Grand Union Canal

When the Aylesbury arm of the Grand Union Canal opened in 1814 it brought heavy industry to the town for the first time.

There had been a plan to extend the Grand Union Canal through to the Kennet & Avon Canal to the south.

This would have created an enormous network across the West to Bristol, but this was never realised because of a lack of water.

The Grand Union Canal is now the preserve of pleasure boaters and walkers.

You can hire a narrowboat for the day in Aylesbury, or use the town as an embarkation point for a self-navigated three or four day cruise.

Walkers can take the gentle towpath to Marsworth, passing 16 historic locks on the route.

In September 2018 Aylesbury put on its inaugural Waterside Festival, with boat trips, live music and a continental market with more than 30 stalls.

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