The Best Narrowboat Routes for Film and TV Fans in the UK: A Guide to Scenic Waterways with Iconic Filming Locations

Narrowboats are a popular way to explore the UK’s waterways, offering a unique and leisurely way to travel through some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. For film and TV fans, there are some routes that offer an added bonus: the chance to see some of the locations used in their favourite productions. From the iconic canals of Birmingham to the tranquil waters of the Llangollen Canal, there are plenty of narrowboat routes that offer a glimpse into the world of film and TV.

One of the best places to start is in Birmingham, where the city’s extensive canal network has been used in a number of productions, including Peaky Blinders and the BBC’s adaptation of Dickens’ Hard Times. The city’s Gas Street Basin is a popular starting point for narrowboat trips, with routes taking in the historic canals and locks of the city centre. Further afield, the Grand Union Canal offers a picturesque journey through the Warwickshire countryside, passing through the locations used in the TV series Dangerfield and the film The BFG.

For those looking for a more tranquil experience, the Llangollen Canal in North Wales offers stunning views of the Dee Valley, as well as the chance to see the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The canal has also been used as a location for a number of films and TV shows, including the BBC’s adaptation of George Eliot’s Daniel Deronda. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply looking for a unique way to explore the UK’s waterways, there are plenty of narrowboat routes that offer a glimpse into the world of film and TV.

Narrowboat Routes in the North

The North of England is home to some of the most picturesque and stunning narrowboat routes in the UK. From the Cheshire Ring to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, there are plenty of routes to explore for film and TV fans. Here are some of the best narrowboat routes in the North:

Cheshire Ring

The Cheshire Ring is a 97-mile circular route that takes you through the heart of Cheshire. This route takes you through the Bridgewater Canal, the Trent and Mersey Canal, and the Macclesfield Canal. Along the way, you’ll pass through some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK, including the Peak District National Park. This route is perfect for film and TV fans, as it passes through the town of Acton Bridge, which was used as a location for the popular TV show, “Hollyoaks”.

Leeds and Liverpool Canal

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is a 127-mile route that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the North. This route takes you through the cities of Leeds and Liverpool, as well as the towns of Wigan, Burnley, and Blackburn. Along the way, you’ll pass through some of the most iconic locations in the UK, including Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This route is perfect for film and TV fans, as it was used as a location for the popular TV show, “Peaky Blinders”.

Heartbreak Hill

Heartbreak Hill is a section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal that is known for its steep incline. This section of the canal is located near the town of Burnley and is a popular spot for narrowboat enthusiasts. This route is perfect for film and TV fans, as it was used as a location for the popular TV show, “Last Tango in Halifax”.

Overall, the North of England is home to some of the most stunning and picturesque narrowboat routes in the UK. Whether you’re a film and TV fan or just looking for a relaxing break, there’s something for everyone in the North.

Narrowboat Routes in the South

For film and TV fans, the South of England offers some of the most picturesque and tranquil waterways in the UK. Here are some of the best narrowboat routes to explore in the region.

Oxford Canal

The Oxford Canal is a popular choice for narrowboat enthusiasts, offering 77 miles of stunning scenery and historic architecture. Starting in Oxford, the canal passes through the beautiful Cotswolds, before ending in Coventry. Along the way, boaters can enjoy the peaceful waterways, as well as the stunning architecture of Oxford University and the historic town of Banbury.

Grand Union Canal

The Grand Union Canal is one of the longest canals in the UK, stretching over 137 miles from London to Birmingham. The southern section of the canal takes in some of the most beautiful countryside in the South of England, passing through the Chiltern Hills and the rolling hills of Wiltshire. The canal also passes through the historic town of Reading, offering a range of attractions for visitors.

Brecon Beacons National Park

For those looking for a more challenging narrowboat route, the Brecon Beacons National Park offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. Starting in Brecon, boaters can explore the winding waterways and rugged landscapes of the national park, taking in stunning views of the Welsh countryside along the way. The route also passes through the historic town of Abergavenny, offering a range of attractions for visitors.

