Our Monkton Combe canal boat hire base is on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Brassknocker Basin in Somerset.
One of our best-loved canals, the 87-mile long Kennet & Avon Canal links the Bristol Avon with the Thames at Reading, passing through spectacular landscapes and the World Heritage City of Bath.
From the beautiful Bath Valley and the foothills of the Cotswolds in Somerset and Wiltshire to the North West Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the wooded Kennet Valley, this canal offers the chance to enjoy some of England’s most beautiful countryside.
Week long/7-night Canal Boat Boat Holiday Breaks from Monkton Combe
Pewsey and back (57 miles, 74 locks, 33.5 hours)
From Brassknocker Basin, you’ll first head over the Dundas Aqueduct and later the Avoncliff Aqueduct, with the canalside Cross Guns pub next to it. Then you’ll pass through the historic town of Bradford-on-Avon and its canalside Barge Inn and Beehive pub. The journey continues east through Semington and Seend, with its canalside Barge Inn. Soon after you’ll reach the base of the Caen Hill flight of 29 locks at Devizes, one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’. It takes around five hours to travel up the flight, which raises the canal 235ft across 2.5 miles. From the canal it’s a short walk to the historic market town of Devizes, with places to visit including the Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre, Bear Hotel, Peppermill Restaurant and Dolcipani Bakery. After Devizes, you’ll pass through a series of pretty canalside villages dotted through the North West Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including All Cannings with its King’s Arms pub and Honeystreet, with its canalside Barge Inn. You’ll travel on through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, passing Pewsey Wharf with its French Horn pub, and close by to the village of Pewsey, with its Royal Oak pub.
Great Bedwyn and back (74 miles, 102 locks, 46 hours)
Follow the Pewsey route above. After Pewsey, you’ll reach Wootton Rivers with its Royal Oak pub on the edge of the Savernake Forest. Then you’ll pass through The Bruce Tunnel, also known as Savernake Tunnel, marketing the highest point of the canal. Soon after you’ll reach Crofton with its historic Pumping Station and Beam engines. And flight of locks taking you back down the hill. Next it’s Great Bedwyn, with its Three Tuns pub and Great Bedwyn Wharf where you can turn your boat.
To check availability and book click here or call us on 0117 463 3419.
Week long breaks from Bath
Our Bath canal boat hire base is on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Sydney Wharf.
One of our best-loved canals, the 87-mile long Kennet & Avon Canal links the Bristol Avon with the Thames at Reading, passing through spectacular landscapes and the World Heritage City of Bath.
From the beautiful Bath Valley and the foothills of the Cotswolds in Somerset and Wiltshire to the North West Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the wooded Kennet Valley, this canal offers the chance to enjoy some of England’s most beautiful countryside.
Week long/7-night Canal Boat Boat Holiday Breaks from Bath
Pewsey Wharf and back (69 miles, 74 locks, 42 hours)
The journey begins by cruising east through two short tunnels and Sydney Gardens. You’ll cruise through the villages of Bathampton, with its popular canalside George Inn and Claverton, home of the historic Claverton Pumping Station and American Museum in Britain at Claverton Manor. Next you’ll cross over the impressive Dundas and Avoncliff Bath stone aqueducts. Then you’ll pass through the historic town of Bradford-on-Avon and its canalside Barge Inn and Beehive pub. The journey continues east through Semington and Seend, with its canalside Barge Inn. Soon after you’ll reach the base of the Caen Hill flight of 29 locks at Devizes, one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’. It takes around five hours to travel up the flight. From the canal it’s a short walk to the historic market town of Devizes, with places to visit including the Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre, Bear Hotel, Peppermill Restaurant and Dolcipani Bakery. After Devizes, you’ll pass through a series of pretty canalside villages dotted through the North West Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including All Cannings with its King’s Arms pub and Honeystreet, with its canalside Barge Inn. You’ll travel on through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, passing Pewsey Wharf with its French Horn pub, and close by to the village of Pewsey, with its Royal Oak pub.
To check availability and book click here or call us on 0117 463 3419.
Short Canal Boat Holiday Breaks from Monkton Combe
Our Monkton Combe base is on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Brassknocker Basin, just outside Bath.
One of our best-loved canals, the 87-mile long Kennet & Avon Canal links the Bristol Avon with the Thames at Reading, passing through spectacular landscapes and the World Heritage City of Bath.
