Leicestershire's Canals & Riversides

Despite being right in the centre of England, Leicestershire is the perfect place to relax by the water. 70 miles of towpaths, canals and riversides can be explored by foot, bike or boat.

The county’s waterways once provided an important route for industrial barges but today they offer the perfect natural haven to relax, recharge and get your body moving.

Research has shown that spending time by water can help you feel happier and healthier and here in Leicestershire we encourage visitors to try a spot of gongoozling. Never heard of it? Gongoozling is the art of watching boats as they make their way along the canal.

Foxton Locks is a gongoozlers paradise as boats make their way up and down the longest and steepest staircase of locks in the country. Alternatively watch the world go by in a charming waterside pub or café.

Leicestershire’s waterways offer visitors the opportunity to see the county from a totally different perspective. Go with the flow and take to the water on a paddleboard, kayak, hydrobike or canoe. The Canal & River Trust, Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Barrow Boating and Let’s Get Lost Leicester are just some of the organisations that run sessions on the River Soar and Grand Union Canal. You can even paddle to the pub or enjoy a picnic and bubbly experience.

If you’re after something a bit more leisurely then why not hire a colourful narrowboat? Boat hire is available at Union Wharf (Market Harborough), Pillings Lock Marina (Quorn) or at Bosworth Marina (Market Bosworth). For the ultimate in luxury take the helm of an interior-designed Boutique Narrowboat - no previous experience required!

Leicestershire is blessed with miles of sweeping towpath just waiting to be explored on a walk, run or leisurely bike ride. Hire a bike from Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre or Rutland cycles at Everards Meadows and see where your wheels take you. Take a wellbeing boost on Leicestershire’s waterways and find out why life is better by water.