Canal boat holiday destinations from Braunston, on the Grand Union Canal

Our canal boat hire base at Braunston in Northamptonshire, is perfectly placed to explore the Grand Union Canal, the Oxford Canal and the Warwickshire Ring.

The 137-mile long Grand Union Canal links the River Thames at Brentford with Birmingham city centre. There are 158 locks along its length and seven arms linking to Paddington, Slough, Wendover, Aylesbury, Northampton, Leicester and Market Harborough.

3-night destinations from Braunston

Hawkesbury Junction and back (46 miles, 8 locks, 14 hours)

At the Braunston Turn, turn right onto the North Oxford canal. This stretch is lock-free until you reach Hillmorton. There’s is a pub near Wharf Bridge (No. 73) before you continue north to Hillmorton. Go through the three locks, where Canal & River Trust volunteer lock keepers are usually on hand to help.

The Stag & Pheasant pub is in the village, and there’s a village shop. The canal then meanders around the outskirts of Rugby. Shops can be found south of bridge 59.  You’ll cross the River Avon just before the Rugby Arm branches to the left.  At Newbold there’s a small tunnel at Newbold on Avon and the village is pretty with a choice of pubs, including the canalside Barley Mow. Soon after at Stretton Stop, you can moor up and walk 20 minutes into the village of Brinklow. There’s a choice of pubs in Brinklow, including the Bulls Head. Continue through open countryside and the turn after the shallow lock at Hawkesbury Junction. You can moor up to visit the Greyhound Inn. Return to Braunston.

Bugbrooke Wharf and back (25 miles, 26 locks, 12.5 hours)

Head east along the Grand Union Canal and go through six locks, followed by the 1.16-mile long Braunston Tunnel.  After the tunnel the canal leads to Norton Junction, where you’ll find the canalside New Inn next to Buckby Top Lock. There are seven locks at Buckby. Continue south to Weedon and just after, you’ll pass the Narrow Boat pub at Stowe Hill. At Bugbrooke you’ll find the Bakers Arms in the village. Turn just after Bugbrooke Wharf Bridge No. 36 and return to Braunston.

Fenny Compton and back (34 miles, 18 locks, 16 hours)

At the Braunston turn, cruise south through the countryside along the South Oxford Canal. After around two lock-free hours you’ll reach the village of Napton-on-the-Hill. Moor up close to Napton Junction and explore the village, including its excellent village shop and bakery, and the Folly and King’s Head pubs. Go through the nine-lock Napton Flight, which stretches for two miles between Folly Bridge and Marston Doles Bridge.  This contour canal meanders on through countryside and farmland with a few tight bends to negotiate at times. The next three hours cruising are lock free. When you reach Bridge 136 at Fenny Compton, you’ll find the canalside Wharf Inn next to it. Turn after the bridge and return to Braunston.

4-night destinations from Braunston

Cropredy and back (46 miles, 34 locks, 21 hours)

Follow the 3-night route to Fenny Compton and continue heading south along the Oxford Canal. You’ll go through Fenny Compton Tunnel and the Claydon Flight of five locks. In the village of Claydon, you’ll find the Grand Museum of Bygones. There are three more locks before you reach Cropredy Lock. Turn around in the winding hole soon after Cropredy Lock.  In the pretty village of Cropredy, famous for its annual folk music festival The Fairport Convention, you’ll find the Brasenose Arms. Return to Braunston.

Stoke Bruerne and back (41 miles, 36 locks, 20 hours)

Follow the 3-night route to Bugbrook Wharf and then continue cruising along the Grand Union Canal. You’ll pass the entrance to the Northampton Arm at Gayton Junction. Just past the village of Blisworth you’ll enter the Blisworth Tunnel. At 1.74 miles long it’s the third longest navigable canal tunnel in the UK. After the tunnel you’ll find Stoke Bruerne where there are pubs and the Canal & River Trust’s canal museum. Go through the seven locks at Stoke Bruerne and then turn the boat around in the winding hole at the bottom to return to Braunston.

