2.5 hours cruising

After your comprehensive boat handling training at the picturesque Union Wharf marina, set off on your narrowboat adventure! Cruise along the Market Harborough Arm of the Grand Union Canal, a peaceful 5-mile stretch of wandering countryside, right in the heart of the East Midlands. Along the way, you’ll need to open Swing Bridge to proceed.

Moor up for the night shortly after the swing bridge. There’s a pretty towpath where you can alight and walk a few short minutes to the Black Horse, Foxton. They have a charming outdoor space and a great menu. Alternatively, head further into Foxton to the Shoulder of Mutton. Enjoy some drinks and a meal before a cosy night aboard your holiday boat.

6 hours cruising

Cruise into the basin at Foxton Locks and moor up through Bridge 61. Stroll up to the Top Lock Café for a bacon roll and a coffee, admiring the greenery and the world-famous locks. Return to your narrowboat and head off past Debdale Marina.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise through the stunning Leicestershire countryside, and on through Saddington Tunnel. Pause for a towpath lunch, before embarking on the Kibworth Locks. Continue until you’re ready to settle in for the night. We recommend mooring up around Bowden Road Bridge 77.

6 hours cruising

This is a day of easy cruising through the beautiful rural landscape, enjoying the waterways without any locks or directional changes. Make the most of the sprawling countryside and keep an eye out for any wildlife. As the day progresses, you’ll skirt the southern stretch of the city of Leicester.

Pause for the night at Blaby, finding a mooring around Whetstone Lande Bridge 99. Enjoy a cosy dinner and some relaxation on your narrowboat.

5 hours cruising

Journey on through the lower reaches of Leicester, stopping for morning coffee or some breakfast at the Kings Lock Tearooms. Sit outside and watch the wildlife in The Meadows, before heading off again. Keep well away from the weir at Freemans Meadow Lock.

Stop off in the heart of Leicester at the visitor moorings between footbridge 11A and Westbridge. From here you can walk to shops, markets, bars, and restaurants, spending the afternoon enjoying the cultural and culinary delights of this buzzing city. Make sure to visit the Cathedral and the Richard III Visitor Centre before you leave.

6 hours cruising

Set off for the morning up past a second weir, keeping clear, on to Memory Lane Wharf. Here you can turn and begin the return leg of the narrowboat route. Retrace your steps back past the two weirs and out of the city of Leicester.

Take your time meandering through the beautiful Leicestershire waterways, admiring the scenery and the local wildlife. Moor up for the night at Kilby Bridge.

6 hours cruising

Enjoy breakfast on board, then cruise back through the incredible Leicestershire countryside, making your way through the locks at Kibworth. In the afternoon, saunter through the Saddington Tunnel. After, choose a picturesque spot alongside the towpath to moor up for the night, just before Foxton Locks basin.

3 hours cruising

Begin your day with a cruise back into the basin at Foxton Locks, keeping left towards Market Harborough. Here you can moor up and walk to the Locks to take a look around. Check out the Foxton Canal Museum and the famous Boat Lift, or head to the Top Lock Café for an ice cream.

Return to Market Harborough via two swing bridges, mooring up in Union Wharf marina. Take a walk into the historic town centre to enjoy an afternoon of shopping. Visit the quaint Cultural Quarter for the town’s museum, theatre, and iconic stilted Old Grammar School. Market Harborough has an award-winning market, multiple boutique and independent shops, and numerous cafes and bars.