Apperley Bridge Marina
A charming waterside spot with a highly-rated dog-friendly cafe and scenic canal walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Apperley Bridge Marina
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming waterside spot with a highly-rated dog-friendly cafe and scenic canal walks.
"A beautiful spot with a fantastic dog friendly cafe, perfect for a rest after a walk."
🐶 Dog-Friendly Haven
Bring your furry friends! This cafe is genuinely dog-loving and a perfect stop after a walk.
☕ Cafe Check Essential
Confirm cafe opening hours before your visit, as they can sometimes be closed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Apperley Bridge Marina Cafe
Waterside
A charming, dog-friendly cafe with friendly staff and lovely marina views. Great for a break during a walk.
Scenic Canal Walks
Surrounding towpaths
Enjoy picturesque walks along the canal, especially after recent tidying efforts by volunteers.
Narrowboat Rentals
Marina
Experience the waterways firsthand by renting a narrowboat for an afternoon adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waterside Charm
Cafe Hours & Fly Season
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐶 Dog-Friendly Haven
Bring your furry friends! This cafe is genuinely dog-loving and a perfect stop after a walk.
☕ Cafe Check Essential
Confirm cafe opening hours before your visit, as they can sometimes be closed.
🚶♀️ Tidy Towpath Walks
Enjoy the scenic canal walks, made even better by recent volunteer tidying efforts.
🦟 Fly Season Alert
Be prepared for flies during warmer months, especially if you're dining outdoors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐶 Dog-Friendly Haven
Bring your furry friends! This cafe is genuinely dog-loving and a perfect stop after a walk.
☕ Cafe Check Essential
Confirm cafe opening hours before your visit, as they can sometimes be closed.
🚶♀️ Tidy Towpath Walks
Enjoy the scenic canal walks, made even better by recent volunteer tidying efforts.
🦟 Fly Season Alert
Be prepared for flies during warmer months, especially if you're dining outdoors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Apperley Bridge Marina is lauded for its charming, dog-friendly cafe and scenic canal walks. Visitors praise the friendly staff and the overall tranquil atmosphere, with many recommending it as a lovely spot for a relaxing break or an outing with pets. Some minor concerns include potential fly issues during warmer months and the cafe's variable opening hours.
"Excellent little cafe. Nice to see a dog friendly cafe where the owners actually love dogs. Highly recommend. Really friendly staff with outstanding customer service. Would definitely visit more often. Nice views of the marina as well."
Dog walker
"A beautiful spot. Scenic, with a fantastic dog friendly cafe and perfect for a rest after a walk."
- Simon -
"Looks great now the canal volunteers have tidied the walk to it👌👍Shame cafe closed... I'll be back!"
ilona rigo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Apperley Bridge Marina is accessible by car, with parking available nearby. It's also a pleasant walk along the canal towpath from surrounding areas.
Check local bus routes for services to Apperley Bridge. The marina is a short walk from the main village.
Yes, the canal towpath offers a scenic cycling route. Ensure your bike is suitable for towpath conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entry fee to visit the marina itself. You only pay for any food, drinks, or boat rentals.
The marina is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, the cafe has specific operating times, so it's best to check in advance.
It is highly recommended to book narrowboat rentals in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred date and time.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic walks along the canal, relax at the dog-friendly cafe, and rent narrowboats for a unique waterway experience. +1
Yes, families can enjoy the peaceful environment, short walks, and the cafe. Boat rentals offer a fun activity for older children.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the marina, especially near the cafe.
The best views are from the cafe terrace or along the canal towpath. Consider a short walk to appreciate the scenery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe offers a selection of food and drinks, perfect for a relaxing break. Reviews highlight friendly service and good customer experience. +1
Absolutely! It's a highly recommended dog-friendly cafe where owners and their pets are welcomed.
While not explicitly stated, it's common for waterside cafes to offer takeaway options. It's best to inquire directly.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but it's advisable to check the menu or ask staff upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the tranquil waters, moored narrowboats, and the charming cafe. The canal towpath offers scenic vistas.
The waterside location can offer beautiful light during sunrise and sunset, creating a serene atmosphere for photography.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the marina's peaceful ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Packing snacks and drinks is a good idea, especially if you plan a longer walk. The cafe is a lovely place to stop, but checking its opening hours beforehand is wise to ensure it's open when you arrive. The overall atmosphere is peaceful, making it a pleasant day out for families looking for a low-key, nature-focused experience.
🐶 Dog Owners
Ensure your dog is on a lead when near the water and in the cafe area, as per standard practice. The surrounding paths offer plenty of space for dogs to enjoy the outdoors. It’s a highly recommended spot for anyone looking to combine their love for dogs with a scenic waterside outing.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Nature Enthusiasts
The dog-friendly cafe provides an ideal resting point during or after your walk, offering refreshments and a chance to admire the marina views. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a longer trek, the area around Apperley Bridge Marina is perfect for a refreshing dose of nature and exercise.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of the Marina Cafe
While the cafe is a major draw, it's important to note that its operating hours can vary, and it has been known to close unexpectedly. Therefore, checking the cafe's opening times before your visit is a crucial tip to avoid disappointment. Despite this, the friendly staff and the overall ambiance make it a highly recommended destination for a leisurely break.
Some visitors have noted issues with flies during warmer months, which can detract from the dining experience. Planning your visit outside of peak fly season or being prepared to manage this can help ensure a more enjoyable time.
Exploring the Waterways
The surrounding canal towpaths are also a major draw for visitors. These paths are ideal for leisurely walks, offering beautiful scenery and a peaceful escape. Recent efforts by canal volunteers to tidy up the walk to the marina have further enhanced the experience, making it more enjoyable for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Whether you're looking for a gentle stroll or a more adventurous narrowboat trip, the marina and its surroundings offer a refreshing connection with nature and the waterways. It's a place where you can truly unwind and appreciate the tranquility of the canal system.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit