ancient ruins
Glastonbury Abbey
The ruins of one of England's wealthiest monasteries, linked by legend to Joseph of Arimathea and the graves of Arthur and Guinevere.
20 km · about 25 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Bridgwater
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Bridgwater
Bridgwater works well as a base: 10 minutes from North Petherton, 24km from Cheddar Gorge.
Bridgwater is a town located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 41,276, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Bridgwater sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Bridgwater to your route.
About Bridgwater
Bridgwater is a historic market town and civil parish in Somerset, England. It lies on the River Parrett at the edge of the Somerset Levels. The parish had a population of 38,310, at the time of the 2021 census, while the wider built-up area had a population of 47,860. The town plays host to an annual carnival inRead more
November, the largest of the Somerset carnivals.
A town was already established here by the time of the Domesday Book, great survey. It first became a borough and a castle was built in 1200, although the castle was destroyed after the English Civil War. The town had a politically radical tendency and the Battle of Sedgemoor was fought nearby in 1685, ending the Monmouth Rebellion.
At one time it was the largest port in Somerset. It developed as an industrial centre with brick and tile works, ship building and railway engineering. Its many notable buildings include the Church of St Mary, which played a part in the Battle of Sedgemoor, and the Blake Museum, which was the birthplace of Admiral Blake in 1598.
Where to Stay in Bridgwater
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Bridgwater?
Bridgwater offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
How do I plan a road trip to Bridgwater?
Plan your road trip to Bridgwater with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Bridgwater as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Where is Bridgwater located?
Bridgwater is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 51.1284 latitude, -3.0036 longitude.
What is the population of Bridgwater?
Bridgwater has a population of approximately 41,276 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 41,276
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 51.1284, -3.0036
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Bridgwater
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
Glastonbury Tor
Mystical terraced hill crowned by St Michael's Tower, steeped in Arthurian and early Christian legends with panoramic Somerset views.
21 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
Cheddar Gorge
Britain's largest gorge with 450-foot limestone cliffs, ancient caves containing the oldest complete human skeleton found in Britain.
24 km · about 30 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Cheddar Gorge Viewpoint
England's largest gorge with 450-foot limestone cliffs, offering jaw-dropping views from several pull-off points along the winding road.
24 km · about 30 min drive
famous road
Cheddar Gorge Road (B3135)
The B3135 threads the floor of England's largest gorge beneath 137m limestone cliffs, tight and dramatic but often busy with visitors and goats.
24 km · about 30 min drive
natural wonder
Cheddar Gorge and Gough's Cave
Britain's largest gorge, 137m deep, with show caves that yielded Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest complete skeleton.
24 km · about 30 min drive
natural wonder
Ebbor Gorge
A quiet wooded limestone gorge and national nature reserve on the Mendip scarp above Wookey, with views across the Somerset Levels.
25 km · about 30 min drive
natural wonder
Wookey Hole Caves
A series of chambers carved by the River Axe through the Mendips, occupied in the Iron Age and famous for the Witch of Wookey.
26 km · about 30 min drive
Driving roads near Bridgwater
- 24 kmCheddar Gorge ViewpointEngland's largest gorge with 450-foot limestone cliffs, offering jaw-dropping views from several pull-off points along the winding road.
- 24 kmCheddar Gorge Road (B3135)The B3135 threads the floor of England's largest gorge beneath 137m limestone cliffs, tight and dramatic but often busy with visitors and goats.
- 41 kmDunkery BeaconThe highest point on Exmoor and in Somerset at 519 m, with views to the Brecon Beacons and Dartmoor on clear days.
- 43 kmPorlock Hill (A39)One of England's steepest A-roads at 1-in-4 with hairpins out of Porlock onto Exmoor; a toll road offers a gentler alternative.
- 43 kmTarr StepsA 17-span prehistoric-style clapper bridge across the River Barle on Exmoor, repeatedly rebuilt after floods.
- 44 kmPorlock HillBritain's steepest A-road, where the A39 climbs out of Porlock onto Exmoor at gradients up to 1-in-4 with two severe hairpins. A scenic Victorian toll road offers a gentler coastal alternative.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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