Museums, Park and Skippered Boat Trips
Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park
Furnace Lane, Moira, Swadlincote DE12 6AT.
Museums, Park and Skippered Boat Trips
#1 Rated Visitor Attractions on the Ashby Canal
Visitor Attractions on the Ashby Canal
The Ashby Canal is a peaceful rural canal in the Midlands of England that runs for about 22 miles between Marston Junction and the town of Moira. It was originally opened in 1804 to transport coal, lime, and other goods from local mines to nearby towns during the Industrial Revolution. Unlike many canals, the Ashby Canal has no locks, making it easy for boats to travel along its length. Today it is mainly used for leisure activities such as narrowboating, fishing, cycling, and walking along the towpath. The canal passes through quiet countryside and small villages, making it popular with tourists and local visitors who enjoy its wildlife and historic surroundings.
Canal and riverside visitor attractions in the UK offer a rich mix of history, engineering, and natural beauty, drawing visitors of all ages. Highlights include the iconic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that carries boats high above the Dee Valley, and the impressive Falkirk Wheel in Scotland, a rotating boat lift connecting the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals. Many waterways are home to interactive museums, such as the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port and the Canal Museum in Stoke Bruerne, where visitors can learn about the lives of boatmen and the evolution of Britain’s canal network. Scenic boat trips, heritage railways running alongside rivers, wildlife reserves, and family-friendly towpath trails add to the appeal, making canal and riverside attractions ideal for day trips and holidays alike. Whether exploring historic locks, marvelling at engineering feats, or simply enjoying waterside walks and picnics, these attractions showcase the unique charm and cultural heritage of Britain’s inland waterways.
Ashby Canal's Best Visitor Attractions in 2026