|
Weedon Depot Visitor Centrean Historic Stop on the Grand Union Canal
The Old Depot, Weedon Bec, Northampton NN7 4PS
01327 226812
Website
Visitor Centre Weedon Depot can be found on the Grand Union Canal in Nottinghamshire and quite near to Weedon Bec.
What can be found at: Visitor Centre Weedon Depot
Discover Canal-Age Heritage at the Heart of Northamptonshire's Waterways
Tucked alongside the Grand Union Canal in Weedon Bec, the Weedon Depot Visitor Centre is a must-visit destination for narrowboaters, walkers, and history enthusiasts exploring the Midlands waterways. This historic military depot offers a fascinating glimpse into Britain’s canal-era past.
A Canal-Age Gem with Rich History
Constructed in 1803, the Weedon Depot was originally built as a military ordnance depot during the Napoleonic Wars. Chosen for its strategic inland location—safe from seaborne attack and connected by both road and canal—it became a secure site for storing weapons, ammunition, and supplies.
The Grand Union Canal, then part of the Grand Junction Canal, played a vital role in transporting arms and goods to and from the site, with purpose-built canal arms leading directly into the depot complex.
It was considered one of the most important military sites in the country during the 19th century, and remnants of its fortified layout can still be seen today.
A Fascinating Stop for Canal Boaters
Whether you're cruising along the Grand Union Canal or moored nearby, the Weedon Depot Visitor Centre makes an enriching stop:
- Explore exhibits on the canal’s military and industrial use
- Walk the historic site, with views of the old barracks, canals, and bridges
- Interpretive displays reveal the evolution of Britain’s canal network
- Easily accessible from the towpath with nearby moorings
Weedon Depot Today – Linking Past and Present
Now a mix of heritage centre, local businesses, and artisan shops, the depot has been revitalised as a community space with ongoing restoration. It’s one of the most historically complete surviving canal-military sites in the UK.
Visitors can learn about:
- The military logistics of the canal age
- How canals shaped Britain’s economic and industrial development
- The strategic design of inland depots and fortified transport routes
Moor Up and Step Back in Time at Weedon Depot
For narrowboaters, history lovers, and curious explorers, the Weedon Depot Visitor Centre is a rewarding place to stop along the Grand Union Canal. Enjoy a peaceful mooring spot paired with an immersive dive into Britain's canal-age heritage.
View Visitor Centre Weedon Depot on our map
Also shown will be Stand Alone: winding holes, moorings, water, elsan and refuse disposal etc.
Be the first to first to review Visitor Centre Weedon Depot
We try our very best, but here's a Disclaimer just in case!
Users of the information displayed in this website or in websites linked to directly or indirectly, do so on the basis that it is a guide only. I Do Canals or its directors, partners or associates do not accept any responsibility for inaccuracies, omissions, costs incurred or disappointments of any kind what-so-ever. It is the users responsibility to check directly with any services, displayed, listed or linked to in or from this website, or associated parties with regards to (but not limited to) directions, costs, facilities, services, hospitality, availability, accommodation, etc. There is no implied recommendation for any of the entries or firms listed, nor is any criticism implied for any entry or firm not yet listed.
We have added 103 Waterways and there are 3048 entries listed and displayed on our maps and/or the resource pages:
Waterways Resources -
Boat Build & Fit Out -
Waterside Attractions. We continue to add items on a very regular basis.
Many entries have several services on offer, on average 5 services (some have many more). This means there are approx. 5 x the number of services listed.