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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.

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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.

Roman Tours Chester Tours Chester Walking Tours Chester Chester Cathedral Chester.com
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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.

Barbridge to chester

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 A boatyardToilet pump-out

Home of Chas. Hardern Boats / 48 hour moorings (towpath side)
¼ furlongs, 0 locks

The Shady PH A pub or bar or similarA good place to moor

Canalside. Also known as ‘The Shady Oak PH’
1 mile, 2¼ furlongs, 1 lock
Tattenhall Marina Water pointA good place to moorA boatyardToilet pump-outRubbish disposalChemical toilets can be emptied here 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 A shop, supermarket or other place for provisionsA good place to moor [see navigational note 5 below]

Adjacent to Chester Waitrose. Short-stay “Stop and Shop” mooring.
5½ furlongs, 2 locks
Northgate Visitor Moorings A good place to moor 3¾ furlongs, 0 locks
Turn round here

Tesco’s First Footbridge A shop, supermarket or other place for provisionsA good place to moor [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 Water pointA good place to moorA boatyardToilet pump-outRubbish disposalChemical toilets can be emptied here 3 miles, 5¼ furlongs, 0 locks

The Shady PH A pub or bar or similarA good place to moor

Canalside. Also known as ‘The Shady Oak PH’

Having passed over River Gowy Aqueduct

2 miles, 2 furlongs, 0 locks

Beeston Castle Wharf A boatyardToilet pump-out

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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Opening Hours

Summer (April - October):
Monday - Saturday
9am - 5pm

Winter (November - March)
5 days a week (Monday - Friday)
9am - 5pm

Address

Floating Holidays
Middlewich Wharf
Canal Terrace
Middlewich
CW10 9BD