Canal Pub
The Waterfront Inn
West Stockwith
Canal Pub
#1 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Chesterfield Canal
Eating and Drinking on the Chesterfield Canal
The Chesterfield Canal is a historic and scenic waterway running for 46 miles from West Stockwith on the River Trent to the market town of Chesterfield in Derbyshire. Opened in 1777, the canal played a vital role in transporting coal, iron, and agricultural goods during the Industrial Revolution. Today, much of the canal has been lovingly restored, with tranquil stretches popular for boating, walking, and cycling. The route is known for its picturesque locks, charming villages, and notable features like the Norwood Tunnel, once the longest canal tunnel in Britain. With ongoing restoration work aiming to reconnect remaining sections, the Chesterfield Canal offers a peaceful escape and a glimpse into the region’s rich industrial heritage.
Eating and drinking by UK canals is a classic British pleasure, blending scenic views with great food. Towpaths along 2,000 miles of waterways are lined with historic pubs—many once serving boatmen—offering hearty meals, Sunday roasts, and local ales, with moorings for narrowboats. The waterways now also feature independent cafés, tea rooms, and restaurants in converted warehouses, especially in areas like London’s Grand Union Canal and the Kennet & Avon Canal. Popular venues such as The Rowbarge at Woolhampton and The Dundas Arms at Kintbury attract visitors with outdoor terraces, seasonal menus, and regular events. Whether stopping during a towpath walk or arriving by boat, canalside eateries provide a peaceful setting to enjoy local flavors, wildlife, and Britain’s waterway heritage.
Chesterfield Canal's Best Eating and Drinking in 2026
Cafe and Visitor Centres
#2 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Chesterfield Canal
