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Foxton Locks

Ten canal locks consisting of two staircases on the Grand Union Canal.

HUGE CHOICE OF CANAL BOATS

We have lots of canal boats available in different styles, sizes and layouts

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FULL TRAINING GIVEN

Boat and lock training are included in the price you pay and is given when you arrive for your holiday.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Check out our frequently asked canal boating questions

NORTH KILWORTH Marina

North Kilworth Marina is located on the Grand canal at North Kilworth Marina.

NORTH KILWORTH WHARF

North Kilworth Wharf is located on the Grand canal at North Kilworth Wharf.

PET FRIENDLY BOATS

Many of our boats can accommodate pets.

There may be additional charges for pets.

OTHER COUNTIES YOU MAY LIKE TO HOLIDAY IN

Monmouthshire

Northamptonshire

Staffordshire

Stirlingshire

Warwickshire

Worcestershire

We are an agent for many different canal boat companies offering some of the best priced canal boat holidays on the internet. On this site, you can hire a canal boat from our Leicestershire bases. Experienced boaters and beginners are welcome alike. Free boat handling and tuition is given when you arrive for your holiday.

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BARROW BOATING - CRUISE NORTH

Sailing north from Barrow-Upon-Soar through Loughborough towards Zouch.

Departing our Barrow Boating mooring, we head north down through Barrow Deep Lock which has a rise and fall of 10 feet (3 metres for the youngsters!), often manned by Canal & River Trust volunteer lock-keepers.   The reason for, and operation of, all the locks can be explained by the crew or lock-keeper.

You can of course assist at the locks if you so wish, otherwise just sit back, relax, and let our trained crew do it all for you.

Below the lock there is river and road access to what was 50 plus years ago, ‘Proctors Pleasure Park’, now primarily providing boat moorings and caravan site pitches with its own clubhouse with occasional evening entertainment.

We then pass through Pillings Lock and onwards through open countryside under 8 named and numbered brick bridges, most of which are over two hundred years old.

Twenty minutes later arriving on the outskirts of Loughborough, we pass the Loughborough Sea Cadet's Headquarters, continuing under two more bridges, we can see the sheds and old rolling stock of The Great Central Railway.   We then navigate under the old Great Central Railway Bridge, currently being restored to extend the GCR heritage line north to Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, creating 18 miles of the UK's only twin track preserved railway.

Further on into Loughborough, we pass the old Towles Limited hosiery factory, now sympathetically restored into apartments.

Beyond the Nottingham Road Bridge, the top of Loughborough Parish Church can just be seen on the left.

Under Meadow Lane Bridge, we pass ‘The Boat Inn’ and onwards, admiring little gardens hugging the water's edge we approach Chain Bridge, so-called because during commercial carrying, a chain was placed across the canal here at night to prevent boats sneaking through without paying the toll!

A sharp turn right under here takes us towards Loughborough Town Lock, the third on our voyage. A left turn here would have taken us into Loughborough Basin, a former loading wharf, a reminder of why canals were originally constructed as commercial highways of their day, but now with facilities for pleasure boaters.

Heading out of Loughborough through an industrial area, we shortly arrive at Bishop Meadow Lock. Through this lock and under Bishop Meadow Bridge, we pass through more open countryside and further on to the right we see picturesque riverside bungalows.

Further downstream we reach Normanton-on-Soar and the unique hand operated chain ferry, which dates back to 1771.

Normanton’s majestic St. James's Church spire towers above us overlooking the river. Also here, ‘The Plough Inn’ is a favourite mooring for our clients to stop for a drink or full meal before their return cruise.

Please note: The out and back cruise time to here is 5:30 hours, please add time to this if you wish to stop for drinks or a meal.

(Recommended cruise time to include pre booked meals is 7 hours)

Or, we can continue north past The Soar Boat Club and Zouch weir and perhaps stop for a very quick drink at ‘The Rose and Crown’ riverside pub, as this is the limit for a 7-hour cruise.

Please consult our booking office about timings when reserving your relaxing day on the river.

