History

Photo “Grand Union Canal at Uxbridge” by Nigel Cox, CC BY-SA 2.0

Welcome to the Grand Union Canal

Britain’s longest canal, linking London to Birmingham and beyond

The Grand Union Canal is the longest canal in Britain, stretching over 137 miles from London to Birmingham. Once the country’s busiest industrial waterway, today it’s a place for boating, walking, cycling, wildlife spotting, and heritage adventures. Whether you’re looking for peaceful towpath strolls, a glimpse of nature, or a step back into history, the Grand Union Canal has something for everyone.

History

The Grand Union Canal has a long history

- It was formed in 1929 by merging several older waterways.
- Built originally to carry goods between London, Birmingham, and the Midlands, it powered Britain’s industrial growth.
- With the arrival of railways and motorways, commercial traffic declined – but the canal remains a living link to our past.

The Route

The canal runs from London (Paddington Arm) through Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, and Leicestershire before reaching Birmingham.

Highlights along the way include:

Over 160 locks
Impressive aqueducts and bridges
Historic market towns and villages
Branches to Aylesbury, Slough, and Leicester

👉 You can add a Google Map here showing the route.

Wildlife

The Grand Union Canal is rich in wildlife:

Swans, ducks, herons, and kingfishers are common
Otters and water voles can sometimes be spotted
Towpaths are lined with wildflowers, bees, and butterflies

This makes it a fantastic place for nature walks and birdwatching.

Things to Do

🚤 Boating: Hire a narrowboat or join a cruise
🚶 Walking & Cycling: Towpaths offer scenic routes for all abilities
🎣 Fishing: Relax at peaceful waterside spots
🏛️ Heritage visits: Explore historic locks, bridges, and waterside pubs
🦆 Wildlife watching: A treat for birdwatchers and nature lovers

Community & Care

The canal is cared for by the Canal & River Trust with help from local groups.

Volunteers run clean-ups and conservation projects
Events celebrate canal heritage and connect local communities
Groups such as Friends of the Grand Union Canal help keep the waterway thriving

Google Sites

Report abuse