Accommodation and Canal Pub
The Queens Head Hotel
Park Ln, Congleton CW12 3DE
Accommodation and Canal Pub
#1 Rated Accommodation on the Macclesfield Canal
Accommodation on the Macclesfield Canal
Completed in 1831, the Macclesfield Canal was one of Britain’s last canals, built just as railways were emerging. After decades of proposals since 1765, it was finally approved in the 1820s, with Thomas Telford endorsing the route in 1824. The 26.1-mile canal runs from Marple Junction to Hall Green, passing through Macclesfield and Congleton. Built mostly straight using Telford’s “cut and fill” method, it was constructed by William Crosley for £320,000. The canal’s twelve locks are all at Bosley, raising the waterway by 118 feet. Sold to a railway company in 1846, the canal continued commercial traffic until 1954 and is home to Britain’s oldest canal cruising club, founded in 1943. Today, the Macclesfield Canal is an important part of the Cheshire Ring, offering a peaceful journey through scenic countryside and villages.
Canal and riverside accommodation in the UK offers a scenic and relaxing way to enjoy the waterways, with choices from waterside cottages and converted lockhouses to boutique hotels and B&Bs along riverbanks. For a closer experience, narrowboat and houseboat rentals let guests stay right on the water. Many lodgings have private moorings, terraces, or gardens, and popular spots include the Grand Union Canal, Kennet & Avon Canal, and the Norfolk Broads. Whether for a romantic break or a family trip, these stays provide a peaceful escape into Britain’s waterways.
Macclesfield Canal's Best Accommodation in 2026