Cruise Route Map

BARROW BOATING - ROUTE SOUTH

Sailing south from Barrow -Upon-Soar through Mountsorrel towards Sileby.

Casting off from opposite ‘The Navigation’ pub, we pass the ‘new’ weir bridge that replaced the original 3 arch stone bridge which was swept away in 1971 during flooding. Looking to our left we see some spectacular landscaped gardens sweeping down to the river.

We then pass the entrance to ‘Meadow Farm Marina and caravan park.   Cattle graze in the field opposite, where the towpath then switches sides via a turnover footbridge, continuing onward under the vast span of the 1860 ‘Echo Bridge’, which originally carried a cargo train pulling wagons over the river from the Mountsorrel granite quarry.   Today it supports a conveyor belt.

We then arrive at Mountsorrel Lock, ascending this, we find ourselves outside ‘The Waterside Inn’, another favourite with our clients. Originally called ‘The Duke of York’ before Everard's brewery took it over in 1965 when it's opening was heralded by a delivery of beer barrels by narrowboat, whilst the Everard's chairman (a pilot) flew one barrel in by helicopter! In addition to indoor seating, picnic tables adorn the garden lawn area and it is advisable to pre book meals here if required.

Continuing through open countryside, after 20 minutes we arrive at Sileby Mill Lock, a further 45 minutes takes us through Cossington Lock and on through Junction Lock, where we can turn at the junction with the River Wreake for our return trip, this would be a 5:30 hour cruise without stops, or add time for a welcome drink or meal at ‘The Waterside Inn’ on your return voyage.

Alternatively, we can continue to below Thurmaston Lock, which would be a  7-hour cruise without stops, so a picnic aboard would be advisable.

LEICESTER MARINA CRUISE - ROUTE NORTH

Emerging from the marina onto the River Soar, we soon arrive at our first lock at Thurmaston, all passengers are allowed to assist with the lock operation if they so wish.

Descending downstream we pass Mill Lane boatyard, obviously named after the site of an ancient water mill, an early form of power for various processes, primarily grinding grain for bread production or wool processing. It's interesting to note that mill and landowners opposed the construction of the Leicester Line of the canal from the Trent up to Leicester, as they feared a loss of their land and their water supplies. It finally opened in 1794, unbelievably 160 years after the original navigation licence was granted by King Charles I.

A long straight of over 2 miles is ahead, where the more adventurous passenger can ask the skipper for a chance to steer. This section of the Grand Union canal was dug out by "Navvies", whilst the actual River has descended over a weir and meanders through Watermead Country Park, this having been created around the water filled gravel quarry workings which existed up until the late 1980's when commercial narrowboats still plied their trade carrying gravel up through Thurmaston lock for offloading upriver.

We soon pass the Hope & Anchor pub, where an option is to stop for a meal, perhaps after a slightly longer cruise that would take us past Old Junction boatyard, so called because the River Wreake joins the canal just north of here and we travel along it for a short while before the River Soar rejoins just above Cossington lock.

On a 4 hour cruise we would probably turn here for those wishing to moor up at the "Hope & Anchor" for a meal.

(Please add additional time to your cruise booking and make your lunch reservation directly with the pub in advance).

We can proceed through the lock and onward through open countryside until we reach Sileby Mill lock, passing through this and further downstream through rural Leicestershire towards Mountsorrel we reach "The Waterside Inn", a favourite restaurant and watering hole for all of our clients, our boats often moor here whilst our guests enjoy a meal.

(Recommended cruise time to include your own pre booked meal 6/7 hours.)

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Day Boat Hire Leicestershire

DAY BOAT HIRE IN LEICESTERSHIRE AND WARWICKSHIRE

Enjoy a fantastic boat trip on the beautiful and tranquil lockless ashby canal on board harry and sally our luxury 43 foot cruiser stern.

We’re good to go!!   Great Value day boat hire.   Harry & Sally is out and about on the Ashby Canal ; check our ‘availability’ calendar to book your trip.

Short-listed for the ‘Best Outdoor Experience’ award, Leicestershire Promotions Tourism and Hospitality Awards

          A unique experience – perfect for special celebrations, family reunions,             “birthday on a boat”, holiday treats, business away days and staff rewards.