Warwick and back (39.5 miles, 50 locks, 21 hours)

Head south onto the Oxford Canal at the Braunston Turn. Two hours later, at the Napton Turn, turn right under the bridge. You’ll soon reach the three locks at Calcutt, then Stockton Top Lock Marina. Go down the 8 locks of the Stockton Flight and you’ll find the canalside Blue Lias pub at the bottom. After two more locks, you’ll reach the pretty village of Itchington, with a choice of pubs, including The Duck on the Pond and canalside Two Boats. Cruise on through the Warwickshire countryside and through the six locks at Bascote.

There are five more locks, including the three Fosse Locks, where the Roman Fosse Way meets the canal.  The canal then runs through the outskirts of Royal Leamington Spa, with shops and pubs within walking distance of the canal. At bridge 49 you’ll find a boat yard where you can turn around and moor up. There are many museums and historic attractions to visit in Warwick, including Warwick Castle, said to be Britain’s greatest medieval experience.

7-night destinations from Braunston

Linford Wharf and back (63 miles, 42 locks, 28 hours)

Follow the 4-night route to Stoke Bruerne and after you’ve gone down the 7 locks at Stoke Bruerne and continue south past Thrupp Wharf to Cosgrove, crossing over the Iron Trunk Aqueduct. The scenery becomes more suburban as you skirt around Milton Keynes to Linford Wharf. You can turn the boat around at Linford Wharf then moor up and walk into Great Lindford to the Nags Head pub with thatched roof. There’s also the canalside Black Horse pub at Great Linford and Linford Lakes Nature Reserve to visit. Gullivers World is also nearby.

Shackerstone and back (95 miles, 8 locks, 37 hours)

Follow the 3-night route to Hawkesbury Junction and transfer onto the Coventry Canal. You’ll cruise another five miles before joining the Ashby Canal. Travel along the peaceful lock-free Ashby Canal. From Bulkington Road Bridge 5, it’s a short walk to the Corner House in Bedworth. Cruise on through the countryside, passing the villages of Stoke Golding and then Dadlington, home of the Dog & Hedgehog pub.

When you reach Sutton Cheney moor up to visit the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park and the Hercules Revived pub. The stretch of the Ashby Canal from Carlton Bridge (north of Market Bosworth), to Turnover Bridge (north of Snarestone), is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). I was designated a SSSI in 1989 for its diverse aquatic flora, particularly the submerged plants and invertebrates.  When you reach Shackerstone where you’ll find the Battlefield Steam Railway and the Real Ale pub. Turn the boat around at Shackerstone winding hole and return to Braunston.

Linslade and back (90 miles, 54 locks, 39 hours)

Follow the 7-night route to Lindford Wharf and continue heading south along the Grand Union Canal through Milton Keynes. You’ll find the Red Lion canalside pub at Fenny Stratford. At Water Eaton Mill the scenery returns to woodland and countryside. You’ll pass the canalside Three Locks pub at Soulbury, close the village of Stoke Hammond. A little further south you pass through Leighton Lock and you’ll arrive at Linslade and Leighton Buzzard, either side of the canal.  There’s a choice of places to eat and shop and there’s an arts centre at next to Waitrose. Turn around after Bridge 114 and return to Braunston.

10 or 11-night destinations from Braunston

Drayton Manor and back (91 miles, 34 locks, 42.5 hours)

Follow the 3-night route to Hawkesbury Junction and transfer onto the Coventry Canal. Head north past Bedworth. Moor between bridge 19 & 20 and use Bridge 20 to get to the Horseshoes pub at Nuneaton. Cruise on to Hartshill, where there are a couple of pubs and shops a short walk from the canal. Continue on through the countryside to the flight of 11 locks at Atherstone. Then you’ll go through the village of Polesworth, home to the remains of a 10th Century Abbey and the Bulls Head pub. You’ll pass through Alvecote and when you reach Tamworth, you can moor up to visit this historic market town, home to Tamworth Castle. When you reach Fazeley Junction, turn left and head south along the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. Moor up close to Coleshill Road Bridge to visit Drayton Manor Theme Park. Turn after the bridge and return to Braunston.

Market Harborough and back (86 miles, 52 locks, 44 hours)

Follow the 3-night route to Bugbrooke Wharf and when you reach Norton Junction, head north up the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal. The canal winds its way to through the countryside. After going through the Watford Staircase Locks you’ll reach Crick Tunnel (1,528 yards) and then Crick Wharf. You can walk into the village of Crick, home of the Red Lion and Wheatsheaf pubs and a village shop.

