Best canal and riverside pubs
There are hundreds of lovely canal and riverside pubs to enjoy across Britain
It’s great to be by the water in the summer time. And there are plenty of canal and riverside pubs with waterside gardens perfect for watching the world go by.
To celebrate, we’ve listed our top 10 canal and riverside pubs for the summer, with our nearest canal boat hire bases:
1. The Bridge Inn, Chirk Bank in Shropshire
You can reach this popular watering hole on the Llangollen Canal on a short break from our bases at Chirk, Trevor and Blackwater Meadow. Also known as ‘The Trap’, this historic inn enjoys views of the magnificent Chirk Aqueduct. And it’s on the 11-mile stretch of the Llangollen Canal designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. The Boat Inn, Gnosall in Staffordshire
This traditional family run pub on the banks of the Shropshire Union Canal can be reached on a short break from Brewood. It has a patio area overlooking the canal and is renowned for its homemade pies and fish and chips.
3. The Cross Guns, Avoncliff in Somerset
This popular pub in the beautiful Bath Valley has extensive riverside gardens alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal and magnificent Avoncliff Aqueduct. It can be reached on a short break from our bases at Bath, Monkton Combe, Bradford on Avon and Devizes.
4. The Leigh Arms, Little Leigh in Cheshire
On the banks of the River Weaver near Northwich, you can reach this charming riverside pub on a short break from our bases at Anderton and Acton Bridge.
5. The Fleur de Lys, Lowsonford in Warwickshire
Famous for its pies, this 17th century country pub has extensive gardens alongside the Stratford Canal. You can reach it on a short break from our base at Wootton Wawen.
6. The Plume of Feathers, Barlaston in Staffordshire
Co-owned by the actor Neil Morrissey, this popular pub on the Trent & Mersey Canal offers homemade food and locally brewed beers. You can reach it on a short break from our bases at Stoke-on-Trent and Great Haywood.
7. The Cutter Inn, Ely in Cambridgeshire
You can reach this popular riverside pub on the Great River Ouse on a short break from our Ely and March bases. It has an outdoor terrace for al fresco drinking and dining with excellent river views.
8. The Dundas Arms, Kintbury in Berkshire
This traditional country pub and hotel on the banks of the Kennet & Avon Canal can be reached on a short break from Aldermaston. It has a large beer garden, perfect for summertime al fresco drinking and dining.
9. The Trout Inn, Lechlade, Gloucestershire
With over 700 years of history, this Cotswold pub on the banks of the River Thames can be reached on a mid-week break from our Oxford base. It’s a traditional family-run inn, with riverside gardens perfect for watching the world go by.
10. The Bridge Inn, Ratho in Midlothian
This historic pub and hotel on the banks of the Union Canal near Edinburgh can be reached on a short break from Falkirk. There’s a dining terrace overlooking the canal, and home-grown fruit and vegetables are served from the pub’s walled garden.
