Trent & Mersey Canal Archives

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Experience Christmas or New Year on a narrowboat

September 14, 2026/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Drifters offers winter canal holidays from five locations in England and Wales

With quiet canals, cosy waterside pubs and festive waterside destinations, why not experience Christmas or New Year on a narrowboat.

We offer winter cruising* from five of our bases, with boats offering accommodation for between two to 12 people.

All our winter boats have central heating, hot water, televisions, DVD players and WiFi. Some also have multi-fuel stoves. So, whatever the weather, it’s always nice and cosy on board.

Prices over Christmas and New Year start at start at £970 for a week on a boat for up to four people.

1. Cruise through the Welsh mountains to Llangollen

From our canal boat rental base at Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, it takes around 2 hours to cruise to Llangollen. There you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and enjoy visiting this beautiful mountainside town. Places to visit include: the Llangollen Steam Railway; Plas Newydd house; Castell Dinas Bran; and Horseshoe Falls. There’s a great choice of independent shops and places to eat, including the popular Corn Mill with river and mountain views.

2. Navigate through the Bath Valley to Georgian Bath

From Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, it takes around 4 hours to cruise to moorings at Sydney Gardens, just a 15 minute walk from Bath City Centre. The journey passes through just one lock and crossing the magnificent Avoncliff and Dundas Aqueducts. There’s so much to see and do in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, including a visit to the Roman Baths and Pump Rooms.

3. Cruise through the countryside to Staffordshire’s foodie capital

Heading north from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire, you can reach the historic market town of Stone in around 5 hours. The journey passes through 8 locks (4 each way) and passes through 10 peaceful miles of Staffordshire countryside. Pubs to enjoy along the way include the Saracen’s Head at Weston and the Dog & Doublet at Sandon. Once at Stone, considered to be Staffordshire’s foodie capital, there’s a great choice of places to eat and shop.

4. Float to through the Warwickshire countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon

From Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal in Warwickshire, it’s a 6-hour cruise to Stratford-upon-Avon. The journey takes you through the Warwickshire countryside, passing through 17 locks along the way. Once in Stratford, you can moor up in Bancroft Basin, just a short walk from this popular tourist town’s excellent choice of theatres, restaurants, markets and museums.

5. Navigate through the Cheshire countryside to Chester

From Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley, you can cruise to Chester and back. The 12-mile return journey through the Cheshire countryside passes through 18 locks and takes around 14 hours. Pubs to enjoy along the way include the Shady Oak at Wharton’s Lock and Cheshire Cat at Christleton. Once at Chester, you can moor up to experience Christmas or New Year in this ancient city with Roman Walls, Chester Rows shops and a great choice of places to eat and drink.

*NB some routes may be affected by winter maintenance work on the canal network.

Top 5 leafy canals to cruise this autumn

September 2, 2026/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Explore our top leafy canals to cruise this autumn

Britain’s 3,000-mile network of inland waterways meanders through some of our best-loved countryside, including anicent woodlands and forests.

To celebrate the beautiful autumn colours in our trees and hedgerows, we’ve listed our top five leafy canals to cruise this autumn:

1. The Calder & Hebble in West Yorkshire

The 21-mile long leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation links Wakefield with Sowerby Bridge. On a short break from Sowerby Bridge, you can cruise along the Calder & Hebble to Shepley Bridge and back. The route will take you through wooded valleys and the historic towns of Elland and Brighouse along the way. The journey there and back travels 22 miles, passes through 32 locks (16 each way) and takes around 16 hours.

2. The Llangollen Canal in North Wales

The 41-mile long Llangollen Canal connects the River Dee in Llangollen with Shropshire Union Canal at Hurleston Junction. The UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct takes you across the beautiful wooded Dee Valley. On a short break from Trevor you can cruise to Ellesmere in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District and back. After crossing the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, you’ll cruise on through two tunnels and then across Chirk Aqueduct into England. When you reach Ellesmere, you can moor up to visit this historic market town, with its Mere, castle ruins and great places to eat out. The journey there and back travels 28 miles, passes through four locks (two each way) and takes around 14 hours.

3. The Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal in Staffordshire

The 46-mile-long Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal connects the Shropshire Union Canal at Autherley Junction with the Trent & Mersey Canal at Great Haywood Junction. On a week’s break from Stoke on Trent, you can head south along the Trent & Mersey Canal and connect to the Stafforshire & Worcestershire Canal at Great Haywood. From there you’ll cruise on through the Staffordshire countryside passing the leafy Shugborough Estate and Staffordshire Plantation. When you reach the historic market town of Penkridge you’ll find choice of shops, cafés, take-aways and pubs, including the Littleton Arms. The journey to Penkridge and back travels 58 miles, passes through 48 locks (24 each way) and takes around 32 hours.

4. The Worcester & Birmingham Canal in Worcestershire

This 29-mile-long narrow canal connects connects the River Severn at Worcester with Gas Street Basin in Birmingham city centre. There are 58 locks along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, including the 30 locks of the Tardebigge flight, the longest flight of locks in Britain. On a short break from Alvechurch you can cruise through the remains of the Forest of Arden to Hockley Heath and back. You’ll travel through the 2,493 metre-long Wast Hills Tunnel to King’s Norton Junction. There you’ll transfer onto the Stratford Canal and continue cruising on to Hockley Heath where there’s a choice of places to eat. The journey to Hockley Heath and back cruises 32 miles, passing through 2 locks (one each way) and takes around 14 hours.

5. The Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire

The 87-mile long Kennet & Avon Canal links the Bristol Avon near Bath, with the River Thames at Reading. On a week’s break from Devizes, at the foot of the famous Caen Hill flight of locks, you can cruise to Hungerford and back. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Vale of Pewsey, part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are a series of wooded sections to enjoy, including an area of the Savernake Forest. The journey to Hungerford and back travels 54 miles, passes through 106 locks and takes around 40 hours.

Canal boating on the Shropshire Union Canal near Chester

Late summer breaks on Britain’s canals

August 12, 2026/in News/by Debbie Ludford

There are still hundreds of fantastic destinations open for late summer boating holidays

Water shortages may be affecting some parts of Britain’s 3,000-mile canal and river network, but there are still hundreds of destinations open for late summer breaks on Britain’s canals.

Nigel Stevens of Drifters says: “Canal boat holidays on Britain’s inland waterways offer the chance to escape into the countryside this summer and make the most of the sunny weather.

“As well as cruising slowly through the countryside and enjoying peaceful evenings on board, there are hundreds of destinations to visit along the way, including historic villages, market towns, castles, nature reserves and canalside pubs.”

“Our canal boat hire operators are committed to making sure everyone gets a great holiday, though with water shortages affecting some parts of the canal network, it may not be the route first planned for.

“We continually monitor the situation and work closely with the relevant navigation authorities to keep our customers up to date. Do get in touch if you’d like to know more.”

2026 summer and autumn holiday prices start at £599 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for four people, £875 for a week.

1. Navigate the Kennet & Avon Canal to medieval Bradford on Avon & back (20 miles, 14 locks, 11 hours)

On a 3-night break from Devizes on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire you can navigate to the historic market town of Bradford on Avon. The route takes you through the Wiltshire countryside past a series of canalside pubs, including the Barge Inn at Seend. At Bradford on Avon there’s a great choice of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. As well as riverside walks and English Heritage’s stunning medieval Tithe Barn.

2. Boat along the Calder & Hebble to Shepley Bridge & back (22 miles, 32 locks, 16 hours)

The leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation links Wakefield with Sowerby Bridge. On a short break from Sowerby Bridge you can cruise to Shepley Bridge and back. The route takes you through wooded valleys and the historic towns of Elland and Brighouse.

3. Cruise along the Grand Union Canal to Linslade & back (73 miles, 28 locks, 30 hours)

On a 7-night break from Weedon in Northamptonshire you can cruise along the Grand Union Canal to Linslade and back. The journey takes you past a series of canalside pubs, including the Narrow Boat at Stowe Hill and Three Locks at Soulbury. Places to visit along the way include the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne and Linford Lakes Nature Reserve at Great Lindford. The route also goes through the 1.74-mile long Blisworth Tunnel, the third longest navigable tunnel on the UK canal system. At Linslade, next to Leighton Buzzard, there’s an arts centre and a choice of places to eat and shop.

4. Glide across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in North Wales (37 miles, 4 locks, 16 hours)

On a short break from Blackwater Meadow on the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire you can reach Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains. The route takes you across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, 38 metres high above the River Dee Valley. At Llangollen you can enjoy visiting independent shops, pubs and restaurants. As well as its Steam Railway, Castell Dinas Bran and Horseshoe Falls. Canalside pubs to visit include the Bridge at Chirk Bank and the Sun at Trevor.

