Welford Return

Welford Return from Napton Base

Doomsday Book Heritage Cruise

Napton 52 28 26 Suitable for 1 Week or 10 Nights holidays

The Black Prince canal boat base at Napton is perfect for a short break through the uninterrupted countryside and small towns and villages full of character

AVAILABILITY Enquire

A relaxing 7 or 10 day cruise

Enjoy on a canal boat journey from Napton to Welford, where tranquil waterways meander through beautiful English countryside. This route is steeped in history, with villages and landmarks featured in the Domesday Book offering a glimpse into 11th-century England. Perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, this narrowboat break is a relaxing week-long holiday.

Cruise the Grand Union Canal

On leaving the base you’ll head through Braunston on the Grand Union Canal; there are no locks between these two areas until you reach the Leicester arm which branches off to Welford. It’s open English countryside at its best, with plenty of opportunities for spotting birds and wildlife in general.

Discover Braunston

Braunston village has several sights of interest, including the All Saints Church and Braunston Manor, two beautiful buildings within a tranquil countryside setting. If you have time to spare you could take a look at the village’s old windmill before settling down in one of its cosy pubs. Or note the pubs available for your journey back! At Braunston, you’ll head onto the Leicester Section.

The Watford ‘Staircase’

This is where the short break becomes more active as you negotiate the Watford Locks. This is a group of seven locks being formed (looking from the south) of two single locks, a staircase of four, and a final single lock. Together they lift the canal 16 m (52 ft 6 in) to the “Leicester Summit”, which it maintains all the way to Foxton Locks.

Historic Crick

The canal continues north until you pass through a short tunnel to Crick, a beautiful little village that dates back to the Doomsday Book. Stop here for supplies and a visit to the pub and if you are around at the end of May you can join in the festivities of the annual Crick Boat Show & Waterways Festival.

Arriving in Welford

After Crick you can relax on a long stretch of waterway without any locks, passing the hamlets of Yelvertoft and North Kilworth. At Kilworth, you’ll head along the canal arm to Welford, a relaxing stretch of canal, again along a countryside route.