Do you enjoy pausing for a picnic to watch the world go by next to our busy city centre canals? These canals offer a moment of quiet amid the hustle and bustle of urban life. Here are our top picnic spots.
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. London
Take a trip to the capital’s canals to enjoy your picnic with a backdrop of busy boats and waterside attractions.
Victoria Park, Regent’s Canal
London’s oldest public park, Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets sits on the corner of the Regent’s and Hertford Union Canals. Amid all the greenery and beautiful flower gardens, you’ll find a Chinese Pagoda, fountains, a children’s playground and several cafés. Take a walk along the canal before finding a bench to enjoy your lunch.
The nearest Tube stations are Mile End and Bethnal Green. There is also a car park on Grove Road.
Little Venice, Regent’s Canal
Little Venice is where the Regent’s Canal joins the Grand Union.
Little Venice is a charming stretch filled with narrowboats, floating cafés and famous mansions. Take your picnic hamper to Rembrandt Gardens or get something to eat from one of the local cafés or shops and take a seat on the steps at Sheldon Square.
You can get to Little Venice from Paddington Station or walk from Warwick Avenue or Westbourne Park Tube Stations.
2. Leeds
This rejuvenated and vibrant waterfront is a great place to picnic.
Leeds Dock, Aire & Calder Navigation
Look out for the Royal Armouries Museum, Art Gallery, Granary Wharf and Brewery Wharf.
Lock Island at Fearns Wharf separates the River Aire and the Aire & Calder – and this thin stretch of grass makes for a lovely place to enjoy your picnic. Once you’ve finished your picnic, take a water taxi from the Dock to Granary Wharf and explore Leeds Waterfront by boat.
Lock Island is a short walk from Leeds Train Station, and you can access the island from the Knight’s Way Footbridge.
3. Birmingham
With more canals than Venice, Birmingham has plenty of canalside picnic spots too.
Gas Street Basin, Worcester & Birmingham Canal
Gas Street Basin is where old meets new.
In the heart of Birmingham’s Canal Navigations, Gas Street Basin is an exciting meeting point of two canals. There are several bars and restaurants along the towpath to get some food or head up the canal to find a place to picnic at Brindleyplace.
Mailbox, Worcester & Birmingham Canal
Just slightly further down the canal is the Mailbox. Here, you’ll find cafés, bars and restaurants, as well as a shop to pick up picnic bits. Take your food to the grassy steps beside the water and watch the boats go by.
The canal is a 15-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station.
4. Nottingham
A canal, a castle and a river – there are plenty of places to picnic in Nottingham.
Victoria Embankment, River Trent
Constructed in 1871, the historic Trent Bridge is thought to date back to the mediaeval period.
Victoria Embankment is on the mighty River Trent, a grand, landscaped park with plenty of benches to eat your lunch at while you enjoy your lunch. Stroll through the Memorial Gardens, before heading along the riverbank to watch the wildlife, rowers and boats go by.
There are cafés and bars along the river, as well as a children’s play area, including a paddling pool and cycle park. Victoria Embankment is only a 30-minute walk from Nottingham city centre.
Beeston Lock, Nottingham & Beeston Canal
Beeston Lock is just an easy cycle ride from Nottingham.
Beeston Lock takes boaters from the River Trent into the city centre on the Nottingham & Beeston Canal. Take a stroll along the towpath, learn about the area’s history in the Canalside Heritage Centre and watch boats head through the lock before throwing down your picnic blanket.
Beeston Station is a 20-minute walk away.
5. Bath
This historical city has much to offer, from exploring the Roman Baths to walking in Jane Austen’s footsteps. Enjoy a canalside picnic in Bath, while soaking up the area’s history.
Sydney Gardens, Kennet & Avon Canal
The Kennet & Avon Canal runs through Bath's oldest park, Sydney Gardens.
Take your picnic hamper to Sydney Gardens to relax by the canal. There is a picnic area and children’s play area here, as well as a museum, two tunnels and an audio trail. At Horseshoe Bridge Lock, you’ll find a café to stop at for refreshments.
Bath Spa Station is just a few minutes away from the canal over Halfpenny Bridge, and there are nearby car parks.
Bathampton, Kennet & Avon Canal
Nearby is the Pump House Chimney, Cleveland House, Sydney Wharf, Baird's Maltings and Thrimble Mill.
This village on the edge of Bath was once a bustling wharf. Today, Bathampton is an idyllic spot on the Kennet & Avon. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the canal into Bath, or head in the other direction to the historic Claverton Pumping Station. There are several picnic areas along the canal, as well as a floating café and a pub.