Whether you’re a film and TV fan or simply looking for a peaceful and relaxing break, the South of England has something to offer. With its beautiful canals, historic architecture and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder that narrowboating is becoming an increasingly popular pastime in the region.

Famous Canals and Waterways

When it comes to narrowboat routes for film and TV fans in the UK, there are several famous canals and waterways that stand out. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Kennet and Avon Canal

The Kennet and Avon Canal is a popular route for narrowboat enthusiasts, and it’s not hard to see why. This canal route stretches for 87 miles and passes through some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK, including the rolling hills of Wiltshire and the stunning Avon Valley.

One of the most famous sections of the Kennet and Avon Canal is the Caen Hill Flight of Locks, which features 29 locks over a distance of just two miles. This impressive feat of engineering is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of canals and waterways.

Union Canals

The Union Canals are a network of canals that link Edinburgh and Glasgow, and they are a popular route for narrowboat enthusiasts who want to explore Scotland’s industrial heritage.

The Union Canals include the Forth and Clyde Canal, which stretches for 35 miles and passes through some of Scotland’s most beautiful countryside. This canal was originally built to provide a route for ships to travel between the east and west coasts of Scotland, but it fell into disuse in the 20th century. It has since been restored and is now a popular route for narrowboats.

Forth and Clyde Canal

The Forth and Clyde Canal is another famous waterway in Scotland, and it’s a popular route for narrowboat enthusiasts who want to explore the country’s industrial heritage. This canal stretches for 35 miles and passes through some of Scotland’s most beautiful countryside, including the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

One of the most impressive features of the Forth and Clyde Canal is the Falkirk Wheel, which is a rotating boat lift that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. This impressive feat of engineering is a must-see for anyone interested in canals and waterways.

Overall, these famous canals and waterways offer plenty of opportunities for narrowboat enthusiasts to explore the UK’s industrial heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in the Kennet and Avon Canal, the Union Canals, or the Forth and Clyde Canal, there’s something for everyone on these iconic routes.

Architectural Marvels on Narrowboat Routes

Narrowboat routes in the UK offer an opportunity to experience some of the country’s most impressive architectural marvels. From aqueducts and locks to tunnels and castles, there is no shortage of fascinating structures to explore. Here are some of the most notable architectural marvels to look out for on narrowboat routes:

Aqueducts and Locks

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is one of the most famous aqueducts in the UK and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Grade 1 listed structure is an engineering marvel and spans the River Dee at a height of 38 metres. Another impressive aqueduct is the Dundas Aqueduct, which carries the Kennet and Avon Canal over the River Avon. This aqueduct is a fine example of Georgian architecture and is a Grade 1 listed structure.

Locks are another fascinating feature of narrowboat routes. The Caen Hill Locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal are a prime example of this. These 16 locks were built in the late 18th century and are an impressive feat of engineering. Another notable lock is the Hatton Flight on the Grand Union Canal, which consists of 21 locks.

Tunnels and Castles

The Llangollen Canal is home to the Chirk Aqueduct and Tunnel. This aqueduct is a Grade 1 listed structure and spans the River Ceiriog. The tunnel, which is over 400 metres long, is a remarkable feat of engineering and offers a unique experience for narrowboat enthusiasts.

Castles are also a common sight on narrowboat routes. One of the most impressive is Warwick Castle, which is a medieval castle that dates back to the 11th century. This Grade 1 listed structure is located on the River Avon and offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Engineering Marvels

The Anderton Boat Lift is a remarkable piece of engineering that was built in the late 19th century. This lift is located on the River Weaver and is used to lift boats from the river to the Trent and Mersey Canal. The lift is a Grade 2* listed structure and is a must-see for anyone interested in engineering.

In conclusion, narrowboat routes in the UK offer an opportunity to experience some of the country’s most impressive architectural marvels. From aqueducts and locks to tunnels and castles, there is no shortage of fascinating structures to explore.

