
Blisworth Tunnel
Navigate Europe's longest wide navigable tunnel on the historic Grand Union Canal, surrounded by serene landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Blisworth Tunnel
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Navigate Europe's longest wide navigable tunnel on the historic Grand Union Canal, surrounded by serene landscapes and abundant wildlife.
"Exquisite scenery, wildlife, and friendly encounters make this canal journey unforgettable."

Tunnel Time Estimate
Allow about 50 mins to 1 hour to pass through the 2,811m Blisworth Tunnel. :stopwatch:
Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for swans, ducks, herons, and squirrels along the canal. :duck:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Blisworth Tunnel Passage
Grand Union Canal
Experience the longest wide, navigable tunnel in Europe. A 50-minute journey through darkness, a true canal adventure.

Grand Union Canal Scenery
Grand Union Canal
Enjoy exquisite scenery, abundant wildlife like swans and herons, and charming canalside pubs.

Stoke Bruerne Village
Near Blisworth Tunnel
A picturesque canalside village with museums and pubs, a perfect stop after your tunnel journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Blisworth Tunnel
Best Time for Canal Adventures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tunnel Time Estimate
Allow about 50 mins to 1 hour to pass through the 2,811m Blisworth Tunnel. :stopwatch:
Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for swans, ducks, herons, and squirrels along the canal. :duck:
Canalside Pubs
Discover fantastic pubs right on the canal for a relaxing break. :beer:
Tunnel Darkness
It's pitch black inside the tunnel; ensure your boat has adequate lighting. :flashlight:
Tips
from all over the internet
Tunnel Time Estimate
Allow about 50 mins to 1 hour to pass through the 2,811m Blisworth Tunnel. :stopwatch:
Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for swans, ducks, herons, and squirrels along the canal. :duck:
Canalside Pubs
Discover fantastic pubs right on the canal for a relaxing break. :beer:
Tunnel Darkness
It's pitch black inside the tunnel; ensure your boat has adequate lighting. :flashlight:
Friendly Encounters
Most people you pass on the canal are happy to say hello. :wave:
Boat Hire Prep
Do your homework on boat hire and location for the best experience. :memo:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the tranquil beauty and abundant wildlife along the Grand Union Canal, with many praising the friendly atmosphere and charming canalside pubs. The Blisworth Tunnel experience is described as unique and adventurous, though some find the long, dark passage a bit monotonous. Overall, it's a highly recommended destination for a peaceful escape.
"We had a narrow boat from weedon Bec for a week. We were lucky enough to have lovely weather even in October. The scenery and the wild life is exquisite. We've had a fantastic week and have gone to bed happy but exhausted. Almost everyone you pass says hello. There are some fantastic pubs canalside along the canal. There's locks, bridges to go under, aqueduct, tunnels. I've seen swans with sygnets, ducks galore, moor hens, herons, Canada geese, squirrels drinking from the canal, sheep eating crab apples. BlackBerry bushes groaning with fruit. The sun shining and first thing an eerie mist over the water. I don't want to go home."
Caroline Stott
"Beautiful place in many part. Great for walking and fishing"
Harvey Paterson
"Great place for peaceful walk and for a beautiful view of canal and the birds in it"
Dhaneshwar Selvaraj
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
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.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It typically takes about 50 minutes to an hour to navigate through the 2,811-meter (3,075 yards) Blisworth Tunnel on a narrowboat.
Blisworth Tunnel is wide enough for two narrowboats to pass each other comfortably, making it a 'wide' tunnel.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a shorter boat hire or a day trip to Stoke Bruerne, a charming village at one end of the tunnel. Here, you can visit the Canal Museum and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. The towpaths are generally safe for walking, providing space for children to explore. Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities can be spread out.
🚶♀️ Walking & Hiking Enthusiasts
While you cannot walk through the tunnel, you can access the towpath on either side. The walk from Stoke Bruerne to the tunnel entrance, or vice versa, provides a good sense of the canal's scale and the tunnel's imposing presence. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and wear comfortable, sturdy footwear.
🛶 Boaters & Narrowboat Enthusiasts
Boaters often share tips about navigating the tunnel, emphasizing the need for good lighting and awareness of the time it takes to traverse. The journey through the tunnel is a highlight for many, offering a sense of accomplishment and a memorable part of their canal adventure. The surrounding canal network provides ample opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Blisworth Tunnel
What makes Blisworth Tunnel particularly noteworthy is its status as the longest wide, navigable tunnel in Europe. This means it's sufficiently broad to allow two narrowboats to pass each other safely, a feature not common in many older canal tunnels. This design choice significantly impacts the experience for boaters, offering more space and reducing the feeling of claustrophobia compared to narrower passages.
Navigating the tunnel is an experience in itself. It takes approximately 50 minutes to an hour to traverse its length, plunging boaters into complete darkness. Many visitors describe it as a unique and somewhat eerie adventure. The tunnel's interior is not illuminated, so adequate boat lighting is essential. Despite the darkness, the sheer scale and historical significance of the Blisworth Tunnel make it a memorable part of any Grand Union Canal journey.
Life on the Grand Union Canal
The experience is enhanced by the numerous canalside pubs that dot the route, offering a perfect spot to rest, refuel, and soak in the atmosphere. Many travelers enjoy the friendly encounters with fellow canal users, describing the community as welcoming and happy to share stories. The journey can involve navigating locks, passing under bridges, and crossing aqueducts, each adding to the charm of canal boating.
For those seeking a taste of this lifestyle, hiring a narrowboat for a few days or a week is a popular option. It allows for an immersive experience, where you can explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and truly appreciate the peace and beauty of the waterways. Planning your trip, including boat selection and route, is key to maximizing enjoyment.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit