Foxton Locks Inn

The canal lock system at Foxton is genuinely worth stopping for if you're anywhere near Leicester. Ten locks in quick succession - that's what makes this stretch of the Grand Union Canal so compelling. You can watch narrowboats rise and fall through the chambers, which sounds dull until you actually see a 70-foot vessel being lifted seven metres by water pressure alone. It's proper hypnotic.

The Foxton Locks Inn sits right there at the action, giving you a front-row seat with a pint in hand. The pub itself is functional rather than fancy - decent enough food, ale selection, and the whole point is watching the water theatre unfold outside. Families with kids find the locks endlessly entertaining. Toddlers get bored after 20 minutes or so, but older children who like engineering or anything that moves stay absorbed for hours.

Walkers should allow an hour minimum, longer if boats are working through. The towpath either side is flat and easy - perfect for stretching legs between your caravan at Valley View Escapes or Brook Meadow. Spring and summer see the heaviest boat traffic, so go then if you want the full experience. Winter's peaceful but honestly less interesting.

Free to visit and watch, though eating and drinking costs money. The pub fills quickly on weekends. If you're basing yourself at any of the nearby parks, this is an effortless afternoon stop that's actually interesting rather than touristy. The engineering alone deserves an hour of your time.