Gift  Vouchers are available to buy.  Ring us on 01455 291111 for more information.

• Full or mini day hire (mini days available mid-week only).
• Capacity: up to 8 people (self steering)
• Full tuition & handover will be given by a trained member of staff

Our day boat Harry and Sally is based at the award winning Bosworth Marina , situated on the tranquil rural and lockless Ashby Canal, which passes through an attractive farming landscape, close to visitor attractions and pretty villages.

Day Boat Experience includes:

• Tour of boat and handling tuition
• Large covered front deck with table, roll up canopies and cruiser deck at rear.
• Heating and sound system throughout
• Well equipped galley with fridge, sink, kettle, microwave
• Toilet and washing facilities
• Disabled friendly stern deck
• Shop, coffee, snacks and gifts at the marina

Harry and Sally   is named after Harry and Sally Trivett who originally owned the field where Bosworth Marina now sits. Harry and Sally were the grandparents of Ben and Josh Trivett who built the marina.

This luxury day boat was built by Starline Boats at Boot Wharf in Nuneaton. The narrowboat is approximately 43′ by 6’10” and has a large covered front deck with roll up canopies.   Harry and Sally  is simple to steer and suitable for beginner or novice boaters.

Available for full days (8-30 am to 4-30 pm) or mini days (10am to 3 pm), (mini days not available Saturdays or Sundays or Bank Holidays).

Our office is open every day between 11 am and 4 pm, or leave a message on our answerphone facility, telephone number 01455 291111.

Gift vouchers for dayboat hire are available so you can treat your loved ones and friends to a very special day.

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For a drone tour of Bosworth Marina, the Ashby Canal and HarryandSally on the water taken by Archer’s View please  Click here

Keep in touch with news of Harry and Sally and what is happening at Bosworth Marina  by subscribing to our newsletter using the email sign-up on this page. (Your data and your privacy is important to us.  click here  to view our privacy statement for newsletter subscribers, boat owners and day boat hirers).

• £20 per dog (maximum 2)
• Deposit: There is a £50 booking deposit to be paid for a mini day or £100 for a full day.
• All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions. Click here  to view our terms and conditions of hire.

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North Kilworth Wharf is situated on the Leicester Section of the Grand Union Canal which is universally recognised as one of the most beautiful and rural sections of canal in the whole country. With 21 miles of lock free cruising and staircase locks at either end, you can choose to avoid all together or enjoy operating with the help of Canal River Trust volunteers that will be on hand. The elevated position of some of the sections of canal allows you to look down over the rolling fields, and with a long agricultural heritage there is always lots to observe.

We are 1 mile from Husbands Bosworth where there is a Springfield local convenience store. Sainsburys, Tesco and Asda all deliver to the Wharf so you can organise your shopping to be delivered prior to your arrival and we will have it waiting onboard for you.

LUXURY HOLIDAY NARROWBOAT HIRE

LUXURY DAY TRIP NARROWBOAT HIRE

The Perfect Relaxing Getaway

• Tranquillity – The leisurely pace of canal boating allows you the time to look around and take in the beautiful countryside
• Self-sufficiency – With all the state of the art facilities onboard you can be fully independent or you can enjoy the hospitality of pubs, restaurants or attractions during your journey. Each boat has a solar panel which uses the power of the sun to keep the batteries charged even when you are not cruising, allowing heating, light and power at any time of the day.
• Technology – You can choose to leave the outside world behind and enjoy a tech-free holiday, or you can let the family tune into Netflix with our onboard WiFi, or play your favourite tunes through the Bluetooth speaker.

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Canal boat breaks on the Grand Union canal (Leicester Section)

Published by sharon peach on 14 december, 2017 14 december, 2017.

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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Marine Cruises canal holidays on the Leicester (East Midlands) Ring

Canal holidays on the leicester ring.

