The 41-mile stretch linking Preston to Kendal comes in behind only the Caledonian canal in Scotland and narrowly missing out on Englands top spot to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.
The Lancaster Canal is one of the country's few coastal canals. Built along the natural lie of the land it offers lock free cruising in its entirety - the longest stretch in the country. As the canal is naturally level, it also lends itself to gentle walking and cycling as well as canoeing and other outdoor activities.
Here we look at some of the best things to do and places to go if your’re considering a trip to take in the sights of the Lancaster Canal.
Please be aware though, that the canal is closed at Woodplumpton from Moons Bridge to Hepgreave Bridge after part of the embankment and towpath collapsed near Moons Bridge Marina in July. The Canal and River Trust say the canal is due to reopen at the end of February, however, the towpath and public right of way will remain closed until the end of March.
9. Lancaster Castle
Just a walk from the Lancaster Canal in Lancaster is Lancaster Castle - one of England's best-preserved castles. The castle is owned by His Majesty the King, who is the Duke of Lancaster. The castle offers a glimpse into England’s often dark past through tours and special events enjoyed by modern day visitors of all ages. Until 2011 it was a fully functioning HM Prison and was also Europe’s longest-serving prison. Photo: Duchy of Lancaster
10. Canoeing
There are some areas of the canal where you can try out canoeing. One area is Kepple Lane Bridge, and you can go 12 miles up to Aldcliffe Road (LA1 5BE). Start your paddle at Kepple Lane Bridge, where you can put your boat in by the bridge and then paddle underneath it to set yourself off in a northerly direction. The first bridge you'll come across is an ornamental concrete bridge, followed swiftly by the A6, which runs over your head. You'll then pass through open countryside and through villages and a campsite before arriving at Ellel Grange Private Estate, where you'll pass under some of the quirkier bridges on our network. After travelling through a cutting you'll emerge at Glasson Dock branch, which is another great canoe trail for the more experienced before reaching Galgate and its marina. You can get out here if you want to end your journey early or grab a bite to eat. If you continue you'll paddle over the River Condor and then past a housing estate before entering a long and deep cutting, filled with all kinds of wonderful wildlife. Your end point is a layby at Aldcliffe road, a short distance on from the end of the cutting. | National World Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
11. Preston's Haslam Park
Haslam Park is an Edwardian park located just off Blackpool Road. The award winning park sits alongside Lancaster Canal and features a lime tree avenue, rose and sensory garden, pond and lake. Haslam is also home to Haslam Park Nature Reserve at the north of the park with a choice of walks between the two spaces. The park also has a range of sports and leisure activities from tennis courts and a multi-use games area to bowling greens. | National World
12. Lune Aqueduct
This Grade I iconic aqueduct is a masterpiece of civil engineering; 202 metres (664 feet) long and carries the Lancaster Canal 16 metres (53 feet) above the River Lune. It was designed by John Rennie and constructed by Alexander Stevens in 1797. The aqueduct consists of five 21 metre (70 foot) semi-circular arches. All of which deliver picture-postcard views across the Lune Valley in Lancashire. Holder of a coveted Transport Trust 'Red Wheel Plaque', Lune Aqueduct is part of newly created River Lune Millennium Park with walks, cycle trails and lots more to discover on your vist. | Peter McDermott Photo: Peter McDermott