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The Trent & Mersey Canal and Caldon Canal are two interconnected waterways that showcase the industrial heritage and scenic beauty of central England. The Trent & Mersey Canal, completed in 1777, stretches 93 miles from the River Trent at Derwent Mouth to the River Mersey at Preston Brook, playing a crucial role in the transport of pottery, salt, and coal during the Industrial Revolution. Branching off at Etruria in Stoke-on-Trent, the Caldon Canal winds for 18 miles through the picturesque Churnet Valley, offering a tranquil route past wooded hills, historic mills, and charming villages. Together, these canals provide boaters, walkers, and cyclists with a fascinating mix of engineering landmarks, such as the Harecastle Tunnel and staircase locks, as well as peaceful countryside, making them popular routes for leisure and exploration.

Canal and riverside pubs in the UK are a long-standing tradition, once serving as vital stops for boatmen during the Industrial Revolution. Today, these historic pubs blend heritage charm with modern comfort, offering traditional fare, local ales, and scenic views beside moored narrowboats and canal wildlife. Many have names reflecting their past—“The Navigation,” “The Lock,” or “The Anchor”—and feature exposed beams, open fireplaces, beer gardens by the water, and moorings for boaters. Favorites include The Fisherman’s Return on the Norfolk Broads, The Waterside Inn on the Kennet & Avon Canal, and many along the Grand Union, Oxford, and Leeds & Liverpool Canals. These pubs welcome boaters, walkers, cyclists, families, and locals seeking a tranquil atmosphere. Many host events like quiz nights, live music, beer festivals, and barbecues, with menus featuring pub classics—fish and chips, Sunday roasts, and seasonal specials with regional ales. Whether you want a dog-friendly stop, romantic dining, or a peaceful pint by the water, Britain’s canal and riverside pubs deliver an authentic taste of waterway culture, where history, hospitality, and natural beauty meet.

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Canal Pub
#1 Rated Canal Pub on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

The Bridge Inn

Tatenhill Ln, Branston, Burton upon Trent, Burton-on-Trent DE14 3EZ.

  • Canalside
  • Food
  • Takeout Available
Canal Pub
#2 Rated Canal Pub on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Barton Turn

Barton Turn, Burton-on-Trent DE13 8EF.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#3 Rated Canal Pub on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Old Crown Inn

Back Ln, Shardlow, Derby DE72 2HL.

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#4 Rated Canal Pub on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

The Millrace

21 Maunders Rd, Milton, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 7DU.

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#5 Rated Canal Pub on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Green Man

1 Canal Bridge, Willington, Derby DE65 6BQ.

  • Family Friendly
  • Food
  • Real Ale
Canal Pub
#6 Rated Canal Pub on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Rising Sun

1 The Grn, Willington, Derby DE65 6BP.

  • Family Friendly
  • Food
  • Real Ale
Canal Pub
#7 Rated Canal Pub on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

The Crown Inn

7 Post Office Rd, Alrewas, Burton-on-Trent DE13 7BS.

  • Family Friendly
  • Food
  • Real Ale
Canal Pub
#8 Rated Canal Pub on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

The Bank Coffeehouse

57 Main St, Alrewas, Burton-on-Trent DE13 7AE.

  • Family Friendly
  • Food
  • Takeout Available
Canal Pub
#9 Rated Canal Pub on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Bubble Inn

Stenson, Derby DE73 7HL.

  • Canalside
  • Food
  • Real Ale
Canal Pub
#10 Rated Canal Pub on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Malt Shovel

49 The Wharf, Shardlow, Derby DE72 2HG.

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#11 Rated Canal Pub on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Clock Warehouse

Shardlow, Derby DE72 2GL.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#12 Rated Canal Pub on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Navigation

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

  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#13 Rated Canal Pub on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

New Inn

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

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#14 Rated Canal Pub on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

The Grange Inn

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

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#15 Rated Canal Pub on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Dahi Divan

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

  • Food
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
Canal Pub
#16 Rated Canal Pub on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Saracens Head Weston

Stafford Rd, Weston, Stafford ST18 0HT.

  • Accomodation
  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly