Discover Things to Do in Mid Devon – Explore the Award‑Winning Grand Western Canal
Mid Devon is full of peaceful places to explore, family‑friendly days out and beautiful countryside views. As English Tourism Week 2026 celebrates the people and places behind England’s visitor experiences, it’s the perfect time to enjoy one of Mid Devon’s standout attractions — the Grand Western Canal Country Park.
An Award‑Winning Day Out
The Grand Western Canal proudly holds the Green Flag Award, recognising it as one of the UK’s best green spaces. This achievement reflects not only its natural beauty but also the dedication of the Canal Rangers, who work year‑round to maintain the towpath, protect habitats and ensure visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Mark, Country Park Manager states,
‘Spring is my favourite time at the Canal. The banks and the waterway are coming to life with celandines, primroses and flag irises, and the variety of birdlife is boosted by migrant warblers arriving after their incredible journey from Africa. Our resident swans, mallards and moorhen are building nests and laying eggs and it won’t be long before the first fluffy chicks are bobbing around on the water.
This Easter we are delighted to be launching a new nature trail, providing another activity for children to enjoy during a visit to the Country Park. Twenty-six posts with wildlife rubbing plaques on top have been installed throughout the 11 ¼ mile length of the canal. Families are encouraged to pick up a free map in the Visitor Centre, bring their own notepad and crayon (or buy them for a small fee from the Gift Shop) and see how many of the wildlife images they can collect.’
Things to Do Along the Canal
Visitors can enjoy:
- Scenic walks and cycling
- Paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking on calm waters – a permit is required which can be bought online or from outlets along the canal.
- Horse‑drawn barge trips – one the of last in the UK, with their season starting at Easter.
- Wildlife spotting, from swans to kingfishers
It’s one of Mid Devon’s best places for relaxed, nature‑rich days out. For more info on all this and more, visit the Grand Western Canal webpages
Explore More of Mid Devon
Beyond the canal, visitors can discover:
- National Trust favourites like Knightshayes and Killerton
- Bustling market towns including Tiverton, Cullompton and Crediton
- Wonderful family attractions such as Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life, Diggerland, Devon Railway Centre at lots more, local food producers and countryside trails.
Plan Your Trip
The Grand Western Canal is the perfect starting point for exploring Mid Devon — award‑winning, beautifully maintained and full of things to do.
To discover more attractions and plan your Mid Devon visit, check our website for inspiration.
