Tixall Wideon the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal

Approx 400 Yards of Quiet Rural Mooring without facilities.

Very Popular Mooring for at least 12 Narrowboats

Arncote Mooring or Spikes

Popular for Fishing: Roach, Bream, Perch and Pike

Tixall Wide is one of the most striking and unusual features on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, standing out as a broad, open stretch of water along an otherwise narrow and gently winding rural canal. For boaters, walkers, and photographers, it delivers a rare feeling of space, light, and calm that is seldom experienced on Britain’s inland waterways.

Encircled by historic parkland and rich in wildlife, Tixall Wide feels far more like a tranquil lake than a working canal. Its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere have earned it a reputation as one of the most scenic locations anywhere on the canal.

Where Is Tixall Wide Located?

Tixall Wide lies between Baswich and Great Haywood, close to the village of Tixall and alongside land that once formed part of the Tixall Hall estate. The canal widens dramatically at this point, creating a visually impressive expanse surrounded by mature trees and open countryside.

Distance from Great Haywood Junction
Around 1.5 miles south of Great Haywood Junction
Approximately 35 to 45 minutes cruising time at normal canal speed
Easily reached when travelling south towards Penkridge and Autherley Junction
Because of its proximity, Tixall Wide is often the first scenic highlight encountered by boaters leaving Great Haywood.

Why the Canal Widens at Tixall Wide

Unlike many wide sections of canal, Tixall Wide was not created for navigation or water management. Instead, its unusual width exists for aesthetic and historical reasons.

A Landscape Compromise
When the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal was constructed in the early 1770s, it crossed the landscaped grounds of Tixall Hall, home to a prominent local family who strongly opposed the intrusion of an industrial waterway into their estate.

To resolve this, the canal’s designers agreed to:

• Expand the canal into a broad, lake-like form
• Disguise the canal as an ornamental feature
• Allow it to blend naturally into the surrounding parkland

This thoughtful compromise transformed a functional canal into a landscape feature, reducing its industrial impact and preserving the estate’s visual harmony.

Historical and Engineering Significance

The canal was completed in 1772
Designed by renowned engineer James Brindley
Built to link the River Severn with the Midlands canal network
Played a vital role in early industrial transport

Tixall Wide remains one of the finest surviving examples of how canal engineering was adapted to suit landowners and landscapes. Unlike reservoirs or turning basins, it served no operational purpose — its creation was purely about appearance and integration with nature.

Cruising Through Tixall Wide Today

Entering Tixall Wide by narrowboat is a memorable experience. The canal suddenly opens out, offering expansive views, mirrored reflections, and a noticeable sense of stillness.

What Boaters Experience
A rare feeling of open water
Abundant wildlife, including swans, ducks, geese, and dragonflies
Reflections of sky and trees across the wide surface
A slower, calmer atmosphere than surrounding sections
To protect the environment, mooring is limited within Tixall Wide itself, encouraging boaters to enjoy the view while passing through.

Mooring Options in and Near to Tixall Wide

Although mooring is restricted within the wide to 48 hours, excellent alternatives are available nearby:

• South of Tixall Wide – quiet rural moorings
• North towards Great Haywood – convenient access to services and junction facilities
• A popular stopping point when visiting Shugborough Estate

Many boaters choose to cruise through the wide, then moor shortly beyond it to fully appreciate the setting on foot.

Walking, Wildlife, and Nearby Attractions
Tixall Wide is just as popular with those on land as it is with boaters. It attracts:

• Towpath walkers and joggers
• Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers
• Cyclists enjoying flat canal routes

Nearby places of interest include:

• Shugborough Estate
• Tixall village
• The meeting of the Rivers Trent and Sow at Great Haywood
• Woodland and historic parkland walks

The landscape remains remarkably unchanged, retaining a timeless character rooted in the 18th century.

What Makes Tixall Wide So Special

• One of the widest sections of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal
• Designed to protect a historic estate landscape
• Located just 1.5 miles from Great Haywood Junction
• Exceptionally rich in wildlife
• A peaceful and visually stunning cruising highlight

Few locations on the canal network offer such a perfect balance of history, scenery, and tranquillity.

Conclusion
Tixall Wide is a unique and beautiful feature of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, created through thoughtful design rather than industrial necessity. Its broad waters, historic origins, and close proximity to Great Haywood Junction make it an essential highlight for anyone travelling this waterway. Whether experienced from the deck of a narrowboat or along the towpath, Tixall Wide remains one of the most memorable and serene stretches of canal in the Midlands.