moorings10

North West England and North Wales feature a vast network of historic canals and rivers shaped by the Industrial Revolution. Key waterways include the Bridgewater and Leeds & Liverpool Canals, plus major rivers like the Mersey and Dee. The region’s canals once powered industry and trade, but today are popular for walking, cycling, and boating, preserving Britain’s 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.

Accommodation and Canal Pub
#61 Rated Eating and Drinking on the North West England & North Wales Canals

The Queens Head Hotel

Park Ln, Congleton CW12 3DE

  • Accomodation
  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
Accommodation and Canal Pub
#62 Rated Eating and Drinking on the North West England & North Wales Canals

Hand Hotel

Church St, Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5EY.

  • Accomodation
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Accommodation and Canal Pub
#63 Rated Eating and Drinking on the North West England & North Wales Canals

Bridge End Hotel

1927 Mill St, Llangollen LL20 8RY.

  • Accomodation
  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#64 Rated Eating and Drinking on the North West England & North Wales Canals

Navigation

120 Horninglow Rd, Burton upon Trent, Burton-on-Trent DE14 2PT.

  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#65 Rated Eating and Drinking on the North West England & North Wales Canals

Bunbury Arms

Little Stanney Ln, Stoak, Chester CH2 4HW.

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#66 Rated Eating and Drinking on the North West England & North Wales Canals

New Inn

The New Inn, 61 The Wharf, Shardlow, Derby DE72 2HG.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#67 Rated Eating and Drinking on the North West England & North Wales Canals

Bryn Howel Hotel

Bryn Howel Hotel & Restaurant, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7UW.

  • Accomodation
  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#68 Rated Eating and Drinking on the North West England & North Wales Canals

The Grange Inn

Casey Ln, Burton upon Trent, Burton-on-Trent DE14 2JQ.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Accommodation and Canal Pub
#69 Rated Eating and Drinking on the North West England & North Wales Canals

Lion Quays

Weston Rhyn, Gobowen, Oswestry SY11 3EN.

  • Accomodation
  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#70 Rated Eating and Drinking on the North West England & North Wales Canals

The Rising Sun Country Pub and Restaurant

Station Rd, Scholar Green, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 3JT.

  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#71 Rated Eating and Drinking on the North West England & North Wales Canals

Black Lion Hotel

Scotland St, Ellesmere SY12 0EG.

  • Accomodation
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#72 Rated Eating and Drinking on the North West England & North Wales Canals

Dahi Divan

Kings Bromley Rd, Alrewas, Burton-on-Trent DE13 7DB.

  • Food
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
Canal Pub
#73 Rated Eating and Drinking on the North West England & North Wales Canals

Saracens Head Weston

Stafford Rd, Weston, Stafford ST18 0HT.

  • Accomodation
  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
Canal Pub
#74 Rated Eating and Drinking on the North West England & North Wales Canals

The Navigation Inn

Newport Road, Gnosall, Stafford, ST20 0BN

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#75 Rated Eating and Drinking on the North West England & North Wales Canals

Church House Inn

Church St, Bollington, Macclesfield SK10 5PY.

  • Accomodation
  • Family Friendly
  • Food