Nature and Wildlife Along the Canal Routes

Countryside and Wildlife

As narrowboats meander through the British countryside, passengers are treated to a plethora of wildlife and natural beauty. The canals are home to a wide variety of birds, including kingfishers, herons, and ducks. In addition to birdwatching, passengers may also spot rabbits, squirrels, and even deer along the towpath. The peaceful surroundings make it easy to appreciate the natural world and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Pennines and Downs

The Pennines and Downs offer some of the most stunning scenery in the UK. The Pennine Way and the South Downs Way are both popular hiking trails that run parallel to the canals. Passengers can take a break from their narrowboat journey and explore the rolling hills and valleys on foot. The Pennines are also home to several steam train lines, including the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and the East Lancashire Railway, which offer an alternative way to experience the beauty of the area.

North Wales and Welsh Villages

The canals of North Wales wind through picturesque villages and stunning landscapes. The Llangollen Canal is particularly noteworthy for its Horseshoe Falls and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The aqueduct, which spans the River Dee, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The canal also passes through the charming Welsh villages of Llangollen and Chirk, where passengers can stop for a pint at a local pub and soak up the local culture.

Overall, the narrowboat routes in the UK offer a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the British countryside and its wildlife. Passengers can relax and enjoy the slow pace of life on the canals while taking in the stunning scenery and natural wonders.

Cultural Experiences on Narrowboat Routes

When it comes to cultural experiences, the UK’s narrowboat routes offer plenty of opportunities for film and TV fans. From canalside pubs and museums to Shakespearean landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there is something for everyone.

Pubs and Museums

One of the highlights of a narrowboat journey is the chance to visit some of the UK’s most historic and picturesque pubs. The Barge Inn in Honeystreet is a must-visit for fans of the crop circle mystery, while the Cross Guns in Avoncliff is a charming spot with stunning views of the Kennet and Avon Canal.

For those interested in history and culture, there are also plenty of museums to explore along the way. The Kennet and Avon Canal Museum in Bradford-on-Avon is a fascinating look at the history of the waterway, while the Avebury World Heritage Site and Museum offers a glimpse into the Neolithic period.

Shakespeare and Poets

Fans of Shakespeare and other poets will find plenty to enjoy on a narrowboat journey. The Pontymoile Basin in South Wales is home to the Fourteen Locks Canal Centre, which is dedicated to the life and work of Welsh poet Thomas Edwards.

Meanwhile, the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal takes visitors past the Gas Street Basin, which was once a hub of the city’s industrial and literary scene. And of course, the River Avon offers a chance to visit Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Finally, no narrowboat journey is complete without a visit to one of the UK’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Falkirk Wheel on the Union Canal is a marvel of engineering and a must-see for anyone interested in canals and waterways.

Meanwhile, the circular route from Braunston takes visitors past the stunning Edinburgh and Glasgow canals, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Whether you’re a film and TV fan or simply interested in history and culture, the UK’s narrowboat routes offer a wealth of opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Boating and Mooring

Boating Essentials

For those who are new to narrowboating, it is important to know the essentials before setting off on a canal boat holiday. Firstly, it is important to have a good understanding of how to operate the boat, including the controls and steering. It is also important to know the rules of the canal, such as speed limits, and to be aware of other boaters and pedestrians on the towpath.

It is recommended to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, especially when walking on the towpath or mooring the boat. Life jackets and buoyancy aids are also recommended, particularly for children and non-swimmers.

Mooring

Mooring is an essential part of narrowboating, and there are a variety of options available for those looking to moor their boat. Canal and River Trust (CRT) provides mooring facilities across the UK, including long-term, short-term, and overnight moorings. It is important to note that mooring fees may apply, and it is advisable to book in advance during peak periods.

Alternatively, boaters can moor at a variety of pubs, restaurants, and other attractions along the canal, although it is important to check with the establishment beforehand. It is also possible to moor in the countryside, allowing for a peaceful and secluded stay.

Staycation

Narrowboating provides a unique opportunity for a staycation, allowing for a relaxing and enjoyable break in the UK. Beacon Park Boats offers a variety of canal boat holidays, providing everything needed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay on the water.

In addition to boating, there are a variety of activities available for those looking to explore the surrounding areas, including walking along the towpath, visiting local attractions, and enjoying the local cuisine.

Overall, boating and mooring are essential parts of a canal boat holiday, providing a unique and enjoyable experience for all.