Canal Pub
The Two Boats Inn
Long Itchington
Canal Pub
#1 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Attractions on the Southern England Waterways
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.
Southern England Waterways's Best Attractions in 2026
Canal Pub and Museums
#2 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Skippered Boat Trips
#3 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Skippered Boat Trips
#4 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Skippered Boat Trips
#5 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Day Boat Hire
#6 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Day Boat Hire
#7 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Day Boat Hire
CanalAbility
Lock View, Burntmill Ln, Harlow CM20 2QS.
Day Boat Hire and Skippered Boat Trips
#8 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Skippered Boat Trips
#9 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Skippered Boat Trips
#10 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Skippered Boat Trips
#11 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Skippered Boat Trips
Waterways Experiences
Nash Mills Recreation Centre, Red Lion Ln, Hemel Hempstead HP3 9TE
Skippered Boat Trips
#12 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Skippered Boat Trips
#13 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Skippered Boat Trips
#14 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Skippered Boat Trips
JGF Passsenger Boats
Cowey Sale, Walton Bridge, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 1AR
Skippered Boat Trips
#15 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Skippered Boat Trips
London Eye River Cruise
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
Cafe, Day Boat Hire, Restaurant Boats and Skippered Boat Trips
#16 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Cafe, Day Boat Hire, Restaurant Boats and Skippered Boat Trips
Chichester Canal Centre
Canal Wharf, Basin Rd, Chichester PO19 8DT.
Restaurant Boats and Skippered Boat Trips
#17 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Restaurant Boats and Skippered Boat Trips
BMK Waterway Trust Electra
Campbell Wharf, Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 4BG
Skippered Boat Trips
#18 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Skippered Boat Trips
Kennet & Avon Trust – Bradford on Avon
Beside The Canal Trust Café, Bradford Wharf, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LE.
Skippered Boat Trips
#19 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
Skippered Boat Trips
The Baldwin Trust – Halseyon Days
Leicester Marina, Pinfold Road, Thurmaston, Leicester, LE4 8AS
Skippered Boat Trips
#20 Rated Attraction on the Southern England Waterways
