A Birmingham canal bridge has been adopted as part of the “lovelocks” trend that has been appearing on bridges across Europe. The Birmingham Mail reported that couples are keen to commit their love publicly, by writing their names on a padlock and fastening it to a bridge. However, due to this popular passion causing rust and damage to paintwork, stonework and metal railings, The Daily Mash amusingly reported,

“The craze, which has already collapsed bridges in Paris and Venice and has now reached the UK’s romance capital Birmingham, sees couples write their names on padlocks, secure them to a bridge and throw away the key, safe in the knowledge that their love is as eternal as vandalised street furniture.”

Although Birmingham is apparently the UK’s fastest growing Valentines destination there is plenty of romance to be had here on the southern GrandUnion canal. Here are three ways to seduce your lover on the waterways of southern England.

1) Romantic Walk

Whether you choose a short city stroll at twilight to gaze at the sky together, or an all day hike on the countryside towpaths, the rippling water adds a little peaceful serenity to a walk with your lover. Feed the swans and ducks, take in the historic architecture and watch the colourful painted narrowboats pass you by. You may like to bring Prosecco and a picnic hamper on a warm summers day. One of the prettiest walks is around the reservoirs at Marsworth, near Tring.

2) Romantic Outing

Camden Lock Market (pictured) is the fourth-most popular visitor attraction in London, attracting approximately 100,000 people each weekend. The London Canal Museum is a hidden gem of Kings Cross; well connected by public transport it makes a very original date location, that you can visit in any weather. A boat trip is also an unusual romantic outing, from the canal museum, or from Camden to Regents Park Zoo in London. There are many more rural boat trips available on the Grand Union outside of London and heading into Hertfordshire. Check out the Canal and River Trust events guide for more ideas, including boat festivals, puppet shows and a roses and castles painting course.

3) Romantic Meal

It’s so relaxing to eat at a waterside pub, café, restaurant or bar, especially in the summer when you can sit outside. In winter you may like to choose an ancient canal side pub, with a cosy open fire, or for something more unique try Camden’s floatingChinese restaurant which has great reviews.

If canals are the love of your life you’ll love our weekly blog updates, about all things boaty.

What's the most romantic thing you've ever done on or near boats?! Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Image Credit: Horst Michael Lechner Creative Commons Licence.

Peggy Melmoth

600,000 registered boat buyers

Sell your boat twice as fast

150,000 unique visitors per month

1000+ boats sold per year

50+ Boatshed branches world-wide

You may also like:

Living on a Boat: The Boatshed Guide (free) / How to Sell a Boat: The Ultimate Guide (free eBook) / How to Buy a Boat: The Ultimate Guide / Our Top 5 Articles From 2014 / Don’t miss:The Boatshed Grand Union Daily/ More articles.

New here? Come and say 'hello' on Facebook or Twitter :-)

Never miss an article: Sign up and get the latest blog articles sent directly to you, plus instantly receive our free eBook: How to Sell a Boat: The Ultimate Guide.