NAPTONNARROWBOATS
Braunston
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Napton Marina · 10–14 nights

Leicester Ring

Circle through Crick, Foxton and Leicester, follow the Soar and Trent, then return through Fradley, the Coventry Canal and Rugby. Extra days give more time ashore.

Find a holidayFollow the journey
Fuel included

Your narrowboat holiday

Your trip at a glance

Start from
NaptonGrand Union, Soar & Trent
Time aboard
10–14 nightsVaried ring

Times and figures are planning estimates from our route guides. Cruising stages are flexible, not fixed daily destinations. Confirm your itinerary with us.

Make time for the good bits

A few highlights along the way

A quick look at places to explore and food stops across the whole trip. Tap a card to open the details.

Places to visitFoxton Locks · Leicester · ShardlowExplore these stops
  • Foxton Locks

    Two staircase groups; book in with the lock keeper and check the current operating schedule.

    Map & reviews

  • Leicester

    A place to enjoy along this holiday route.

    Map & reviews

  • Shardlow

    A place to enjoy along this holiday route.

    Map & reviews

Google scores are published snapshots checked on 11 October 2026, not live ratings. Scores are shown only where verified; follow the source or open Maps for the latest reviews. Check opening times and walking access before setting off.

Pubs & restaurantsFoxton Locks Inn · Bridge 61 Pub · Admiral NelsonExplore these stops
  • Foxton Locks Inn

    Waterside food stop beside Foxton locks.

    Map & reviews

  • Bridge 61 Pub

    A place to enjoy along this holiday route.

    Map & reviews

  • Admiral Nelson ★ 4.6/5 · Google

    Braunston pub on the lock flight; operator advertises dogs welcome.

    Map & reviews · Rating source

Google scores are published snapshots checked on 11 October 2026, not live ratings. Scores are shown only where verified; follow the source or open Maps for the latest reviews. Check opening times and walking access before setting off.

The Soar and Trent sections depend on river conditions. Check navigation notices and lock passage arrangements before departure.

ONE STRETCH AT A TIME

Let your holiday unfold.

Follow the water, find your favourite stops and make room for the moments in between. These stages show the order of the journey; spread them across your holiday at a pace that suits your crew.

  1. Stage 1 · Settle aboard

    Napton Marina to Braunston

    Begin with the open canal to Braunston before the first lock flight.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    After your handover, take time to get comfortable with the boat and controls. Choose a first stopping point that suits your departure time.

    Pubs & food
    • Food stops in Napton-on-the-Hill — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Bottom of the Napton Locks. Map & reviews
    • The Kings Head Napton — Napton pub serving food; use its current website rather than inherited food hours. Access: Bridge 109. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Napton Village Stores — Village groceries, post office and kitchen with bakery and takeaway food. Access: Folly Lane Bridge. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Napton Cidery — Farm Shop, Off Licence, Pub, Takeaway. Access: Bottom of Napton Locks. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Folly Pub — Traditional canalside pub near the Napton locks, serving food. Access: Bottom of Napton Locks. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Food stops in Flecknoe — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Bridge 101 or 102. Map & reviews
    • Old Olive Bush — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 101 or 102. Map & reviews
    • Food stops in Braunston — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Canal Bridge. Map & reviews
    • The Boat House — Pub beside the Grand Union Canal at Braunston. Access: Bridge 91. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Admiral Nelson — Braunston pub on the lock flight; operator advertises dogs welcome. Access: Bridge 4. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Old Plough Pub & Restaurant — Braunston village pub; its current page lists separate bar and food hours. Access: Bridge 1. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Wheatsheaf — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 1. Map & reviews
    • Gongoozlers Rest — Cafe. Access: Canalside at Marina Entrance. Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Napton-on-the-Hill — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bottom of the Napton Locks. Map & reviews
    • Flecknoe — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bridge 101 or 102. Map & reviews
    • Braunston — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Canal Bridge. Map & reviews
    • All Saints' Church, Braunston — Church, Historical Structure. Access: Bridge 91. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Napton-on-the-Hill — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Bottom of the Napton Locks. Map & reviews
    • Napton Village Stores — Village groceries, post office and kitchen with bakery and takeaway food. Access: Folly Lane Bridge. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Napton Cidery — Farm Shop, Off Licence, Pub, Takeaway. Access: Bottom of Napton Locks. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Supplies in Braunston — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Canal Bridge. Map & reviews
    • Braunston Village Stores & Post Office — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Post Office. Access: Bridge 1. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Braunston. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Lock and tunnel passage arrangements

