Chester
Welcome to Chester, a charming destination that can be explored by canal. The journey takes you on a peaceful and picturesque journey along the Shropshire Union Canal from Barbridge.
Introduction
Chester
Discover the hidden gems along the way. Immerse yourself in breathtaking countryside views from idyllic mooring spots and indulge in the delights of the waterways. Chester is a true gem for boating enthusiasts and a fabulous destination to explore.
As you traverse the Middlewich Arm, be sure to make a stop at the renowned Badger Inn in Church Minshull. Located just a short walk from Bridge 11, this popular restaurant and pub offers delectable cuisine amidst beautiful countryside surroundings. Advance reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot.
Continuing your journey, pass through the three locks after Wardle lock and you’ll encounter two marinas with small tearooms. Take a moment to enjoy a refreshing coffee and a slice of cake at Aqueduct Marina and Venetian Marina. Along the towpath side near Venetian Marina, you’ll find a lovely picnic area, providing a peaceful mooring spot for relaxation.
Arriving at Barbridge Junction, make a right turn and should you wish to visit the Barbridge Inn, a favorite stop for customers on short breaks. Indulge in tasty food and unwind in the beer garden, while the kids have fun in a designated play area. If you’re up for further adventures, continue on to the Hurleston Locks to enter the Llangollen Canal or head towards the vibrant city of Chester by turning right at the Barbridge Junction.
Experience the beauty and tranquility of Chester by canal, and create unforgettable memories with friends and family. Book your boating adventure today and embark on an amazing holiday aboard our boats. Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the wonders of the waterways with Canal Boat Holidays.
Chester, a historic city nestled in the heart of Cheshire, England, offers a captivating blend of ancient architecture, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler. As you wander through its cobbled streets, you’re taken on a journey back in time, surrounded by the city’s medieval walls that tell tales of centuries past. These walls, the most complete in Britain, provide a scenic walk around the city, offering glimpses of its rich history and stunning views of the surrounding area.
At the heart of Chester’s allure is the Rows – unique two-tiered medieval galleries that now house a variety of shops, cafes, and boutiques. This architectural wonder, dating back to the 13th century, offers a shopping experience like no other, blending the charm of yesteryear with the sophistication of modern retail. The Rows are a perfect example of Chester’s ability to marry its historical heritage with contemporary culture, making it a fascinating place to explore.
No visit to Chester would be complete without exploring its majestic Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece with a history stretching back over a thousand years. The cathedral not only stands as a beacon of spiritual significance but also showcases incredible Gothic architecture. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, climb the tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, or simply bask in the tranquility of its beautiful gardens.
Chester is also famed for its Roman heritage, with the Roman Amphitheatre being a highlight. It is the largest amphitheatre in Britain, offering a glimpse into the city’s ancient past. Nearby, the Grosvenor Museum delves deeper into Chester’s Roman history, alongside other local and natural history exhibits, providing a comprehensive insight into the area’s evolution over millennia.
For those seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Chester serves as an enchanting escape. The city is not only steeped in history but is also alive with vibrant markets, festivals, and events throughout the year, offering something for every visitor. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, enjoying a leisurely cruise on the River Dee, or simply soaking up the atmosphere in one of its many quaint pubs and restaurants, Chester promises an unforgettable experience that combines the best of the past and present.
Introduction
Chester
Discover the hidden gems along the way. Immerse yourself in breathtaking countryside views from idyllic mooring spots and indulge in the delights of the waterways. Chester is a true gem for boating enthusiasts and a fabulous destination to explore.
As you traverse the Middlewich Arm, be sure to make a stop at the renowned Badger Inn in Church Minshull. Located just a short walk from Bridge 11, this popular restaurant and pub offers delectable cuisine amidst beautiful countryside surroundings. Advance reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot.
Continuing your journey, pass through the three locks after Wardle lock and you’ll encounter two marinas with small tearooms. Take a moment to enjoy a refreshing coffee and a slice of cake at Aqueduct Marina and Venetian Marina. Along the towpath side near Venetian Marina, you’ll find a lovely picnic area, providing a peaceful mooring spot for relaxation.
Arriving at Barbridge Junction, make a right turn and should you wish to visit the Barbridge Inn, a favorite stop for customers on short breaks. Indulge in tasty food and unwind in the beer garden, while the kids have fun in a designated play area. If you’re up for further adventures, continue on to the Hurleston Locks to enter the Llangollen Canal or head towards the vibrant city of Chester by turning right at the Barbridge Junction.
Experience the beauty and tranquility of Chester by canal, and create unforgettable memories with friends and family. Book your boating adventure today and embark on an amazing holiday aboard our boats. Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the wonders of the waterways with Canal Boat Holidays.
Chester, a historic city nestled in the heart of Cheshire, England, offers a captivating blend of ancient architecture, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler. As you wander through its cobbled streets, you’re taken on a journey back in time, surrounded by the city’s medieval walls that tell tales of centuries past. These walls, the most complete in Britain, provide a scenic walk around the city, offering glimpses of its rich history and stunning views of the surrounding area.
At the heart of Chester’s allure is the Rows – unique two-tiered medieval galleries that now house a variety of shops, cafes, and boutiques. This architectural wonder, dating back to the 13th century, offers a shopping experience like no other, blending the charm of yesteryear with the sophistication of modern retail. The Rows are a perfect example of Chester’s ability to marry its historical heritage with contemporary culture, making it a fascinating place to explore.
