Stoke Bruerne to Leamington Spa (6 nights)
This 6-night journey along the Grand Union Canal from Stoke Bruerne Top Lock to Leamington Spa is a captivating cruise through picturesque countryside, historic waterways, and charming canal-side villages. The adventure begins at the top lock in Stoke Bruerne, a village with a rich canal heritage. Stoke Bruerne is home to the Canal Museum, which offers fascinating insights into the history of Britain’s inland waterways, including the construction of the Grand Union Canal to connect the industrial Midlands with London.
We head towards the Blisworth Tunnel, an impressive engineering feat completed in 1805. At over three thousand yards long, it is one of the longest navigable tunnels in the UK. Inside the tunnel, the cool air and the occasional trickle of water create a mysterious atmosphere, giving guests a sense of the immense effort required to build such a structure without modern machinery.
Emerging from the tunnel, the canal meanders through peaceful countryside toward Buckby Bottom Lock, where we will moor for the night. The locks here, like many on the route, were widened in the 1930s to accommodate larger vessels during a period when canal freight transport was still a significant part of Britain’s economy.
The following day, the journey continues past Welton Lane, where the landscape opens to reveal rolling fields. The canal soon reaches the entrance to the Braunston Tunnel, another impressive passage through the hills. The tunnel, completed in 1796, is known for its slight curve. Emerging from the tunnel, we pass through the Braunston Locks, a flight of six locks that were once busy with working boats transporting goods between London and Birmingham.
Braunston itself is often called the ‘heart of the English canal network.’ The village has a long-standing connection to canal life, with historic boatyards and a marina that still serves leisure boaters today. The church of All Saints, known locally as the ‘Cathedral of the Canals,’ stands as a landmark for miles around.
Continuing the journey, the boat cruises toward Stockton Bottom Lock. The Stockton flight consists of ten locks that lift the canal over 54 feet, providing a sense of accomplishment as the boat steadily ascends through the countryside. The evening is spent moored here, where the nearby village of Stockton offers a glimpse into rural life.
The next stage of the journey passes Welsh Road Lock 18, where the canal winds through agricultural land and past woodland stretches. This section of the canal is particularly tranquil, offering moments of reflection as the boat moves smoothly through the water.
The final leg of the journey leads into Leamington Spa, a town known for its elegant Regency architecture and historic significance as a spa destination. The boat moors near Clemens Street Bridge, with the town’s Pump Room Gardens and riverside walks just a short distance away.
Cost per person for this cruise £1,800.00*
Deposit required £720.00 per cabin
*Price based on 2 people sharing a twin/double cabin. Cabins booked for 1 person incur a single occupancy supplement of 50%.
Please refer to our terms and conditions before booking. If you have any questions or specific requirements please contact us.
