The Blyth Navigation was completed in 1761 (the act of parliament allowing its construction had been passed in 1757) with 4 locks. Later a 5th was added. The canal ran 7 miles from Halesworth in Suffolk to the North Sea and cost £3000 to build. From the sea the navigation follows the River Blyth until it reaches the Town River which it followes to Halesworth Lock after which the navigation leaves rivers behind. Navigation ceased in 1934.

Some efforts have been made to restore the navigation but flooding of bordering land has made this unpopular.