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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.

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.

Canal Pub
#21 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Southern England Waterways

The Three Horseshoes

Winkwell

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#22 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Southern England Waterways

Tom o’the Wood

Lock 63, Rowington

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#23 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Southern England Waterways

The Sun Inn

1 Wharf St, Godalming GU7 1NN.

  • Accomodation
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#24 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Southern England Waterways

The Boat Inn

Bridge Rd, Stoke Bruerne, Towcester NN12 7SB

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#25 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Southern England Waterways

The Waterside – Pub & Carvery

Crick Rd, Rugby CV21 4PW

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#26 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Southern England Waterways

The Wheatsheaf

15 Main Rd, Crick

  • Accomodation
  • Food
  • Real Ale
Canal Pub
#27 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Southern England Waterways

The New Inn

Top Flight Northampton

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
B&B and Canal Pub
#28 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Southern England Waterways

The Anglers Retreat

Startops End, Marsworth

  • Accomodation
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#29 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Southern England Waterways

The Pelican

Froxfield, Marlborough SN8 3JY.

  • Accomodation
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#30 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Southern England Waterways

Walnut Tree Inn

Near Bridge 49, Blisworth

  • Accomodation
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#31 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Southern England Waterways

The Spring Inn

Bath Rd, Sulhamstead, Reading RG7 5HP.

  • Family Friendly
  • Food
  • Serves Food
Canal Pub
#32 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Southern England Waterways

Perch & Pike

The St, South Stoke, Reading RG8 0JS.

  • Accomodation
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#33 Rated Eating and Drinking on the Southern England Waterways

Ansty Club

Grove Rd, Ansty, Coventry CV7 9JD.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly