Grand Union Canal Towpath (Stoke Bruerne) - Image 1
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Blisworth Tunnel

4.8
·23 reviews·, United Kingdom

Navigate Europe's longest wide navigable tunnel on the historic Grand Union Canal, surrounded by serene landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Grand Union Canal Towpath (Stoke Bruerne) - Image 1

Blisworth Tunnel

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Navigate Europe's longest wide navigable tunnel on the historic Grand Union Canal, surrounded by serene landscapes and abundant wildlife.

4.8
(23 reviews)

"Exquisite scenery, wildlife, and friendly encounters make this canal journey unforgettable."

Vertical photo
TIP

Tunnel Time Estimate

Allow about 50 mins to 1 hour to pass through the 2,811m Blisworth Tunnel. :stopwatch:

Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for swans, ducks, herons, and squirrels along the canal. :duck:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Blisworth Tunnel Passage

Blisworth Tunnel Passage

Grand Union Canal

Experience the longest wide, navigable tunnel in Europe. A 50-minute journey through darkness, a true canal adventure.

Grand Union Canal Scenery

Grand Union Canal Scenery

Grand Union Canal

Enjoy exquisite scenery, abundant wildlife like swans and herons, and charming canalside pubs.

Stoke Bruerne Village

Stoke Bruerne Village

Near Blisworth Tunnel

A picturesque canalside village with museums and pubs, a perfect stop after your tunnel journey.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Blisworth Tunnel

The Blisworth Tunnel is a significant feature of the Grand Union Canal. Plan for approximately 50 minutes to an hour to traverse its 2,811 meters. Ensure your boat is equipped for dark conditions, and be aware that it's wide enough for two boats to pass, but can still feel enclosed.

Best Time for Canal Adventures

While the Grand Union Canal offers year-round beauty, consider visiting during spring or autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. October can offer lovely weather with fewer people, making for a more peaceful experience. Always check weather forecasts before setting out.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
October afternoons
Why
Lovely weather, peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Summer weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, good for families
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I walked 8.5 hours along the Grand Union Canal! 😱 #grandunioncanal #spots #walk #explore #explorepage #adventure #travel #nature #park #london #river #canal #lake #peace #views #view #viewpoint #hiddengems #paddington #rickmansworth
@captain.m_
13.4K likes • 98.9K views

Tunnel Time Estimate

Allow about 50 mins to 1 hour to pass through the 2,811m Blisworth Tunnel. :stopwatch: Instagram

Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for swans, ducks, herons, and squirrels along the canal. :duck: Reddit

Blisworth Tunnel - 3,075 yards (2,811 meters) long it took us about 50 mins to complete the tunnel. the longest wide, freely navigable tunnel in Europe (it's wide enough for two narrowboats to pass in opposite directions) the third-longest navigable canal tunnel in the UK, after Standedge and Dudley Tunnels the ninth-longest canal tunnel in the world about 143 feet (43m) below ground level Y...
snave_wuh
41 likes • 595 views
Leaving the Dudley tunnel which cheekily tries to claim it's the second longest navigable tunnel in the country.... In my view, that accolade rests with Blisworth! #narrowboat #narrowboatlife #canalboat #canal #boatlife #narrowboats #narrowboatliving #canallife #waterways #canalandrivertrust #boating #narrowboating #boat #canals #onthecut #inlandwaterways #canalboatlife #liveaboard #floatinghome ...
canals_and_capers
44 likes • 411 views

Canalside Pubs

Discover fantastic pubs right on the canal for a relaxing break. :beer: Reddit

Tunnel Darkness

It's pitch black inside the tunnel; ensure your boat has adequate lighting. :flashlight: Instagram

7 days in 60 seconds. Weedon to Blisworth 🔮⚓️💙 F A V E M O M E N T S: Moshing to Radiohead on the deck with @fleurliah_, bonfires, 3 peeps in a 1 man kayak, fresh food from an honesty box, go-karting, dinner with the folks, lazy rainy days, scrabble, foraging, kind strangers, getting through Blisworth tunnel without meeting a ghost (see trip stories), laying on the roof cloud gazing with @moodym...
narrowboatmama
277 likes • 5.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Tunnel Time Estimate

Allow about 50 mins to 1 hour to pass through the 2,811m Blisworth Tunnel. :stopwatch: Instagram

Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for swans, ducks, herons, and squirrels along the canal. :duck: Reddit

