Britain’s peaceful inland waterways provide the perfect staycation destination for 2026
Boating slowly through the countryside at just four miles per hour, watching out for wildlife, is a great way to relax. It’s free to moor up almost anywhere on Britain’s 3,000-mile network of navigable inland waterways. So you can stop off at canalside pubs, villages and waterside destinations along the way.
Book by 30 September 2025 and you can secure your 2026 holiday at 2025 prices with a £150 deposit, and receive a 10% early booking discount.
To celebrate our early booking offer, we’ve published a guide to our Top 9 canal boat holiday destinations for 2026:
1. Boat through the Staffordshire countryside to Fradley
On a weekend break from Great Haywood you can cruise along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley Junction and back. The journey takes you through a series of villages with historic pubs, including the Colliers pub at Rugeley and the Crown Inn at Handsacre. Places to explore along the way include Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Wolseley Centre. Once at Fradley, you can moor up to visit the Canalside Café, the Swan Inn and Fradley Pool Nature Reserve.
The journey from Great Haywood to Fradley and back takes around 12 hours and passes through 10 locks (5 each way).
2. Cruise through the beautiful Bath Valley to Georgian Bath
On a weekend break from our canal boat hire base at Bradford on Avon, you can cruise along the Kennet & Avon Canal to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath and back. The route will take you through Bradford on Avon Lock and past English Heritage’s medieval Tithe Barn. You’ll cruise across the magnificent Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts and then you’ll pass the entrance to the Somerset Coal Canal. Boating on through the Bath Valley, you’ll pass Claverton Pumping Station and the American Museum at Claverton Manor. Next you’ll reach Bathampton and the iconic canalside George Inn. Soon after, you’ll reach Sydney Gardens where you can moor up and take a 15-minute walk into Bath city centre. There are many world-class attractions to explore in Bath, including the Roman Baths and Royal Crescent.
The journey to Bath and back from Bradford on Avon travels 18 miles, passes through two locks (one each way) and takes around seven hours.
3. Glide across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ in North Wales
On a week’s break from Trevor near Wrexham, you can travel along the Llangollen Canal to Whitchurch and back. You’ll begin your holiday crossing the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, also known as ‘The Stream in the Sky’, which carries the Llangollen Canal 38 metres high above the Dee Valley. You’ll cross the border into England at Chirk, home of the National Trust’s Chirk Castle. Then you’ll pass through the picturesque town of Ellesmere, with woodland walks, castle remains, cycle trails and Boathouse café at the Mere. You’ll then cruise on through the beautiful Shropshire Lake District to Whitchurch, where you can moor up to explore this historic market town, with a great choice of places to eat out, including the award-winning Black Bear pub.
The journey from Trevor to Whitchurch and back takes around 25 hours and passes through four locks (two each way).
4. Visit Shakespeare’s Stratford in Warwickshire
On a 3 or 4-night break from Wootton Wawen, you can navigate the Stratford Canal to Stratford-upon-Avon and back. You’ll cruise slowly through the Warwickshire countryside, crossing over the 105-metre long Edstone Aqueduct. At the top of the Wilmcote flight you can moor up and walk into the village, where you’ll find the Mary Arden Inn. Then you’ll travel down the flight, going through 16 locks in total before you reach Bancroft Basin in the centre of Shakespeare’s Stratford. There you can moor up and explore this world famous historic town, home of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
The journey from Wootton Wawen to Stratford-upon-Avon and back takes around 11 hours and passes through 34 locks (17 each way).
5. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Saltaire in West Yorkshire
On a week’s break from Silsden near Keighley, you can cruise through the Yorkshire countryside to Apperley Bridge and back. You’ll navigate through the famous Bingley Five Rise Locks, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. Soon after you’ll pass close by to the National Trust’s magnificent East Riddlesden Hall, hosting family activities and trails during the school holidays. Next you’ll reach UNESCO World Heritage Saltaire, where Sir Titus Salt built beautiful Italianate buildings for his mills, and stone houses for his workers. Today Salt Mill is home to shops, restaurants and galleries, including the magnificent David Hockney Gallery. You can then cruise on to Apperley Bridge, where there’s a fish and chip shop and choice of pubs, including the Dog & Gun.
The journey from Silsden to Apperley Bridge and back takes around 20 hours and passes through 32 locks (16 each way).
6. Boat through the Shropshire countryside to Wrenbury
On a 4-night break from Whixall, you can cruise along the Llangollen Canal to Wrenbury and back. The journey takes you along the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal, transferring onto the mainline close to Whixall Moss nature reserve. There are two lift bridges on the Prees Branch and then another four to go through before you reach the historic market town of Whitchurch. Soon after Whitchurch, you’ll go through Grindley Brook locks and you can moor up just before Marbury Lock to walk into the village of Marbury, home of the Swan Inn. When you reach Wrenbury, you can moor up to explore the village, where the centre is a conservation area. There are walks to explore and the canalside Dusty Miller pub to visit.
The journey to Whitchurch and back from Whixall Marina travels 26 miles, passes through 20 locks (10 each way) and takes around 18 hours.
