The best canalside pubs to visit in 2025
At Chef & Brewer, some of our pubs are wonderfully positioned where the beautiful countryside meets calm waters, creating picture-perfect moments in every season. So, lace up those walking boots, gather your loved ones and discover the most inviting canalside pubs to visit in 2025.
Top five canalside pubs with beautiful views
Let’s get straight to it. Five of our favourite canalside pubs in the UK. Are any of them near you? You may count yourself very lucky if so.1. The Swan
In the pretty village of Ash Vale, the Swan sits proudly beside the Basingstoke Canal, surrounded by winding country lanes and the rolling Surrey countryside. Once a military pub back in the 1850s, it’s now a snug hideaway brimming with rustic charm.
The beer garden is a favourite spot for diners to enjoy traditional pub classics and fresh seafood while watching the canal boats drift by. The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking walks, perfect for exploring before settling in and putting your feet up. Loved by locals and visitors alike, the Swan is the ultimate countryside hideaway.
2. Malthouse Farm
If you’re in the Chorley area of Lancashire, the search for great pubs to eat near you is over. Nestled alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Malthouse Farm is a slice of history wrapped in countryside charm. This cosy pub, with its wooden beams, open fires, and flagstoned floors, is surrounded by leafy trees, making it an idyllic spot to enjoy a peaceful pint or delicious meal.
Back in the 1800s, this beloved inn played a vital role in the community, supplying beer that was often safer to drink than water. Today, it’s dog-friendly, so bring your four-legged friends along after a scenic canal walk. With a rotating menu of specials and a well-stocked bar, it’s the perfect place to refuel and unwind.
3. The Waterwitch
Perched right on the banks of the Basingstoke Canal, the Waterwitch in Odiham is the picture of a quintessential English country pub. Rich in character, this charming spot retains its original features, offering cosy nooks and crannies where you can settle in with a satisfying Sunday lunch.
The Basingstoke Canal itself is a historical gem, dating back to the late 18th century, while Odiham’s ties to Norman kings and the Magna Carta add a touch of magic to the area. After a meal, take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge or explore the surrounding countryside. It’s a warm and welcoming place to make new memories with the whole family.
4. The Old Mill
Set beside a peaceful bend in the Calder and Hebble Navigation, the Old Mill in Brighouse is as charming as they come. This handsome stone pub, once a working mill, is a haven of tranquillity in the heart of the Calder Valley.
Family-friendly and welcoming, it’s the ideal base for exploring scenic walking trails, including nearby Holmfirth, famously featured in the Last of the Summer Wine TV show. If you’re in this corner of the country, the Old Mill is without a doubt one of the best pub restaurants near you. With a dedicated kids’ menu and generous, delicious dishes for the grown-ups, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
5. The Swan & Bottle
The Swan & Bottle in Uxbridge is a long-established inn with a whitewashed exterior that oozes countryside charm. Sitting serenely between the Grand Union Canal and the River Colne, the views here are simply stunning – you can even spot the Grade II listed Uxbridge Lock right from the pub.
If you love the great outdoors, nearby Denham Lock Wood and Frays Farm Meadows offer peaceful escapes into nature. Whether you’re stopping by for a light lunch or a leisurely dinner, this cosy pub is all about warm hospitality and quality food, making it the perfect spot to relax and watch the world go by – pint in hand, of course.