Bases

North Kilworth
On the historic and beautiful Grand Union, Leicester Section

North Kilworth Wharf is situated on the 20 mile lock free summit of the beautiful and rural Leicester section of the Grand Union Canal in between two of the most impressive (manned) staircase locks in the UK. Watford and the 10 rise Foxton flight.

Foxton to the north of Kilworth must be visited for the locks, museum and England’s only incline plane which is being restored at present. Foxton is the most visited tourist spot in Leicestershire and has two lock side pubs, a shop and a boat yard. Foxton is about two hours from Kilworth; the locks will take about an hour and from the bottom of the flight it would be well worth taking around a 3 hour cruise on the Market Harborough arm to the historic town of Market Harborough, (well worth a visit).

Other places of interest on the Leicester section are Welford, Yelvertoft and Crick with it’s fine Church, quaint old pubs (all serving good food and fine ales, if you are particularly interested in real ale, the Royal Oak is well worth a visit. There are a couple of well stocked shops in Crick and many thatched cottages.

The main line Grand Union Canal is approximately 6 to 7 hours cruising from North Kilworth to Norton Junction where there is a very nice lock side pub once you turned left (south). Navigating the Long Buckby flight will eventually take you to Stoke Bruerne, one of the prettiest and interesting villages on the whole canal system, (steeped in history) Braunston is about 2 hours north of Norton Junction and is probably the most historic canal centre in England.

There are many routes you can choose from Braunston, you may want to carry onto the North Oxford heading for Rugby & Coventry; alternatively you choose to cruise along the South Oxford, or carry on towards Warwick and Birmingham on the Grand Union. The choices are endless and whichever route you prefer you will come across some of the most gorgeous, historic and rural sites with plenty of handsome pubs offering good food and fine ales as well as plenty of places to shop on route.

If you are planning a two week break then why not try the Leicestershire or Warwickshire ring. North Kilworth Wharf offers good and secure parking, basic groceries, friendly and helpful staff as well as two good pubs within walking distance. Whether you are planning as short break or a long holiday North Kilworth offers perfect routes for any duration.