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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.

Canal Pub
#1 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

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 UK Waterways

The Two Boats Inn

Long Itchington

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#3 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

Old Town Hall Vaults

1 St Mary's St, Whitchurch SY13 1QU.

  • Family Friendly
  • Food
  • Real Ale
Canal Pub
#4 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

The Old Coffee Mill

Lock Lane, Castleford

  • Canalside
  • Food
  • Serves Food
Canal Pub
#5 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

Black Star

The Black Star, 1 Mitton St, Stourport-on-Severn DY13 8YP.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub and Museums
#7 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

Millers House Cafe

Three Mill Ln, London E3 3DU, United Kingdom

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#8 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

The Navigation Inn

Maesbury Marsh, Oswestry, SY10 8JB

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#9 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

Salts Sports Association

Saltaire, Shipley, Bingley, Shipley BD18 3LA.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#10 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

Barton Turn

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

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#11 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

Shady Oak

Tarporley CW6.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#12 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

Castle Bistro & Tearooms

6, Courtyard Terrace, Church St, Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5EZ.

  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#13 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

The Swan

Wrenbury Rd, Whitchurch Rd, Marbury, Nantwich SY13 4LS.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Cafe and Canal Pub
#14 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

The Ducks Ditty

Canal, The wharf, Canal Hill, Tiverton EX16 4HX.

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#15 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

Ye Olde Kings Head

Byrons Ln, Macclesfield SK11 0HD.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#16 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

Old Crown Inn

Back Ln, Shardlow, Derby DE72 2HL.

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#17 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

Spread Eagle

Romiley.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#18 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

The Millrace

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

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#19 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

Junction Inn

Norbury Junction, Stafford ST20 0PN.

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#20 Rated Canal Pub on the UK Waterways

Star

Market Pl, Penkridge, Stafford ST19 5DJ.

  • Food
  • Real Ale
  • Takeout Available