claverton Manor is home to the finest collection of Americana outside of the United States.

 

The Kennet and Avon Canal

The Kennet and Avon Canal runs for around 90 miles through the countryside of the Great West Way, stretching from Bath to Newbury, passing through the Limpley Stoke Valley just below the village of Claverton. The Kennet and Avon Canal is maintained by the Canal and River Trust, who believe ‘Life is Better by Water’ which is why they encourage visitors to the Great West Way to explore the waterway by foot, boat or bike. Float lazily along in a narrowboat, take a stroll along the towpath, watch out for herons and kingfishers or cycle over grand aqueducts – like impressive Dundas Aqueduct which can be found around a mile and a half along the canal from Claverton.  

 

The Surrounding Area

Claverton is surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, offering quintessentially English views. There are many walks to enjoy here, through fields and woods or along the canal. Bath is nearby, with its grand Georgian architecture, boutique shops, and fascinating museums, and picturesque Bradford-on-Avon is also not far away. Visitors to Claverton could also choose to stay in a pretty cottage at Tucking Mill, around three miles away.

 

Transport Connections to Claverton

Claverton is accessible by car, foot, bike, public transport and even by boat! So, however you choose to travel the Great West Way, you can stop off here.

Whilst the GWR trainline runs past Claverton, it does not stop here. However, there is a bus service from Bath which stops at the village, and there are rail stations within striking distance in Freshford, Avoncliff and at Bath. Walkers can hike from Bath over the surrounding green hillsides, or follow the towpath of the Kennet and Avon canal (also ideal for cyclists) for a perfectly flat route.

 

Planning a short stop at Claveton as part of your journey along the Great West Way? Take a look at the exciting things to see and do and the many accommodation options along the route to inspire you to plan your adventure.