Canal Art Trails across the UK
9th August 2023
In recent years canal art trails have popped up across the UK in order to celebrate the local art scene, culture and creativity. Canal art trails often feature a diverse range of art forms like murals, sculptures and installations. In this guide, we’ll share some of our favourite canal art trails across the UK as well as the routes where you can see them.
Leicester art trail
The Leicester Canal has seen the commission of a number of street art murals across the River Soar and part of the Grand Union. The art trail has been organised by the local artist organisation Graffwerk and also includes artwork by Gent48 and Mistabreakfast.
The artwork celebrates Leicester’s heritage, with tributes to the Leicester Riders and local wildlife, it starts on Loughborough Road and extends down to the city centre.
The East Midlands/Leicester Ring
The varied route starts at Springwood Haven and explores the East Midlands, passing through four counties, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire over 10-14 days. The route takes you through the famous Foxton locks scrambling down the 75ft hill as well as the Saddington Tunnel which is 805 metres long! The East Midlands ring takes you to the city of Leicester which is the perfect opportunity to explore the art trail.
Coventry art trail
The Coventry Canal features a completely unique five and half mile long outdoor art gallery that runs along the canal. The art trail features 39 works, created by 31 different artists. Notable works include a 11/4 sized bronze statue of James Brindley by James Butler. The city basin mosaic is a tribute to the cities industrial past with depictions of industry past and present and is inset into the pavement between the old coal vaults.
The Warwickshire Ring from Springwood Haven
The Warwickshire ring takes boaters through a range of landscapes from industrial heritage sites, countryside and includes a number of lock flights and tunnels. You’ll have the opportunity to detor into the city of Coventry. On the 10-14 day cruise you’ll also get to experience 120 locks and the bustling city of Birmingham.
Manchester art trail
The Manchester Art trail features a bold and colourful floor mural from artist Vanessa Scott, inspired by the unique character of Manchester’s urban waterways. There are also a number of mini-sculptures that start from Deansgate Railway Viaduct to Lock 87 on Princess Street depicting working horses as a homage to Manchesters’ industrial past.
The Pennine Ring
The Pennine Ring is the perfect opportunity to experience both the tranquil Pennine countryside along with vibrant Manchester City Centre. The epic 21-night journey includes a massive 227 locks and one of the wonders of the waterway, the Standridge Tunnel.
Ready to embark on your next adventure on the waterways? Explore our routes today! Or, contact our team for more information.
