Discover Shardlow: a canal village and its history

Canal village with a historic focus

Shardlow is considered the most complete surviving example of a canal village in Great Britain. This gives the village a clear thematic focus for a stay centred on canal history and historic goods transport. The designated Shardlow Wharf Conservation Area contains more than fifty Grade II listed buildings. Its protected heritage is therefore spread across numerous buildings, rather than being represented by a single historic landmark. If you are looking for a hotel in Shardlow, these themes can help you decide what you would like your trip to focus on.

Canal, port and historic buildings

The Trent & Mersey Canal is wide between Shardlow and Burton-on-Trent because this section was used by barges coming from the River Trent. At Shardlow, goods were transferred in the former river port from wide boats to narrow ones. This brings together two aspects of earlier water transport: the use of the wide stretch of canal by barges coming from the Trent, and the transfer between boats of different widths in the port. The Clock Warehouse adds to this historic setting as a former grain store dating from 1780.

Shardlow Heritage Centre offers insights into the village’s 18th-century canal transshipment port. The associated wharves and warehouses can be explored. Check the Centre’s current opening arrangements before your trip. A village tour is offered at the Heritage Centre; check in advance whether it is currently available. This lets you understand the port’s history and the tour as two distinct ways of discovering the area: the Centre focuses on interpreting the historic transshipment port, while the village tour explores the village itself.

Towpath, cycle path and riverside activities

On the stretch from Borrowash Bridge to Derwent Mouth, a towpath near Shardlow leads to the confluence of the Trent & Mersey Canal, River Derwent and River Trent. The meeting point of these three named waterways is therefore a landmark along this towpath. A cycle path also runs near Shardlow alongside the canal towpath; it can be reached from the main road via Wilne Lane. Access conditions may vary, so check them before using the cycle path.

There are opportunities for canoeing on the River Trent at Shardlow. Check river conditions and safety requirements before taking part. There are extensive walking routes along the River Trent, and conditions may vary. Birdwatching is also possible there, although sightings can vary. The activities have different focuses: canoeing takes place on the water, walking centres on the riverside routes, and possible bird sightings are an unpredictable factor.

A Canal & River Trust key is required to draw water at Shardlow Lock. If you are travelling by boat, check the latest guidance in advance. This means that planning for activities on the water depends on the specific use, rather than treating canoeing and supplying a boat as the same thing.

Discover more destinations: Newton, Brimington, Ticknall, Tansley, Kirk Langley, Breadsall, Marston, Peak Forest.

For the wider travel overview: Derbyshire.