You are here: Home > Ideas & Inspiration > Countryside > Waterways
Waterways
Staffordshire’s at the heart of the inland waterways network with more miles of canals than any other Shire county.
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.
Captain your own boat
Travel Staffordshire's canals in style on 3/4 star deluxe holiday narrow boats with Heritage Narrow Boats. Moving at 3 mph (or 3 locks per hour), you cannot help but relax and unwind.
And Canal Cruising, set in a picturesque boatyard in Stone, right at the centre of the canal network, there's a wide choice of routes in every direction.
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 Reservoir is the perfect spot for a leisurely walk or wet 'n' wild watersports, and there's also a visitor centre and restaurant.
Marinas & Junctions
To the east of the County you'll find Barton Marina with its fantastic shops, alfresco dining and the Waterfront pub. There's also plenty of walks around the marina, lakes and woodlands.
On the Staffordshire-Derbyshire border is Mercia Marina, the largest inland marina in Europe, where you can moor up and explore boutique independent stores, tea rooms and more.
And at Fradley Junction, near Burton and Lichfield, you can relax in a canalside cafe or explore art and crafts at the Junction Gallery.
With 2000 miles of waterways to explore in Staffordshire, the only problem is deciding where to start!
HighlightsFind Something More
Warslow
A delighful village located within the Peak District National Park and is a small estate village,…
Stafford
Stafford is Staffordshire's historic County Town with castle and visitor centre, the Ancient High…
Waterhouses
Situated at the southern point of the Manifold Track and the Hamps Valley, there ia a cycle hire…
Lichfield
Enjoy the magnificent Cathedral City of Lichfield, with so much to see and do you will want to stay…
Wetton
A picturesque village overlooking the Manifold valley, an ideal base for the short walk to the…
Alton
A walk around the delightful village of Alton will reveal interesting buildings from previous…
Biddulph
Overall Winner of the Heart of England in Bloom competition, from Spring through to Autumn,…
Leek
An historic market town with a reputation for unusual shops, antiques, good food and award winning…
Cheadle
Cheadle is an ideal base for exploring local attractions including the wooded Churnet Valley, Alton…
Newcastle-under-Lyme
The thriving market town of Newcastle-under-Lyme is a shoppers delight to visit on market days.…
Grindon
Grindon is situated above the junction of the Manifold and Hamps rivers and is home to All Saint's…
Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent is a post-industrial modern city made up of six towns, each with their own…
Cannock
Cannock is a Southern Staffordshire town which sits to the south of Cannock Chase, the smallest…
Burton upon Trent
The town of Burton upon Trent is associated worldwide with brewing and is reputed to be the brewing…
Uttoxeter
The visitor will find a friendly market town of great attraction at Uttoxeter. Colourful outdoor…
Stone
An old market town situated north of Stafford. The Trent and Mersey Canal passes through the town.…
Ilam
The idyllic village of Ilam in the Staffordshire Peak District has Swiss style cottages, a Gothic…
Tamworth
Tamworth has existed since Saxon times, and once was the proud capital of Mercia, the largest of…