To cruise the Leicester Ring from our Kings Bromley Marina base in a week would mean long daily cruising hours and is only recommended for experienced boaters who just want to boat! Taking two weeks means you can take your time and possibly explore the lock free Ashby Canal or the Erewash Canal or perhaps spend some time in Braunston or Coventry. You can travel in either direction around the ring, we describe the clockwise journey.

From our Kings Bromley base you head east to the southern end of the Canal where it meets the River Trent. En route you can visit Burton upon Trent with its Brewery Museum and the fascinating old canal town of Shardlow.

Lock down and head onto the wide River Trent for a short run downstream to the unusual waterways crossroad near Trent Lock. Here the Trent goes straight on to Nottingham, eventually to join the North Sea via the River Humber. The interesting Erewash Canal is on the left, well worth exploring if you have time, but you turn right onto the River Soar.

The River Soar winds through pleasant countryside, alongside the restored Great Central Railway, to join the Leicester section of the GU in Leicester. You climb through Foxton locks, with the remains of an inclined plane, to the amazingly secluded summit level which winds lazily along 22 miles of Leicestershire countryside at a height of 412 feet above sea level, through haunted tunnels and past the Market Harborough Arm before descending again to join the mainline of the Grand Union Canal below Watford Locks.

After a few miles you pass the busy canal town of Braunston, the ‘centre of the canals’ to many, then head north up the northern Oxford Canal with it’s beautiful cast iron bridges to Hawkesbury Junction and the Coventry Canal. The Coventry Canal eventually takes you back to the Trent & Mersey Canal at Fradley Junction, with our Kings Bromley Marina base now just a few hours distant.

Leicester Ring facts… Canals  Trent & Mersey Canal, River Soar, Grand Union Leicester section, Grand Union Canal, Oxford Canal, Coventry Canal. Length 99 miles Time to cruise about 65 hours Locks 152 Junctions Trent & Mersey/River Trent/Rivers Soar at Trent Lock, Leicester section at Leicester, Grand Union at Norton Junction, Oxford Canal at Braunston, Coventry Canal at Hawkesbury Junction, Trent & Mersey Canal at Fradley Junction.

East Midlands Ring

Also known as the leicester ring, this boating journey travels through stunning english countryside, visiting a series of historic villages and market towns along the way, also known as the leicester ring, this epic canal boat holiday journey travels 154 miles through stunning english countryside, visiting a series of historic villages and market towns along the way..

What can you See & Do?

To complete this popular circuit takes two weeks , as you will need to cruise for around six hours each day, giving you some time to visit canalside villages, pubs and historic attractions along the way.

The East Midlands Ring

The east midlands ring, also known as the leicester ring, is a 154-mile long circuit of english waterways which travels through 100 locks and takes around 84 hours of cruising time..

Perfect for a two-week break afloat, the route takes canal boat holiday-makers on a waterway odyssey exploring a series of rivers and canals, including the Rivers Trent and Soar, the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal, as well as the Coventry, Birmingham & Fazeley and Trent & Mersey canals.

Highlights along the way include the Foxton Flight of Locks with stunning views of the surrounding Leicestershire countryside, the picturesque canal village of Shardlow, and Coventry Cathedral, home to the famous majestic tapestry of Christ the King designed by Graham Sutherland.

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Numbered Attractions

Things to see & do

From quiet country pubs and village churches, to exciting historic attractions where history and culture come to life, you’ll find plenty of places to visit on your canal journey.

Stourport Ring

Warwickshire Ring

Black Country Ring

Four Counties Ring

Coventry Cathedral

An icon for peace and now home to the World’s largest tapestry, Graham Sutherland’s Christ in Glory, the stunning new Coventry Cathedral was designed by Basil Spence and was consecrated in 1962.

Foxton Canal Museum

Next to the Foxton Staircase of Locks on the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal, the Foxton Canal Museum tells the story of the incredible Foxton Inclined Boat Lift that once operated there.

Shardlow Village

Once a considerable inland port, today Shardlow is Britain’s most complete example of a canal village with an impressive collection of historic warehouses and workers cottages, and plenty of pubs.

Braunston Village

In the heart of the midlands canal network, Braunston is a great place to stop with a marina, working boatyard, traditional fish and chip shop, and plenty of pubs including the Wheatsheaf and Old Plough.

