Bridgwater is an ancient market town on the edge of the Somerset levels. It lies on both sides of the River Parrett and has been a major inland port and trading centre since the Industrial Revolution. The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal was opened in 1827 and shipping expanded with the construction of Bridgwater Docks reaching a peak of 3,600 ships per year entering the port. The harbour area contained flour mills, timber yards, and chandlers. Dunball Wharf was built in 1844 by coal merchants. By the 1890s there were 16 brick and tile companies in Bridgwater and these industries are celebrated in a Museum on East Quay. At the start of World War II, the government built a factory to manufacture high explosives at nearby Puriton. This 600 acre site is now being reborn as a major manufacturing base for electric vehicle batteries and other industries bringing more jobs to Bridgwater’s thriving economy. Bridgwater is home to many great schools and further education is provided by Bridgwater and Taunton College which includes the National College for Nuclear servicing the building and operation of the Hinkley Point C Power Station — currently the largest construction site in Europe. The town is arguably best known for the illuminated Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival that attracts around 150,000 people from far and wide to witness a display of over 100 ‘Carnival Carts’ up to 30m long, festooned with dancers and over 20,000 light bulbs. The long-awaited Celebration Mile project has transformed the feel of the town stretching from the recently refurbished railway station past the Pollards Yard site through the business and shopping areas to the Admirals Quay. The town centre still holds the charm from long ago whilst offering the amenities essential to modern day living with hairdressers’ and convenience stores and a host of antique, gift and art shops, delis and cafes, pubs, restaurants, a visitors’ centre and museums. Being close to the dramatic Somerset coastline and the wooded coombes and heather-clad peaks of the Quantock Hills and Exmoor National Park, the area offers spectacular scenery for walking and outdoor pursuits such as biking, horse riding and kitesurfing.