Blisworth Tunnel

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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. +1

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. +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. +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.

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.

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.