5. Float through the Fens to Cambridge & back (34 miles, 4 locks, 12 hours)

On a weekend break from Ely on the River Great Ouse you can cruise gently through the countryside to Cambridge and back. The journey begins on the River Ouse to Wicken Fen, one of the National Trust’s beautiful wetland nature reserves. There you can moor up to enjoy walking through fenland and farmland, past marshes and reed beds. The journey then connects to the River Cam, and goes into the famous university city of Cambridge. There are many beautiful buildings to visit in Cambridge, including King’s College Chapel. There’s also has a great choice of shops and restaurants to visit, including the Ivy Brasserie.

6. Go up the Shroppie to Barbridge & back (84 miles, 58 locks, 42 hours)

On a 7-night break from Autherley near Wolverhampton you can cruise up the Shropshire Union Canal to Barbridge and back. The route travels through the Staffordshire countryside and a series of villages with historic pubs, including the Lesters Arms at Brewood and the Shroppie Fly at Audlem. The canal passes through a series of deep cuttings, full of vegetation and wildlife. Places to visit include Market Drayton, famous for its gingerbread and Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker Museum. At Barbridge you’ll find the canalside Olde Barbridge Inn.

7. Cruise through Cannock Chase Forest to Fradley & back (25 miles, 10 locks, 12 hours)

On a short break from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford you can cruise to Fradley Junction. They journey passes Cannock Chase Forest with over 6,800 acres of heath land and ancient woodland to explore. And at Fradley you can explore the woodland trail at boardwalk at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve. Canalside pubs to enjoy include the Wolseley Arms at Wolseley Bridge and the Swan Inn at Fradley.

8. Boat to Georgian Bath & back (25 miles, 2 locks, 13 hours)

On a short break from Hilperton on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Trowbridge you can navigate to Georgian Bath. The route goes through the Wiltshire countryside and the medieval town of Bradford on Avon. You’ll also cross the magnificent Bath stone aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas. Canalside pubs to enjoy include the Barge Inn at Seend and the Canal Tavern at Bradford on Avon. At Sydney Gardens, boaters can moor up and take the 15-minute walk into Bath City Centre. There you’ll find cobbled streets, Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, shops, restaurants and museums.

9. Meander along the Grand Union Canal to Braunston & back (15 miles, 6 locks, 7 hours)

On a short break from Stockton in Warwickshire you can cruise to Braunston in the heart of the canal network. There are three locks at Calcutt. At Napton Junction you can moor up to visit the village where there’s a choice of pubs, Napton Cidery and excellent village stores selling home cooked meals. The route travels on through the countryside to the historic canal village of Braunston. There you’ll find a choice of pubs, including the canalside Admiral Nelson.

10. Navigate through the Brecon Beacons to Brecon & back (51 miles, 12 locks, 24.5 hours)

The beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal runs through Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. This peaceful canal with very few locks features incredible mountain views. There are a series of historic village pubs to visit and on clear nights, views of the Milky Way. On a 7-night break from Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny you can cruise to Brecon. The route goes through a series of villages with historic pubs, including the Lion Inn at Govilon and the Royal Oak at Pencelli. At Brecon Basin you can moor up to explore this historic market town. There’s you’ll find Theatre Brycheiniog, Brecon Cathedral, Brecknock Museum and the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welsh.

Interior of Chirk Tunnel on a narrowboat holiday

Top tunnels to navigate on a canal boat holiday

July 3, 2026/in News/by Debbie Ludford

There are over 50 tunnels on Britain’s canal network

Drifters has published a guide to the top tunnels to navigate on a canal boat holiday in England and Wales.

There are over 50 canal tunnels, ranging from just 23 metres to over 3 miles.

Some are narrow with only room for one-way traffic, while others are wide enough for two boats to pass. You can check for instructions, entry times or traffic lights at the tunnel entrance.

If it’s a one-way tunnel, make sure there’s no boat inside. Switch on your headlight and some interior lights. It can be cold and damp in tunnels, so put on warm clothes and waterproofs.

We’ve published a guide to the top tunnels to navigate on a narrow boat holiday:

1. The Standedge Tunnel (5,210 metres/5,698 yards)

Tunnelling for 3.24 miles beneath the Pennines, this incredible feat of 18th and 19th century engineering is the longest, highest and deepest tunnel on the canal system. Cutting through solid rock, it took the navvies 16 years to build and opened in 1811. In the 20th century, the Huddersfield Canal fell into disrepair, becoming un-navigable by 1948, but after a long restoration programme, both the canal and tunnel were reopened in 2001. It takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to navigate through Standedge Tunnel. Narrowboat holiday-makers need to book their passage though with a Canal & River Trust chaperone. Our nearest base is at Sowerby Bridge, 20 miles and 65 locks away. The journey to Standedge takes around 21 hours (3 days).

2. Blisworth Tunnel (2,794 metres/3,056 yards)

At 1.74 miles long, Blisworth Tunnel on the Grand Union Canal at Stoke Bruerne in Northamptonshire is the second longest navigable tunnel on the canal system. Construction began in 1793, and it was opened in 1805. It’s wide enough to accommodate two narrowboats, so it’s not necessary to book a passage through it. From Gayton it takes around 38 minutes to reach the northern entrance of the Blisworth Tunnel.

3. Netherton Tunnel (2,768 metres/3,027 yards)

Tunnelling for 1.72 miles, Netherton Tunnel is on the Birmingham Canal Navigations Netherton Branch in Birmingham. It was the last tunnel constructed during the canal age, and was built with towpaths on both sides. From Alvechurch, it takes around 8 hours to reach Netherton Tunnel.

4. Harecastle Tunnel (2,676 metres/2,926 yards)

Harecastle Tunnel on the Trent & Mersey Canal is 1.65 miles long and it takes around 30 minutes to navigate through. Designed by Thomas Telford, it was completed in 1827. Passage through the tunnel is in a single direction at a time, because only one of the two original Harecastle Tunnels is in operation. Access is controlled by the Canal & River Trust’s Tunnel keeper team, allowing groups of boats to pass through in convoy, before reversing the flow of traffic. Our nearest base is at Stoke on Trent. From there it takes around 1.5 hours to reach the southern entrance of Harecastle Tunnel.

5. Wast Hills Tunnel (2,493 metres/2,726 yards)

At 1.55 miles long, it takes around 37 minutes to navigate through Wast Hills Tunnel, on the Worcestershire & Birmingham Canal. Designed by Thomas Cartwright and completed in 1796, Wast Hills is wide enough to accommodate two narrowboats, so it’s not necessary to book a passage through it. From Alvechurch it takes about 1.5 hours to cruise to the southern entrance of Wast Hills Tunnel.

6. Braunston Tunnel (1,867 metres/2,042 yards)

Braunston Tunnel on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire is 1.17 miles long and was completed in 1796. It takes around 20 minutes to navigate and it’s wide enough to accommodate passing narrowboats, so there’s no need to book a passage. Our Braunston base is 1.5 hours away.

7. Chirk Tunnel (421 metres/460 yards)

Chirk Tunnel on the Llangollen Canal in Wales is one of the longest tunnels on the waterways system to have a towpath running through it. This tunnel is next to the magnficent Chirk Aqueduct, which carries the canal across the English/Welsh border. Chirk Tunnel’s north portal is just over a mile from our base at Chirk Marina.

Head to one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways

May 20, 2026/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Marion’s Four Counties Ring Itinerary

April 27, 2026/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Love Travelling’s Four Counties Ring Itinerary

Marion Collinson from Love Travelling has shared her Four Counties Ring Itinerary.

Setting off from our base at Stoke on Trent, in total the Four Counties Ring journey covered 111 miles, 94 locks and took close to 63 cruising hours.

Marion and her family took their time and did the journey in two weeks. You can do it in a week when the days are longer, but it’s more relaxing to do this journey on a 10-day or two-week holiday.

Day one: Etruria to Westport Lake 3 miles, 0 locks, 1 hour 20 minutes

Festival Park Marina, Etruria, Trent & Mersey Canal, Stafforshire (Black Prince base).
Morrisons supermarket at Festival Park for supplies to take on board
Middleport Pottery on right with moorings. Arranged a tour for the final day after returning boat.
Moor on left bank at Westport Lake, after Bridge 127.
Westport Lake is within walking distance of Harecastle Tunnel.
Westport Lake Visitor Centre closes 4.00 p.m.
Evening meal on board boat.

