Lapworth Railway Station, Rail Trails

Start: Lapworth Railway Station (B94 6LP) Grid ref. SP 187 715

(S/E) From Lapworth Railway Station Platform 1, cross the footbridge to the far side, where a path leads from the bridge, over a stile and then curves right across fields to a lane after 350 m.

(1) Turn right up the lane to the Punchbowl pub after 500 m. Cross with care and continue forward along Chessets Wood Road for 450 m.

(2) At the National Trust sign, turn left onto Packwood Avenue. This can be very muddy in winter. Continue South-West for 1 Km to reach Packwood House, where there is a café.

(3) Turn left onto the lane for 550 m to a road junction. Go forward for 500 m.

(4) Go left onto the public footpath along the private drive to reach the canal after 300 m.

(5) Turn left and go down the flight of locks. After 500 m there is a canal shop (closed Fridays) and access to The Boot pub. Continue down the flight to reach the canal.

(6) Cross the bridge signed “Grand Union” and along the towpath for 200 m.

(7) Turn left across the bridge with a sign to the Navigation pub. After 300m, emerge onto Old Warwick Road (CARE: blind bend). Turn right for the pub.

(8) Otherwise, turn left along the road for 200 m.

(9) Then, turn right onto Station Lane for 500 m to reach the Station. (S/E)

Start: Lapworth Railway Station (B94 6LP) Grid ref. SP 187 715

Transport: Lapworth is on the main line running between Birmingham & London. There’s a two-hourly service in both directions running between Leamington Spa and Birmingham Moor Street. In peak hours additional trains run to and from Leamington. Trains also run at peak times direct to Stratford-upon-Avon.
There are limited facilities available at this station.

Refreshments: If you want to stock up in advance of your walk there’s the Village Stores in Kingswood, just six minutes from the station. Towards the end of the trail the Canal Shop makes a handy stopping off point. Or simply enjoy the picnic area on the Kingswood Arm of the canal. Otherwise, the trail will take you past no less than three top-notch pubs!

The Punch Bowl: It may be right at the start, but this country gastro pub with 11 bedrooms, restaurant, bar, garden and terrace is worth a stop regardless! Just don’t overdo things on the extensive menu and wine list!

Packwood House: First built around 1570, this much-restored Tudor house, park and garden is noted for its topiary. Explore the house, the fabulous gardens or simply make a pitstop at the Cafe where you can enjoy cakes and bakes, pasties and sausage rolls!

Navigation Inn: A traditional country pub with canal side beer garden serving great quality ales and fresh, home cooked food. The only pub in the country to serve Guinness on handpull!

The Boot: Stop off at this country pub and restaurant for the wide-ranging food menu that features prime steaks, classic salads and succulent seafood. You’ll linger for the traditional atmosphere (and the teepee!)

Discover the Heart of England by rail at Heart Community Rail Trail here.

If you’re heading into Lapworth village, do take a look at the stained glass windows, sculptures and carvings at the Grade I listed Church of St. Mary the Virgin, which traces a history back to Norman times.
Packwood House is a magnificent Tudor mansion with a wealth of tapestries and fine furniture, famous for its topiary garden There’s also a National Trust shop and café in the New Build.

Catesby Lane in Lapworth is named after William Catesby (great-grandfather of Gunpowder Plotter Robert Catesby), who lived at nearby Bushwood Hall.

Kingswood Junction is where the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal meets the Grand Union Canal. It also links with other canals and navigable waterways including the Rivers Thames, Nene and Soar, the Regent’s and Oxford Canals, the Digbeth Branch Canal and the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal.

Kingswood Arm: The Kingswood Arm is a short section linking the Stratford Canal with the Grand Union Canal, which stretches for 137 miles (220 km) with 166 locks. Take a well earned rest at the Lapworth Link Picnic Area and watch the boats serenely glide past.

Baddesley Clinton: A secluded, intimate estate built in 1500 in the heart of the Forest of Arden. Stroll through the walled garden, seek out the hiding spot for priests and admire the oh-so-gorgeous views across the moat.