Long holidays
Looking to travel for a week plus more? We've listed some of our favourite recommendations below.
Please remember to check your route before departure for any bridge closures or works that may affect your journey.
Braunstone
72 miles / 4 locks / 5 hours each day / 7 day return
This routes makes for the perfect week-long journey covering 72 miles with just four easy locks in each direction. Cruise through the broad, open stretches of canal near Braunston, soaking up scenic views and countryside charm. Along the way, the Ashby Canal and North Oxford Canal offer a variety of excellent canal-side pubs serving superb food—The Greyhound at Hawkesbury Junction being a standout favourite. For a cultural detour, take a 5-mile diversion into Coventry Basin to visit the impressive Coventry Cathedral and explore the city’s vibrant history. Continue through the historic market town of Rugby, with its famous public school at the heart of the town, before heading toward the elegant church spires of Braunston. With minimal locks and manageable cruising times, this route promises a calm, scenic escape—perfect for those looking to unwind and explore at a gentle pace.
Great Haywood or Burton
100 miles / 18 locks / 7 hours each day / 7 day return
This relaxed yet rewarding route covers 100 miles and just 18 locks each way, with around 7 hours of cruising per day—ideal for those wanting to explore at an easy pace. The journey features several interesting canal junctions, each offering a glimpse into the rich history of the waterways. As you cruise, you’ll pass through picturesque countryside near Cannock Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, perfect for peaceful moorings and scenic walks. At the charming Fradley Junction, you may choose to turn right and follow in the footsteps of canal pioneer James Brindley, cruising along the historic Trent & Mersey Canal. With its blend of serene stretches, traditional locks, and inviting waterside pubs, this route is a favourite among those seeking a varied and memorable canal holiday.
Banbury
120 miles / 26 locks / 8 hours each day / 7 day return
This peaceful and scenic route covers 120 miles and 26 locks each way, with around 8 hours of cruising per day, making it a perfect choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquillity of rural England. The route begins with a gentle descent through the locks towards Napton Basin, where the distant windmill watches over the landscape. From here, the Southern Oxford Canal winds gracefully through mile upon mile of unspoiled countryside, offering a slow, meandering journey ideal for relaxation and reflection. After ascending the hill at Napton, the canal leads to Fenny Compton, a quiet stretch that rewards boaters with breathtaking views of the Warwickshire countryside. Continuing south, you’ll cruise right into the heart of Banbury, a charming market town with a welcoming atmosphere, historic architecture, and a range of pubs and shops to explore.
Stoke Bruerne
100 miles / 17 locks / 7 hours each day / 7 day return
Meander South past Hawkesbury, Brinklow and Rugby and join the mighty Grand Union Canal with its wide locks and twisting tunnel at Braunston. Continue outward through Long Buckby to the almost 2 mile tunnel at Blisworth where you escape underground for 30 minutes (but not to worry, you can pass in the tunnels as they are 16 feet wide). Finally immerse yourself in waterways history at the enjoyable Stoke Bruerne Museum.
The Warwickshire Ring
125 miles / 100 locks / 9.5 hours each day / 14 day return
This energetic and rewarding circular route spans 125 miles and involves around 100 locks, averaging 9½ hours of cruising per day. It’s a popular choice among experienced hirers, offering a perfect balance of rural beauty, lively canal heritage, and city exploration. Your journey begins with the iconic Atherstone Flight, a series of locks that lead you into the heart of England’s canal network. Along the way, you’ll travel through rolling countryside, pass through bustling market towns, and experience glimpses of the canal’s rich industrial past. To the south of the ring, you’ll find the historic castle town of Warwick, full of medieval charm, and Royal Leamington Spa, known for its elegant Victorian architecture and boutique shopping. Heading north, the canal leads into the vibrant city of Birmingham, where award-winning regeneration projects and the lively Gas Street Basin create a striking contrast to the rural peace that follows.
Leicestershire ring
173 miles / 101 locks / 6 hours each day / 14 day return
Given two weeks, a whole variety of circular out and return trips become possible. The Leicestershire Ring which encompasses the River Soar, Trent & Mersey and Coventry offers a particularly attractive mix of river and canal cruising. The varied route with 5 tunnels and several aqueducts even allows time for a couple of brief detours along stretches of other waterways. Two week return trips could also include destinations as far as Oxford, Nottingham, Stratford-Upon-Avon or the splendid Caldon Canal.