Day two: Longport to Rode Heath 1 tunnel, 5 miles, 12 locks, 5 hours

Harecastle tunnel. Open passage 8am to 12 noon. Bookings only pm and can be booked online the previous day.
The water at both ends of the tunnel is stained orange by iron ore.
Lidl available beside the canal just beyond the tunnel exit.
Red Bull pub overlooking Lock 43 at Church Lawton (Robinsons).
This is the upper section of what is known as the ‘Cheshire locks’ or ‘heartbreak hill’.
Locks x 6 (Nos.41 to 46) – Red Bull.
Locks x 2 (Nos. 47 to 48) – Church.
Lock x 1 (No. 49) – Hall’s.
Locks x 3 (Nos. 50 to 52) – Lawton Treble.
Moor at Rode Heath, between Bridge 140 and Lock 53.
Dinner at The Broughton Arms beside the canal just after bridge 140.

Day three of Marion’s Four Counties Ring Itinerary: Rode Heath to Wheelock 3 miles, 14 locks, 3 hours 50 minutes

This is the lower section of what is known as the ‘Cheshire locks’ or ‘heartbreak hill’.
Locks x 2 (Nos. 53 to 54) – Thurlwood.
Locks x 2 (Nos.55 to 56) – Pierpoint.
Locks x 2 (Nos. 57 to 58) – Hassall Green.
Locks x 8 (Nos. 59 to 66) – Wheelock.
Moor in Wheelock on left by Bridge 152.
Centre of Sandback a 1 mile walk from Wheelock. Dinner at The George Inn.
The Cheshire Cheese Inn at Wheelock looks attractive inside but just serves a snack menu.

Day four: Wheelock to Middlewich 6 miles, 6 locks, 3 hours 40 minutes

Locks x 3 at Booth lane (Nos. 67 to 69).
Rumps Lock (No 70) one mile south of Middlewich centre.
Middlewich centre – Locks x 2. Through Kings Lock then turn onto Shropshire Union Canal (SUC) – Middlewich branch, followed immediately by Wardle Lock.
Moor on the right between Bridges 28 and 31.
Lidl & Morrisons supermarkets in town centre.
Dined on board the boat.

Day five: Middlewich to Nantwich 13 miles, 3 locks, 5 hours 45 minutes

3 locks at Stanthorne, Cholmondeston, and Minshull, then enter Shropshire Union Canal (SUC) – Mainline, at Barbridge Junction.
Possible lunch stop at The Badger at Church Minshull – Bridge 14.5 miles from Middlewich (10 minute walk).
2 miles, 1 hour, past Hurlstone Junction, to Nantwich.
Moorings on left bank after Basin and before aqueduct.
Walk into Nantwich from aqueduct / bridge 92.
Nantwich museum free to visit, closes at 4pm.
Aldi & Morrisons supermarkets.
Dinner: Navio Lounge, Nantwich but there are also several attractive pubs in the town.

Day six: Nantwich to Audlem 5 miles, 6 locks, 3 hours 10 minutes

Short day to accommodate late start from Nantwich. To continue requires climbing a flight of 9 locks out of Audlem.
Locks x 2 at Hack Green.
Can visit the Secret Nuclear Bunker after Hack Green locks by Bridge 85.
Locks x 4 (Nos. 12 to 15) at start of Audlem.
Moorings on left at Audlem Wharf, bridge 78 between locks 12 and 13. Look for old wharf crane.
Dinner at the Shroppie Fly – canalside pub with food at Lock 13.

Day seven: Audlem to Market Drayton 5 miles, 16 locks, 4 hours 30 minutes

Locks x 11. Upper portion of Audlem flight of locks (Nos. 1 to 11).
Panda’s Pantry honesty mini farm shop at Lock 1.
Locks x 5. Adderley flight.
Moorings on right: below Bridge 62; between Bridges 63 & 64; between Bridges 64 & 65.
Bridge 62 gives direct access to Market Drayton centre.
Aldi, Lidl, and Asda supermarkets.
Dinner at The Hipperdrome in Market Drayton, but there are several other pubs to choose from in the town.

Day eight: Market Drayton to Norbury Junction 11 miles, 5 locks, 5 hours 20 minutes

Locks x 5 at Tyrley, a mile south of Market Drayton.
Start of 17 mile pound with embankments and cuttings: Woodseaves cutting; Shebden embankment; Grubb Street cutting.
Loynton Moss: floating bog managed by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Accessible from bridge 39.
Moor on the right above or below Bridge 38 at Norbury Junction.
Dinner on board the boat.

Day nine: Norwood Junction to Brewood 10 miles, 1 lock, 4 hours 25 minutes

More cuttings and embankments.
Deep cutting at Cowley Tunnel.
Lock x 1 at Wheaton Aston about 3 miles before Brewood.
Moor by Bridge 14 at Brewood (Pronounced Brood).
Dinner at The Bridge Inn canalside at Bridge 14. The pub also offers laundrette facilities for boaters if needed.

Day 10: Brewood to Gailey Wharf 12 miles, 1 lock, 5 hours 20 minutes

Enter Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal through stop lock at Autherley Junction.
Several narrow sections both approaching and leaving Autherley junction.
Morrisons supermarket in Pendeford, a short walk from the canal with mooring just prior to Autherley Junction.
Gailey Wharf (visitors moorings), with toll keeper’s watch-tower and canal shop.
Dinner at The Spread Eagle in Gailey, a 15 minute walk from the canal.

Day 11: Gailey Wharf to Radford Bridge 8 miles, 11 locks, 5 hours 30 minutes

Locks x 6 between Gailey Wharf and Penkridge: Gailey Top (No. 32); Brick Kiln (No. 33); Bogg’s (No. 34); Rodbaston (No. 35); Otherton (No 36); Filance (No 37).
Locks x 5 from Penkridge to Radford Bridge: Penkridge (No. 38) by Penkridge Bridge; Longford (No. 39); Park Gate (No. 40.); Shutt Hill (No. 41); Deptmore (No. 42).
Locks in this section are evenly spaced and are attractive, with some having bridges.
Radford Bridge (No. 98) visitor moorings on right above and below bridge.
Stafford is 1 mile west of Radford Bridge. Bus, walk or taxi.
Aldi supermarket for supplies, a 5 minute walk from the canal.
Evening meal at The Radford Bank Inn (Stonehouse), beside the canal. Excellent carvery.

Day 12: Radford Bridge to Stone 14 miles, 5 locks, 6 hours 40 minutes

3 miles with 1 lock at Tixall (No43) followed by Tixall Wide.
To visit the National Trust’s Shugborough Estate. Moor on right bank before Great Haywood Junction. Access on foot is from Haywood lock / Essex Bridge on Trent & Mersey south of junction.
Enter Trent & Mersey Canal at Great Haywood junction, turning north (left).
The Hollybush Inn at Salt accessed from Bridge 82. Renovated thatched pub.
8 miles with 4 locks: Hoo Mill (No. 23); Weston (No. 24); Sandon (No. 25); Aston (No. 26).
Moorings above and below Lock 27 / Bridge 93.
If short of time could moor south of Stone after Sandon or Aston locks.
Stone supermarkets – M & S, Morrisons & Aldi.
Dinner in Stone centre at The Poste of Stone. The Star (Marstons) – canalside at Lock 27 is very attractive but no food served after 4pm weekdays and 5pm weekends.

Day 13: Stone to Barlaston 3 miles, 8 locks, 2 hours 50 minutes

Short day of boating so leisurely start with breakfast at The Poste of Stone 10 minutes walk from the boat.
Locks x 4 at Stone (27 to 30). Two above Stone centre and two below.
Locks x 4. Meaford flight (31 to 34) two miles south of Barlaston.
Moor by Bridge 103, Barlaston.
Evening meal at The Plume of Feathers – Neil Morrissey’s pub, by Bridge 103, moorings outside. Booked a table online as a busy, popular pub. Definitely recommended. Sunday roast superb.

Day 14: Barlaston to Longport 7 miles, 6 locks, 3 hours 30 minutes

Trentham Lock No. 35.
Locks x 5 (Nos. 36 to 40) South of Etruria Junction.
Factory Tour, World of Wedgewood accessible from Bridge 104 just south of Trentham.
Followed by Afternoon Tea and Pot Throwing.
Bottle kilns on right after Bridge 112 and on the left before bridge 115 (Lock 38).
Moored back at Black Prince base at Festival Park Marina, ready to return the boat at 9am the next morning.

Read Marion’s full four-park review of her experience.

You can see where all our bases are on the Four Counties Ring.

Narrowboat on the Chirk Aqueduct next to Chirk Tunnel on the Llangollen Canal

Take to the water this August bank holiday

April 20, 2026/in News/by Debbie Ludford

There are over 3,000 miles of beautiful inland waterways to explore by canal boat in Britain

Take to the water this August bank holiday weekend for an adventure afloat.

We still have plenty of narrowboats available to hire in August, many at a discounted rate.