No visit to Chester would be complete without exploring its majestic Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece with a history stretching back over a thousand years. The cathedral not only stands as a beacon of spiritual significance but also showcases incredible Gothic architecture. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, climb the tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, or simply bask in the tranquility of its beautiful gardens.
Chester is also famed for its Roman heritage, with the Roman Amphitheatre being a highlight. It is the largest amphitheatre in Britain, offering a glimpse into the city’s ancient past. Nearby, the Grosvenor Museum delves deeper into Chester’s Roman history, alongside other local and natural history exhibits, providing a comprehensive insight into the area’s evolution over millennia.
For those seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Chester serves as an enchanting escape. The city is not only steeped in history but is also alive with vibrant markets, festivals, and events throughout the year, offering something for every visitor. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, enjoying a leisurely cruise on the River Dee, or simply soaking up the atmosphere in one of its many quaint pubs and restaurants, Chester promises an unforgettable experience that combines the best of the past and present.
Barbridge to Chester
Shropshire Union Canal
This route below picks up from where our “Barbridge” route ends and continues to Chester.
This is a trip of 30 miles, 6 furlongs and 22 locks from Barbridge Junction to Chester and back.
This will take 14 hours and 47 minutes which is 2 days, 47 minutes at 7 hours per day.
Detailed Route:
Shropshire Union Canal | |||
From Barbridge Junction (Junction with Shropshire Union – Middlewich Branch) to: | |||
Wardle Service Station & Country Store [see navigational note 1 below] Accessed up a bank, over an Armco barrier, through a hedge and across a very busy derestricted trunk road. EXTREME CARE ADVISED
|
1 mile, 2¼ furlongs, 0 locks | ||
Winding Hole above Bunbury Locks | 1 mile, 1½ furlongs, 0 locks | ||
Shropshire Union Canal (Chester Canal – Bunbury to Chester) | |||
From Winding Hole above Bunbury Locks to: | |||
Tilstone Lock No 32 [see navigational note 2 below] Also known as ‘Tilstone Mill Bridge No 106’
|
7¾ furlongs, 2 locks | ||
Beeston Iron Lock No 34 [see navigational note 3 below] | 7¾ furlongs, 2 locks | ||
Beeston Brook Bridge No 107 | ¾ furlongs, 1 lock | ||
Beeston Castle Wharf Home of Chas. Hardern Boats / 48 hour moorings (towpath side)
|
¼ furlongs, 0 locks | ||
The Shady PH Canalside. Also known as ‘The Shady Oak PH’
|
1 mile, 2¼ furlongs, 1 lock | ||
Tattenhall Marina Having passed over River Gowy Aqueduct | 2 miles, 2 furlongs, 0 locks | ||
Egg Bridge Winding Hole [see navigational note 4 below] | 3 miles, 5¼ furlongs, 0 locks | ||
Tarvin Road Bridge No 123 Also known as ‘Broughton’
|
2 miles, 4 furlongs, 3 locks | ||
Tesco’s First Footbridge [see navigational note 5 below] Adjacent to Chester Waitrose. Short-stay “Stop and Shop” mooring.
|
5½ furlongs, 2 locks | ||
Northgate Visitor Moorings | 3¾ furlongs, 0 locks | ||
Tesco’s First Footbridge [see navigational note 5 below] Adjacent to Chester Waitrose. Short-stay “Stop and Shop” mooring.
|
3¾ furlongs, 0 locks | ||
Tarvin Road Bridge No 123 Also known as ‘Broughton’
|
5½ furlongs, 2 locks | ||
Egg Bridge Winding Hole [see navigational note 4 below] | 2 miles, 4 furlongs, 3 locks | ||
Tattenhall Marina | 3 miles, 5¼ furlongs, 0 locks | ||
The Shady PH Canalside. Also known as ‘The Shady Oak PH’
Having passed over River Gowy Aqueduct |
2 miles, 2 furlongs, 0 locks | ||
Beeston Castle Wharf Home of Chas. Hardern Boats / 48 hour moorings (towpath side)
|
1 mile, 2¼ furlongs, 1 lock | ||
Beeston Brook Bridge No 107 | ¼ furlongs, 0 locks | ||
Beeston Iron Lock No 34 [see navigational note 3 below] | ¾ furlongs, 0 locks | ||
Tilstone Lock No 32 [see navigational note 2 below] Also known as ‘Tilstone Mill Bridge No 106’
|
7¾ furlongs, 2 locks | ||
Winding Hole above Bunbury Locks | 7¾ furlongs, 3 locks | ||
Shropshire Union Canal (Chester Canal – Nantwich to Bunbury) | |||
From Winding Hole above Bunbury Locks to: | |||
Wardle Service Station & Country Store [see navigational note 1 below] Accessed up a bank, over an Armco barrier, through a hedge and across a very busy derestricted trunk road. EXTREME CARE ADVISED
|
1 mile, 1½ furlongs, 0 locks | ||
Barbridge Junction Junction with Shropshire Union – Middlewich Branch
|
1 mile, 2¼ furlongs, 0 locks |
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Monday - Saturday
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Winter (November - March)
5 days a week (Monday - Friday)
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Address
Floating Holidays
Middlewich Wharf
Canal Terrace
Middlewich
CW10 9BD