The Canal basin at Stoke Buerne, where there is also a canal museum.

Focus on the busy towpath and canal traffic.

Only a few miles from the M1 and in Northamptonshire, this is a pleasant place to sit and stare or to walk along the Grand Union Canal. Try both pubs - the Boat and the Navigation. There's Marstons, Adnams and Banks at the slightly disappointing Boat.