Continuing on through hilly Leicestershire landscapes you’ll reach North Kilworth, home of the White Lion pub.  After that you’ll go through Husbands Bosworth Tunnel (1,166 yards). When you reach Foxton Locks, you’ll find Canal & River Trust lock keepers helping boaters negotiate the two staircases of five locks.  There’s a small museum dedicated to the Foxton Inclined Boat Lift that once operated there, and a choice of pubs. Continue on, transferring onto the Market Harborough Arm, with amazing views of the Laughton Hills. Turn your boat around in the canal basin and moor up to explore the historic town of Market Harborough, where there are regular markets, and a range of independent shops and restaurants.

Oxford and back (105 miles, 82 locks, 58 hours)

Follow the 4-night route to Cropredy and continue south along the Oxford Canal. At Banbury, you’ll find a lift bridge, over looked by shops and restaurants, then Banbury Lock, next to Tooley’s Boatyard Museum. Moor up where possible just after Albion Bridge 166 and walk into the town, famous for its Banbury Cross and Ye Olde Reindeer Inn. South of Banbury there’s a series of lift bridges to operate and pass under. You’ll pass Aynho, home of the Great Western Arms. At Upper Heyford you’ll find the Barley Mow pub and at Lower Heyford you can moor up to visit visit Rousham House & Gardens. Continue south and at Thrupp you’ll find the Boat Inn and Jolly Boatman canalside pubs.  After passing through Kidlington you’ll reach the outskirts of Oxford city centre. Moor up after Aristotle Bridge or Jericho Footbridge and walk into Oxford. Turn and return to Braunston.

The Warwickshire Ring (106 miles, 121 locks, 61 hours)

Follow the 4-night route to Warwick and after you’ve passed the Saltisford Arm you’ll soon reach the bottom of the magnificent 21-lock Hatton Flight, with the Hatton Arms pub at the top.  Next you’ll go through Shrewley Tunnel (433 yards) and on lock-free to Kingswood Junction, also known as Lapworth Link. Here there is a very sharp turn to the left under a footbridge leading to the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. Turn right, heading north through the 18 narrow locks of the Lapworth Flight to Hockley Heath village.

Towards the top of the North Stratford Canal is the 352-yard long Brandwood Tunnel, followed by a ‘Guillotine Lock’ and then King’s Norton Junction. Turn right on to the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. There is then a lock-free stretch all the way into central Birmingham. You’ll pass Cadbury’s World at Bournville. When you reach Gas Street Basin you can moor up to explore city centre attractions, including the Sea Life Centre at Brindleyplace. At the next junction turn right towards Cambrian Wharf then go down the 13 locks at Farmers Bridge.

Take the next left at Aston Junction and go through 11 more locks before Salford Junction where you turn right on to the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. After Tyburn Bridge there are three locks at Minworth. At the bottom of the flight you’ll find the canalside Hare & Hounds pub. At the 11 locks at Curdworth you’ll find the Dog & Doublet pub next to Lock 9 and the White Horse pub in the village. Kingsbury Water Park is also nearby. Between Salford Junction and Curdworth bottom lock there are pubs and shops within walking distance. At Fazeley Junction turn right to connect with the Coventry Canal. You’ll go through 2 locks past Tamworth and Polesworth, and next you’ll tackle the 11 locks at Atherstone.

The canal then continues lock-free, passing Marston Junction, where the Coventry Canal meets the Ashby Canal. Turn left and left again at Hawkesbury Junction and cruise down the North Oxford Canal.  You’ll pass through Newbold Tunnel (250 yards) then it’s lock-free again all the way to Hillmorton. There are three locks at Hillmorton, where Canal & River Trust volunteer lock keepers are usually on hand to help.  The Stag & Pheasant pub is in the village, and there’s a village shop. Around two hours later you’ll reach the Braunston Turn.

