01/07/2026
Best canalside pubs
There are hundreds of historic pubs alongside canals and rivers in England and Wales, offering the perfect spot to moor up, relax and enjoy some great food and drink.
Here are some of the best canalside pubs to visit on a canal boat holiday:
1. The Barge Inn at Seend
This beautiful pub on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire has a large waterside beer garden offers classic pub favourites, including great Sunday roasts. You can easily reach the Barge Inn from our bases at Bath, Monkton Combe and Bradford on Avon.
2. The Bay Horse at Snaygill
On the Leeds & Liverpool Canal near Keigthley, this popular country pub dates back to 1822. The Bay Horse is a Vintage Inn serving country pub classics and cask ales. From Silsden, it takes just under 3 hours to reach The Bay Horse.
3. The Bridge Inn at Chirk Bank
Also known as 'The Trap', this traditional pub on the Llangollen Canal in the village of Chirk Bank offers visitors fantastic views of Chirk Aqueduct. You can reach the Bridge Inn on a short break from Trevor or Whixall.
4. The Fleur De Lys at Lowsonford
This pretty 17th century country pub in the Warwickshire village of Lowsonford has a beer garden on the banks of the Stratford Canal and is famous for its pies. The Fleur De Lys is just over 3 hours from Wootton Wawen.
5. The Plume of Feathers at Barlaston
This popular pub on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire has a great a menu of homemade dishes made from fresh local ingredients. It takes just over 7 hours to reach the Plume of Feathers from our Great Haywood base.
6. The Olde Barbridge Inn near Nantwich
This historic pub on the Shropshire Union Canal sells local ales brewed at its own local brewery and serves classic British food made with local produce. The Olde Barbridge Inn is an hour’s cruise from Bunbury.
7. The Shroppie Fly at Audlem
One of the best known pubs on the nextwork, this historic inn is on the Shropshire Union Canal at Audlem. You can reach it on a short break from Bunbury.