Cool canals Guides & Waterways Directory

Canalside Pubs

Great days out along Britain’s canals are all about taking time for long lazy lunches on the waterside, enjoying locally brewed ales and ciders, and soaking up the slow charms of some very special canalside pubs.

The Lock, the Navigation, the Boat - their names are living history and usually behind the door lies a warm welcome, and a good pint!

Dotted along almost every canal mile, pubs played a huge part in the life of the traditional working boaters of the 17th & 18th centuries, giving them a vital social place for gathering and safe stabling for their horses (some of which is still in evidence today) behind the pub.

It's not all just pretty rural pubs though - the regeneration of canals in cities has created hubs vibrant with designer cocktail bars rubbing shoulders with real ale pubs.

Arrive by boat, boot, bike, train, car or bus ... In winter, snuggle up and forget the world sitting around cozy open fires inside characterful canal pubs... and in summer, stretch out in the great waterways outdoors, lolling in waterside beer gardens watching narrowboats drift by.

Go gongoozling!!