Best canal-side villages and towns to visit in England

One of the highlights of exploring the waterways is the picturesque towns and villages you’ll cruise past on your journey. But, how do you know which towns to stop off at? We’ve listed our top canal-side towns and villages to visit on your next canal boat holiday.  

Stratford Upon Avon

The home of Shakespeare, this picturesque market town in Warwickshire is the perfect stop for your next canal boat holiday. There’s plenty to do in Stratford, you can get a Shakespeare ticket which gives you access to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, New Place, Hall’s Croft and Mary Arden’s Farm. For the full Shakespeare experience, you could also catch a show at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.  

For foodies, there are a number of canalside cafes, pubs and restaurants, including the Barge and the Quarterdeck, serving pizza’s from a traditional dutch barge, moored just outside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. 

Stratford Upon Avon and Return 

Starting in Alverchurch, this seven night route takes you through Worcestershire, to Shakespeare’s country, Warwickshire. The route takes you past a number of beautiful timber-framed buildings before landing in Stratford for your full Tudor fix.  

Skipton

Moving north from Stratford, next on our list is Skipton in Yorkshire. The historic town was recorded in the Doomesday Book and was an economic hub throughout the middle ages, the Leeds-Liverpool canal construction in the 1816 further cemented it’s economic importance as it was used to transport stone, coal, wool and other goods throughout the 19th Century.  

Today, Skipton is home to a number of attractions with cobbled streets and quaint historic charm. The most popular attraction in Skipton is the castle, built over 900 years ago. Skipton Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England, a must-see for history buffs. 

The Pennine Ring from Anderton Marina

The Pennine Ring starts at Anderton Marina in Cheshire, crosses the Pennines into Yorkshire, and is the perfect way to experience the Yorkshire Dales. Skipton is the most northernly point on the route, which then takes you onto Leeds, Castlefield, Wakefield and back to Anderton Marina.

Braunston

Known as the heart of the waterways, Braunston in Northamptonshire has a rich history as a rural village since Roman times and is where the Grand Union Canal and Oxford Canal meet. 

The historic stop house, now home to the Canal and River Trust, was built to collect tolls from passing freight boats. The village is the perfect rural stop for canal boat enthusiasts and there is also the opportunity for anglers. A popular spot for boaters, the Gongoozlers rest is the perfect place to stop for cooked breakfasts, cakes and hot drinks.  

Coventry or Snarestone & Return

This shorter route, takes you from Gayton Marina to Coventry or Snarestone and is the perfect opportunity to explore the pretty village of Braunston. It’s the ideal route for beginner boaters who want to fully immerse themselves in canal boat life. 

Stourport on Severn

Sitting on the edge of the Wyre Forest, Stourport-on-Severn has a distinctively seaside feel to it, making it the perfect canal side town to visit on a family holiday. The funfair is a must, with plenty of family entertainment for children and adults alike.  

The town is home to stunning Georgian architecture and there are a number of independent shops, cafes and pubs to choose from when exploring the town.  

Stourport Ring from Worcester Marina 

The Stourport ring is a shorter route that can be completed in 7-14 days, covering 116 locks and 7 tunnels the route takes you through the whole of the Worcester and Birmingham canal as well as parts of the river Severn and part of the Staffordshire and Worcester canal. It’s the perfect route to experience the area’s industrial past.  

Find out more about our boats. Or, if you’re looking for more travel inspiration, check out our list of Stately homes you can visit by the canal. Ready to book your next trip? Get in touch with a member of our helpful team today.