  2. Stage 2 · On the water

    Braunston to Crick

    Climb Braunston and Watford locks, passing through the tunnels on the way to Crick.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit
    • Crick — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bridge 12. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Buckby Wharf — Lock(s), Pub, Recycling, Water Point. Map & reviews
    • Co-op, Crick — Groceries and an in-store bakery on Crick High Street. Access: Bridge 12. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Crick Post Office & Stores — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Post Office. Access: Bridge 12. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Crick. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Lock and tunnel passage arrangements

  3. Stage 3 · On the water

    Crick to Foxton Locks

    Follow the Leicester summit through Husbands Bosworth Tunnel to the staircase locks at Foxton.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit

    Enjoy the scenery along this stretch. The base team can suggest places to explore nearby.

    Shops & essentials

    No supply stops are listed for this stage. Stock up before setting off and ask the base team about nearby shops.

    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Foxton Locks. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    • Foxton Locks — Two staircase groups; book in with the lock keeper and check the current operating schedule. Visit website Map & reviews

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Lock and tunnel passage arrangements

  4. Stage 4 · On the water

    Foxton Locks to South Wigston

    Descend towards the Leicester approaches, choosing a suitable stop around South Wigston.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit
    • South Wigston — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Crow Mills Bridge 92. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in South Wigston — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Crow Mills Bridge 92. Map & reviews
    • Tesco Superstore, South Wigston — Supermarket. Access: Crow Mills Bridge 92. Map & reviews
    • Lidl Supermarket, South Wigston — Supermarket. Access: Crow Mills Bridge 92. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: South Wigston. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Lock and tunnel passage arrangements

  5. Stage 5 · On the water

    South Wigston to Birstall Lock

    Pass through Leicester and continue onto the River Soar towards Birstall.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit
    • Leicester Visitor Moorings — A village or town to explore along the route. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Leicester Visitor Moorings — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Map & reviews
    • Tesco Superstore, Leicester — Supermarket. Access: Leicester Visitor Moorings. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Birstall Lock. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Lock and tunnel passage arrangements

  6. Stage 6 · On the water

    Birstall Lock to Zouch

    Cruise the Soar through the Loughborough area towards Zouch.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit
    • Barrow upon Soar — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Canal Towpath / Bridge Street. Visit website Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Co-Op, Barrow-upon-Soar — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Canal Towpath / Bridge Street. Map & reviews
    • Premier RD Convenience Store — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Towpath moorings. Map & reviews
    • Aldi, Loughborough — Supermarket. Access: Canal Towpath. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Zouch. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Lock and tunnel passage arrangements

  7. Stage 7 · On the water

    Zouch to Barrow-on-Trent via Shardlow

    Continue towards the Trent and Shardlow, then join the Trent & Mersey towards Barrow-on-Trent.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • The Anchor Inn, Kegworth — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Moorings by Kegworth Flood lock. Map & reviews
    • The Trent Lock — Pub, Restaurant. Access: River Moorings. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Navigation Inn, Shardlow — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Idle Bridge (3). Map & reviews
    • The Malt Shovel, Shardlow — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Wilne Bridge (2). Map & reviews
    • The New Inn, Shardlow — Pub. Access: Wilne Bridge (2). Map & reviews
    • The Ragley Boat Stop — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Pub Moorings on the offside bank. Visit website Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    Shops & essentials

    No supply stops are listed for this stage. Stock up before setting off and ask the base team about nearby shops.

