🚶‍♀️ A Scenic Canal Walk from Everards Meadows to Kings Lock Tea Rooms

Looking for a peaceful walk with a touch of history, nature, and great coffee? Everards Meadows in Leicester offers a beautiful green space with easy access to the Grand Union Canal, River Soar, and National Cycle Route 6. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll, a weekend wander, or a gentle escape from the city buzz.

We recently explored this canal-side walk to Kings Lock Tea Rooms, and it’s quickly become one of our favourites. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy it yourself.

🚗 Getting Started: Parking & Location

Everards Meadows offers free parking for up to 3 hours, making it ideal for a short walk or a leisurely brunch. The car park is located between Jennos Coffee House and Everards Brewery, both great spots to start or end your visit.

This 70-acre nature haven links to:

• Route 6 of the National Cycle Network
• The Grand Union Canal
• The River Soar
• Blaby Heritage Trail Route 11 (a great extension if you’re feeling adventurous)

🗺️ Walking Route: Everards Meadows to Kings Lock

1. Start at the Car Park

From the car park (LE19 2AN), head down through the nature reserve. All trails eventually lead to the same large metal bridge over the River Soar, so feel free to choose your path.

2. Cross the River Soar

Once you reach the bridge, cross over and you’ll arrive at the canal junction. Don’t cross the small hump bridge—look for the steps on your left and head down to the towpath.

3. Follow the Canal Towpath

Enjoy a gentle stroll along the Grand Union Canal, watching narrowboats navigate the locks and spotting water birds along the way. You’ll pass under the A563 and continue until you reach Kings Lock (Lock 38).

☕ Kings Lock Tea Rooms: A Hidden Gem

Nestled beside the canal, Kings Lock Tea Rooms is a charming, independently run café with a rich history. The Kings Lock Cottage, built around 1795, was home to generations of lock keepers—including George King, who served from 1852 to 1892 and gave the lock its name.

Today, the tea room serves:

• Excellent coffee ☕
• Light brunches 🍳
• Ice cream and cakes 🍰
• Dog-friendly treats and duck food 🐾🦆

There’s a serving hatch at the rear for takeaway, and plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the peaceful canal views.

🌿 Extend Your Walk: Aylestone Meadows

If you’re up for a longer adventure, continue on to Aylestone Meadows—Leicester’s largest city nature reserve. This area features:

• Pastureland and woodland
• River margins and wildlife habitats
• Grazing Longhorn cattle in season

It’s a great way to immerse yourself in nature while staying close to the city.

🛍️ Combine with Shopping & Local Attractions

This walk is ideal if you want to pair fresh air with a shopping trip. Nearby:

• Fosse Park – One of the UK’s largest out-of-town shopping centres
• Sainsbury’s – Handy for picnic supplies or a quick shop
• Rutland Cycles – Bike hire available for exploring Route 6
• Everards Brewery – Offers tours, breakfast, lunch, and evening meals (don’t miss the beer tasting flight!)
• Jennos Coffee House – A cosy spot for a pre-walk caffeine fix

💬 Final Thoughts

We have walked this route several times now, and it never fails to disappoint. Whether you’re looking for a canal walk near Leicester, a family-friendly nature trail, or just a peaceful place to unwind, Everards Meadows to Kings Lock ticks all the boxes.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!