Top 5 tourist attractions in England outside of London

Want to experience some of the UK’s most iconic attractions without the hustle and bustle of visiting the capital? Travel in a slower, more sustainable way and glide your way through peaceful waterways to some of Britain’s top destinations. Take your holiday at your own pace instead of rushing from one tourist spot to the next and add these attractions to your getaway itinerary. 

What are the 5 best tourist attractions in England outside of London?

Thorpe Park 

Location: Chertsey, Surrey 

Average yearly visitors: 1.5 million 

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-fuelled, action-packed adventure holiday, then adding Thorpe Park to your activity list on a canal boat holiday is a must. Known as one of the best destinations for thrill-seekers, Thorpe Park boasts the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, along with a selection of heart-racing rides like Tidal Wave, The Swarm and Nemesis Inferno. 

Historically known as a farm and then an island, the site is now home to over 30 rides, themed hotels and exciting live events. It’s also a popular attraction for younger children thanks to the Flying Fish junior coaster and magic carpet ride, Quantum.  

Whether you’re a group of 12 ready to take on every ride, or a couple looking to balance peaceful moments on the canal with a dose of high-octane fun, this route offers the best of both worlds. After an exciting day at the amusement park, return to the comfort of your floating home and unwind under the stars. Don’t pick between relaxation and getting a few kicks – you can have it all in one unforgettable holiday with ABC Boat Hire. 

How to get there by ABC Boat Hire’s routes 

If you're travelling to our Aldermaston Wharf Marina, you can easily include a visit to Thorpe Park as part of your narrowboat holiday, but we recommend doing so either before or after your canal boat holiday, as you won’t have access to your car during your cruise. 

Choose your canal boat holiday route from Berkshire and start building your itinerary today.  

Stonehenge 

Location: Near Amesbury, Wiltshire 

Average yearly visitors: 1.3 million 

The first UNESCO World Heritage Site on our list is also thought to be one of the biggest tourist attractions in the UK and is probably the most famous stone circle in the world. Built around 5,000 years ago, its gigantic stones were joined using techniques usually used in woodworking, making it an innovation not seen in other monuments of the same era. This craftsmanship makes it one of the most sophisticated Neolithic pieces of architecture ever created – understandably so, as it’s believed to have taken roughly 1,500 years to construct! 

Scientists suggest the monument served as an ancient calendar, as the sun rises over the Heel Stone during the summer solstice and sets over it in the winter solstice. This alignment hints at an understanding of astronomy by its builders. 

Set within the ancient landscape of Neolithic and Bronze Age Britain, you’ll be enchanted by the physical presence and history of these immense stones. The location has featured in past and present popular culture, referenced in books, music and films, but its greatest feat is the appeal to attract across the globe. Many visit to reflect on the work of our ancestors, explore astronomical theories and absorb the atmosphere of a place that stands as a powerful link to human history.  

How to get there by ABC Boat Hire’s routes  

From our Aldermaston Wharf Marina, you can add this incredible site to your canal adventure. If travelling by public transport, Aldermaston train station is just a 10-minute walk away from the marina. Or if your car is parked near Aldermaston Marina, it will take just over an hour to travel by car to Stonehenge. 

Browse our canal boat holiday routes from our Berkshire location, here.  

Warwick Castle 

Location:  Warwick, Warwickshire

Yearly visitors: 750,000 

As one of the most popular visitor attractions in the West Midlands, Warwick Castle is popular with local and international tourists alike. Originally built in 1068, the mediaeval fortress was strategically built on a hill to resist attacks, with an entire town later developing around it. Since opening to the public in 1978, the castle has welcomed millions of guests eager to explore its historic, allegedly haunted grounds, take part in interactive talks and uncover its fascinating past. 

With ABC Boat Hire, getting there becomes part of the adventure. A canal boat holiday allows you to approach Warwick at a slower, more scenic pace, allowing you to take in the charming villages along the way. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, you can eagerly anticipate the joys of an action-packed holiday through a more sustainable way of travelling.  

