Free days out by canals and rivers

For great days out that don’t break the bank, we suggest:

Wiltshire, Devizes, Caen Hill
Norman churches, medieval architecture, narrowboats, ducks and a particularly impressive flight of locks, what more could you ask for? Well there’s a museum at the wharf, and a canalside café serving local food – but if you’re really intent on not spending a penny, plenty of fun can be had exploring the town and then gazing at the colourful narrowboats as they work their way through the locks (the technical term for this is gongoozling). Children can watch out for wildlife and burn off any excess energy by racing each other up the staircase flight – they’re bound to have slowed to a walk before reaching lock 16. Mum and Dad can use this time to puzzle out how locks work, just in case questions are asked later.

South east, Lee Valley Park
The Lee Valley Park stretches for 26 miles along the River Lee from Ware (Hertfordshire) all the way to the Thames at East India Dock. Of course it’s quite possible to spend a lock-load of cash here: what with the riding centre, ice skating, leisure pool, cycle circuit, children’s farm and so on; but it’s equally easy to while away a winter afternoon simply ambling along the river or exploring the waymarked trails. Take a football or a frisbee and enjoy an inpromptu game, hop on your bikes or hunt out those binoculars for a spot of bird watching. London’s secret garden awaits you, it’s open 365 days a year, and what’s more, it’s all free.

Leicestershire, Foxton Locks
Another favourite gongoozling destination, Foxton Locks is a landmark location on England’s waterways. This probably isn’t the place to bring teenagers, unless they have a particularly adult appreciation of rural views and peace and quiet. But the canal walks and wildlife, not to mention the narrowboats and site of the old foxton inclined plane boat lift, should keep the rest of the family entertained. If small amounts of spending money are allowed, the Foxton Canal Museum is well worth a visit (with fun stuff for kids too) and boat trips are available from outside the Foxton Locks Inn.

London, Little Venice
There aren’t many places in London where you can have a day out without putting your hand in your pocket. Admittedly, you’re going to have to stay focused on the task in hand here as well, what with all the lovely waterside cafes and pubs dotted around. However, as long as you have lunch before you leave, you should be well able to spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the canal towpath. Head south to Paddington Basin and admire the funky bridges, or for a longer walk, take the 2.5 mile route along the Regent’s Canal to Camden Lock Market. You’ll pass Regent’s Park and London Zoo en route.

Northamptonshire, Stoke Bruerne
This bustling village is split in two by the Grand Union Canal. It’s a fine place to come for a canalside walk, a spot of wildlife watching and, of course, a bit of window shopping. The legendary Blisworth Tunnel is a short drive away, or you can walk there over Blisworth Hill, following the old toll road.

Yorkshire, Saltaire
Saltaire is remarkable - a complete Victorian village built all in one go by wool baron Sir Titus Salt to house his textile workers. Take your time wandering around the 22 streets of the village – which are wonderfully unchanged since Salt’s death in 1876. Don’t miss the mill itself, or the churches. And when you’ve had your fill of Victorian architecture, take a stroll along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to Hirst Wood Lock and the severn-arch aqueduct over the River Aire.

Lowlands, Kirkintilloch
Kirkintilloch offers a fine day out for history buffs – or anyone else with an interest in Roman antiquities, Scottish legends and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
The Roman Emperor Antonine built Antonine’s Wall - his northernmost frontier in Britain – at Kirkintilloch. Today, day-trippers and walkers make a beeline for the wall, which can be followed all the way to the Falkirk Wheel. Elsewhere in Kirkintilloch visitors can see Cowgate market, where Rob Roy Gregor sold his rustled cattle, and stand by Kirkintilloch Cross, where Bonnie Prince Charlie passed on his way to the Jacobean uprisings.
Alternatively, those on a January fitness drive can spend the day cycling or walking the path of the Forth & Clyde Canal through stunning east Dunbartonshire countryside.