What We (Really) Did Last Summer in the UK
From narrowboats and castles to campervans, canals and coastlines
If you’re searching for the perfect UK summer itinerary, wondering where to go narrowboating in England, looking for historic castles in Wales and Scotland, or simply dreaming about scenic campervan adventures in Britain, then settle in with a cup of tea (or perhaps a cheeky cider). This is the story of what Christine and I really did last summer.
No exotic beaches. And, no crowded airports. No lost luggage.
Instead, we swapped passport queues for canal locks, luxury hotels for our faithful campervan, and city traffic for towpaths buzzing with bees.
Our summer took us across England, Wales and Scotland, following winding canals, exploring ancient castles, discovering charming villages, and enjoying more pub lunches than our waistlines probably approved of. We experienced glorious sunshine, the occasional biblical downpour (this is Britain, after all), and enough spectacular scenery to fill several camera memory cards.
Looking back, we realised that our best memories weren’t necessarily the famous attractions. They were the little moments—the kingfisher darting across the canal, breakfast beside the River Nith, laughing while trying to moor in a crosswind, or discovering yet another canalside pub that somehow served excellent pie.
Here’s what we really got up to last summer…
🚤 Life Afloat on the Spirit of Sproglet
If there was one thing that defined our summer, it was spending time aboard Spirit of Sproglet.
There is something wonderfully calming about narrowboating. Within a day, your internal clock changes completely. Suddenly, travelling at four miles per hour feels perfectly reasonable, waving at complete strangers becomes second nature, and discussing lock mechanisms with fellow boaters seems entirely normal.
Life aboard is refreshingly simple.
Morning coffee while mist rises from the canal.
Slow cruising through peaceful countryside.
Stopping whenever a village or pub catches your eye.
And ending the day tied up somewhere impossibly peaceful.
Of course, narrowboating also provides endless entertainment.
You quickly learn that every lock has its own personality. Some behave beautifully. Others appear to have been designed by someone with a grudge against boaters.
Fortunately, laughter makes excellent lock lubricant.
🌸 Towpaths: Nature’s Front Row Seat
One of our greatest pleasures was simply walking.
The towpaths offered miles upon miles of peaceful exploration.
Every stroll revealed something different.
Bright wildflowers lined the canal edges.
Busy bees bounced enthusiastically between blossoms.
Dragonflies patrolled the water like tiny helicopters.
Herons stood motionless, pretending not to notice us.
Swans supervised everyone with the authority of experienced canal managers.
Every so often we’d be lucky enough to spot a kingfisher—a dazzling flash of electric blue disappearing downstream before we’d even reached for the camera.
Sometimes we’d walk for an hour without meeting another soul.
Other days we’d stop every few hundred metres because there was another perfect photograph waiting to be taken.
🍺 Canalside Pubs are Britain’s Greatest Invention
Whoever first thought of combining canals with pubs deserves some sort of national award.
Many afternoons ended beside welcoming canalside inns where muddy boots were accepted, boaters swapped stories, and local ales disappeared at a suspiciously efficient rate.
One particular favourite was The Shady Oak (often affectionately called “The Shady Inn”), tucked beside the Shropshire Union Canal.
Excellent food.
Friendly atmosphere.
Perfect location.
Exactly what canal cruising should include.
🏰 Hiking to Beeston Castle
From The Shady Oak we enjoyed one of our favourite summer walks—up to magnificent Beeston Castle.
The climb certainly reminded us we weren’t twenty anymore, but the views made every step worthwhile.
Perched dramatically on a rocky crag almost 350 feet above the Cheshire Plain, Beeston Castle commands spectacular panoramic views stretching across eight counties on a clear day.
Originally built in the 1220s by Ranulf de Blondeville, the Earl of Chester, the fortress was designed to impress as much as defend. During the English Civil War it became a Royalist stronghold before eventually being dismantled to prevent further military use.
Today, its impressive ruins remain wonderfully atmospheric.
Walking around the ancient walls while imagining medieval knights, soldiers and centuries of history unfolding beneath your feet is surprisingly easy.
And yes…
There were plenty of opportunities to stop “just for another photograph.”
🏰 Conwy Castle: Medieval Wales at its Finest
Few castles leave quite the same impression as Conwy Castle.
Built by King Edward I between 1283 and 1287 as part of his campaign to conquer Wales, Conwy remains one of Europe’s finest examples of medieval military architecture and is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its eight enormous towers dominate the skyline exactly as they have for over seven centuries.
Walking along the battlements, climbing the towers and looking out across the River Conwy provides breathtaking views in every direction.
It’s impossible not to admire the incredible engineering involved in building such a fortress long before modern machinery existed.
The town itself is equally charming, enclosed by remarkably well-preserved medieval walls that make wandering its narrow streets a genuine pleasure.
🚠 Up, Up and Away to the Great Orme
Llandudno always feels wonderfully elegant.
The Victorian promenade.
The colourful seafront.
The classic pier.
The cheerful holiday atmosphere.
It’s easy to understand why generations of visitors have fallen in love with this North Wales resort.
One of the highlights was taking the famous Great Orme Cable Cars.
As we gently floated above the hillside, spectacular coastal views unfolded beneath us.
At the summit, the panorama was magnificent.
Sea stretching to the horizon.
Rolling Welsh hills.
Llandudno spread out below like a perfectly arranged model village.
Even the seagulls seemed impressed.
🎡 A Proper Stroll Along Llandudno Pier
Some places simply encourage you to slow down.
Llandudno Pier is one of them.