And while you’re on the way, here are a few facts to share with your fellow boaters: Warwick Castle is centuries older than many modern-day countries, such as India, Italy and Australia, and at one point, it was even owned by a two-year-old for three years! 

How to get there by ABC Boat Hire’s routes 

You can access Warwick Castle via narrowboat cruises from our Alvechurch Marina base, so you don’t have to drive.  

From our Springwood Haven Marina, Warwick Castle is a go-to choice for your Midlands-based getaway. It’s just a 45-minute drive or under 2 hours by public transport. One thing to note is that although there are plenty of car parks at this iconic tourist attraction, you should be prepared for separate parking fees and for a short scenic walk to reach the castle itself due to its protected grounds. 

Start your journey with the tranquil landscape of the canals, then jump straight into a fun and educational day out at one of England’s most famous historic sites.  

Roman Baths 

Location: Bath, Somerset 

Yearly visitors: 6 million 

Another place which holds not one, but two UNESCO World Heritage Site ratings is the city of Bath. The first was awarded in 1987, recognising the area for its hot springs, Roman archaeology and Georgian buildings. The second UNESCO designation, which came 34 years later in 2021, celebrates its status as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, highlighting its reputation as a centre of wellness and culture. 

With Hilperton Marina a short journey away from Bath, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy a laid-back canal holiday that blends tranquil cruising with a mix of history and vibrant city life. The Kennet and Avon Canal winds its way through picturesque countryside, so you’re treated to a dose of downtime in nature and can later immerse yourself in a city that perfectly blends the past and present. 

Whether you want to step back in time and explore the ruins of the Roman Baths, dive into a treatment at the Thermae Bath Spas which are still fed by the natural thermal waters, or take a walking tour to spot Bridgerton filming locations, you can soak up all Bath has to offer on an ABC Boat Hire canal holiday. 

How to get there by ABC Boat Hire’s routes 

You can travel directly into Bath by boat as part of your cruise route from Hilperton Marina, so there’s no need to drive or take the train. Explore our Wiltshire-based routes and discover the beauty of the southern canals. 

Chester Zoo 

Location: Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire 

Yearly visitors: 1.9 million 

If you, or your family and friends are animal lovers, a visit to Chester Zoo is an unforgettable addition to your canal boat holiday. As one of the UK’s largest and most popular zoos, it’s home to over 37,000 animals and 128 acres of landscaped habitats. As well as travelling along the waterways and discovering the canalside wildlife, Chester Zoo is a great source of education for younger children, not only to introduce them to conservation issues but also to teach them about making positive sustainability changes. 

Our Cheshire-based marinas open up a world of possibilities, from cruising through the gorgeous scenery of the Llangollen Canal to stepping back in time and discovering the archives of Britain’s canal and river history at the National Waterways Museum. It’s the ideal base to explore the Northwest of England at a relaxed pace.  

Want to do more than just explore? By visiting Chester Zoo, you’ll be supporting efforts to safeguard over 500 species from around the globe. Combine your canal boat holiday with a trip to this incredible conservation site and create extraordinary memories with your fellow travellers.  

How to get there by ABC Boat Hire’s routes 

You can easily add a visit to Chester Zoo on your canal adventure with ABC Boat Hire. You have the choice of two marinas to travel from:  

• From Wrenbury Mill Marina, it’s around a roughly 45-minute drive or just over 2 hours by public transport. 

• From Anderton Marina, you can reach the zoo in just 35 minutes by car or under 2 hours via public transport. 

Cruise through the idyllic Cheshire countryside and then enjoy a wild day out at Chester Zoo for one of the most fun-filled trips of the year. 

What other UK tourist attractions can you reach with ABC Boat Hire? 

Other top tourist attractions along the UK’s canal network include two of the Seven Wonders of the Waterway – the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Anderton Boat Lift. You can also discover the Ellesmere ‘meres’, some of the Peaky Blinders filming locations, and even visit the Black Sabbath Bridge, a unique tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Birmingham’s musical heritage.  

Ready to explore the UK’s top attractions by boat?   

Get in touch with our team on 0808 291 5269 to find the best canal boat routes for your next UK holiday.