moorings10

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
#1 Rated Eating and Drinking on the UK Waterways

The Two Boats Inn

Long Itchington

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#2 Rated Eating and Drinking on the UK Waterways

The Bridge Inn

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

  • Canalside
  • Food
  • Takeout Available
Canal Pub
#3 Rated Eating and Drinking 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 Eating and Drinking on the UK Waterways

The Old Coffee Mill

Lock Lane, Castleford

  • Canalside
  • Food
  • Serves Food
Canal Pub
#5 Rated Eating and Drinking 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
#6 Rated Eating and Drinking on the UK Waterways

Millers House Cafe

Three Mill Ln, London E3 3DU, United Kingdom

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#7 Rated Eating and Drinking on the UK Waterways

The Navigation Inn

Maesbury Marsh, Oswestry, SY10 8JB

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#8 Rated Eating and Drinking on the UK Waterways

Salts Sports Association

Saltaire, Shipley, Bingley, Shipley BD18 3LA.

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

Barton Turn

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

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

Shady Oak

Tarporley CW6.

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

Castle Bistro & Tearooms

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

  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#12 Rated Eating and Drinking on the UK Waterways

The Swan

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

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Cafe and Canal Pub
#13 Rated Eating and Drinking on the UK Waterways

The Ducks Ditty

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

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#14 Rated Eating and Drinking on the UK Waterways

Ye Olde Kings Head

Byrons Ln, Macclesfield SK11 0HD.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#15 Rated Eating and Drinking on the UK Waterways

Old Crown Inn

Back Ln, Shardlow, Derby DE72 2HL.

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#16 Rated Eating and Drinking on the UK Waterways

Spread Eagle

Romiley.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#17 Rated Eating and Drinking on the UK Waterways

The Millrace

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

  • Canalside
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
Canal Pub
#18 Rated Eating and Drinking on the UK Waterways

Junction Inn

Norbury Junction, Stafford ST20 0PN.

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

Windmill Inn

Holehouse Ln, Whiteley Green, Macclesfield SK10 5SJ.

  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
Canal Pub
#20 Rated Eating and Drinking on the UK Waterways

Star

Market Pl, Penkridge, Stafford ST19 5DJ.

  • Food
  • Real Ale
  • Takeout Available