14-night destinations from Braunston

The Leicester Ring (155 miles, 100 locks, 77 hours)

Follow the 10-night route to Market Harborough but instead of going on to the Market Harborough Arm, turn left at Foxton and go through Saddington Tunnel (880 yards). Between Saddington Tunnel and Crow Mills Bridge (No. 92) there are 13 locks running through the Leicestershire countryside. As you go through the suburbs of Leicester you’ll navigate 12 more locks before you reach the city centre. You can moor up to explore the city, including Leicester Cathedral where Richard III has now been laid to rest. At Belgrave Lock the canal meets the River Soar, which meanders through the outskirts of the city until it re-joins the canal at Thurmaston Lock.

The Soar then begins again at Cossington. You’ll go through Mountsorrel Lock with its Waterside Inn. There’s a deep lock at Barrow-Upon-Soar. At Loughborough you reach a T-junction (under Bridge 39 B) and turn right, joining the Loughborough Navigation (stay to the right). You’ll go past Kegworth and to the River Trent (pay attention to weirs). At the junction turn left on to the River Trent and continue west past Sawley to Derwent Mouth, where the Trent & Mersey Canal begins.

The pretty village of Shardlow appears soon, with its Heritage Centre, Trent Mill and choice of pubs, including the Navigation Inn and Dog & Duck. Further along, you’ll pass through Burton-upon-Trent, famous for its many Breweries. After passing through the village of Arlewas, home of the Crown community pub, you’ll arrive at Fradley Junction, home of the Swan Inn and Fradley Pool Nature Reserve. Turn right here, on to the Coventry Canal which leads to the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. Next comes Fazeley Junction where you continue left to Tamworth. You’ll go through two locks and you’ll pass by the ruins of Alvecote Priory.

A long lock-free section follows until you reach the 11 locks at Atherstone, home of the White Horse pub. Then it’s lock-free again all the way to Hawkesbury Junction (turn left then left again) where there is a stop-lock leading to the North Oxford Canal. Cruise south down through woodland and fields. You’ll pass through Newbold Tunnel (250 yards) then it’s lock-free again all the way to Hillmorton. There are three locks at Hillmorton, where Canal & River Trust volunteer lock keepers are usually on hand to help.  The Stag & Pheasant pub is in the village, and there’s a village shop. Around two hours later you’ll reach the Braunston Turn. Transfer back onto the Grand Union Canal and return to the boat yard.

The Avon Ring (164 miles, 223 locks, 94 hours)

Follow the 4-night route to Warwick and after the Saltisford Arm, turn right to go up the 21-lock Hatton Flight. Pass through the 433 year long Shrewley Tunnel to Kingswood Junction, also known as the Lapworth Link. Turn left on to the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal then turn right, heading north through the 18 narrow locks of the Lapworth Flight to Hockley Heath. Go through the 352 yard long Brandwood Tunnel, followed by a ‘Guillotine Lock’. At King’s Norton Junction turn left on to the Worcestershire & Birmingham Canal. You’ll go through three tunnels, including the 2,726 yard long Wast Hills Tunnel.

You’ll pass canalside Weighbridge and soon after Crown Inn at Alvechurch. At Tardebigge, you’ll go down the flight of 30 locks. You can stop for a break at the Queen’s Head pub at Stoke Wharf. Continue on through the Worcestershire countryside. At Astwood there are five locks followed by a short tunnel then another six locks at Offerton. There are eight more locks leading into Warwick city centre and after two more locks and a swing bridge, you’ll connect with the River Severn*. Turn left, through Diglis Lock, heading past Kempsey, home of the Anchor Inn. Then Upton-upon-Severn with a marina and shops.

At Tewkesbury the lock-keeper will open the Avon Lock taking you onto the River Avon. Cruise on through a series of towns and villages, including Pershore, Evesham and Bidford-on-Avon (home of the Bulls Head pub). At Shakespeare’s Stratford, turn left onto the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal. You’ll travel through the Warwickshire countryside and up 17 locks. You’ll travel across the Edstone Aqueduct before you reach Wootton Wawen, where you’ll find the Field to Fork farm shop. Cruise on through the remains of the Forest of Arden, passing through Lowsonford with its canalside Fleur de Lyds pub. At Kingswood Junction turn right onto the Lapworth Link and then right again. You’ll go back down the Hatton Flight, through Warwick, Leamington Spa and the Stockton flight. At the Napton Turn get back onto the North Oxford Canal and back to the Braunston Turn.

*NB You’ll need to buy extra licenses for the River Severn & the River Avon en route.