To celebrate, here’s our guide to our top 6 weekend breaks afloat:

1. Cruise the Kennet & Avon to Georgian Bath

On a 4-night break from Devizes, you can cruise the Kennet & Avon Canal to the World Heritage City of Bath. The route passes a series of canalside pubs and the historic market town of Bradford on Avon. You’ll also cross over the beautiful Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts. There are over-night moorings at Sydney Wharf, a 15-minute walk from Bath City centre. The journey to Bath and back travels 39 miles, passes through 20 locks (10 each way) and takes around 19 cruising hours.

2. Glide through the Northamptonshire countryside to Cosgrove

On a weekend break from Weedon on the Grand Union Canal you can cruise through a series of Northamptonshire villages to Cosgrove and back. Pubs to stop off along the way include the Narrow Boat at Stowehill Wharf, the Bakers Arms at Bugbrooke and the Navigation Inn at Thrupp Wharf. You can also stop off to visit the Canal & River Trust’s fascinating Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne. The journey to Cosgrove and back travels 36 miles, passes through 16 locks and takes around 16 hours.

3. Float along the Llangollen Canal to Llangollen

From our base at Chirk on the Llangollen Canal, you can float through the Welsh Mountains to the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen in North Wales. Along the way you’ll pass over the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Chirk Aqueduct. The journey to Llangollen takes around 4 hours, travelling 7 miles, with no locks.

4. Cruise the Grand Union and Oxford canals to Hillmorton

From our base on the Grand Union Canal at Stockton, it takes around 7 hours to reach the historic canal village of Hillmorton. The route takes you through a series of villages with historic pubs. These include the Kings Head at Napton and the Admiral Nelson at Braunston. There are 6 locks to pass through, including the 3 at Hillmorton where volunteer lock keepers help you through. There’s a choice of pubs at Hillmorton, including the Stag & Pheasant.

5. Navigate the Shropshire Union to historic Chester

From Bunbury, it’s a 7-hour, 9-lock journey to the ancient city of Chester. The route passes through miles of beautiful Cheshire countryside and a series of villages with country pubs, including The Ring O’Bells at Christleton and The Shady Oak at Bates Mill Bridge. In Chester, you can take time to explore the city’s attractions, including its Roman city walls and Chester Rows shops.

6. Drift along the Calder & Hebble to Shepley Bridge

On a weekend break from Sowerby Bridge, you can travel along the leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation to Shepley Bridge and back. The route takes you through wooded valleys, and the historic towns of Elland and Brighouse. The journey there and back travels 22 miles, passes through 32 locks (16 each way) and takes around 16 hours.

children on a narrowboat holiday in Britain

Best family canal boat holiday escapes this summer

March 24, 2026/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Canal boat holidays offer the chance to escape into the countryside for a nostalgic outdoor family adventure

To help plan your next adventure afloat, we’ve published a guide to our best family canal boat holiday escapes this summer.

There are over 3,000 miles of historic navigable waterways to explore in Great Britain, passing through some of our best loved countryside. Escaping into the country aboard a narrowboat gives you the chance to go off grid and connect with nature and each other.

Nigel Stevens of Drifters explains: “Families tend to arrive at our boat yards in a stressed and rushed state of mind. But once they’ve settled into the slower pace of life of a canal boat holiday, cruising slowly through the countryside, they unwind and become focused on the journey and each other.

“Parents often say how much they enjoyed seeing their children getting away from their screens and instead watching out for wildlife, noticing their surroundings and helping with the locks, steering and mooring up. They also enjoy playing cards and board games together in the evening, bringing back memories of their own family holidays when they were children.”

2026 summer holiday prices start at £910 for a short break (3 or 4 nights) on a boat for four people, £1,265 for a week.

Here’s a guide to our top 9 family canal boat holiday escapes this summer:

1. Cruise through the Fens to Cambridge and back (34 miles, 4 locks, 12 hours)

On a weekend break from Ely on the River Great Ouse, you can cruise gently through the countryside to Cambridge and back. The journey begins on the River Ouse to Wicken Fen, one of the National Trust’s beautiful wetland nature reserves. There you can moor up to enjoy walking through fenland and farmland, past marshes and reed beds. The journey then connects to the River Cam, and goes into the famous university city of Cambridge, where there are many beautiful buildings, including King’s College Chapel. Cambridge also has a great choice of shops and restaurants to visit, including the Ivy Brasserie and Bills.

2. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ (28 miles, 4 locks, 12.5 hours)

From Chirk on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains can be reached on a short break. Along the way, you’ll cruise across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. In Llangollen, you can enjoy visiting the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as its Steam Railway and Horseshoe Falls. On the return journey, you’ll head back across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and can continue on past Chirk Marina to experience more of the 11-mile World Heritage site, going through Chirk Tunnel and over Chirk Aqueduct and on to Whittington. Canalside pubs to enjoy include the Bridge at Chirk Bank and the Sun at Trevor.

3. Cruise up the Shroppie to Barbridge and back (84 miles, 58 locks, 42 hours)

On a week-long break from Autherley near Wolverhampton, you can cruise up the Shropshire Union Canal to Barbridge and back. The route takes you through the Staffordshire countryside and a series of villages with historic pubs. These include: the Lesters Arms at Brewood; the Hartley Arms at Wheaton Aston; the Boat Inn at Gnosall; and the Shroppie Fly at Audlem. The canal goes through a series of deep cuttings, full of vegetation and wildlife. Along the way, you can visit Market Drayton, famous for its gingerbread, the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker Museum and the Dorfold Hall Jacobean Museum at Nantwich. At Barbridge you’ll find the canalside Olde Barbridge Inn.

4. Navigate to Bradford on Avon & back (20 miles, 14 locks, 11 hours)

On a short break from Devizes on the Kennet & Avon Canal you can navigate to the medieval market town of Bradford on Avon and back. The route takes you through the Wiltshire countryside, and a series of locks and swing bridges. Bradford on Avon on the edge of the Cotswolds, often described as a ‘mini Bath’, is the perfect destination for a family canal boat holiday escape this summer. The town has a great choice of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as riverside walks and historic buildings, including a stunning medieval Tithe Barn. Canalside pubs to enjoy include the Barge Inn at Seend and the Canal Tavern at Bradford on Avon.

5. Boat through the Yorkshire countryside to the old mill town of Hebden Bridge (14 miles, 20 locks, 11 hours)

On a short break from Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire, you can travel along the Rochdale Canal to the old mill town of Hebden Bridge and back. Climbing through woods, fields and small stone towns, the journey there and back covers 14 miles, passes through 20 locks (10 each way) and takes around 11 hours. Once at Hebden, you can enjoy a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, as well as stunning countryside walks with woods and crags to explore. Canalside pubs to visit include the Shoulder of Mutton at Mytholmroyd and the Stubbing Wharf at Hebden Bridge.

6. Travel along the peaceful Ashby Canal SSSI to Shakerstone and back (95 miles, 8 locks, 37 hours)

On a week’s holiday from Braunston on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire, you can explore the beautiful Ashby Canal. The route starts with navigating a section of the Oxford Canal and passing through three locks at Hillmorton. You’ll then transfer onto the Coventry Canal at Hawkesbury Junction and the Ashby Canal at Marston Junction. This peaceful 22-mile long waterway passes the historic town of Market Bosworth and the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field. A 6-mile stretch of the Ashby Canal from Snarestone to Carlton Bridge is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its aquatic plants and dragonflies, making it one of the best canals to spot wildlife. Canalside pubs to visit include the Admiral Nelson at Braunston, the Greyhound at Hawkesbury Junction and the Barley Mow at Newbold.

6. Cruise through Cannock Chase to Fradley & back (25 miles, 10 locks, 12 hours)

On a short break from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford, you can cruise to Fradley Junction and back. They journey passes through the Cannock Chase Forest with over 6,800 acres of heath land and ancient woodland to explore. At Fradley you can follow the woodland trail at boardwalk at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve. Canalside pubs to visit include the Wolseley Arms at Wolseley Bridge, the Ash Tree at Rugeley and the Swan Inn at Fradley.

7. Boat to the ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’ & back (23 miles, 6 locks, 12.5 hours)

On a short break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, you can cruise to Gargrave ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’ and back. The route takes you through the beautiful River Aire Valley and Skipton with its medieval castle and woods. At Gargrave you can moor up and walk into the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Pubs to enjoy include the White Lion at Kildwick, the Slaters Arms at Bradley and the Mason’s Arms at Gargrave.