Canalside Pubs

Discover fantastic pubs right on the canal for a relaxing break. :beer: Reddit

Tunnel Darkness

It's pitch black inside the tunnel; ensure your boat has adequate lighting. :flashlight: Instagram

Friendly Encounters

Most people you pass on the canal are happy to say hello. :wave: Reddit

Boat Hire Prep

Do your homework on boat hire and location for the best experience. :memo: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(23 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the tranquil beauty and abundant wildlife along the Grand Union Canal, with many praising the friendly atmosphere and charming canalside pubs. The Blisworth Tunnel experience is described as unique and adventurous, though some find the long, dark passage a bit monotonous. Overall, it's a highly recommended destination for a peaceful escape.

"We had a narrow boat from weedon Bec for a week. We were lucky enough to have lovely weather even in October. The scenery and the wild life is exquisite. We've had a fantastic week and have gone to bed happy but exhausted. Almost everyone you pass says hello. There are some fantastic pubs canalside along the canal. There's locks, bridges to go under, aqueduct, tunnels. I've seen swans with sygnets, ducks galore, moor hens, herons, Canada geese, squirrels drinking from the canal, sheep eating crab apples. BlackBerry bushes groaning with fruit. The sun shining and first thing an eerie mist over the water. I don't want to go home."

Caroline Stott

"Beautiful place in many part. Great for walking and fishing"

Harvey Paterson

"Great place for peaceful walk and for a beautiful view of canal and the birds in it"

Dhaneshwar Selvaraj

What People Like

Exquisite scenery and wildlife
Friendly canal community
Charming canalside pubs

What People Dislike

Tunnel can be monotonous

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Blisworth Tunnel is part of the Grand Union Canal. Access is typically via narrowboat or canal boat. You can hire boats from various marinas along the canal, such as those near Weedon Bec or Stoke Bruerne. TikTokInstagram

Walking through Blisworth Tunnel is not recommended or permitted for safety reasons. The tunnel is designed for boats, and it's very dark and long. However, you can walk along the canal towpath beside the tunnel's entrance and exit points. TikTok

The tunnel connects the village of Blisworth to Stoke Bruerne. Both are charming canalside locations worth exploring. Instagram

Parking is available in the nearby villages of Blisworth and Stoke Bruerne, which serve as access points to the canal and tunnel. Reddit

The Grand Union Canal is accessible by car to various points. Major nearby towns include Northampton and Milton Keynes, from which you can find local routes to the canal towpaths and marinas. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, you do not need specific tickets to enter Blisworth Tunnel. Access is via a boat on the Grand Union Canal. If you are hiring a boat, the cost of the hire will cover your passage. Instagram

Blisworth Tunnel is part of the navigable canal system and is generally open 24/7, weather and maintenance permitting. However, boat traffic is typically during daylight hours. Instagram

While there are no direct entry fees for the tunnel itself, boaters typically pay for canal licenses and mooring fees if applicable. Boat hire costs will encompass usage of the canal network. Reddit

Yes, you can visit the villages of Blisworth and Stoke Bruerne and walk along the canal towpaths adjacent to the tunnel. This offers a great way to experience the canal environment. Reddit

The tunnel is generally open year-round, but it's always advisable to check with the Canal & River Trust for any scheduled maintenance or closures before planning your trip. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

It typically takes about 50 minutes to an hour to navigate through the 2,811-meter (3,075 yards) Blisworth Tunnel on a narrowboat. Instagram+1

Blisworth Tunnel is wide enough for two narrowboats to pass each other comfortably, making it a 'wide' tunnel. Instagram+1

You can spot a variety of wildlife along the Grand Union Canal, including swans with cygnets, ducks, moorhens, herons, Canada geese, and squirrels. Reddit

There are no facilities inside Blisworth Tunnel. It is a dark, unlit passage. Ensure your boat has sufficient lighting and any necessary supplies before entering. Instagram

Construction began in 1793 but faced challenges, including a collapse that killed 14 men. A new attempt started in 1802, and it was finally completed. It's the third-longest navigable canal tunnel in the UK. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the dramatic entrance and exit of the tunnel, especially with a narrowboat passing through. The surrounding canal scenery and wildlife also offer great photographic subjects. Instagram+1

Taking photos inside the tunnel is challenging due to the extreme darkness. If you have a camera with good low-light capabilities or a strong flash, you might capture some atmospheric shots, but be prepared for limited visibility. Instagram+1

