One of the most popular pubs along the Kennet & Avon Canal has closed for a major refurbishment.

The owners of the 17th century Cross Guns at Avoncliff say they are spending a ‘five-figure’ sum to improve the pub, which also overlooks the River Avon.

In a post on social media, they said: “We are now closed for a major refurbishment, with an exciting new look and feel coming soon. Reopening summer 2025.”

The pub serves boaters using the K&A Canal between Bradford on Avon and Bath, as well as walkers, runners and cyclists using the canal towpath.

It has an extensive beer garden on multiple levels overlooking the River Avon and the iconic Avoncliff aqueduct.

In 2020, the Cross Guns reached the final ten in a competition to find Britain’s Best Beer Garden.

The owners plan to modernise the pub’s kitchen and refurbish the historic building to meet the demands of the future.

They said: “The Cross Guns is getting a major refurbishment that will give it a fresh look and feel.

“There will be no big changes to the infrastructure. It will be a sympathetic refurbishment.”

Work has already started and the refurbishment should be completed by the early summer of next year in time for the main tourism season.