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Top 10 Canal-side Pubs To Visit In The UK (2025 Edition)
Top 10 Canal-side Pubs To Visit In The UK (2025 Edition)
Picture this. You’re sitting back, closing your eyes and listening to the gentle drift of narrowboats, the rustle of leaves in the trees, and the clink of glasses in a sunny beer garden. There’s nothing quite like a quiet drink by the water.
Historically, canal-side pubs were vital to those travelling through the canals, offering lodgings for boatmen, their family and horses1. Nowadays, they’re beloved establishments – providing both walkers and those exploring the canals with food, drink and a great atmosphere on the waterside.
In this blog, we revisit some of our old favourites and reveal a few new discoveries. All are highly rated, full of character and well worth a visit. From historic riverside inns to tucked-away countryside spots, here are ten of the best canal-side pubs in the UK to moor up or wind down.
Our old favourites
The Paper Mill – Apsley, Hertfordshire
Situated on the Grand Union Canal, this attractive family-friendly pub near Apsley Marina boasts a large terrace, log fires and a relaxed atmosphere2. Fancy something different? This pub does unique takes on traditional favourites, including monkfish scampi and hot honey prawn kebabs.
The Trout Inn – Lechlade, Gloucestershire
Known for its live music, traditional pub food and mooring nearby, this Grade II listed pub sits near St John’s Lock on the River Thames. While it’s not strictly canal-side, this pub boasts a beautiful beer garden which slopes down to the Thames, so it had to make the list!
Blue Bell Cider House – Solihull, West Midlands
Set on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, this 17th-century pub has served UK boaters is loved for its wide cider selection, Sunday carveries and regular events. A great one for those of us who love a quiz night3.
The Cutty Sark – Greenwich, London
Overlooking the Thames at Ballast Quay, this Young’s pub serves ‘the best seafood in Greenwich’ and premium British classics in a chilled setting4.
The Cornmill – Llangollen, North Wales
A converted mill on the River Dee with a working water wheel and riverside decking. This is a popular choice for visitors to the Llangollen Fringe Festival or the International Eisteddfod.
Our new contenders
The Swan – Ash Vale, Surrey
Tucked beside the Basingstoke Canal and surrounded by natural beauty spots, this pub has a pretty beer garden, seasonal menus and welcomes dogs with open arms. They even have a heated outdoor seating area so you can continue enjoy the great outdoors in chillier weather5.
The Ship – Wandsworth
Founded as ‘The Waterman’s Inn’ in 1786, this pub has been serving travellers for centuries. Boasting ‘beers and sunsets on tap’6 this pub is ideal for travellers looking to enjoy the waterside and create memories in a vibrant setting.
The Waterwitch – Odiham, Hampshire
This Grade II listed pub sits right on the Basingstoke Canal and offers traditional food and a spacious garden. Its cosy interior and location near Odiham Castle make it a favourite with locals and visitors alike.
Stubbing Wharf, Hebden Bridge
Located just outside of Hebden Bridge you will find this cosy pub, serving the freshest ingredients and real ale7. If you’re lucky, you might find a seat in their small outdoor seating area, almost within reaching distance of the tranquil water.
The Navigation Inn – Maesbury Marsh, Shropshire
Fancy real fires and exposed wooden beams? This 18th-century pub on the Montgomery Canal, is known for its rustic setting, homemade food and real ales. It’s a hidden gem with a loyal local following and a warm, welcoming feel8.
Planning a trip along the UK’s canals?
Whether you’re cruising in a narrowboat or just enjoying life by the water, it’s worth making sure you’re properly covered. Towergate’s boat and leisure craft insurance offers flexible protection for a wide range of vessels, so you can relax and enjoy the journey.
Consistent with our policy when giving comments and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems, we recommend that professional advice be sought.
Sources:
1: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/canal-history/canal-heritage-and-architecture/canal-pubs
2: https://www.papermillapsley.co.uk/
3: https://camra.org.uk/pubs/blue-bell-cider-house-warings-green-147127
4: Cutty Sark | Young's Pub near the River Thames, Greenwich
5: https://www.chefandbrewer.com/pubs/surrey/swan
6: The Ship | Wandsworth | Young's Pub
7: Stubbing Wharf | Heart of Hebden Bridge
8: Homepage - The Navigation Inn
About the author
Adam Summersby is a respected leader with 11 years’ varied experience in niche personal and commercial lines insurance, including caravan, site operators and excess reimbursement, with proficiency in leadership, sales and account management.
Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.
Date: July 22, 2025
Category: Boat