    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Barrow-on-Trent via Shardlow. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Lock and tunnel passage arrangements

  8. Stage 8 · On the water

    Barrow-on-Trent to Alrewas

    Follow the Trent & Mersey west through the Burton area towards Alrewas.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit
    • Alrewas — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Gaskells Bridge (46). Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Sainsbury's Local, Burton-on-Trent — Supermarket. Access: Horninglow Bridge (32). Map & reviews
    • Supplies in Alrewas — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Gaskells Bridge (46). Map & reviews
    • Alrewas Pharmacy — Pharmacy. Access: Gaskells Bridge (46). Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Alrewas. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Lock and tunnel passage arrangements

  9. Stage 9 · On the water

    Alrewas to Fazeley Junction

    Turn at Fradley Junction and follow the Coventry Canal towards Fazeley.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • The Swan Pub, Fradley Junction — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Canalside Moorings. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Three Tuns pub, Fazeley Junction — Pub. Access: Fazeley visitor moorings. Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Fradley Junction — . Access: The Canal. Map & reviews
    • Fazeley Junction — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Visitor Moorings. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Tesco Express, Fazeley — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Supermarket. Access: Fazeley visitor moorings. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Fazeley Junction. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Lock and tunnel passage arrangements

  10. Stage 10 · On the water

    Fazeley Junction to Hartshill

    Cruise through Polesworth and work the Atherstone locks towards Hartshill.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • Royal Oak, Polesworth — Pub. Access: Towpath moorings. Map & reviews
    • Red Lion, Polesworth — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 52. Map & reviews
    • Polesworth Fish Bar — Fish and Chips, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 52. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Anchor Inn, Hartshill — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Anchor inn visitor moorings. Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Polesworth — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Canalside moorings. Map & reviews
    • Atherstone — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Above Atherstone Lock Flight. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Premier Convenience Store — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 52. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Hartshill. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    • Atherstone Locks — Lock(s). Access: Atherston Bottom Lock. Map & reviews

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Lock and tunnel passage arrangements

  11. Stage 11 · On the water

    Hartshill to Newbold

    Continue to Hawkesbury Junction, join the North Oxford and head towards Newbold.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • Wing Fat Chinese Takeaway — Takeaway. Access: Wash Lane Bridge (21). Map & reviews
    • Pete's Fish & Chips — Fish and Chips, Takeaway. Access: Wash Lane Bridge (21). Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Greyhound — Pub and dining stop at Sutton Stop / Hawkesbury. Access: Canalside. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Food stops in Brinklow — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Bridge 30. Map & reviews
    • The Raven, Brinklow — Pub. Access: Bridge 30. Map & reviews
    • White Lion, Brinklow — Pub. Access: Bridge 30. Map & reviews
    • Brinklow Fish Bar — Fish and Chips. Access: Bridge 30. Map & reviews
    • Food stops in Newbold-on-Avon — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Canalside just South of Newbold Tunnel. Map & reviews
    • Barley Mow, Newbold — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Canalside just South of Newbold Tunnel. Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Nuneaton — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Wash Lane Bridge (21). Map & reviews
    • Brinklow — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bridge 30. Map & reviews
    • Newbold-on-Avon — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Canalside just South of Newbold Tunnel. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Sainsbury's Local, Nuneaton — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence. Access: Wash Lane Bridge (21). Map & reviews
    • Supplies in Brinklow — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Bridge 30. Map & reviews
    • Supplies in Newbold-on-Avon — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Canalside just South of Newbold Tunnel. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Newbold. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    • Hawkesbury Junction — Lock(s). Access: Canalside. Map & reviews

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Lock and tunnel passage arrangements

