When the sun comes out, it means picnic season has arrived. Pack the sandwiches and head to our favourite canalside picnic spots in the North West to watch the boats go by, enjoy nature or feed the ducks.
And remember, whether you’re on the towpath or in a designated picnic area, please dispose of your rubbish responsibly. If there aren’t any bins around, take your litter home with you to discard.
1. Audlem, Shropshire Union Canal
A quiet, pretty village on the banks of the Shropshire Union, Audlem is famous for its run of 15 locks, dropping 93ft.
There are plenty of walking routes around the area, as well as shops, cafes and pubs in the village. Pause for a picnic by the towpath and watch boats go up and down the locks – and after finishing your lunch, offer them a helping hand with the gates.
There are benches along the canal, and if the weather takes a turn, pop into the Bridge Inn or Shroppie Fly for a drink at the narrowboat-turned-bar. There is free parking in the village.
2. Anderton Boat Lift, Trent & Mersey Canal
A picnic by one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways? This amazing engineering feat links the Trent & Mersey with the River Weaver, lifting boats 50 feet in the air. Watch the two huge water tanks transport boats from our picnic benches – before having a go on one of our boat trips yourself.
Anderton Boat Lift is known as our 'Cathedral of the Canals'.
The grounds are free to access, and there is onsite parking. Dogs are also welcome around the Boat Lift and on the trip boats (at the boat master’s discretion).
3. Lune Aqueduct, Lancaster Canal
Another of our Wonders of the Waterways, the Lune Aqueduct carries the Lancaster Canal 16 metres (53 feet) above the River Lune. And if you head two miles north on the canal, you’ll find several quiet picnic spots with picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.
As you tuck into your sandwiches, watch the world go by as cyclists, walkers and paddlers pass.
Alternatively, if you head down to the River Lune and walk to Crook O' Lune Picnic Site (about two and a half miles), you’ll find a popular spot with a café, toilets and pay-and-display carpark.
4. Ellesmere Port, Shropshire Union Canal
Head to the end of the line to find Ellesmere Port’s National Waterways Museum.
There are picnic benches dotted around the museum, or if you’d prefer, the museum’s café offers a selection of food and drinks with indoor and outdoor seating. Your kids will enjoy the outdoor play area or feeding the ducks.
You can park at the museum for free or walk the 20-minute route from Ellesmere Port station.
Explore the old working boats, historic forge, stables, workers' cottages and the Island Warehouse.
5. Middlewich Branch, Shropshire Union Canal
The Middlewich Branch is a 10-mile stretch of canal that links the Shropshire Union to the Trent & Mersey across the Cheshire countryside. The canal follows a delightful rural route through farmland, with a short urban section near the junction at Middlewich.
Just below Cholmondeston Lock (at Venetian Marina) is a picnic area accessible from the towpath. There are only a few benches here, but it’s the perfect place to pause for refreshment while watching the boats go up and down. At the marina itself, you’ll find a tea room and shop.
After your picnic, it’s worth taking a wander down (or up) the towpath for the quiet beauty of this scenic canal.
6. Bugsworth Basin, Peak Forest Canal
On the Peak Forest Canal, Bugsworth Basin was once a busy inland port. Today, it's popular with boaters and walkers.
There are several benches here, as well as large grassy patches to sit on if you remember your picnic blanket. And if you’d prefer a cooked meal, there is a pub at the end of the basin. There is plenty of wildlife to spot in the area.
There is free parking along the canal or car parks and stations nearby at Whaley Bridge (a 25-minute walk) and Chapel-en-le-Frith (one hour and 15-minute walk). You can also get the train to Chinley, which is a 30-minute walk from the basin.
On the doorstep of the Peak District, Bugsworth Basin is ideal for nature lovers.
7. Marple Locks, Peak Forest Canal
Another scenic spot on the edge of the Peak District, Marple Locks is a spectacular sight. Here, you’ll find a fascinating glimpse of our industrial heritage – a flight of sixteen locks, a historic aqueduct and a railway viaduct – surrounded by beautiful countryside and woodland walks.
There are several picnic areas, and more benches dotted along the canal, to enjoy your lunch, as well as pubs, cafes and shops in the town. And there is plenty to do along this stretch – from a play area at the Memorial Park to visiting Samuel Oldknow’s old warehouse and the Horse Tunnel.
There is parking in the town centre or at Marple Station, which is a few minutes’ walk from the canal.
Visit our welcome centre for more information near the Macclesfield Canal junction.