From the beautiful Bath Valley and the foothills of the Cotswolds in Somerset and Wiltshire to the North West Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the wooded Kennet Valley, this canal offers the chance to enjoy some of England’s most beautiful countryside.
Weekend/3-night Canal Boat Holiday from Monkton Combe
Hilperton and back (14 miles, 2 locks, 5 hours)
From our base at Monkton Combe on the Somerset Coal Canal, cruise east along the Kennet & Avon Canal, crossing over the magnificent Dundas and Avoncliff Bath stone aqueducts, passing the popular canalside Cross Guns pub at Avoncliff. Next you’ll go through Bradford-on-Avon lock and you can moor up to explore this historic town, often described as a ‘mini Bath’. There’s a great choice of places to visit, shop and eat, including English Heritage’s medieval Tithe Barn, The Cheese Shop and canalside Barge Inn. Continue heading east, passing the canalside Beehive pub and travelling on through the Avon Valley. Turn your boat at Hilperton Marina and moor up to visit the canalside King’s Arms pub or walk into Trowbridge.
Bath City Centre and back (11 miles, 12 locks, 8 hours)
Cruise west through the beautiful Bath Valley, passing Claverton Pumping Station and Claverton Manor, home of the American Museum in Britain. Next you’ll pass through Bathampton and the canalside George Inn. You’ll cruise through two short tunnels – Beckford Road and Cleveland House. You’ll go down the flight of six locks at Bath (the Widcombe flight) and you can turn and moor close to Pulteney Bridge. From there, you explore all this fabulous UNESCO World Heritage city has to offer, including the Roman Baths, Jane Austen Museum, Bath Abbey, Theatre Royal and Royal Crescent.
Caen Hill locks and back (30 miles, 16 locks, 16 hours)
On a four-night break from Monkton Combe, you can continue heading east from Hilperton to reach Foxhangers Wharf at the bottom of the 29 locks at Caen Hill, Devizes. You’ll pass through Semington, home of the Somerset Arms, and the pretty Wiltshire village of Seend, with its canalside Barge Inn and Brewery Inn at nearby Seend Cleeve. You can moor and turn at Foxhangers Wharf at the bottom of the Caen Hill flight, one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’. From there you can walk up the flight to explore the historic market town of Devizes, including the Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre, Bear Hotel, Peppermill Restaurant and Dolcipani Bakery.
Bristol Floating Harbour and back (45 miles, 26 locks, 21 hours)
Please note, this route is only available to hirers with lots of boating experience.
Heading west from the marina along the Kennet & Avon Canal, and cruise through the beautiful Bath Valley. You’ll pass Claverton Pumping Station and Claverton Manor, home of the American Museum in Britain. Next you’ll pass through Bathampton and the canalside George Inn. You’ll cruise through two short tunnels – Beckford Road and Cleveland House. Next you’ll travel down the flight of six locks in Bath (the Widcombe flight) before joining the River Avon. You’ll pass through Saltford with its Riverside Inn and Keynsham with its Brassmill and Lock Keeper pubs. You’ll cruise on through a steeply wooded valley, before reaching Hanham Lock and the Old Lock & Weir Inn. Cruise on to Bristol Floating Harbour, home of Brunel’s SS Great Britain ship, the MShed Bristol Museum and galleries, and the Watershed arts centre, cinema and café bar. The centre of Bristol is just a 20 minute walk away. There are mooring fees at the floating harbour.
To check availability and book click here or call us on 0117 463 3419.
Short Canal Boat Holiday Breaks from Bath
Our weekend boating break destinations on the Kennet & Avon Canal include Bradford on Avon, Bath and the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes.
One of our best-loved canals, the 87-mile long Kennet & Avon Canal links the Bristol Avon with the Thames at Reading, passing through spectacular landscapes and the World Heritage City of Bath.
From the beautiful Bath Valley and the foothills of the Cotswolds in Somerset and Wiltshire to the North West Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the wooded Kennet Valley, this canal offers the chance to enjoy some of England’s most beautiful countryside.
