The Grand Union canal (Leicester section) boasts some truly undiscovered landscapes. Known as one of England’s least busy waterways, this canal is ideal if tranquility and beauty are important to your holiday or short break.
We are based at North Kilworth , a marina which is situated midway through the 20 mile lock-free section of the Leicester Line. From here, you can travel northwards, exploring a tunnel at Husbands Bosworth and on to the notorious Foxton Locks, with it’s canalside pubs and restaurants.
Cruising in to Market Harborough will take you into the Harborough Basin and a lovely waterside Gin bar. The stretch of the Grand Union, from Market Harborough to Kilby Bridge, is a designated Conservation Area, and here you will find an abundance of wildlife and photograph opportunities.
If your narrowboat booking is for more than four days, you may also choose to venture into the city of Leicester, via the locks at Kibworth, mooring up at Castle Gardens for a spot of shopping or a look round the city’s heritage sites. Leicester sees the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal come together and flow over two weirs as one canalised river. It’s quite an experience!
On another trip, you may prefer a more rural cruise down the Welford Arm for a spot of lunch in the Wharf Inn. Continuing on south, you will find a stunning route through countryside in the heart of England. This is a very romantic section, with secluded moorings and peaceful lunch spots.
If the annual Crick Boat Show appeals, the North Kilworth Marina base would be perfect for you, too, just 11 miles away. Cruising on, you will find the beautiful Watford Locks with its stunning views of the surrounding countryside and even further south, Norton Junction signals the start of the Grand Union Main Line as it meanders onto Northampton.
With our narrowboat bookings, you can design your own route or choose one of our itineraries. From the minute you complete your handover to the minute you return the keys… our canalboat is yours to cruise as you please. Enjoy!
Further ways to plan your canal journey:
www.canalplan.org.uk – great way to plan a narrowboat holiday with an interactive map of all the canal routes in the area.
www.boutiquenarrowboats.co.uk/routes – get some inspiration for your canal journey with our suggested itineraries.
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