Market Harborough Basin

At the end of the Market Harborough Arm of the Grand Union Canal, the restored Union Wharf is home to arts and crafts workshops and The Waterfront restaurant.

National Brewery Centre Museum

The National Brewery Centre Museum in Burton on Trent tells the story of the Bass family and their role in the development of brewing beers and there are daily guided tours.

Fradley Pool Nature Reserve

At Fradley Junction, where the Coventry Canal meets the Trent & Mersey Canal, visitors will find two cafes, the Swan Inn pub and the Fradley Pool Nature Reserve, perfect for wildlife spotting.

Want to get started? 

Start planning your trip., find your perfect holiday with great british boating. simply select your preferred start location and date and click on “check availability”. , you can further refine your search by selecting holiday length and berths ., or you can book directly now by calling us on:,  +44 (0) 1252 796 402.

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Canal Holidays guide to the Leicester Ring

This pleasant and leisurely two week cruise on rivers and canals covers four counties in the East Midlands. The route includes 5 tunnels, several aqueducts, and flights of 'staircase' locks.

Cruising the Ring

Starting in the Rugby area it is a short trip through farmland to the Grand Union Canal at Braunston. Turn left to Braunston Locks and Tunnel before turning at Napton Junction onto the Leicester section of the Grand Union Canal. This peaceful canal through open countryside is noted for its 'staircase' locks.

After the lock keeper assisted flight at Watford there are 22 miles of isolated waterway with villages and pubs to explore. Two long tunnels lead to Foxton and a short branch route to Market Harborough. At Foxton climb the famous 10 lock staircase (lock keeper assistance), and visit the remains of the inclined plane once used to haul boats up the embankment in iron tanks.

Travel on to Leicester city, where the River Soar joins the canal, meandering through Loughborough and Barrow on Soar to Redhill Lock where it meets the River Trent. A short cruise upstream on the wide River Trent is a fascinating contrast before reaching the Trent and Mersey Canal at the restored inland canal village port of Shardlow.

At Burton on Trent, centre of the brewing industry and home to many varieties of ale, the locks change from broad to narrow. The rural route continues down the Coventry Canal through Atherstone to Rugby. If time, detour into Coventry to see the Cathedral.

Distance, Time, and Locks

• The Ring can be covered in two weeks, which may also give time to explore the Ashby and Coventry Canals.
• Several sections provide out-and-back routes suitable for one week or short breaks.

Places of Interest

Canal village, locks and tunnel at Braunston

Watford Lock Staircase

Foxton Locks and Inclined Plane

Market Harborough

Shardlow restored canal port and village

Burton on Trent breweries and ale

Coventry Cathedral

Possible Holidays on the Leicestershire Ring

One Week There are a number of superb one week out-and-back routes in the Leicestershire Ring area. Towards Market Harborough: from Braunston turn at Norton Junction onto the Leicester Ring through tunnels, staircase locks, and open countryside. A shorter option is to the Welford branch. Ashby and North Oxford Canals: A very leisurely route with only four locks up the Ashby Canal to Snarestone. Famous for the death of King Richard III, the Bosworth Battlefield with Visitor Centre and Country Park is less than a mile from the canal. Towards Oxford: at Napton take the beautiful meandering historic South Oxford Canal to Cropredy village and Banbury. (See Thames Ring Guide) Towards Stoke Bruerne: at Braunston head down the Grand Union Canal to Stoke Bruerne and its Waterways Museum. A rural route with two tunnels including Blisworth Tunnel (3056 yards, the longest in England). (See Thames Ring Guide).

Short Breaks Mid-week and weekend breaks are available from all Canal Holidays bases on the Leicestershire Ring. These can be adapted from the one-week routes above.

Longer Holidays A two week trip on the Leicestershire Ring gives ample time for seeing the many interesting sights; it may be possible to link in the Warwickshire Ring section through Birmingham. In three weeks it will be possible to cover the Thames Ring.

Narrowboat bases on the Leicester Ring

Click on a boat base below for more information and possible routes from that base.

