Shardlow offers two main points of interest for planning a trip: its preserved canal village and harbour past, and walks and activities along the waterways. If you’re looking for a hotel in Shardlow, you can first decide whether you’d like to explore the protected townscape and historic canal trade, or spend more time walking, cycling and observing nature. There are specific places to visit for both interests, though different conditions apply to some visits and activities.
Canal Village and Harbour Past
Shardlow is considered the most complete surviving example of a canal village in Great Britain. The designated Shardlow Wharf Conservation Area contains more than fifty Grade II listed buildings. The former grain warehouse, The Clock Warehouse, is associated with the year 1780. This illustrates two aspects of Shardlow’s history: its standing as a canal village and the former function of a single warehouse.
The Shardlow Heritage Centre offers insights into the 18th-century canal transshipment port. The associated wharves and warehouses can be explored. This offers two ways to engage with the subject: the historical context at the Centre and the harbour buildings themselves. Check the Centre’s current opening arrangements before travelling. If you’re planning a village walk, ask there in advance about current availability.
Waterways and Harbour Traffic
Between Shardlow and Burton-on-Trent, the Trent & Mersey Canal is wide because this section was used by barges coming from the River Trent. At Shardlow’s former river port, goods were transferred from broad boats to narrowboats. These illustrate two different aspects of water transport: the width of the navigable canal section and the transfer of goods between different types of boat at the port.
On the section from Borrowash Bridge to Derwent Mouth, a towpath near Shardlow leads to the confluence of the Trent & Mersey Canal, River Derwent and River Trent. A cycle path also runs alongside the canal towpath near Shardlow; it can be reached from the main road via Wilne Lane. The destination and access differ depending on which route you choose: the confluence is the towpath’s destination, while Wilne Lane provides access to the cycle path. Route and access conditions may vary.
Walking, Canoeing and Nature Watching
The River Trent near Shardlow has extensive walking routes, opportunities for canoeing and chances to watch birds. These activities also require different preparation: route conditions may vary, and you should check river conditions and safety requirements before canoeing. Bird sightings also vary. When choosing, you can consider whether you’d like to walk, go out on the water or set aside time to observe nature.
A Canal & River Trust key is required to draw water at Shardlow Lock. If you plan to draw water there while boating, you should also check the current guidance in advance.
Discover more destinations: Alton, Cromford, Newton, Mickleover, Matlock, Tibshelf, Tansley, Hope Valley
For the wider travel guide: Derbyshire.