Bradford on Avon and back (18 miles, 2 locks, 7 hours)
Cruise east along the Kennet & Avon Canal past Sydney Gardens, travelling through two short tunnels. You’ll pass The George Inn at Bathampton, and the historic Pumping Station and American Museum at Claverton. You’ll cross over the Dundas and Avoncliff Bath stone aqueducts. And you’ll pass the popular canalside Gross Guns pub at Avoncliff. Next you’ll go through Bradford-on-Avon lock and you can moor up at Bradford-on-Avon visitor moorings, where you can also turn your boat. At Bradford on Avon, often described as a ‘mini Bath’, there’s a great choice of places to visit, including the Bradford on Avon Museum and English Heritage’s medieval Tithe Barn. And there are lots of independent places to shop, eat and drink, including The Cheese Shop, canalside Barge Inn and riverside Timbrell’s Yard.
Bath City Centre and back (1 mile, 12 locks, 4 hours)
Cruise down the Bath flight of six locks and moor up right in the centre of Bath (the Widcombe flight), close to Pulteney Bridge. You can use your canal boat as a base to explore all this fabulous UNESCO World Heritage city has to offer, including the Roman Baths, Jane Austen Museum, Bath Abbey, Theatre Royal and Royal Crescent.
Caen Hill locks and back (36 miles, 16 locks, 18 hours)
The journey begins by cruising east through two short tunnels and passing Sydney Gardens. You’ll cruise past the villages of Bathampton, with its popular canalside George Inn and Claverton, home of the historic Claverton Pumping Station. Next you’ll cross over the impressive Avoncliff and Dundas Bath stone aqueducts. Then you’ll pass through this historic town of Bradford-on-Avon and its canalside Barge Inn. The journey continues east through Semington and then Seend, with its canalside Barge Inn and 18th century Seend Manor. You can moor and turn at Foxhangers Wharf at the bottom of the Caen Hill flight of 29 locks at Devizes, one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’. From there you can walk up the flight to explore the historic market town of Devizes, including the Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre, Bear Hotel, Peppermill Restaurant and Dolcipani Bakery.
Bristol Floating Harbour and back (26 locks, 16 hours)
Please note, this route is only available to hirers with lots of boating experience.
Heading west from the marina along the Kennet & Avon Canal, travel down the flight of six locks in Bath (the Widcombe flight) and join the River Avon. You’ll pass through Saltford with its Riverside Inn and Keynsham with its Brassmill and Lock Keeper pubs. You’ll cruise on through a steeply wooded valley, before reaching Hanham Lock and the Old Lock & Weir Inn. Cruise on to Bristol Floating Harbour, home of Brunel’s SS Great Britain ship, the MShed Bristol Museum and galleries, and the Watershed arts centre, cinema and café bar. The centre of Bristol is just a 20 minute walk away. There are mooring fees at the floating harbour.
To check availability and book click here or call us on 0117 463 3419.
A brief history of the canals
A canal boat holiday takes you back in time.
You’ll be journeying through history when you float along our inland waterways constructed in a bygone era of horse-drawn transport.
The vast majority of the canals in England and Wales were built at the dawn of industrialisation. They provided the most efficient way of transporting the raw materials and goods going in and out the new factories.
This makes a narrowboat holiday a history lover’s dream come true! You can admire the antique engineering and the many sights, towns and cities along the routes which have all played notable roles in creating the modern Britain we know today.
To get you started, here’s a brief history of the canals of England and Wales.
Early history
While the UK was the first country to develop a nationwide canal network, the Chinese claim the title of being the earlier pioneers of inland waterways. They constructed the Grand Canal of China in the 10th century. Most early canals were extensions of natural rivers.
The first canal in England was built by the Romans who dug the Fossdyke connecting Lincoln to the River Trent around AD50. And the nearby Car Dyke which ran southwards towards Cambridge.
Other early waterways of the medieval and post medieval period were constructed during to extend or link river routes. These include the Exeter Canal, built in 1566 and featuring the first pond locks in Britain.
But the golden age of canal building began as the Industrial Revolution took hold during the second half of the 18th century, with the construction of the Bridgewater Canal.
The golden age of canal building
Completed in 1776 under the watchful eye of engineer James Brindley, the Bridgewater Canal connects Runcorn, Manchester and Leigh. It was created to carry coal from the Duke of Bridgewater’s mines at Worsley into the industrial heart of Manchester, where demand for coal to power the mills was soaring.
