The Grand Union Canal

The Grand Union leaves London and climbs over fifty locks up into the Chiltern hills. It descends then climbs again to a new summit in Birmingham, 137 miles and 166 locks. Boatmen used to claim to do it in five days but allow well over a week if you want to get any sleep! The Leicester section branches north at Braunston and eventually joins the River Soar which flows into the River Trent.
See more at Canal Junction!
The line out of Birmingham goes through Royal Leamington Spa, fashionable in Victorian times and Warwick, famous for its medieval buildings and castle. You pass Weedon barracks, built here two hundred years ago because it was thought to be the place in England farthest from any possible coastal invasion! There are long tunnels at Blisworth and Braunston.
The Paddington Arm and Regents Canal in London go close to the city centre, through Regent's Park and London Zoo to meet the Thames again at Limehouse Basin. The climb up to the Chilterns goes through some beautiful scenery, especially through the partly 17 century Cassiobury Park. Braunston and Stoke Bruerne with its Canal Museum and Boat Inn are worth a stop.
Hireboats (self drive) on this canal: Copt Heath Wharf, Canalboat Holidays, Nationwide Narrowboats, Wyvern Shipping Co., Lee Valley Boats.
Hotel boats on this canal 2003:   Full details Coming Soon!
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about Canal Vacations		 promotes the wonderful leisure opportunities on UK canals. We don't offer boats or vacations of our own!
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