The charity making life better by water
Making life better by water
A beautiful rural canal of two halves, the upper reaches of the Pocklington Canal between Canal Head and Melbourne is characterised by un-restored locks, tree lined towpaths, and classic humpbacked bridges.
This quiet stretch is perfect for a walk while spotting wildlife and enjoying the idyllic views. Unlock the secrets of the canal's past as you follow our 'history poster' trail along the towpath.
Only the lower reaches of the canal is open to boats, lying in an open landscape of floodplains and meadows, rich in wildlife, and identifiable by its distinctive swing bridges. In the summer, you can head to the Melbourne Arm for a short cruise aboard the New Horizons Trip Boat.
Once threatened, the canal was saved by the work of local volunteers and campaigners, and is now home to three Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Look out for Church Bridge and Swing Bridge No. 7 on the Pocklington Canal – both recently restored.
Church Road, Melbourne, York, YO42 4QJ
The towpath is always open.
There is free parking at this location.
For customers of the local pub/café.
Canal Head at Pocklington has a small free car park. Melbourne has some on-street parking about 100-150 yards away from the canal.
Only part of the canal is navigable.
Narrowboat moves along a rural canal with vegetation sticking into the canal and a grassy towpath.
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