Customer Comments

Read what some of our previous clients say about the Leicester Ring.

"It was an excellent holiday for children and adults alike. Our 2 children are young adults, 14 + 17yrs, but they were not bored at any time. Our son did a lot of the steering and was really good at it." BE, USA

"Very good boat, good and friendly staff, good service. I would recommend such a holiday to everyone. The boats are easy to handle and the British are very friendly." HA, Netherlands

"Many thanks for a great family break. The only complaint is how much food 3 boys eat due to opening the locks all week!" FH, USA

"We particularly enjoyed the stretch through Foxton Locks (great fun was had by all the family!) and Market Harborough is definitely worth a visit." TR, UK

"The wildlife on the canal during June (baby ducks, baby geese, baby swans, herons, other birds) was a constant delight." JR, UK

Canal Holidays, Bowers Wharf, Skipton, BD23 2PD, United Kingdom

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Home > See & Do > Canal & River Trust

Despite being right in the centre of England, Leicestershire is the perfect place to relax by the water. Miles of towpaths, canals and riversides can be explored by foot, bike or boat.

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• Uncover the story - Leicestershire may be landlocked, but it has plenty of water – eight rivers and 70 miles of water to be exact! <hr> The county’s waterways once provided an important route for industrial barges but today they offer the perfect natural haven to relax, recharge and get your body moving. <hr> Research has shown that spending time by water can help you feel happier and healthier and here in Leicestershire we encourage visitors to try a spot of gongoozling. Never heard of it? Gongoozling is the art of watching boats as they make their way along the canal. <hr> Foxton Locks is a gongoozlers paradise as boats make their way up and down the longest and steepest staircase of locks in the country. Alternatively watch the world go by in a charming waterside pub or café. <hr> Leicestershire’s waterways offer visitors the opportunity to see the county from a totally different perspective. Go with the flow and take to the water on a paddleboard, kayak, hydrobike or canoe. The Canal & River Trust, Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Barrow Boating and Let’s Get Lost Leicester are just some of the organisations that run sessions on the River Soar and Grand Union Canal. You can even paddle to the pub or enjoy a picnic and bubbly experience.<hr> If you’re after something a bit more leisurely then why not hire a colourful narrowboat? Boat hire is available at Union Wharf (Market Harborough), Pillings Lock Marina (Quorn) or at Bosworth Marina (Market Bosworth). For the ultimate in luxury take the helm of an interior-designed Boutique Narrowboat - no previous experience required!<hr> Leicestershire is blessed with miles of sweeping towpath just waiting to be explored on a walk, run or leisurely bike ride. Hire a bike from Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre or Rutland cycles at Everards Meadows and see where your wheels take you. Take a wellbeing boost on Leicestershire’s waterways and find out why life is better by water. <hr>

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Canal boat hire from Market Harborough

Union wharf marina, union wharf in market harborough.

Union Wharf Marina is at the heart of Market Harborough canal basin in Leicestershire. The basin here is a picturesque waterfront destination offering holiday and day boat hire.

We aim to find the ideal boat to suit your plans, whether you are an experienced boater or a complete novice looking for a minibreak adventure.

Choose from our interior-designed luxury Boutique Narrowboats for couples, our smaller day boats for groups or a holiday boat for families.

Up to 12 people

Day boat hire, holiday boats, boutique narrowboats, union wharf boat hire testimonials, "absolutely fantastic day out with the family. couldn't fault anything. haven't had so much fun in years. highly recommended. can't wait to repeat the experience 😍".

Bobbie Mayoh

"Hired a day boat for a family birthday. Spent a wonderful day messing about on the water with a picnic stop halfway. The staff and crew were friendly and helpful and the boat was immaculate."

Adam Lewszuk

"Spent an amazing day on their electric narrow-boat! very friendly staff, beautiful drive (sail, float?) down to the Foxton basin & back for the 5 of us. The boat was spotless & very comfortable and thankfully the weather was perfect. We all loved it! We'll definitely be back!"

