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Steam Railways & Boat Trips in Coventry
Coventry itself keeps this cheap and close. The Canal Basin is a free towpath wander right by the centre, and Hatton Locks out at Warwick gives you 21 locks climbing a hillside on a flat path that buggies manage easily, plus a cafe when you're done. For something with an engine, Rose Narrowboats in Rugby lets you take the wheel yourself for a weekend or longer, or book a group day out for up to twelve. If you want a proper trip rather than a walk, Bancroft River Cruises in Stratford-upon-Avon does a private charter along the Avon from £4.50, with food on board if you book it, and it's wheelchair accessible throughout. Toddlers do best on the flat towpaths at Hatton or the Canal Basin; older kids might prefer piloting a boat themselves, either at Rose Narrowboats or on the lock-free Ashby Canal out at Nuneaton. A longer trip out to Foxton Locks near Market Harborough adds short weekend cruises to the free walk, from spring to October.
8 places 3 free to visit
Ashby Boat Company
Nuneaton
Hire a narrowboat and pilot it yourselves along the Ashby Canal, a stretch with no locks to fumble with.
from £4.50Bancroft River Cruises
Stratford-upon-Avon
A private boat charter along the Avon through town and out into open countryside, with catering laid on if you want it.
Accessible toiletAllergy awareBooking requiredDog friendly+3 more
from £3.50Birmingham Snow Hill
Birmingham
A working railway station where kids travel for £1 on the family travelcard and the trains themselves are the entertainment.
Accessible toiletBaby changeCaféGift shop+5 more
FreeCoventry Canal Basin
Coventry
A free wander along the towpath and old canal buildings, good for stretching legs without spending a penny.
ParkingToilets
FreeFoxton Locks
Market Harborough
Free walk around Britain's longest staircase locks - optional short canal cruises at weekends from spring to October.
ToiletsAccessible toiletBlue badge parkingCafé+6 more
FreeHatton Locks
Warwick
Free canal walk past 21 locks stacked up a hillside, with a flat towpath that's easy going for buggies.
CaféParkingToilets
Rose Narrowboats Ltd
Rugby
Take the wheel of your own narrowboat for a weekend, a week or a whole season, or gather a group of up to twelve for a day out on the water.
Booking requiredGroup bookings
Stratford Town Walk - 365 days a year!
Stratford-upon-Avon
A guided walk through Stratford's Shakespeare sites, told in stories rather than plaques, running most afternoons.
Booking required
Good to know: steam railways & boat trips in Coventry
Are any of them free?
Yes, Coventry Canal Basin, Foxton Locks and Hatton Locks are free to visit.
What does a paid visit cost?
Paid entry starts from £3.50 at Birmingham Snow Hill. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.
Which ones are indoor?
Bancroft River Cruises is indoor, good to keep up your sleeve for a rainy day.
Whereabouts are they?
You'll find steam railways & boat trips in Nuneaton, Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham, Coventry, Market Harborough and 2 more. Every place we list is in or around Coventry, and each listing has the full address and directions.
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