Napton Base – Stoke Bruerne, Blisworth Tunnel and return

Napton Base Stoke Bruerne, Blisworth Tunnel and return canal boat holiday

Our Stoke Bruerne canal boat holiday begins at the Black Prince Napton Base at the head of the Oxford Canal. This route is ideal for beginners and includes long stretches on the Grand Union Canal, the longest in the country.

In this area, the locks are around 14 feet wide, which will allow you to share the work with another boat. The start of this trip is lock-free until you get to Braunston Junction, where you reach a hive of activity. This is a busy marina which is usually filled with pleasure boats.

You might enjoy taking the opportunity to have a stroll around the village. Braunston sits quaintly atop a hill above a series of canals. The village has lots of places to relax including various cosy pubs and there are plenty of sights, such as Braunston Manor and the All Saints Church. Cruise onwards to the 3,000-yard Blisworth Tunnel, which was opened in 1805 and is the third-longest navigable canal tunnel in the UK. If you have time, you could visit Northampton and see its stunning 19th century neo-gothic Guild Hall, Northampton Cathedral and the few remains of Northampton Castle.

Finally, you will reach the canal village of Stoke Bruerne. The village houses a Canal Museum located in an old corn mill, telling the story and traditions of canal people. The main attraction is a weighing machine, originally used to calculate boat cargo weight, and one of only three of its kind ever constructed.

After visiting the museum you can eat at The Boat Inn, a canal-side public house originally opened in 1877.