Lodge Farm Leisure

"We had a fun day out on the water aboard Kingfisher. I had not piloted a narrow boat before, but we were given training with a quick spin around the wharf before setting off. Recommended!"

Gordon Gillespie

The heart of England

Routes & itineraries, narrowboat novices, beginner guides, market harborough.

Union Wharf marina is at the end of the Market Harborough arm. This is a peaceful stretch of the Grand Union canal which meanders through the rural Leicestershire landscape.

The iconic Foxton Locks are a less than half a day’s cruise away. A holiday from Union Wharf can also take you to Braunston, Watford Locks or even the city of Leicester.

New to narrowboating?

No experience or a licence is necessary to take out a narrowboat and we provide all the training you need.

Many of our hirers have never set foot on a canal boat before their holiday or day trip so you are in good company. Although we offer a comprehensive handover for all our guests, we are happy to do a bit of extra ‘hand-holding’ for novices who come aboard.

Leicester Ring

14 - 17 nights.

Hours cruising: The Leicester Ring: 108 hrs* 239 miles, 92 wide locks, 44 narrow locks, 2 aqueducts, 6 tunnels.

*These are approximate hours and do not account for possible delays.

Travel north along the Ouzel Valley through the parks of Milton Keynes and over the Aqueducts at Wolverton and Cosgrove and then on to the picturesque Northamptonshire village of Stoke Bruerne. Take your boat up through the flight of seven locks and on through the nearly two mile long Blisworth Tunnel and on to Gayton Junction.

Continue on through Northamptonshire and its attractive stone villages to Weedon, reputed to be the centre of England. Up the Buckby flight of seven locks to Norton Junction and turn right onto the Leicester section of the Grand Union Canal.

Cross the embankment and through the woods to the locks at Watford Gap. Here you will come across your first staircase locks where the bottom gates of one lock form the top gates of the next.

After Watford Gap there is a twenty mile lock free pound across the summit to Foxton, which includes the Crick and Husbands Bosworth tunnels. At Foxton are the remains of an old steam-driven inclined plane. The old engine house is now an excellent museum illustrating how the steam-driven plane was built and worked. You can see where the old incline plane lift used to operate.

At the bottom of Foxton locks continue on through Saddington tunnel to the city of Leicester with its large shopping centre and covered market. Then on to Loughborough where the Great Central Railway Museum is just a short walk from the canal.

The canal then joins the River Soar, which flows down to its junction with the River Trent just south of Nottingham. Up the River Trent for 2 miles and on to the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley Junction, where you head south on to the Coventry and North Oxford Canals back to Braunston and the Grand Union Canal to Leighton Buzzard.

Guide to the Leicester Ring

Possible Holidays on the Leicester Ring

Click on a boat base below for more information and possible routes from that base.

• Canal Holidays near Rugby from Base 32
• Canal Holidays near Market Harborough from Base 52
• Canal Holidays near Market Harborough from Base 55

This pleasant and leisurely two week cruise on rivers and canals covers four counties in the East Midlands.

The route includes 5 tunnels, several aqueducts, and flights of 'staircase' locks.

Distance, Time, and Locks

157 miles, about 75 hours cruising, 102 locks

The Ring can be covered in two weeks, which may also give time to explore the Ashby and Coventry Canals. Several sections provide out-and-back routes suitable for one week or short breaks.

Cruising the Ring

Starting in the Rugby area it is a short trip through farmland to the Grand Union Canal at Braunston. Turn left to Braunston Locks and Tunnel before turning at Napton Junction onto the Leicester section of the Grand Union Canal. This peaceful canal through open countryside is noted for its 'staircase' locks.

After the lock keeper assisted flight at Watford there are 22 miles of isolated waterway with villages and pubs to explore. Two long tunnels lead to Foxton and a short branch route to Market Harborough. At Foxton climb the famous 10 lock staircase (lock keeper assistance), and visit the remains of the inclined plane once used to haul boats up the embankment in iron tanks.

Travel on to Leicester city, where the River Soar joins the canal, meandering through Loughborough and Barrow on Soar to Redhill Lock where it meets the River Trent. A short cruise upstream on the wide River Trent is a fascinating contrast before reaching the Trent and Mersey Canal at the restored inland canal village port of Shardlow.

