With 2000 miles of waterways for you to explore in Staffordshire, your only problem is deciding where to start!
Staffordshire’s at the heart of the inland waterways network with more miles of canals than any other Shire county in the country.
Perfect for leisurely days out by the water with a picnic, enjoying the peace and wildlife, or taking in a welcoming canalside pub.
Better still, why not take a narrow boat holiday? You’ll find plenty of boatyards and marinas for boat hire.
Canals in Staffordshire
You can hire a narrowboat for the day or a longer break on canals in Staffordshire.
Take charge and choose from more than 150 miles of canal in Staffordshire to chug along, including the 93 mile Trent & Mersey Canal and the 46 mile Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal.
Moving at 3 mph (or 3 locks per hour), you cannot help but relax and unwind.
Travel in style on 3/4 star deluxe holiday narrow boats with Heritage Narrow Boats, while Canal Cruising, in a picturesque boatyard in Stone, is right at the centre of the canal network and offers routes in every direction.
Marinas & Junctions
As well as having miles of canal to meander along, Staffordshire is blessed with places to moor your boat, where you can pause to enjoy a fabulous meal, browse the shops, and even take in a film.
At Aston Marina, you can take a break from your journey along the Trent & Mersey Canal and tuck into the mouth-watering dishes at the No 26 Restaurant, or venture into the nearby market town of Stone, well-known for its hostelries, cafes and events.
Barton Marina, on the Trent & Mersey Canal between Lichfield and Burton upon Trent, is hard to beat, thanks to its fantastic selection of shops and eateries, local walks, and the independent Red Carpet Cinema for blockbusters and art house films.
And at Fradley Junction, near Burton and Lichfield, you can relax in a canalside cafe or explore art and crafts at the Junction Gallery.
Lakes & Reservoirs
Lying at the foot of a hillside, Rudyard Lake offers peace and tranquility. Take a walk, sail a boat, catch a fish or climb aboard thelakes very own land train.
Set on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Tittesworth Water is the perfect spot for a leisurely walk or wet 'n' wild watersports, and there's also a visitor centre, restaurant and recently-refurbished play area
Chasewater Country Park, near Lichfield, is a beautiful and accessible destination for a stroll, with a centre for paddleboarding, sailing, wakeboarding and water-skiing if you fancy a challenge.
And Blithfield Reservoir, close to Burton upon Trent, is a popular spot for sailing and angling, and has an abundance of wildlife, ancient woodland, and beautiful walks.
