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The Shropshire Union Canal is a picturesque and historically significant waterway stretching over 66 miles from Wolverhampton to Ellesmere Port in northwest England. Completed in the early 19th century, the canal is renowned for its straight, wide sections and impressive engineering, much of it designed by the famous engineer Thomas Telford. It passes through charming market towns like Market Drayton and Nantwich, as well as peaceful countryside dotted with elegant cast-iron bridges and distinctive cuttings. Today, the Shropshire Union Canal is popular with boaters, walkers, and cyclists, offering tranquil scenery, abundant wildlife, and a relaxing journey through both rural and urban landscapes. Its blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty makes it a favourite destination for those exploring Britain’s canal network.

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.

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Canal Pub
#1 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

Shady Oak

Tarporley CW6.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#2 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

Junction Inn

Norbury Junction, Stafford ST20 0PN.

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#3 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

Dysart Arms

Bowe's Gate Rd, Bunbury, Tarporley CW6 9PH.

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#4 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

The Royal Oak

High St, Church Eaton, Stafford ST20 0AJ.

  • Food
  • Real Ale
  • Serves Food
Canal Pub
#5 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

Hartley Arms

56 Long St, Wheaton Aston, Stafford ST19 9NF.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#6 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

The Cheshire Cat

Whitchurch Rd, Christleton, Chester CH3 6AE.

  • Accomodation
  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
Canal Pub
#7 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

Three Stirrups

1 Engleton Ln, Brewood, Stafford ST19 9DZ.

  • Family Friendly
  • Food
  • Real Ale
Canal Pub
#8 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

Bridge Inn

22 High Grn, Brewood, Stafford ST19 9BD.

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#9 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

Shroppie Fly

Audlem Wharf, Shropshire St, Audlem, Crewe CW3 0DX.

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#10 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

Four Alls

York House, Woodseaves, Market Drayton TF9 2AG.

  • Accomodation
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#11 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

Wharf Tavern

Market Drayton, Goldstone, Shropshire TF9 2LP.

  • Accomodation
  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
Canal Pub
#12 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

Ring O Bells

Village Rd, Christleton, Chester CH3 7AS.

  • Family Friendly
  • Food
  • Real Ale
Canal Pub
#13 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

Bridge Inn

Bridge Inn, 12 Shropshire St, Audlem, Crewe CW3 0DX.

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#14 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

The Lock Vaults

Spital Walk, Chester CH3 5DB.

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#15 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

Barbridge Inn

Old Chester Rd, Nantwich CW5 6AY.

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#16 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

Bunbury Arms

Little Stanney Ln, Stoak, Chester CH2 4HW.

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#17 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Shropshire Union Canal

The Navigation Inn

Newport Road, Gnosall, Stafford, ST20 0BN

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food