Middlewich

Middlewich canal is arguably one of the most historical and important that the UK has. Dating back to Roman times, Middlewich’s branch was used as a vital connection point between the North and South of the Country, connecting the Shropshire Union Canal with the Trent and Mersey Canal. Due to the access routes to the rest of the UK, Middlewich became the heart of the Cheshire Salt Industry, this is still obvious today, when you visit Middlewich there are a number of salt mines that run alongside canal.

A cruise to Middlewich will take around 2 – 3 nights from Swanley Bridge Marina, allowing you to soak in some of Cheshire’s unspoilt landscapes.  Each year Middlewich holds its Folk and Boat festival, held in June, the festival has been running since 1990 and 2018’s festival saw 30,000 people visit, along with 400 canal boats.

If you’re looking to spend a little bit of time in Middlewich there are a number of places to eat and drink. The Big Lock and the Kings Lock actually have an adjacent pub, where you can sit and watch the passing canal boats negotiating the locks. There is also a fish and chip shop opposite the King’s Lock that is worth making the cruise for all by itself.