The Bridgewater Canal sparked a flurry of canal building over the next 50 years. During an age of horse drawn transport and antiquated mud tracks for roads, the canals provided a highly efficient way to transport large quantities of goods. One horse could pull a canal boat carrying around 30 tonnes of cargo – more than ten times the amount that could be transport via a one horse cart.
The efficiency of the Bridgewater Canal meant the price of coal in Manchester dropped by nearly two thirds within a year of its opening. The waterway repaid its construction costs within a few years, proving the viability of canals.
Other industrialists began to follow suit and James Brindley suddenly found himself constantly in demand. He is largely responsible for the ‘Grand Cross’, the 2,000 miles of canals linking the four great rivers of England – the Severn, Mersey, Humber and Thames.
There were two key canal building periods: from 1759 to the early 1770s; and from 1789 to around 1800 when trains began to dominate.
The famous potter Josiah Wedgewood commissioned canals to transport his goods from the Staffordshire factories to Manchester and Birmingham. He was instrumental in the building of the Trent & Mersey Canal, completed in 1777.
The Oxford Canal was completed in 1790, linking the coal mines and factories of the Midlands with London via the Thames. While the Ellesmere Canal completed in 1805 and later incorporated into the Chester, Montgomery, Shropshire Union and Llangollen canals, helped link the Mersey and the Severn.
Thomas Telford took over from Brindley as the leading canal engineer of the late 18th century designing incredible landmarks including the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which soars over the River Dee.
The epicenter of canal building was in the industrial West Midlands and North West. Birmingham and the Black Country boasted an intricate network of 160 miles of canals, known as the Birmingham Canal Navigations, most of which survive today.
Funding for the canals was raised largely through private investors keen to reap the promised high returns. But by the end of the 18th century the flurry of canal building was over. Virtually all Britain’s canals were completed by 1815 when attention began to turn to the development of steam powered railway locomotives.
Decline on the canal network
In the early 19th century the canals continued to be the preferred method for transporting bulky heavy goods, while the new railway lines focused on passengers and lighter cargo. But as the century progressed, the railways were developed into a national network, out competing the canals in both cargo volumes and speed. This forced tolls down, so that the canal companies went into terminal decline.
The emergence of the motorcar in the early 20th century and development of an improved reliable road system was another blow to the commercial appeal of the canals.
As most of the canals fell out of commercial use and the companies that had maintained them shut down or were bought out. The waterways themselves were left to wreck and ruin.
Reinvention of the inland waterways for leisure
In 1947 under the post-World War II Labour government, Britain’s canal and railway systems were nationalised. In the decades that followed, the canals were gradually restored and reopened, primarily for leisure purposes. Restoration projects have been largely undertaken by enthusiastic volunteer groups and local canal societies and trusts.
The canals are now managed by the charity the Canal & River Trust, the successor to British Waterways, actively supporting many of the ongoing restoration projects. The Inland Waterways Association is a charity which also promotes the ongoing protection and conservation of the canals.
Commercial traffic is still permitted on a few key canal routes, but the vast majority of waterways are now enjoyed by pleasure craft such as our own Anglo Welsh narrowboats.
Key sights of historic interest and engineering on the canals
Here are a few of the key sights representing historic feats of engineering during the golden age of canal building and well worth a visit during a canal boat holiday today:
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, completed in 1805, Llangollen Canal
Our modern narrowboats have well equipped kitchens so you can prepare tasty meals on board
In our galley kitchens, you’ll find a sink with hot and cold running water, a cooker with four gas hobs, and an oven/grill beneath. There’s a fridge with a small freezer compartment, a larder, work tops, pots, pans, kettle, cutlery, plates, bowls, etc. Many of our canal boats also have a microwave.
For inspiration, we asked some of our experienced narrowboat holiday-makers and colleagues for their favourite recipes afloat:
1. Stan’s Venison Ragu with Tagliatelle
Stan Cullimore was a member of the 80’s band The Housemartins. Now a journalist and children’s author, Stan has been enjoying regular narrowboat holidays for years.
Serves 2-3
Cooking time: around 1 hr
Ingredients
500g venison mince*
400g chopped tomatoes (tinned)
2 x medium carrots
1 x large onion
1 x bulb of fennel
handful of fresh tarragon (or a large pinch if dried)
200ml beef stock
200 ml red wine
dollop of tomato puree
garlic
chilli
75g of Tagliatelle per person
*If you prefer, you can replace the venison with pork, beef or Quorn mince. And use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.
