B&B and Canal Pub
The Anglers Retreat
Startops End, Marsworth
B&B and Canal Pub
#1 Rated B&B on the Grand Union Canal
B&B on the Grand Union Canal
The Grand Union Canal is the longest canal in England, stretching for 137 miles from London to Birmingham. Completed in the early 19th century, it was designed as a vital artery for industrial transport, linking the capital with the Midlands and facilitating the movement of coal, building materials, and manufactured goods. The canal is renowned for its impressive engineering, including aqueducts, tunnels, and flights of locks such as those at Hatton and Stoke Bruerne. Today, the Grand Union Canal is a popular route for pleasure boating, walking, and cycling, and forms an important part of the nation’s canal heritage.
Canal and riverside Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) offer a welcoming and picturesque stay close to the water, ideal for travellers seeking comfort and charm. Often set in converted canal cottages, lockkeeper’s houses, or historic inns, these B&Bs provide cosy rooms, home-cooked breakfasts, and friendly hosts who share local knowledge. Guests can enjoy tranquil views of narrowboats gliding by, the sounds of wildlife, and easy access to towpath walks, cycling routes, and nearby waterside pubs. Popular locations for canal-side B&Bs include the Kennet & Avon Canal, Oxford Canal, and the Llangollen Canal, each offering a blend of rural peace and proximity to local attractions. With their personal touch and scenic settings, canal and riverside B&Bs create a restful base for exploring Britain’s waterways.
Grand Union Canal's Best B&B in 2026