Shopping for groceries while on a narrowboat holiday in the English Midlands is remarkably straightforward. Whether you prefer a quick walk to a local store or having supplies delivered directly to the towpath, you have plenty of options.
Local Supermarkets & Convenience Stores
Most major UK supermarket chains have “convenience” versions (like Tesco Express, Little Waitrose, or Sainsbury’s Local) in the small villages along the canal. For a larger selection, several towns in our cruising area have full-sized supermarkets within easy walking distance:
Staffs & Worcester (North):
Shropshire Union Canal (South-end):
Trent and Mersey Canal:
- Rugeley: Features Morrisons, Aldi, and Tesco.
- Kidsgrove: A large Tesco is conveniently located on Liverpool Road.
Coventry Canal:
- Tamworth: Offers ASDA and M&S Foodhall.
For the freshest local produce, keep an eye out for farm gates advertising eggs, vegetables, and meats directly from the field.
Online Grocery Delivery to Your Boat
Many boaters now prefer the convenience of online delivery. Major retailers including ASDA, Tesco, Morrisons, and Waitrose will deliver to a cruising narrowboat.
How to book a delivery:
- Use a Postcode: Find the postcode of a nearby bridge, pub, or canal-side landmark.
- Provide Clear Instructions: In the delivery notes, specify that you are on a narrowboat and mention the Kodran’s name and your exact location (e.g., “Moored 50 yards south of Bridge 66”).
- Use Location Apps: Tools like What3Words are increasingly helpful for delivery drivers to find your exact spot on the towpath.
- Be Ready: Drivers usually have one-hour slots; ensure you are at the specified meeting point and keep your phone handy in case they need to call for directions.
Finding a canal-side pub with a car park is often the most reliable way to receive an online grocery order, as it provides a fixed address for the driver.
It is always courteous to phone the pub ahead of time to ask permission to use their car park as a delivery drop-off point. Most are very accommodating, especially if you plan to stop in for a drink or meal while you wait!
Ocado & Specialty Services
Online-only grocer Ocado is a popular choice for boaters due to its wide range of M&S and name-brand products. They frequently run seasonal campaigns, such as their recent “Life Delivered” and “Summer Comes to You” initiatives, which highlight the ease of getting groceries delivered to unconventional locations like staycation spots.
For more tips on boat life, the popular blog Retirement with No Problem offers a deep dive into the logistics of towpath deliveries.
Better still, read our blog post for detailed information on dining on a canal boat holiday.