Explore the best of Britain’s 250-year-old canal network, featuring awe-inspiring aqueducts, fascinating boat lifts, historic locks, and picturesque waterside villages. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a romantic trip, or a solo escape into heritage and nature, these 11 iconic canal destinations should be on your UK travel bucket list.
1. Standedge Tunnel, West Yorkshire: The Longest Canal Tunnel in Britain
Take a boat trip beneath the Pennines through Standedge Tunnel, the longest, deepest, and highest canal tunnel in the UK. Located near Huddersfield, this engineering marvel dates back to the 18th century.
Where: Standedge Tunnel Visitor Centre, Waters Road, Marsden, HD7 6DH
What to see and do: Boat trips | Nature trail | Café | Sensory garden
Fun Fact: Boats were originally legged through the tunnel—a journey that took over 3 hours when fully loaded.
2. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, North Wales: The ‘Stream in the Sky’
Glide across the world-famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 39-metre high aqueduct spans the Dee Valley and is the tallest and longest navigable aqueduct in Britain.
Where: Trevor Basin Visitor Centre, Queen Street, LL14 3SG
What to see and do: Canal walks | Boat rides | Visitor centre | Local cafes and pubs
Fun Fact: The mortar used to build the aqueduct contained ox blood to help it withstand harsh weather.
3. Anderton Boat Lift, Cheshire: The Cathedral of the Canals
This incredible Victorian structure lifts boats 15 metres between the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal.
Where: Lift Lane, Northwich, CW9 6FW
What to see and do: Boat trips | Visitor centre | Coffee shop | Playground
Note: Scheduled to close for major refurbishment from Autumn 2025.
Fun Fact: One of only two working boat lifts in the UK.
4. Bingley Five Rise Locks, West Yorkshire: The Steepest Staircase Locks
Watch boats climb or descend five interconnected locks on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. A truly spectacular sight for canal lovers and first-time visitors alike.
Where: Beck Lane, Bingley, BD16 4DS
What to see and do: Picnic spots | Walks | Café | Wildlife spotting
Fun Fact: Built in 1774, each lock gate is hand-crafted using centuries-old techniques.
5. Caen Hill Locks, Wiltshire: The Most Visually Impressive Lock Flight
The Caen Hill Flight features 29 locks across two miles on the Kennet & Avon Canal, 16 of which fall in a straight line. A paradise for canal photography and heritage enthusiasts.
Where: The Admiral, The Locks, Devizes, SN10 1QR
What to see and do: Woodland walks | Wildlife ponds | Café | Pub
Fun Fact: The locks rise 72 metres in total—like climbing a 24-storey building by boat.
6. Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire: A Historic Canal Village
Step back in time at Stoke Bruerne, home to the free Canal Museum and the entrance to the Blisworth Tunnel.
Where: Towcester, NN12 7SE
What to see and do: Boat trips | Sculpture trail | Nature reserve | Canalside pubs
Fun Fact: Blisworth Tunnel is the UK’s third longest navigable canal tunnel.
7. National Waterways Museum, Gloucester Docks
Located in a historic grain warehouse, this museum brings the working life of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal to life with interactive exhibits and boat trips.
Where: Gloucester Docks, GL1 2EH
Admission: Adults £10 | Children £6 | Under 5s Free
What to see and do: Café | Wildlife trail | Free wellbeing activities
Fun Fact: The museum occupies the renovated Llanthony Warehouse, a stunning example of canal-era industrial architecture.
8. National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port
Explore 19 historic buildings and the UK’s largest collection of canal boats at this immersive museum.
Where: South Pier Road, CH65 4FW
What to see and do: Dock cottages | Blacksmith’s forge | Historic boats
Fun Fact: Porters Row cottages were built in 1833 for dock workers and still stand today.
9. Tring Reservoirs, Hertfordshire: Wildlife & Waterways
Built to feed the Grand Union Canal, these reservoirs are now a haven for birdlife and a designated SSSI.
Where: Marsworth, HP23 4LL
What to see and do: Bird hides | Walking trails | Lock views
Fun Fact: During peak boating season, 4 million gallons of water a day top up the canal here.
10. Little Venice, London: Tranquility in the Capital
Just minutes from Paddington Station, Little Venice offers peaceful waterside walks, boat cafes, and access to Camden Market and London Zoo via canal boat.
Where: Blomfield Road, W9 2PF
What to see and do: Boat taxis | Picnic spots | Public art | Cafés
Fun Fact: Paddington Bear’s creator, Michael Bond, lived nearby and the area featured in Paddington 2.
11. Diglis Fish Pass, Worcester: Underwater Wildlife Watching
Visit the 100m-long fish pass and its underwater viewing gallery at Diglis Island, where over 25 fish species have been spotted.
Where: Worcester, WR2 4FF
What to see and do: Tours & drop-ins | Canal views | Wildlife experiences
Fun Fact: Spring is the best time to visit, when fish migrate upstream.
Plan Your Canal Adventure
These sites offer something for everyone. History, wildlife, engineering wonders, and tranquil escapes. Whether you’re near London, the Midlands, or the Welsh border, a canal adventure is never far away