Preparation
Put the venison mince into a frying pan with some olive oil and brown for a few minutes. Whilst it is sizzling away, chop the carrots, onion and fennel.
Remove the mince from the pan, leaving the juices behind. Place the meat to one side in a bowl. Place the chopped vegetables in the pan with the meat juices. Heat and allow to soften for a few minutes.
Return the meat to the pan, with the vegetables, and allow this marvellous mixture to bubble away gently. Add the chopped tomatoes. Stir in the stock, red wine and tomato puree. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Finely chop the tarragon (if fresh), the chilli and the garlic. Add to the pan. Place a lid on the pan, turn down the heat and leave to simmer for at least 40 minutes. By now, you should have an open bottle of red wine to hand which is still quite full. Pour yourself a glass, sit back and relax. The hard work is over, it’s time to kick back, chill out and enjoy the smells wafting from the cooker. Mmm. Should be good.
12 minutes before the ragu is due to be ready, fill the kettle, boil it, then put the pasta on to cook. Should take around ten minutes, but read the pasta packet for details.
Finally, plate up the pasta, spoon a large portion of ragu on top and munch away. With that and another glass of red in hand, you are definitely living your best boat life.
Buon appetito!
2. Kev’s Cauliflower, Broccoli & Tomato Gratin
Kevin Yarwodd is our base manager at Great Haywood. He lives aboard his own narrowboat with his wife and two children.
Serves 4
Cooking time: around 40 minutes
Ingredients
1 head each of broccoli and cauliflower, cut into small florets
4 large tomatoes sliced
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan
Toppings
180g of cream cheese
150ml tub of sour cream or creme fraiche
2 teaspoons of English mustard
2 handfuls of grated cheese
bunch of finely chopped spring onions
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Preparation
Pre heat oven at gas mark 6
Put florets into a pan of boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes
Drain and put into a roasting tin
Mix all topping ingredients together season with salt and black pepper
Spread the mix over the florets
Top with sliced tomatoes and sprinkle over the Parmesan
Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbling and browned on top
Serve with a crisp mixed salad and garlic bread
*This recipe is vegetarian but can be made vegan by exchanging the cheese and dairy products to vegan alternatives.
3. Matt’s Scotch Egg Recipe
Matt lives on board his own narrowboat at Wootton Wawen.
“Scotch eggs are great for a cruise on the boat, as you can have them hot in the evening with a salad, and any left-over eggs can be eaten cold the next day, when you are on the move. These home-made scotch eggs are soft boiled, making them far better than the dry ones you buy.”
Serves 4
Cooking time: around 45 minutes
Ingredients
5 eggs
70g pack of Panko breadcrumbs
720g sausage meat
salt & pepper
thyme
fresh parsley
dijon mustard
To soft boil the eggs
Boil a pan of water with a small amount of vinegar.
When on a rolling boil, lower your free range eggs in to the water making sure they are covered by the water.
Time for 6 minutes for soft boiled, longer for harder centres. When time is up, cool immediately in a bowl of cold water and peel and set aside.
To make the outer casing
Mix 180g of sausage meat per egg with pinch of salt, a generous amount of cracked pepper, a pinch of thyme, a tablespoon roughly chopped parsley and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Flatten out the mix and wrap each egg in the sausage meat mixture.
To finish the egg
Preheat oven at gas mark 6.
Make an egg wash dip by whisking an egg and preparing a Panko breadcrumb bath.
Dip the egg and sausage meat ball in the egg first, then the breadcrumbs. Do this twice for an extra crispy outer crust.
Put eggs on a non-stick baking sheet and spray with a small mist of light oil. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
4. Bridget’s Mars Bar Crunch
Bridget Harrison writes for The Times and has been going on regular family holidays on board boats for over 30 years.
“This is an easy recipe that kids can do alone, and makes delicious snacks that you can hand out at tea time, or as rewards to any crew driving or doing locks. But be warned, they are very moreish!”
Ingredients
6 Mars bars
200g butter
200g Rice Crispies
Preparation
Cut the butter and Mars bars into chunks and melt in a saucepan over a low heat until liquid.
Put the Rice Crispies in a bowl and add the Mars bar /butter mixture.
Stir well until they are combined. Tip into a baking dish and press down until firm.