We wandered along the longest pier in Wales, enjoying the sea breeze, watching families making memories, and resisting the temptation to win oversized stuffed animals that definitely wouldn’t fit aboard a narrowboat.
The Victorian architecture throughout the town adds wonderful character.
Ice cream somehow tastes better by the sea.
Fish and chips seem compulsory.
And yes…the weather behaved itself remarkably well that day.
🍎 Cider at Foxton Locks
No canal adventure feels complete without stopping at Foxton Locks.
This remarkable staircase of ten locks is one of Britain’s engineering masterpieces and never fails to fascinate visitors.
Watching boats steadily climb or descend while lock keepers orchestrate the process is strangely hypnotic.
Naturally, all that observing worked up a thirst.
Thankfully, a refreshing local cider nearby solved that problem beautifully.
Research is important, after all.
🚢 Watching History Rise at Anderton Boat Lift
The Anderton Boat Lift is often called the “Cathedral of the Canals,” and once you see it in action, it’s easy to understand why.
Completed in 1875, this extraordinary Victorian engineering marvel lifts boats nearly 50 feet between the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Watching an entire narrowboat rise effortlessly through the air is one of those wonderfully British experiences that’s both educational and oddly satisfying.
Victorian engineers really didn’t do things by halves.
🌼 Exploring Cheshire’s Beautiful Canal Villages
One of our favourite discoveries was simply wandering through Cheshire’s delightful canal villages.
Nantwich charms visitors with its black-and-white timber-framed buildings, independent shops and rich salt-trading history.
Middlewich, affectionately known as the “Junction of the Canals,” offers wonderful waterside walks where three canals meet, making it a paradise for boating enthusiasts.
Christleton feels wonderfully peaceful, with picturesque cottages, village greens and canal paths that invite leisurely exploration.
Northwich, shaped by centuries of salt mining, blends fascinating industrial heritage with attractive waterways and modern riverside regeneration.
And then there’s Sandbach, famous for its stunning Saxon crosses standing proudly in the historic market square. The town combines centuries of history with welcoming cafés, friendly pubs and a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to linger a little longer.
Each village had its own personality, but they all shared one thing in common—a slower pace of life that suited us perfectly.
🌊 Scotland Calling: St Abbs
Our journey north introduced us to the stunning coastal village of St Abbs.
The picturesque harbour, colourful fishing boats and rugged cliffs created postcard-perfect scenery at every turn.
The sea air felt wonderfully fresh.
The coastal walks were spectacular.
And watching waves crash dramatically against the rocks reminded us just how beautiful Scotland’s coastline truly is.
It was one of those places where we found ourselves sitting quietly for a while, simply enjoying the view.
🚐 Life with Nettie on the River Nith
Not every adventure happened aboard the boat.
Our faithful 1989 Talbot Rambler campervan, Nettie, once again proved that older vehicles have far more character than most modern ones.
Camping beside the River Nith at Glencaple was one of those wonderfully peaceful experiences that stays with you.
Morning coffee overlooking the river.
Birdsong replacing alarm clocks.
Evening sunsets reflected on calm water.
Simple pleasures often become the best memories.
Nettie may not be luxurious.
She occasionally has opinions about steep hills.
But she’s family.
👑 Stirling Castle: Scotland’s Crown Jewel
A visit to Stirling Castle is like stepping into the pages of Scottish history.
Strategically positioned high above the surrounding landscape, the castle played a pivotal role during the Wars of Scottish Independence and was home to many Scottish monarchs, including Mary, Queen of Scots.
Walking through the beautifully restored Great Hall and Royal Palace gives an insight into the grandeur of Renaissance Scotland.
Outside, the views across the surrounding countryside are spectacular.
You quickly understand why controlling Stirling meant controlling much of Scotland.
History comes alive here.
🍽️ The Best Meals Aren’t Always in Restaurants
Some of our favourite meals weren’t enjoyed in restaurants at all.
Breakfast on Spirit of Sproglet while watching ducks paddle past.
Freshly prepared dinners aboard after a day’s cruising.
Simple campervan suppers beside rivers and campsites.
Everything somehow tastes better outdoors.
Perhaps it’s the fresh air.
Perhaps it’s the scenery.
Or perhaps food simply improves when there are no deadlines, no rush and nowhere else you need to be.
🌦️ Sunshine, Rain…and Everything Between
Of course, this was a British summer.
There were gloriously sunny days when sunscreen was essential.
And then, there were grey days when waterproof jackets became our best friends.
There were moments when we’d confidently say, “Looks like it’s clearing up,” only for another shower to arrive thirty seconds later.
But that’s all part of travelling in Britain.
You don’t wait for perfect weather.
You embrace whatever turns up.
Usually with another cup of tea.
Final Thoughts ❤️
Looking back, last summer wasn’t about ticking famous landmarks off a list.
It was about slowing down.
Finding joy in simple moments.
Discovering beautiful villages.
Walking historic castle walls.
Cruising peaceful canals.
Sharing meals aboard Spirit of Sproglet and in dear old Nettie.
Watching wildlife.
Laughing when plans changed.
And realising, once again, that some of the very best adventures happen close to home.
If you’re planning your own UK adventure, whether by canal boat, campervan or car, take your time. Stop in the villages. Wander the towpaths. Climb the castle towers. Talk to locals. Try the cider.
You’ll create memories that last far longer than any souvenir ever could.
If you’re looking for tours, attractions and experiences across the UK, you can browse and book here: https://tripadvisor.tpk.ro/D6WNK34w
Here’s to another unforgettable British summer—and many more adventures still to come. 🚤🚐☀️🥂
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