At Burton on Trent, centre of the brewing industry and home to many varieties of ale, the locks change from broad to narrow. The rural route continues down the Coventry Canal through Atherstone to Rugby. If time, detour into Coventry to see the Cathedral.

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This 3.3km walk takes you on a circular route along the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line and the tranquil River Soar.

Old rival trade routes, the canal and the railway, now harmoniously treat the walker to a great leisure trail. Each step takes you further away from Leicester’s urbanscape as you follow the tree-lined waters of the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line and the River Soar south to Blue Bank Lock. Throughout your amble, wildlife and greenery line the way. Your return treads the route of the canal’s rival, the former Great Central Railway, now the Great Central Way travelled only by walkers, cyclists and passing horses.

Download route map and instructions

Take a look at our helpful guide to enjoying this short circular walk along Leicester's waterways

Canal: Grand Union Canal Leicester Line / River Soar

Start and finish: Packhorse Bridge 105 OS Grid ref: SK568009 Postcode: LE2 8LT

Distance: 3.3km / 2 miles

Route instructions

Start: Your walk starts where the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line runs very close to the River Soar.

1. By the small car park, cross over the canal via the red-brick Packhorse Bridge, so-called due to the proximity of the ancient packhorse bridge over the River Soar and its surrounding meadows. The Old Bridge, which has 11 arches in total, predates the canal bridge by some 600 years and is  now Grade II*-listed. It crosses the water meadows of the River Soar to the west. Turn left to follow the towpath southwards with the river meadows to your right and the canal to your left.

2. You are immediately in leafy surroundings as the towpath is lined with lush hedgerows and, depending on the season, hawthorn blossom. There are glimpses through to the river meadows, and boats moored along the towpath edge. This stretch is also very popular with canoeists.

3. Another red-brick bridge, Kings Lock Bridge, announces your arrival at Kings Lock. The bridge is known as an ‘accommodation bridge’ – these were built at the time that the canal was being built to allow farmers to access their fields on both sides of the canal.

4. The canalside cottage, built in 1796 and once housing the lockkeeper, is the last remaining lock cottage on the canal through Leicester. The longest-serving lockkeeper was George King, who worked here for forty years from 1852 to 1892 and, in recognition of his long service, the lock was named after him. The cottage has been a tearoom since 2004 so provides an attractive stop-off and a great place to spot wildlife in the meadows, or at least somewhere to pick up an ice cream for your walk.

5. Heading away from Kings Lock, the Soar Valley’s water meadows stretch to the west behind the intermittent hedgerow. Across the water you might see horses grazing in the fields up to the water’s edge. Despite the occasional pylon providing electricity to Leicester, it feels like glorious open countryside here.

6. The A563, also known as the Soar Valley Way, is a brief noisy intrusion on your walk as it crosses over the water on two long low bridges. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and waterfowl attracted by the leafy surroundings and the proximity of the River Soar. The river swirls towards the canal then away again before running alongside the canal as you round the bend to approach Blue Bank Lock. The wide lock has steps up both sides of the lock to help boaters work through it.

7. Cross over the canal via the historic red-brick Blue Bank Bridge and follow the path through the trees north east to join the Great Central Way. Just to the east and south of you are the Glen Parva and Glen Hills Local Nature Reserves, so listen out for birds and wildlife.

8. Turning left to head northwards, the path you are now following is the very straight bed of the original Great Central Railway. It used to be a main line connection between Manchester and London. You’ll see one of Sustrans’ cast-iron Millennium Mileposts, over 1,000 of which were installed in 2000 along the National Cycle Network. The tree-lined Way is part of Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 6, so your space will be shared with cyclists using the trail. It’s even popular with horse riders too!

9. The Way dips down to head under the A563 again before coming back up the other side.

End: Come down the steps, or the new wider access ramp, from the Great Central Way to Marsden Lane and the canal where you began. You could now choose to walk back along the towpath to Kings Lock for a canalside cuppa, or explore the canal further in either direction.

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