8. Navigate the Grand Union Canal to Linslade and back (73 miles, 28 locks, 30 hours)

On a 7-night break from Weedon in Northamptonshire you can cruise along the Grand Union Canal to Linslade and back. The journey takes you past a series of canalside pubs. These include: the Narrow Boat at Stowe Hill; the Navigation Inn at Thrupp; the Red Lion at Fenny Stratford; and the Three Locks at Soulbury. Places to visit along the way include the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne and Linford Lakes Nature Reserve at Great Lindford. The route also goes through the 1.74-mile long Blisworth Tunnel, the third longest navigable tunnel on the UK canal system. At Linslade, next to Leighton Buzzard, there’s an arts centre and a choice of places to eat and shop.

9. Travel through the Scottish Lowlands to Edinburgh & back (64 miles, 6 locks, 22 hours)

On a week’s break from Falkirk you can cruise along the peaceful Union Canal to Edinburgh Quay and back. The journey begins with a passage through the Falkirk Wheel, and then passes through the lovely Scottish Lowland villages of Linlithgow, Broxburn and Ratho. Visitor moorings are available at Edinburgh Quay, just a 5-minute walk from Princes Street. From there, you can visit the City’s many attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and Mary King Close. Pubs to enjoy along the way include the Bridge Inn at Ratho and the West Port Hotel at Linlithgow.

A boating holiday scene on the Kennet & Avon Canal

Top 10 narrow boat holidays for 2026

February 24, 2026/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Cruising at 4mph aboard a canal boat is often described as the ‘fastest way to slow down’.

Many of our operators are offering early booking discounts, so we’ve published a guide to our top 10 narrow boat holidays for 2026.

Britain’s 3,000-mile network of peaceful inland waterways wind through the countryside and into historic waterside towns and cities, so there are hundreds of destinations to choose from.

Our 2026 hire prices start at £599 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for up to four people, £875 for a week.

Drifters top 10 narrow boat holidays for 2026:

1. Travel along the peaceful Ashby Canal SSSI to Shakerstone and back (95 miles, 8 locks, 37 hours)

On a week’s holiday from Braunston on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire, you can cruise can explore the beautiful Ashby Canal. The route begins along the Oxford Canal, soon passing through three locks at Hillmorton. You’ll then transfer onto the Coventry Canal at Hawkesbury Junction and onto the Ashby Canal at Marston Junction. The lock-free Ashby Canal passes the historic town of Market Bosworth and the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field. A six-mile stretch of the Ashby Canal from Snarestone to Carlton Bridge is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its aquatic plants and dragonflies, making it one of the best canals to spot wildlife. Canalside pubs to visit include the Greyhound at Hawkesbury Junction and the Barley Mow at Newbold.

2. Float across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (28 miles, 4 locks, 12.5 hours)

From Chirk on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, you can reach the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains on a short break, crossing the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct along the way. In Llangollen, you can enjoy visiting the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as its Steam Railway and Horseshoe Falls. On the return journey, you can head back across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. And on through the 11-mile World Heritage site to Whittington and back. Canalside pubs to enjoy include the Bridge at Chirk Bank and the Sun at Trevor.

3. Cruise through Cannock Chase to Fradley & back (25 miles, 10 locks, 12 hours)

On a short break from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford, you can cruise to Fradley Junction and back. The journey passes through the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with over 6,800 acres of heath land and ancient woodland to explore. Canalside pubs to stop off at include the Wolseley Arms at Wolseley Bridge, the Ash Tree at Rugeley and the Swan Inn at Fradley.

4. Navigate the Kennet & Avon Canal to Georgian Bath and back (39 miles, 16 locks, 18 hours)

From the base of the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes in Wiltshire, you can travel along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Bath and back. As well as 16 locks (eight each way), the journey takes you through a series of swing bridges and over the magnificent Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts. Canalside pubs to enjoy along the way include the Barge Inn at Seend, the Canal Tavern at Bradford on Avon and the Cross Guns at Avoncliff. Once at Sydney Gardens, you can moor up and take a 15-minute walk into Bath city centre to visit world famous attractions, including the Roman Baths.

5. Glide through the Staffordshire countryside to Market Drayton and back (42 miles, 12 locks, 20 hours)

On a week’s break from Brewood on the Shropshire Union Canal in Staffordshire, you can cruise to the historic market town of Market Drayton and back. The journey takes you through the Staffordshire countryside. And past a series of villages with historic pubs, including the Boat Inn at Gnosall, the Junction Inn at Norbury Wharf and the Boat Inn at Shebdon. The route also takes you through a series of deep canal cuttings, full of vegetation and wildlife.

6. Boat along the Calder & Hebble to Shepley and back (22 miles, 32 locks, 16 hours)

On a short break from Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire, you can cruise along the leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation to Shepley Bridge and back. The route navigates through wooded valleys and the historic towns of Elland and Brighouse. At Elland there are two canalside pubs to moor alongside, and at Brighouse there’s a choice of restaurants, pubs and shops.

7. Cruise into Birmingham city centre and back (22 miles, 0 locks, 10 hours)

On a weekend break from Alvechurch on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove, you can travel into Birmingham. The journey begins cruising through the remains of the Forest of Arden and a series of canal tunnels. The route takes you through Edgbaston Tunnel and into the heart of Birmingham where there are over-night moorings at Gas Street Basin. From there, it’s a short walk to Brindleyplace and city centre attractions, including the Sealife Centre and Thinktank Science Museum.

8. Navigate the Grand Union Canal to Thrupp Wharf and back (33 miles, 14 locks, 14 hours)

On a short break from Weedon in Northamptonshire, you can cruise to Thrupp Wharf and back. The journey takes you through the Northamptonshire countryside. And past a series of canalside pubs, including the Narrow Boat at Stowe Hill, the Boat Inn at Stoke Bruerne and the Navigation Inn at Thrupp Wharf. The route also goes through the 1.74-mile long Blisworth Tunnel, the third longest navigable tunnel on the UK canal system. And past the Canal & River Trust’s Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne, telling the story of the working boat people.

9. Boat through the Scottish Lowlands to Edinburgh Quay and back (64 miles, 6 locks, 22 hours)

On a 7-night break from Falkirk, you can cruise along the Union Canal to Edinburgh Quay and back. The route starts at the site of the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. The journey then takes you through the Falkirk Tunnel and across the magnificent Avon Aqueduct. Next you’ll cruise through the historic villages of Linlithgow and Ratho. Once in Edinburgh, you can moor up in Edinburgh Quay and walk into the city centre to visit attractions including Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle and Mary King Close.

10. Travel to Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales and back (23 Miles, 6 locks, 12.5 hours)

On a short break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, you can cruise to Gargrave and back. Along the way you’ll pass through the stunning scenery of Airedale and the village of Kildwick with its White Lion pub. When you reach the ancient market town of Skipton, you can moor up to visit Skipton Castle. Three miles further along at Gargrave there are plenty of pubs and you can easily access the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Canal boat holiday on Britain's inland waterways

Best spring canal boat holidays 2026

February 16, 2026/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Drifters guide to the best spring canal boat holidays in 2026

Cruising Britain’s beautiful inland waterways aboard a canal boat is a great way to see the spring countryside bursting with new life.

Travelling at just 4mph, you can enjoy watching out for nesting birds, waterfowl chicks, spring lambs and blossom on the trees and hedgerows that line our waterways.

Drifters offers over 500 boats for hire from 40 locations across England, Scotland and Wales.

2026 hire prices start at £713 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for up to four people, £980 for a week. Tuition is included in all our holiday prices and most of our boats are pet-friendly.

Cruise down the Oxford Canal to Banbury and back (46 miles, 44 locks, 25 hours)

On a week’s holiday from Napton you can cruise through the spring countryside to Banbury and back. The route begins cruising past Napton-on-the-Hill with is canalside Folly pub and excellent village shop selling local produce. Next you’ll encounter the nine-lock Napton Flight, which stretches for two miles. At Fenny Compton there’s another canalside pub – the Wharf Inn. The route then goes through Fenny Compton Tunnel and the Claydon Flight of five locks. The village of Claydon is home to the quaint Marton Museum of Country Bygones. At Cropredy, famous for its annual folk music festival, you can visit the Brasenose Arms. In Banbury you’ll find Tooley’s Boatyard Museum, the Banbury Cross and a choice of historic pubs, including Ye Olde Reindeer Inn.

Navigate the Llangollen Canal UNESCO World Heritage site (28 miles, 4 locks, 12.5 hours)

From Chirk on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains can be reached on a short break, crossing the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct along the way. When you reach Llangollen you can visit the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as its Steam Railway and Horseshoe Falls. On the return journey, you’ll head back across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and on through the 11-mile World Heritage site to Whittington and back. Canalside pubs to enjoy include the Bridge at Chirk Bank and the Sun at Trevor.

