The Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne

The Grand Union Canal runs through Stoke Bruerne like a thread through the Northamptonshire countryside, and the museum here sits right on the water's edge - housed in a converted corn mill that's been doing this job since 1972. You'll wander through exhibits about working canal boats, the people who lived on them, and the engineering that made these waterways happen. It's genuinely interesting stuff, especially if you've got any curiosity about how Britain moved goods before railways took over.

The canal village itself is the real draw, to be honest. Grab a coffee, watch the narrowboats coming through Blisworth Tunnel - the longest in the network - and you've got a proper afternoon sorted. The museum gives context to all this, which elevates it from just another waterside stroll. Families with younger kids might find it a bit dry in parts, but anyone interested in industrial history or canal heritage will find it worthwhile.

If you're based at one of the nearby campsites - The Home Farm CL is practically on the doorstep, while Blisworth Park and Kirkely Meadows are just down the road - this pairs well with walks along the towpath. The whole area around Towcester is canal-friendly, so you could easily spend a few days exploring both the museum and the network itself. Allow a couple of hours for a proper look around. Check ahead for opening times, as smaller museums can be unpredictable.