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Southern England has a rich network of historic waterways that have shaped its landscape, economy, and culture for centuries. This includes the iconic River Thames, a vital commercial artery since Roman times, and the Kennet and Avon Canal, completed in 1810, connecting the Thames at Reading to the Bristol Channel through picturesque countryside and historic towns like Bath. Other significant waterways include the River Medway in Kent, the Hampshire Avon in Salisbury, and the Wey Navigation in Surrey, one of Britain's oldest artificial waterways from 1653.

Britain’s 4,700 miles of canals and rivers are lined with historic pubs, castles, and engineering marvels. Visitors can enjoy canalside pubs like the Admiral Nelson and The Turf Hotel, explore castles such as Beeston and Chirk, and see attractions like the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Anderton Boat Lift, and National Waterways Museums. Day boat hire is widely available, and guided cruises offer relaxing ways to discover the canals’ heritage and scenery.

Canal Pub
#61 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways

The Wheatsheaf

15 Main Rd, Crick

  • Accomodation
  • Food
  • Real Ale
Canal Pub
#62 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways

The New Inn

Top Flight Northampton

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
B&B and Canal Pub
#63 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways

The Anglers Retreat

Startops End, Marsworth

  • Accomodation
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#64 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways

The Pelican

Froxfield, Marlborough SN8 3JY.

  • Accomodation
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#65 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways

Walnut Tree Inn

Near Bridge 49, Blisworth

  • Accomodation
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#66 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways

The Spring Inn

Bath Rd, Sulhamstead, Reading RG7 5HP.

  • Family Friendly
  • Food
  • Serves Food
Canal Pub
#67 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways

The Lock Tavern

35 Chalk Farm Rd, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8AJ.

  • Canalside
  • Food
  • Serves Food
Canal Pub
#68 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways

Perch & Pike

The St, South Stoke, Reading RG8 0JS.

  • Accomodation
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Skippered Boat Trips
#69 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways

Kennet & Avon Trust – Hungerford

Hungerford Wharf, High Street, Town Centre, Hungerford, RG17 0DN

  • Accessible
Canal Pub
#70 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways

Ansty Club

Grove Rd, Ansty, Coventry CV7 9JD.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Skippered Boat Trips
#71 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways

Thames Clippers

Eye (Waterloo) Pier Boarding Point, 3 Queen's Walk, London SE1 7PB.

  • Accessible
Skippered Boat Trips
#74 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways

Ra Boat Trips

Riverside Rd, Hoveton, Wroxham, Norwich NR12 8UR

  • Accessible