Travel through the Staffordshire countryside to Drayton Manor Theme Park and back (48 miles, 10 locks, 22 hours)

On a 7-night break from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford, you can cruise to moorings next to Drayton Manor Theme Park. The journey takes you through the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a series of villages with canalside pubs. These include: the Wolseley Arms at Wolseley Bridge; the Ash Tree at Rugeley; the Swan Inn at Fradley; and the Plough Inn at Huddlesford. After turning right at Fazeley Junction, you can moor up close to Coleshill Road Bridge and then walk to Drayton Manor Theme Park, home to over 50 rides and attractions.

Cruise through the Fens to Cambridge and back (34 miles, 4 locks, 12 hours)

On a weekend break from Ely on the River Great Ouse, you can cruise gently through the countryside to Cambridge and back. The journey begins on the River Ouse and you’ll soon reach Wicken Fen, one of the National Trust’s beautiful wetland nature reserves. There you can moor up to enjoy walking through fenland and farmland, past marshes and reed beds. The journey then connects to the River Cam, and goes into the famous university city of Cambridge, where there are many beautiful buildings, including King’s College Chapel. Cambridge also has a great choice of shops and restaurants to visit, including the Ivy Brasserie and Bills.

Navigate the Kennet & Avon Canal to Georgian Bath and back (25 miles, 2 locks, 13 hours)

On a weekend break from Hilperton on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, you can cruise to Syndey Gardens in Bath and back. The journey takes you through Bradford on Avon Lock and across the magnificent Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts. Canalside pubs to enjoy along the way include the Canal Tavern at Bradford on Avon, the Cross Guns at Avoncliff and the George at Bathampton. Once at Sydney Gardens you can moor up and take a 15-minute walk into Bath city centre to visit world famous attractions, including the Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent.

Glide through the Staffordshire countryside to Market Drayton and back (42 miles, 12 locks, 20 hours)

On a week’s break from Brewood on the Shropshire Union Canal in Staffordshire, you can cruise to the historic market town of Market Drayton. The journey travels slowly through the peaceful Staffordshire countryside, past a series of villages with historic pubs, including the Boat Inn at Gnosall, the Junction Inn at Norbury Wharf and the Boat Inn at Shebdon. The route also takes you rough a series of deep canal cuttings, full of vegetation and wildlife.

Boat along the Rochdale Canal to Hebden Bridge and back (14 miles, 20 locks, 11 hours)

On a short break from Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire, you can cruise along the Rochdale Canal to Hebden Bridge and back. The route navigates slowly along the side of the valley, passing the Lord Nelson pub at Luddenden Foot and Mytholmroyd, birthplace of Ted Huges. At Henden Bridge, there’s a choice of independent restaurants, pubs and shops and fantastic walks up to Heptonstall and along Hardcastle Crags.

Navigate the Grand Union Canal to Linslade and back (73 miles, 28 locks, 30 hours)

On a 7-night break from Weedon in Northamptonshire, you can cruise along the Grand Union Canal to Linslade and back. The journey takes you through the countryside past a series of canalside pubs, including: the Narrow Boat at Stowe Hill; the Boat Inn at Stoke Bruerne; the Navigation Inn at Thrupp; the Red Lion at Fenny Stratford; and the Three Locks at Soulbury. The route also goes through the 1.74-mile long Blisworth Tunnel, the third longest navigable tunnel on the UK canal system. At Linslade, next to Leighton Buzzard, there’s an arts centre and a choice of places to eat and shop.

Canal boat travelling along the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire

May bank holiday weekend breaks on a canal boat

January 20, 2026/in News/by Debbie Ludford

There are hundreds of destinations to visit on a bank holiday canal boating break

Britain’s beautiful 3,000-mile network of inland waterways takes canal boat holiday-makers through the countryside and into historic towns and cities. There are places to moor up in quiet backwaters for the perfect rural retreat, as well as moorings close to attractions and amenities in towns and cities, like Linlithgow and Bath.

Drifters 2026 Top May Bank Holiday Weekend Breaks on a Canal Boat:

1. Cruise the Rochdale Canal to Hebden Bridge

On a weekend break from Sowerby Bridge, you can cruise through the West Yorkshire countryside to Hebden Bridge and back. The journey begins with 3 locks, including Tuel Lane Lock, the deepest in the country. At Luddenden Foot you can stop to visit the Lord Nelson pub, set within a Conservation Area. The route then passes through Mytholmroyd, birthplace of Ted Hughes and through Fallingroyd Tunnel to Hebden Bridge. There you can moor in the centre of town and discover a good choice of pubs, restaurants, cafes and independent shops. There are also some fantastic walks from Hebden, including up to Heptonstall and along Hardcastle Crags.

The journey to Hebden Bridge and back travels 14 miles, passes through 20 locks and takes around 11 hours.

2. Travel along the Union Canal to Linlithgow

From Falkirk at the Junction of the Union and Forth & Clyde canals, you can cruise through the Scottish Lowlands to Linlithgow and back. This route begins by going through a manned lock into the canal basin, and then up the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. After that, the journey takes you through Roughmute Tunnel, followed by another 2 manned locks. Now on the Union Canal, you’ll travel through the Falkirk Tunnel and across the massive Avon Aqueduct. After enjoying miles of peaceful countryside, you’ll reach the historic town of Linlithgow, where you can visit the beautifully preserved remains of Linlithgow Palace on the shores of Linlithgow Loch, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Linlithgow has some excellent eateries, including the award-winning Four Marys pub.

The journey to Linlithgow and back passes through 6 locks (3 each way) and takes around 8 hours.

3. Navigate the Grand Union Canal to Cosgrove

On a weekend break from Weedon on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire, you can cruise to Cosgrove and back. This route travels through the countryside, passing the Narrow Boat pub at Stowehill Wharf and the Bakers Arms in the village of Bugbrooke. Soon after, you’ll enter the 1.74-mile long Blisworth Tunnel, emerging into the picturesque ‘canal village’ of Stoke Bruerne, home of the Canal & River Trust’s Canal Museum and a choice of canalside pubs. There are then seven locks to go through before reaching Thrupp Wharf and the Navigation Inn. At Cosgrove, boaters can moor up to explore the Ouse Valley Park, the site of Wolverton Medieval Village and the Barley Mow pub.

The journey to Cosgrove and back travels 36 miles, passes through 16 locks and takes around 16 hours.

4. Cruise through the Brecon Beacons to Llangynidr

Isolated from the main canal network, the beautiful Monmouth & Brecon Canal runs through the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. It offers an escape to the country with incredible mountain views. On a weekend’s break from Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny you can cruise to Llangynidr and back. The route goes through a series of small villages with historic pubs, including the Lion Inn at Govilon, deep in the Welsh countryside.

The journey to Llangynidr and back travels 32 miles and takes around 13 hours. There are no locks on this route.

5. Float across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in North Wales

On a weekend break from Chirk, you can cruise the 11-metre section of the Llangollen Canal designated a UNESCO World Heritage site to the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen, on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains. Along the way, you’ll cross the 38-metre high Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, experiencing stunning views of the Dee Valley below. When you reach Llangollen, you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and enjoy visiting the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as its Steam Railway and Horseshoe Falls. Canalside pubs to enjoy along the way include the Aqueduct Inn at Froncysyllte and The Sun at Trevor.

The journey to Llangollen and back travels 14 miles and takes around 6 hours.

6. Boat through the Northamptonshire countryside to Hillmorton

From Stockton on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire, it takes just over 6 hours to cruise to the village Hillmorton. The route takes you past the village of Napton-on-the-Hill, where the village store sells products from the nearby Buffalo Farm, including buffalo burgers, sausages, meatballs, steaks and ice cream. Napton Village Stores also sells bakery and deli products, veg boxes, homemade meals, cider and homemade cakes. Continuing through the countryside, you’ll will next reach the village of Braunston, where there’s a choice of pubs including the canalside Admiral Nelson. Heading on north up the Oxford Canal, you’ll soon reach the village of Hillmorton, home of the Stag & Pheasant pub.

The journey to Hillmorton and back travels 30 miles, passes through 12 locks (6 each way) and takes around 12.5 hours.

7. Travel through the Leicestershire countryside to Stoke Golding

From Springwood Haven on the Coventry Canal, it takes around 6 hours to cruise to the historic village of Stoke Golding. At Marston Junction, you’ll transfer onto the lock-free Ashby Canal to continue travelling on through the Leicestershire countryside. The journey takes boaters through Sutton Cheney, home of the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre & Country Park. Then on past Dadlington and the Dog & Hedgehog pub. Stoke Golding has one of the most beautiful churches in England and there’s a choice of pubs, including the White Swan. Before heading out, you can stock up on local produce at the Poplars Farm shop and café near Nuneaton, selling fruit, vegetables, honey, local cheese, eggs, poultry and jams.

