Canal Routes

Aqua Narrowboats is based on the Trent & Mersey Canal at Mercia Marina between the historic village of Shardlow and the brewing town of Burton, approximately 6 hours cruise from the inviting pub, tea rooms and nature reserve at Fradley Junction.

We are ideally situated for you to choose from a wealth of canal boat cruises including: the Black Country Ring, Four Counties Ring and Leicester Ring. Return routes include the picturesque trip to Great Haywood passing Fradley Junction; alternatively you could attempt the 11 locks at Atherstone on the Coventry Canal; or take the children to Drayton Manor Park along the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal.

The map below can be used to help you plan your trip. From our base at Mercia Marina on the Trent and Mersey Canal, there is a wealth of canal networks to choose from.

Places to Visit

  • Shugborough Estate
    At Great Hayward on the Trent and Mersey Canal. Pat and Colin Hassall recommend this as ‘well worth a visit’.
  • Drayton Manor Park
    On the Birmingham and Fazley Canal.Recommended by us. Our three children love the park as it caters for the younger children with Thomas Land and the teenagers with the white knuckle rides. There is even a zoo for some peace and tranquility.
  • Harecastle Tunnel
    On the Trent and Mersey Canal. Ian and Julie Cresswell says this ‘is an amazing experience’.
  • Stoke On Trent Potteries
    On the Trent and Mersey Canal. Including Wedgewood, a driving force behind the construction of the Trent and Mersey Canal in 1777.
  • Fradley Junction Nature Reserve
    On the Trent and Mersey Canal. A good stop off to visit the nature reserve for a walk or a spot of bird watching, there is also a visitors centre, 2 tea rooms and a pub. Usually a cluster of people observing the boats passing through
  • Sea Life Centre
    In Birmingham on the Birmingham Canal Navigation.
  • Churnet Steam Railway
    On the Caldon Canal.
  • Bosworth Battlefield
    On the Ashby Canal. The site of the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 and the infamous place where King Richard III lost his life.

Places To Eat

  • Bridge Inn
    At Branston (Italian Menu). Recommended by Pat and Allan Buckley.
  • La Dolce Vita
    At Stone. A very good Italian, not cheap but good value. Recommended by Graham and Lyn Precious.
  • Spode Cottage
    At Armitage. A family pub with a good choice of food and good value. Recommended by Graham and Lyn Precious.
  • The George and Dragon
    At Alrewas. Peter and Lynda Wagner rated this pub as ‘excellent’.
  • The Wolseley Arms
    5 mins walk from Bridge 70. Peter and Lynda Wagner rated this pub as ‘very nice’.
  • The Willow Tree Tea Room
    At Mercia Marina. Light meals and cakes, plus breakfast menu. A great stop off if you arrive early or to have breakfast as you leave. Recommended by us!

Leisure Activities

Many leisure activities can be enjoyed whilst narrowboating, such as walking, cycling, bird watching and fishing. All are free except fishing for which a fishing licence can be obtained from the post office. Some customers have also participated in Geocaching as part of their narrowboating holiday as there are now many places where wifi is accessible along the canal. Geocaching is a treasure hunting game. The idea is to locate hidden containers called geocaches and then share your experience online. For more information visit the geocaching website www.geocaching.com