5 Best Canalside Pubs on the South Grand Union Canal

The Grand Union Canal is one of the most popular waterways in the UK, and for good reason. It's a beautiful stretch of water, lined with charming villages and towns. And of course, no canal boat holiday on the Grand Union Canal would be complete without a visit to one of its many canalside pubs - it's the perfect way to wind down after a day of narrowboating adventures.

In this blog article, we've rounded up our 5 favourite canalside pubs on the southern section of the Grand Union Canal. So whether you're looking for a place to enjoy a quiet pint with the dog, or an exquisite meal with stunning views of the canal, we've got you covered. Read on to discover the best canalside pubs to add to your canal boat holiday itinerary!

The Three locks pub in Stoke Hammond, taken from the top of the lock flight on the Grand Union canal

The Three Locks, Stoke Hammond

This quintessentially British pub has both a lovely restaurant and an outside seating area where you can watch the narrowboats as they pass through the flight of three locks.

This popular countryside pub is a favourite with the locals and offers a range of local ales and artisan spirits, plus a delicious menu of classic pub meals and lighter bites served from 12 noon - 8.30pm daily.

How to get here: Mooring is available south of bridge 107, or at the bottom of the flight (lock 24).

The Globe Inn, Leighton Buzzard

This idyllic canalside pub is located in a secluded countryside spot, just north of Leighton Buzzard. 

As well as a traditional feel restaurant and canalside seating, there is an outdoor play area for the kids and they also welcome dogs.

The Globe Inn offers a large menu available from 11am - 9pm every day.

How to get here: Mooring is available on the towpath anywhere between bridge 111 and 112.

The Globe Inn, historic canalside pub in Leighton Buzzard
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The Boat, a canalside pub with garden in Berkhamsted on the Grand Union canal

The Boat, Berkhamsted

This place has a great location just a few minutes walk from the centre of town, and it's beautiful garden stretching along the canalside allows you to enjoy views of passing boats whilst indulging in craft beers or a glass of wine. 

Food is served daily at both lunchtime and in the evenings, so it's always a place worth stopping when you're passing through.

How to get here: The Boat can be found at the bottom of lock 54, just past bridge 142. Public moorings are available directly outside on the towpath.

The Grand Junction Arms, Bulbourne, Tring

Located in Bulbourne just a short cruise from the marina,this historic canalside pub is a great spot to stop and indulge on the last evening of your boating holiday with Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays.

The Grand Junction Arms offers a great choice of lunches, starters, mains and desserts, plus Sunday roasts and kids meals. And, they also have daily seafood specials.

It's large garden is in a prime position on the Tring summit of the Grand Union canal, making it a popular choice for both boaters and locals, so advance booking is definitely recommended!

How to get here: moorings are available just outside the pub, both before and after bridge 133.

Luxurious restaurant interior of The Grand Junction Arms pub in Tring
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The Grove lock canalside pub and garden in Leighton Buzzard

The Grove Lock, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard

Originally a lock keepers cottage, this lovely canalside pub a short way south of Leighton Buzzard, is both family and dog friendly. Full of canal memorabilia and friendly staff, this place really gives you the feel of canal tradition.

Plus they serve amazing food from 12 noon-9pm daily (we particularly recommend the Sunday Roasts!), making it the perfect stopover for an evening, or a quick bit of lunch. 

How to get here: mooring is available below lock 28, either directly next to the pub garden or on the towpath opposite.

Blog Date: 13 April 2024

Author: Corinne Newman, Co-Owner of Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays (author biography)

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