Pop in the fridge if you have room, but you may not on the boat, so it’s fine to leave on top also.
When the mixture is set, turn out and cut into squares and store in a Tupperware box.
5. Howard’s Bread & Butter Pudding
Howard Fisher has been on a canal boat holiday almost every year for the last 50 years, including around 15 with Anglo Welsh.
“This is for a pudding I’ve made for years. It has been modified over the years, but it always disappears, no matter how much I make!”
Ingredients
600ml milk
30g sugar
2 eggs
30g currants
6 small slices bread and butter
nutmeg
and optionally 2 tablespoons marmalade
Preparation
Heat oven to 175°C (Gas mark 6)
Grease dish and line with 3 slices of bread and butter.
Sprinkle with currants, sugar and grated nutmeg. Spoon over marmalade if using.
Top 5 places to celebrate Halloween on a canal boat holiday
Canal boat holidays offer the chance to enjoy a family staycation afloat this October Half Term
You can spend time together exploring the waterways and visit waterside destinations hosting spooky Halloween events.
Your floating holiday cottage will be equipped with the key comforts of home, including central heating and hot water, so it’s always nice and cosy on board.
All our boats also have fully equipped kitchens, so you can enjoy a self-catering holiday afloat.
To celebrate the October Half Term holiday, we’ve put together a guide to our top 5 narrowboat holiday destinations hosting Halloween events*:
1. Take The ‘Sinister Side of Shakespeare Walking Tour’ in Stratford-upon-Avon
From Wootton Wawen, it takes around six hours to reach moorings in the centre of Shakespeare’s Stratford. You can book online to experience ‘The Sinister Side of Shakespeare’s Stratford Walking Tour’ where you’ll learn about the town’s infamous witches, and discover the real-life tragedies that inspired Shakespeare. The journey to Stratford and back takes around 12 hours and passes through 34 locks (17 each way).
2. Enjoy Halloween activities at Chirk Castle
From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, you can reach Chirk Bank in around one-and-a-half hours. From there it takes around 30 minutes to walk up to the National Trust’s Chirk Castle, hosting special Halloween activities, including the Medieval Monster Activity Sheet, 26-31 October. The journey from Trevor to Chirk and back takes around three hours, and passes over the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct along the way.
3. Follow the Halloween Trail at Chester Zoo
On a short break from Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal, you can reach Chester, home of the award-winning Chester Zoo. Home to over 27,000 animals, this October half term Chester Zoo is hosting a Super Natural Trail Challenge across its 128 acres of zoological gardens. The journey from Bunbury to Chester and back takes around 14 hours and passes through 18 locks (nine each way).
4. See ‘The Lost Boys’ at the Shugborough Estate
Our base on the Trent & Mersey Canal at Great Haywood is less than an hour’s cruise away from the National Trust’s Shugborough Estate. At 6pm on Tuesday 29 October, the Estate is hosting an outdoor screening of the vampire classic ‘The Lost Boys’, starring Kiefer Sutherland.
5. Visit Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein in Bath
Halloween boat trips across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Experience a Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Halloween boat trip this October half term
Our ‘Little Star’ trip boat will be operating daily Halloween themed boat trips over the October half term holiday (26-31 October).
Visitors can experience an unforgettable family day out together at the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct site.
At 300 metres long and 39 metres high, it’s the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain.
Our 45-minute-long return boat trips offer the chance to cruise across this incredible structure, experiencing amazing views across the Dee Valley.
Our knowledgeable team provides commentary on board about the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Llangollen Canal. It’s a great way to learn more about the fascinating history of the site as you cruise gently along, including some Halloween aqueduct ghost stories.
Steph Furniss from Anglo Welsh says: “It’s not surprising to learn there are lots of ghost stories associated with this World Heritage site that is over 100 years old, including tales of an eerie figure gliding along the towpath close the aqueduct on moonlit nights.”
Refreshments are available to purchase on board, including hot and cold drinks, and ice creams.
From 26 to 31 October 2024, Halloween-themed trips depart daily at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm from Canal Wharf, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7TT.
Adult tickets are priced at £10 each, children (aged under 16) are priced at £6.
Family tickets for two adults and two children are priced at £25 each.
For more information and to book in advance, click here www.anglowelsh.co.uk/little-star, or call the bookings team on 0117 304 1122.
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