For the tunnel, use a tripod and a long exposure if possible, or a high ISO with a wide aperture. For the exterior, natural light will be best. Experiment with different settings to capture the mood. Instagram

The towpath offers good vantage points for the tunnel entrances. The village of Stoke Bruerne, at one end, provides picturesque canal scenes that complement tunnel shots. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful atmospheric shots of the canal and tunnel entrances. Foggy conditions, as seen in some videos, can add a unique, eerie quality. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

A trip along the Grand Union Canal, including a passage through Blisworth Tunnel, can be an exciting adventure for families. The tunnel itself, with its darkness and length, can spark children's imaginations, though ensure they are comfortable in enclosed spaces. The abundance of wildlife along the canal is a major draw for kids, offering opportunities for spotting swans, ducks, and other creatures. Reddit

Consider a shorter boat hire or a day trip to Stoke Bruerne, a charming village at one end of the tunnel. Here, you can visit the Canal Museum and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. The towpaths are generally safe for walking, providing space for children to explore. Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities can be spread out. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Walking & Hiking Enthusiasts

The towpaths alongside the Grand Union Canal, including sections near Blisworth Tunnel, offer excellent walking opportunities. You can enjoy miles of relatively flat terrain, making it accessible for most fitness levels. The scenery is varied, from open countryside to charming villages like Stoke Bruerne. TikTokReddit

While you cannot walk through the tunnel, you can access the towpath on either side. The walk from Stoke Bruerne to the tunnel entrance, or vice versa, provides a good sense of the canal's scale and the tunnel's imposing presence. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and wear comfortable, sturdy footwear. Instagram

🛶 Boaters & Narrowboat Enthusiasts

For those who own or hire narrowboats, Blisworth Tunnel is a significant landmark on the Grand Union Canal. Its status as the longest wide navigable tunnel presents a unique challenge and a rewarding experience. The ample width allows for comfortable passage, even when meeting other boats. Instagram+1

Boaters often share tips about navigating the tunnel, emphasizing the need for good lighting and awareness of the time it takes to traverse. The journey through the tunnel is a highlight for many, offering a sense of accomplishment and a memorable part of their canal adventure. The surrounding canal network provides ample opportunities for exploration and discovery. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel: Blisworth Tunnel

The Blisworth Tunnel is a testament to early 19th-century engineering, stretching an impressive 2,811 meters (3,075 yards) through the Northamptonshire countryside. Its construction, which began in 1793, was fraught with peril. The initial attempt tragically collapsed, claiming the lives of 14 men, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by canal builders. A second, more successful attempt commenced in 1802, ultimately leading to the tunnel's completion. Instagram

What makes Blisworth Tunnel particularly noteworthy is its status as the longest wide, navigable tunnel in Europe. This means it's sufficiently broad to allow two narrowboats to pass each other safely, a feature not common in many older canal tunnels. This design choice significantly impacts the experience for boaters, offering more space and reducing the feeling of claustrophobia compared to narrower passages. Instagram+1

Navigating the tunnel is an experience in itself. It takes approximately 50 minutes to an hour to traverse its length, plunging boaters into complete darkness. Many visitors describe it as a unique and somewhat eerie adventure. The tunnel's interior is not illuminated, so adequate boat lighting is essential. Despite the darkness, the sheer scale and historical significance of the Blisworth Tunnel make it a memorable part of any Grand Union Canal journey. Instagram+1

Life on the Grand Union Canal

Cruising the Grand Union Canal offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into a slower pace of life. The towpaths are popular for walking and cycling, providing scenic routes through the English countryside. Visitors often remark on the abundance of wildlife, from graceful swans and ducks to herons and squirrels, making it a haven for nature lovers. Reddit

The experience is enhanced by the numerous canalside pubs that dot the route, offering a perfect spot to rest, refuel, and soak in the atmosphere. Many travelers enjoy the friendly encounters with fellow canal users, describing the community as welcoming and happy to share stories. The journey can involve navigating locks, passing under bridges, and crossing aqueducts, each adding to the charm of canal boating. Reddit

For those seeking a taste of this lifestyle, hiring a narrowboat for a few days or a week is a popular option. It allows for an immersive experience, where you can explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and truly appreciate the peace and beauty of the waterways. Planning your trip, including boat selection and route, is key to maximizing enjoyment. TikTokReddit

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