The journey to Stoke Golding and back travels 27 miles and takes around 12 hours. There are no locks on this route.

8. Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Shebdon

From Brewood on the Shropshire Union Canal in Staffordshire, it takes just over 5 hours to reach the village of Shebdon, surrounded by beautiful countryside. The journey takes you through miles of scenic countryside and woodland, and a series of villages, including Wheaton Aston with its Hartley Inn and Gnosall with its Boat Inn. Canal features encountered along the way include Stretton Aqueduct, a lock at Wheaton Aston, Cowley Tunnel, Shelmore Embankment and Grub Street Cutting. At Shebdon, you can moor up to visit the canalside Wharf pub.

The journey to Shebdon and back travels 27 miles, through 2 locks and takes around 11 hours.

9. Navigate through Cannock Chase to Fradley

On a weekend break, from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal, you can cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Fradley Junction and back. You’ll pass through Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along the way. Before heading out, the Canalside Farm Shop at Great Haywood is perfect for stocking-up on local produce, including sausages, fruit, vegetables, free range eggs and baked products.

The journey to Fradley and back travels 25 miles, through 10 locks (5 each way) and takes around 12 hours.

10. Float along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Georgian Bath

From the base of the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes in Wiltshire, you can travel along the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal to Bath and back. As well as 16 locks (8 each way), the journey takes boaters through a series of swing bridges. And across the magnificent Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts. Canalside pubs to enjoy along the way include the Barge Inn at Seend, the Canal Tavern at Bradford on Avon and the Cross Guns at Avoncliff. There are places to moor alongside Sydney Gardens, and from there it’s a 15-minute walk into Bath city centre, home to world famous attractions, including the Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent.

The journey to Bath and back travels 38 miles, passes through 16 locks (8 each way) and takes around 20 hours.

Canal boating on the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire

Top 8 Easter 2026 narrowboat holidays

December 22, 2025/in News/by Contact

Choose from hundreds of Easter canal boat holiday destinations with Drifters

Britain’s beautiful inland waterways are a great place to visit at Easter, when the countryside is bursting with new life.

With over 40 canal boat hire locations, and over 3,000 miles of canals and rivers, there are hundreds of destinations to choose from.

Drifters 2026 Easter break prices start at £689 for a short break (3 or 4 nights) on a boat for up to 4 people, £1,030 for a week.

Here’s a guide to our top 8 Easter 2026 narrowboat holidays:

1. Cruise to Market Drayton, famous for its gingerbread

On a 4-night break from Brewood on the Shropshire Union Canal in Staffordshire you can cruise to the historic market town of Market Drayton and back. The journey through the Staffordshire countryside takes you through a series of villages with historic canalside pubs. These include the Boat Inn at Gnosall and the Junction Inn at Norbury. The route also passes Cadbury’s Wharf at Knighton, where chocolate crumb used to be transported to Bournville. And through Woodseaves Cutting, which is full of vegetation and wildlife. When you reach the Market Drayton visitors’ moorings, you can walk into the historic town, famous for its gingerbread men.

The journey to Market Drayton and back travels 42 miles, passes through 12 locks (6 each way) and takes around 19 hours.

2. Navigate to Hawkesbury Junction and the Greyhound Inn

On a weekend break from Braunston on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire you can cruise to Hawkesbury Junction and back. The route goes up the North Oxford Canal through Hillmorton with its Stag & Pheasant pub and Newbold with the canalside Barley Mow pub. The journey passes through the outskirts of Rugby and close to the village of Brinklow, home to castle ruins. At Hawkesbury Junction, where the North Oxford Canal meets the Coventry Canal, you can moor up to visit the popular Greyhound Inn.

The journey to Hawkesbury Junction and back travels 46 miles, passes through 8 locks (4 each way) and takes around 14 hours.

3. Cruise through the Bath Valley to Claverton and back

On a 4-night break from Devizes in Wiltshire, you can cruise along the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal to Claverton and back. The journey passes a series of canalside pubs. These include the Barge Inn at Seend, the Canal Tavern at Bradford on Avon and the Cross Guns at Avoncliff. There are 8 locks to pass through each way and 2 magnificent Bath stone aqueducts to cruise across. Once at Claverton in the beautiful Bath Valley, you can moor up to visit the American Museum at Claverton House and Claverton Pumping Station.

The journey to Claverton and back travels 32 miles, passes through 16 locks (8 each way) and takes around 16 hours.

4. Boat to Birmingham & visit Cadbury World

On a short break from Alvechurch on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove, you can travel lock-free to Birmingham. Along the way, you can stop off at Bournville to find handmade Easter eggs in the World’s biggest Cadbury shop. With more canals than Venice, canal boats can travel right into the heart of Birmingham and find over-night moorings at Gas Street Basin. From there, it’s a short walk to Brindleyplace and city centre attractions, including Birmingham’s Science Museum Thinktank.

The journey to Birmingham and back travels 22 miles and takes around 10 hours. There are no locks to go through.

5. Join the Easter Gathering at the National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port

Over the Easter Weekend (3-6 April 2026), the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire will celebrate the start of the summer boating season. It will also be the Museum’s 50th anniversary. There will be a large boat gathering, live music, children’s activities and guided tours. The Museum was recently transformed into 19th century graving docks in Dublin for Stephen Knight’s spectacular House of Guinness series on Netflix. From Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley in Cheshire, it’s a 10-hour journey to Ellesmere Port, perfect for a week away. The route takes you through the ancient City of Chester.

The journey to Ellesmere Port and back travels 42 miles, passes through 24 locks and takes around 20 hours.

6. Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside and visit Drayton Manor Theme Park

On a week-long holiday from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire, you can cruise to moorings close to Drayton Manor Theme Park. Along the way, you’ll pass Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Fradley Nature Reserve. There are also a series of villages with canalside pubs, including the Crown at Handsacre. There are visitor moorings between Tolson’s Footbridge and Coleshill Road Bridge on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. From there it’s a short walk to Drayton Manor Park.

The journey there and back travels 48 miles, passes through 10 locks (5 each way) and takes around 22 hours.

7. Star gaze in the Brecon Beacons

The beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal runs through Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, designated an International Dark-Sky Reserve. This peaceful waterway has very few locks, offers canal boat holiday-makers incredible mountain views, a series of historic village pubs to visit and on clear nights, views of the Milky Way. On a weekend break from Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny, boaters can cruise lock-free to Llangynidr and back. The journey takes boaters past the Lion Inn at Govilon and the Bridge End Inn at Llangattock.

The journey to Llangynidr and back travels 32 miles and takes around 13 hours.

8. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ to Llangollen

From Chirk on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, you can reach the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen on a short break. You’ll travel across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct along the way. Standing at 38 metres high above the Dee Valley, this incredible 300-metre long structure consists of a cast iron trough supported by 18 enormous pillars and 19 elegant arches. When you reach Llangollen you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and enjoy visiting the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants. You can also take a journey along the Steam Railway and see the Horseshoe Falls.

The journey to Llangollen and back travels 14 miles and takes around 7 hours. There are no locks, but there are two aqueducts and two tunnels.

Autumn events to visit on a canal boat holiday

September 17, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Drifters offers over 500 boats for hire from 40 locations across England, Scotland and Wales.

We’ve published a guide to autumn events to visit on a canal boat holiday.

Our autumn 2025 hire prices start at £713 for a short break (3 or 4 nights) on a boat for up to four people, £980 for a week. Tuition is included in our prices.

Enjoy Taste Worcestershire afloat

From 6-26 October 2025, Worcestershire restaurants and food producers will be offering exclusive deals through a Golden Ticket, free to download from the Visit Worcestershire website. Drifters offers canal boat hire from Worcester, giving boaters the chance to cruise through the City of Worcester and the Worcestershire countryside, stopping off at participating venues along the way.

Take part in a Peaky Blinders Night

On 27 September 2025, the Black Country Living Museum in Birmingham will host a special Peaky Blinders evening event, inviting visitors to step back in time in search of the Shelby family. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress in their finest flat caps, threads and frocks, and to immerse themselves in the industrial world of 1920s Birmingham, with an evening of live music, immersive street drama and vintage food and drinks. From Drifters canal boat hire base at Alvechurch, on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove, it takes around nine hours to cruise to the Black Country Living Museum.

Visit the Stoke-on-Trent 100: Heritage Festival for the Centenary

From Autumn 2025 until March 2026, Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary Heritage Festival will celebrate 100 years of the city’s rich cultural legacy. Autumn 2025 events include the 40^th Stoke Beer & Cider Festival 15-18 October and Festival of Craft on 18 October. Drifters has a canal boat hire base in Stoke-on-Trent on the Trent & Mersey Canal at Etruria.