  12. Stage 12 · On the water

    Newbold to Flecknoe

    Pass Rugby and Hillmorton, then return through Braunston towards Flecknoe.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • Food stops in Rugby — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Brownsover Moorings. Map & reviews
    • The Lounge Kitchen & Bar — Cafe, Coffee Shop. Access: Bridge 66. Map & reviews
    • Bell & Barge — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 58. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Waterside Pub & Carvery — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 73. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Canal Chef Cafe — Cafe. Access: Bridge 71. Map & reviews
    • Food stops in Braunston — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Canal Bridge. Map & reviews
    • The Boat House — Pub beside the Grand Union Canal at Braunston. Access: Bridge 91. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Admiral Nelson — Braunston pub on the lock flight; operator advertises dogs welcome. Access: Bridge 4. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Old Plough Pub & Restaurant — Braunston village pub; its current page lists separate bar and food hours. Access: Bridge 1. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Wheatsheaf — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 1. Map & reviews
    • Gongoozlers Rest — Cafe. Access: Canalside at Marina Entrance. Map & reviews
    • Food stops in Flecknoe — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Bridge 101 or 102. Map & reviews
    • Old Olive Bush — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 101 or 102. Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Rugby — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Brownsover Moorings. Map & reviews
    • Hillmorton — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Hillmorton Locks. Map & reviews
    • Braunston — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Canal Bridge. Map & reviews
    • All Saints' Church, Braunston — Church, Historical Structure. Access: Bridge 91. Map & reviews
    • Flecknoe — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bridge 101 or 102. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Rugby — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Brownsover Moorings. Map & reviews
    • Tesco - Rugby — Supermarket at 1 Leicester Road; temporary opening changes are advertised until 29 October 2026. Access: Bridge 58. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Marks & Spencer, Rugby — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 58. Map & reviews
    • Asda, Rugby — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 58. Map & reviews
    • Supplies in Braunston — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Canal Bridge. Map & reviews
    • Braunston Village Stores & Post Office — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Post Office. Access: Bridge 1. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Flecknoe. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Lock and tunnel passage arrangements

  13. Stage 13 · Homeward cruise

    Flecknoe to Napton Marina

    Finish with the rural pound back to Napton Marina.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Follow the return arrangements agreed at handover and allow time for the final approach to the marina.

    Pubs & food

    No named food stops are listed for this stage. Ask the base team for local suggestions and check opening times before setting off.

    Places to visit

    Enjoy the scenery along this stretch. The base team can suggest places to explore nearby.

    Shops & essentials

    No supply stops are listed for this stage. Stock up before setting off and ask the base team about nearby shops.

    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Napton Marina. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Lock and tunnel passage arrangements

THE LITTLE THINGS MAKE THE HOLIDAY

More than a journey.

A boat that feels like yours.

Your own kitchen, a comfortable place to sleep and a new view outside. Explore the classes and choose the layout that works for your crew. Equipment varies by boat.

Explore our boats

Leave room for doing less.

Coffee on deck. A towpath walk. Supper as the light changes. A route gives your holiday direction; the best moments often happen between the stops.

Bring your favourite people.

Share the steering, work a lock together and make the evenings your own. Full handover training helps you settle into life aboard.

A LITTLE PLANNING, A BETTER HOLIDAY

Before you cast off.

Use this guide to find your kind of holiday. We will help you check the practical details for your dates, boat and crew.

How much cruising should we expect?

Allow time for locks, tunnel passages, stops ashore and your agreed return to Napton. Choose extra days for a slower holiday. Locks, queues, weather and stops ashore all affect the time you need. Allow a margin for returning the boat.

Do we have to follow every stop?

No. These are suggested stages, rather than reserved moorings or a fixed day-by-day schedule. Choose suitable permitted moorings and agree your return time with the base.

How do we check the route before travelling?

Check current navigation notices and plan your daily cruising before departure. Check CRT notices · Open CanalPlan

Can you help us choose?

Tell us your dates, who is travelling and whether you prefer quiet cruising or an active adventure. Ask our team

START MAKING MEMORIES

Your next chapter starts aboard.

Explore boats and holiday dates from Napton Marina.

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