Stoke Bruerne
Planning your visit
Address: The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne, Bridge Road, Stoke Bruerne, Towcester, NN12 7SE View on Google map
Phone: 01604 862229
Email: stokebruerne@canalrivertrust.org.uk
Opening Times: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. June- July Open 10am -4pm Wednesdays- Friday and 10am – 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Summer School holiday 10am-5pm Wednesday - Sunday The Café and Gift Shop are now open serving locally sourced produce and unique canal inspired gifts.
Price: It's free to visit our site. Please note car parking charges will apply
Toilets: Toilets available during opening hours.
Housed on two floors of a historic corn mill, the country’s first canal museum at Stoke Bruerne provides an overview of the history of Britain's canals. It offers a fascinating insight into the rich waterway heritage of Stoke Bruerne and the Grand Union Canal and the people that lived and worked on them.
Immerse yourself in the newly transformed café experience which is steeped in canal history and offers a seasonal menu using great local produce.
On the museum first floor is a family activity area offering panoramic views over the canal.
Don’t forget to browse the pre-loved book shop where you can purchase or donate.
Summer season
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
June- July Open 10am -4pm Wednesdays- Friday and 10am – 5pm Saturday and Sunday.
Summer School holiday 10am-5pm Wednesday- Sunday
The Café and Gift Shop are now open serving locally sourced produce and unique canal inspired gifts.
Please note car parking charges will apply but admission to the site is free.
Things to do and see at Stoke Bruerne
- Canal Museum - Come and discover the story of Britain's canals and the people who lived and worked on them. Find out about the engineering feats, the challenges and how canals fuelled the industrial revolution.
- Sculptor - spot our historic boat moored up outside the museum.
- Blisworth Tunnel - stroll up the towpath to see the resident blacksmith.
- Woodland walk - you'll find the entrance along the towpath, towards the Blisworth Tunnel.
- Stoke Bruerne Brick Pits Nature Reserve - walk south along the towpath and you'll find a grassland reserve.
- Boat trips - run by the Stoke Bruerne Boat Co. and The Boat Inn.
- Dog walking
- Cycling
- Pond dipping
- Fishing - fish beyond the locks, as there's lots of boating traffic between Stoke Bruerne and Blisworth Tunnel.
Places to eat:
Picnic spots:
As well as tables outside the museum, you'll find several down the towpath by the pounds (ponds).
Boat trips:
- The Stoke Bruerne Boat Co. (mostly in the summer)
- The Boat Inn run narrowboat 'Indian Chief' boat trip
Walks and trails:
- Audio trail - you can get the audio trail from our museum.
- Woodland walk - with interpretation panels and woodland statues. You'll find the entrance along the towpath, towards the Blisworth Tunnel.
- Stoke Bruerne Brick Pits Nature Reserve - walk south along the towpath and you'll find a peaceful haven for wildlife.
Wildlife spotting:
Look out for swans, herons, ducks, coots and more, but remember not to feed the ducks bread! Download our duck activity guide to find out more. Spot butterflies on our woodland walk or warblers at the nearby Stoke Bruerne Brick Pits Nature Reserve. And did we mention pond dipping?
Find out how with our nature spotter's guide.
Getting here
By car - follow the brown signs from the A508. We've a small pay and display car park:
- fee £3.00 for up to four hours
- special parking charges may apply on event days
- disabled parking – There are two disabled bays in the main car park alternatively there is a disabled bay between the canal bridge and bus stop on Bridge Road
- Keynes are the nearest train stations
By bus - there are new bus routes that will bring you to Stoke Bruerne from Northampton and Milton Keynes
By bike - we’re a very bicycle-friendly here (just remember to share the space of course). You'll find dedicated bicycle parking, free water refills in our café and puncture repair kits in our shop (we hope you won't need to buy one though!)
By boat - see 'Boating through Stoke Bruerne' for mooring maps, services and other useful details
Local news & events
There's events for everyone at Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum. From our very popular Village at War event - the highlight of our year - to floating markets, workshops and themed weekends, and lots more...