Experience Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein horror event

From 18 October to 1 November 2025, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein in Bath will be hosting its notorious After Dark horror event. You can reach moorings on the edge of Bath city centre in four hours from Drifters base at Bradford on Avon.

Best autumn days out boating on the canals

August 15, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Hire a canal boat for the day this autumn

Drifters members hire canal boats for the day from 19 narrowboat hire bases across England and Wales, offering the chance to enjoy a family day out boating on the canals this autumn.

Our best autumn days out boating on the canals include cruising along the Stratford Canal to the historic village of Wilmcote. On a day out canal boating, you can see the beautiful autumn colours in the trees and hedges that line our canals reflected in the water.

Full tuition is included, so if you’re new to canal boating, day boat hire is a great way to get the hang of steering, mooring up and working the locks.

All our day boats are equipped with cutlery, crockery and a kettle, and most also have a toilet, cooker and fridge. Boats range in size and can accommodate between eight and 12 people.

Our day boat hire prices start at £99 and are pet-friendly.

1. Cruise through Shakespeare country to Wilmcote (Warwickshire)

From our day boat hire centre at Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal, you can cruise to the village of Wilmcote and back. The journey takes 2.5 hours each way and crosses the impressive Edstone Aqueduct with beautiful views across the Warwickshire countryside. For refreshments, The Mary Arden Inn is at Wilmcote and The View Restaurant is at Hill Farm Marina, close to Edstone Aqueduct.

*Day boats ‘Dolly’, ‘Charlie’ and ‘Emma’ can carry up to 10 people each and prices start at £99.

2. Navigate through Cannock Chase to the Wolseley Arms (Staffordshire)

From Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford, you can cruise to the historic market town of Rugeley and back. The journey takes around two hours and passes through two locks. It takes you through the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and past the popular Wolseley Arms pub at Wolseley Bridge. At Rugeley, you can walk to the canalside Colliers pub.

*Day boats ‘Daphne’ and ‘Abi’ can carry up to 10 people each and prices start at £99.

3. Glide along the leafy Worcester & Birmingham Canal (Worcestershire)

On a day out from Alvechurch Marina near Bromsgrove, you can cruise north through the remains of the Forest of Arden to Kings Norton Junction and back. Along the way, you can stop off at the canalside Hopwood House pub. And take a walk around the Bittell Reservoirs. The route is lock-free but passes through Wast Hills Tunnel, which is over a mile-and-a-half long.

*Electric day boats ‘Away Day’ and ‘Fun Day’ can carry up to 10 people and prices start at £155.

4. Navigate to The Star Inn at Mamhillad in the Brecon Beacons (Monmouthshire)

On day out boating along on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal from Goytre Wharf, you can cruise through the beautiful Usk Valley. It takes around two-and-a-half-hours to reach moorings close to the popular Star pub at Mamhillad, a short walk from bridge 62.

*Day boats ‘Robin’ and Rooster’ can carry up to eight people each and prices start at £149.

5. Cruise along the Grand Union Canal to Napton-on-the-Hill (Northamptonshire)

From Braunston in heart of the canal network, you can reach the historic village of Napton-on-the-Hill. The lock-free journey takes you through the Northamptonshire countryside and into Warwickshire. Once at Napton, you can moor up and walk into the village where there’s a choice of pubs, including the popular Kings Head. The journey to Napton and back takes around six hours.

*Day boat ‘Ouzel II’ can carry up to 12 people and prices start at £150.

6. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ (Denbighshire)

From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, you can travel across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Standing at over 38 metres high above the Dee Valley, this incredible structure offers amazing views of the Dee Valley below. After cruising over the Aqueduct, there are two tunnels and another aqueduct to cross, before you reach the Bridge Inn at Chirk Bank. The journey to Chirk takes around two-and-a-half hours.

*Day boats ‘Jacob’, ‘Daniel’ and ‘Lotty’ can carry up to 10 people each and prices start at £120.

7. Boat along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Brassknocker Basin (Wiltshire)

From Bradford on Avon Marina, you can cruise west through the Bath Valley to Brassknocker Basin and back. The route takes you through Bradford on Avon Lock and across the magnificent Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts. At Brassknocker Basin, you can visit the Angelfish café for lunch. The journey there and back travels nine miles and takes around four hours.

*Day boats ‘Jacy’, ‘Emily’, ‘Katherine’, ‘Sally’ & ‘Grace’ can carry up to 10 people each and prices start at £185.

8. Navigate through the West Berkshire countryside to the Spring Inn (Berkshire)

From our day boat hire centre at Aldermaston on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Reading, you can cruise to Theale and back. Along the way, you can stop off to enjoy lunch at the Spring Inn at Sulhamstead, a 10-minute walk from the canal. The total journey takes just over four hours and passes through two locks each way.

*Day boat ‘Happy Days’ can carry up to 10 people and summer prices start from £155.

Best waterside pubs to visit on a narrowboat holiday

June 24, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Waterside pubs are popular destinations for canal boat holiday-makers, and there are hundreds to choose from.

We’ve published a guide to some of the best waterside pubs to visit on a narrowboat holiday this summer.

It’s great to be beside water, especially in the summer. Canal and riverside pubs are popular destinations, and there are hundreds to choose from across Britain’s 3,000-mile network of navigable inland waterways.

With names like The Lock Inn, The Navigation Inn, The Narrowboat, The Tunnel and The Bridge, canalside pubs often date back to the days when canals were the transport network of the industrial revolution. Canalside inns provided refreshment for working boat families, their horses, and professional leggers who propelled boats through tunnels.

Today they are popular destinations for narrowboat holiday-makers, as well as people wanting to sit in a canalside pub garden, watching the boats go by.

1. The Bridge Inn, Chirk Bank in Shropshire

You can reach this popular watering hole on the Llangollen Canal on a short break from Chirk, Trevor or Blackwater Meadow. Also known as The Trap, the historic Bridge Inn is on the 11-mile stretch of the Llangollen Canal designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and has views of the magnificent Chirk Aqueduct.

2. The Hollybush Inn at Denford in Staffordshire

Housed in an old flour mill on the Caldon Canal, the Hollybush Inn is surrounded by Staffordshire Moorlands. The pub offers award winning ales and delicious homemade food. It has a large canalside beer garden and is both family and dog friendly. From Stoke on Trent it takes around 7 hours to reach The Hollybush.

3. The Stubbing Wharf at Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire

The Stubbing Wharf on the Rochdale Canal offers home cooked food, including Sunday lunch roasts. It has a choice of real ales and a canalside beer garden. The pub was built soon after the completion of the Rochdale Canal in 1789. It served travellers on both the canal and the turnpike road. Its curious name derives from the ancient settlement of Stubbing, an Anglo-Saxon word for clearing where the tree stumps have been left. From Sowerby Bridge it takes around 5.5 hours to reach Hebden Bridge.

4. The Swan at Fradley Junction in Staffordshire

At the junction of the Trent & Mersey and Coventry canals at Alrewas, the historic Swan pub is known locally as the ‘Mucky Duck’. The pub offers traditional home cooked meals and a choice of cask ales. The Swan’s bar area is decorated with Roses & Castles narrowboat art. The Swan at Fradley is a 1.5-hour cruise from Kings Orchard and a 6-hour cruise from Great Haywood.

5. The Blue Lias Inn at Stockton in Warwickshire

Located on the Grand Union Canal, this historic rural pub was named after the limestone and clay that is quarried locally. The clay is derived from material laid down in the early Jurassic seas, when dinosaurs roamed the earth. The Blue Lias is around 2.5 hours by boat from Stockton.

6. The Plume of Feathers at Barlaston in Staffordshire

This popular pub on the Trent & Mersey Canal is part owned by the actor Neil Morrissey. Visitors can sample some of Neil’s own beers and ales, and choose from a menu of homemade dishes made from fresh local ingredients. It takes just over 3 hours to reach Barlastan from Stoke on Trent, and 7 hours from Great Haywood.

7. The Crown Inn at Alvechurch in Worcestershire

This historic country pub next to the Worcester & Birmingham Canal has a rustic charm, a good selection of ales and lagers and great value food. Our nearest base is just 15 minutes away at Alvechurch.

8. The Olde Barbridge Inn at Nantwich in Cheshire

This historic pub on the Shropshire Union Canal near Nantwich sells a selection of local ales brewed at its own local brewery. The pub serves classic British food made with local produce. Our nearest bases are at Nantwich and Bunbury.

9. 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.

10. The Fleur De Lys at Lowsonford in Warwickshire

This pretty 17th century country pub on the banks of the Stratford Canal has a lovely beer garden. The Fleur De Lys has been famous for its pies since the 1950’s, all served with seasonal vegetables, chunky chips and gravy. Our nearest base is just 3 hours away at Wootton Wawen.