Blisworth combines a notable waterway with distinctive architectural and cultural interests. The Grand Union Canal runs through the village; the Blisworth Tunnel is a focus of engineering history. Other highlights include the Church of St John the Baptist, the listed Blisworth Mill, a tapestry in Blisworth Baptist Church, and the Route A Historical Tour between Blisworth and Stoke Bruerne. When planning your trip, you can consider boating, architectural history and walking as separate interests.

Canal and Tunnel

The Blisworth Tunnel is Europe's longest wide, freely navigable tunnel. It is wide enough for two narrowboats to pass each other in opposite directions. A towpath leads to the tunnel entrance and is open daily. If you plan to use this access during your visit, check the visitor information shortly before you travel.

Paths between the Tunnel and Canal

The Route A Historical Tour offers a different perspective on the area's paths. It includes a hilly route between Blisworth and Stoke Bruerne, followed by another section along the canal back to Blisworth. The route is based on paths recorded in the 1950s. This date relates to the route's historical basis; for planning a walk today, it is also advisable to check path conditions and waymarking.

The two walking routes differ: the towpath leads to the tunnel entrance, while Route A includes a hilly path between the two villages and a canal-side section back to Blisworth. This lets you distinguish the route to the tunnel from the walking route by their respective descriptions, rather than treating them as the same route.

Architectural History and Local Culture

The Church of St John the Baptist contains fabric dating from the 14th and 15th centuries and has origins in the 13th century. These dates refer to different aspects of its architectural history: its origins predate the dated building fabric. The church is built of ironstone and limestone. In addition to its historical dates, two specific building materials are therefore of note.

Another engineering structure is Blisworth Mill, Including Engine Room and Office. The listed steam mill is Grade II and dates from 1879. Compared with the freely navigable tunnel, the mill represents a different aspect of engineering: one is a steam mill, while the other is a structure built for navigation. They can be seen as distinct facets of the area's engineering history.

The Blisworth Tapestry adds a cultural note: the tapestry is 5.5 m long and is located in the coffee shop of Blisworth Baptist Church in Blisworth. Note the different names when identifying these places: the dates and materials relate to the Church of St John the Baptist; the tapestry is in the coffee shop of Blisworth Baptist Church.

Discover more destinations: Northampton, Castle Ashby, Rushden, West Haddon, Daventry, Kilsby, Weedon Bec, Wootton.

For the wider travel overview: Northamptonshire.