The Wharf Tavern at Goldstoneon the Shropshire Canal

The Wharf Tavern at Goldstone is a traditional canal-side pub located beside the Shropshire Canal, better known today as part of the Shropshire Union Canal network. Set in open countryside near Market Drayton, the pub enjoys a peaceful waterside setting and has long been associated with canal life, serving boaters, walkers, and local residents alike.

With its classic wharf-side position, the Wharf Tavern remains a welcoming stop on one of the most historic canal routes in the region.

Location and Canal Setting
Goldstone Wharf lies on the Shropshire Union Canal main line, a stretch characterised by long, straight reaches and gentle rural scenery. The Wharf Tavern sits close to the towpath, making it easily accessible for:

• Narrowboat crews mooring nearby
• Towpath walkers exploring the canal
• Cyclists using the flat canal route
• Visitors seeking a quiet countryside pub

The surrounding landscape is agricultural and largely unspoilt, offering a calm contrast to busier canal junctions.

A Pub with Canal Heritage

Historically, wharf-side pubs like the Wharf Tavern played an important role in canal operations. They provided:

• Refreshment for boat crews and horse drivers
• Informal meeting places for traders and locals
• Overnight stopping points along long canal stretches

The Wharf Tavern reflects this tradition, standing as a reminder of the working canal era when wharves and canalside inns were central to daily life along the waterway.

A Welcome Stop for Modern Canal Boaters

Today, the Wharf Tavern continues to be popular with leisure boaters cruising the Shropshire Canal. Its appeal includes:

• Proximity to the canal and towpat
• A relaxed, informal atmosphere
• A convenient place to pause on a long cruising day
• A sociable stop in an otherwise quiet rural section

For many crews, it provides a natural break point when travelling between Market Drayton and the surrounding countryside.

Walking, Cycling, and the Local Area
The Wharf Tavern is also well used by non-boaters. The canal towpath nearby offers:

• Flat, scenic walking routes
• Easy cycling suitable for all abilities
• Wildlife spotting, including waterfowl and farmland birds

The pub’s location makes it an ideal destination for a countryside walk with refreshments at the end.

Why the Wharf Tavern at Goldstone Is Special
Situated directly beside the Shropshire Canal
Located at a historic wharf site
Popular with boaters, walkers, and cyclists
Set in quiet, rural surroundings
Retains the character of a traditional canal-side pub
Its setting and heritage give it a strong connection to the canal’s past and present.

Conclusion
The Wharf Tavern at Goldstone on the Shropshire Canal is a classic example of a traditional waterside pub that has adapted from the canal’s working days to modern leisure use. Whether arriving by narrowboat, on foot, or by bicycle, visitors can enjoy a peaceful canalside atmosphere rooted in history. As part of the Shropshire Union Canal landscape, the Wharf Tavern remains a valued and characterful stop along this historic waterway.