NAPTONNARROWBOATS
Hatton lock flight
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Napton Marina · 7–11 nights

Warwickshire Ring

A full circuit of Warwickshire: country canals, Warwick and Hatton, Birmingham and the Coventry Canal, returning through Rugby and Braunston.

Find a holidayFollow the journey
Fuel included

Your narrowboat holiday

Your trip at a glance

Start from
NaptonGrand Union & Coventry
Time aboard
7–11 nightsEnergetic 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 visitWarwick Castle · Birmingham · BraunstonExplore these stops

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 & restaurantsTwo Boats Pub · Blue Lias pub · The Hatton ArmsExplore these stops

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.

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 to Long Itchington

    Begin on the Grand Union, working the Calcutt and Stockton flights before a village stop at Long Itchington.

    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
    • Boat Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 21. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Blue Lias pub — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 23. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Food stops in Long Itchington — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: two boats public house. Map & reviews
    • Two Boats Pub — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 25. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Cuttle Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 25. Map & reviews
    • Duck on The Pond — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 25 - 1/2 mile walk. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Buck and Bell Pub — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 25 - 1/2 mile walk. Map & reviews
    • Harvester Pub — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 25 - 1/2 mile walk. Map & reviews
    • Green Man Pub — Pub. Access: Bridge 26A. 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
    • Long Itchington — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: two boats public house. Map & reviews
    • Holy Trinity Church, Long Itchington — Church, Historical Structure. Access: Bridge 25/26/26A. 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 Long Itchington — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: two boats public house. Map & reviews
    • Co op Shop — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Supermarket. Access: Bridge 25. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

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

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

  2. Stage 2 · On the water

    Long Itchington to Hatton Top Lock

    Cruise through Leamington and Warwick, then climb the Hatton flight to the summit pound.

    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 Radford Semele — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Bridge 34. Map & reviews
    • The White Lion Pub — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 34. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Sydenham — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Post Office, Pub, Shops, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 27. Map & reviews
    • The Fusilier Pub — Pub. Access: Bridge 37. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Sydenham Shops & Takeaway — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Post Office, Shops, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 27. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Food stops in Royal Leamington Spa — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Bridge 40. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Moorings at Myton — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 43. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Cape of Good Hope pub — Warwick pub beside the canal. Access: Cape Moorings. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Hatton Arms — Pub overlooking the Grand Union lock flight, with an outdoor terrace. Access: Footpath from canal bridge 4 locks down. Visit website Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Radford Semele — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bridge 34. Map & reviews
    • Royal Leamington Spa — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bridge 40. Visit website Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Best One Convenience Store — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence. Access: Bridge 34. Map & reviews
    • Sydenham — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Post Office, Pub, Shops, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 27. Map & reviews
    • Sydenham Shops & Takeaway — Fish and Chips, Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Post Office, Shops, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 27. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Supplies in Royal Leamington Spa — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Bridge 40. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Pharmacy — Pharmacy. Access: Bridge 40. Map & reviews
    • Morrisons — Off Licence, Supermarket. Access: Towpath moorings outside. Map & reviews
    • Sainsburys, Leamington — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 43. Map & reviews
    • Lidl, Leamington — Off Licence, Supermarket. Access: Canalside from Towpath. Map & reviews
    • Co op, Leamington — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence. Access: Bridge 40. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

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

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

  3. Stage 3 · On the water

    Hatton Top Lock to Kings Heath

    Continue through Shrewley Tunnel and the Solihull approaches towards the Birmingham suburbs.

    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
    • Shrewley Tunnel — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: The Canal!. Map & reviews
    • Kingswood Junction — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: The Canal!. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Co-op, Hockley Heath — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Canal Towpath. Map & reviews
    • Lidl, King's Heath — Supermarket. Access: Canal Towpath. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

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

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

  4. Stage 4 · On the water

    King's Heath to Minworth

    Cross Birmingham on the canal network, with urban waterways and lock flights on the way to Minworth.

    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 Gas Street basin — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Canalside. Map & reviews
    • Hare & Hounds, Minworth — Pub. Access: Minworth Green Bridge. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Boat Inn, Minworth — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Canalside. Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Bournville — A village or town to explore along the route. Map & reviews
    • Cadbury World — Historical Structure. Access: Canal Towpath. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Gas Street basin — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Canalside. Map & reviews
    • Minworth — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Canal Towpath. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Gas Street basin — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Canalside. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

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

    • Farmer's Bridge Lock Flight — Lock(s). Access: Canalside. Map & reviews
    • Aston Locks — Lock(s). Access: Canalside. Map & reviews

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

  5. Stage 5 · On the water

    Minworth to Polesworth

    Leave the city behind and follow the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal through Fazeley towards Polesworth.

    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 Three Tuns pub, Fazeley Junction — Pub. Access: Fazeley visitor moorings. Map & reviews
    • 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
    Places to visit
    • Drayton Manor Theme Park — Theme Park. Access: Visitor Moorings. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Fazeley Junction — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Visitor Moorings. Map & reviews
    • Polesworth — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Canalside moorings. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Tesco Express, Fazeley — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence, Supermarket. Access: Fazeley visitor moorings. Map & reviews
    • Premier Convenience Store — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 52. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

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

    • Curdworth Locks — Lock(s). Access: Canal Towpath. Map & reviews

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

  6. Stage 6 · On the water

    Polesworth to Sutton Stop / Ansty

    Work the Atherstone locks and follow the Coventry Canal south to Hawkesbury Junction, also known as Sutton Stop.

    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
    • Anchor Inn, Hartshill — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Anchor inn visitor moorings. Map & reviews
    • 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
    • Rose & Castle, Ansty — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 14 or 16. Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Atherstone — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Above Atherstone Lock Flight. Map & reviews
    • Nuneaton — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Wash Lane Bridge (21). Map & reviews
    • Ansty — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bridge 14 or 16. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Sainsbury's Local, Nuneaton — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Off Licence. Access: Wash Lane Bridge (21). Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Sutton Stop / Ansty. 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
    • Hawkesbury Junction — Lock(s). Access: Canalside. Map & reviews

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

  7. Stage 7 · On the water

    Sutton Stop / Ansty to Flecknoe

    Turn onto the North Oxford through Rugby and Hillmorton, then pass 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 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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 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
    • 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

  8. Stage 8 · Homeward cruise

    Flecknoe to Napton Marina

    Enjoy the final rural stretch back to Napton Marina, allowing time for your agreed boat return.

    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

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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