7. Travel up the famous Caen Hill flight and through the Vale of Pewsey
On a week’s break from Monkton Combe on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Somerset, you can cruise to Pewsey Wharf and back. The journey takes you through the Bath Valley and across the magnificent Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts. You’ll go through the historic market town of Bradford on Avon, passing by its medieval Tithe Barn. With the help of Canal & River Trust volunteer lock keepers, you’ll navigate up the famous 29 locks at Caen Hill at Devizes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. Next you’ll cruise through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At Pewsey Wharf, you can follow the Pewsey Vale Trail and visit the Pewsey Heritage Centre and the Waterfront Bar & Bistro.
It takes around 44 hours to cruise from Monkton Combe to Pewsey and back, passing through 74 locks (37 each way).
8. Explore the ancient city of Chester
On a short break from Bunbury, you can cruise up the Shropshire Union Canal to the ancient city of Chester and back. The route takes you through the beautiful Cheshire countryside and past a series of canalside pubs, including the Shady Oak near Wharton’s Lock and the Cheshire Cat at Christleton. When you reach Chester, you can moor up close to Chester Cathedral to explore the city, including its famous Roman city walls and Chester Rows shops.
The journey from Bunbury to Chester and back takes around 14 hours and passes through 18 locks (9 each way).
9. Navigate to Warwick Castle for Britain’s greatest medieval experience
On a week-long holiday from Wootton Wawen, you can cruise to Warwick and back and visit Warwick Castle. The journey begins heading north along the Stratford Canal through the remains of the Forest of Arden. You’ll pass through the village of Lowsonford, with its Fleur de Lys pub. At Lapworth Junction you take the Lapworth Link and then turn right onto the Grand Union Canal. You’ll soon reach Rowington, home of the canalside Tom o’ the Wood pub, and then you’ll boat through the 396-metre long Shrewley Tunnel. Next you’ll come to the top of the flight of 21 locks at Hatton. The Hatton Locks Cafe and Hatton Arms pub are popular places to moor up for a break. In Warwick, moor at the Cape of Good Hope pub to visit Warwick Castle, where you can climb the ramparts, see the Kingmaker exhibition, great hall and state rooms, and take a tour of the castle dungeon.
The journey to Warwick and back travels 28 miles, passes through 76 locks (38 each way) and takes around 23 hours.
Use our Book Your Holiday grid at the top of the page to search availability and make a booking, or call us on 0117 304 1122.
Everyone making the booking will also be entered into a special prize draw to win a free short break in 2026.
To celebrate, we’ve published a guide to our best short breaks (three or four nights) and week-long breaks in October.
Our best short break canal boat holidays in October
Cruise through the Bath Valley to Bath
On a weekend break from our canal boat hire base at Bradford on Avon, you can cruise along the Kennet & Avon Canal to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath and back. The route will take you through Bradford on Avon Lock and past English Heritage’s medieval Tithe Barn. You’ll cruise across the magnificent Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas Aqueducts and pass the entrance to the Somerset Coal Canal. Boating on through the Bath Valley, you go through Claverton, home of the American Museum at Claverton Manor, and Bathampton, passing the iconic canalside George Inn. You can moor up at Sydney Gardens and it’s a 15-minute walk into Bath city centre, with world class attractions to explore, including the Roman Baths.
The journey to Bath and back from Bradford on Avon travels 18 miles, passes through two locks (one each way) and takes around eight hours.
Navigate the Llangollen and Montgomery canals to Crickheath Basin
On a four-night break from Trevor, you can travel by boat to Crickheath on the Montgomery Canal and back. The journey begins on the Llangollen Canal, cruising the 11-mile section designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll cruise across the Pontcysyllte and Chirk aqueducts, and you’ll pass a series of canalside pubs, including the Bridge Inn at Chirk Bank. When you reach Frankton Junction, you’ll transfer onto the Montgomery Canal, recognised as a Special Area of Conservation. There are canalside pubs at Owestry and Maesbury Marsh. You can turn the boat around at Crickheath Basin.
The journey to Crickheath Basin and back from Trevor travels 37 miles, passes through 20 locks (10 each way) and takes around 20 hours.
Boat through the Shropshire countryside to Wrenbury
On a four night break from Whixall, you can cruise along the Llangollen Canal to Wrenbury and back. The journey takes you along the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal, transferring onto the mainline close to Whixall Moss nature reserve. There are two lift bridges on the Prees Branch and then another four to go through before you reach the historic market town of Whitchurch. Soon after Whitchurch, you’ll go through Grindley Brook locks and you can moor up just before Marbury Lock to walk into the village of Marbury, home of the Swan Inn. When you reach Wrenbury, you can moor up to explore the village, where the centre is a conservation area. There are walks to explore and the canalside Dusty Miller pub to visit.
The journey to Whitchurch and back from Whixall Marina travels 26 miles, passes through 20 locks (10 each way) and takes around 18 hours.
Navigate the Shropshire Union Canal to Audlem
From our Bunbury base, you can cruise through the Cheshire countryside to Audlem and back. You’ll pass the popular canalside Barbridge Inn at Barbridge Junction. At Nantwich you’ll cruise across the Nantwich Aqueduct, enjoying views across the historic town. After going through the two locks at Hack Green, you can moor up to visit the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker Museum. At the pretty village of Audlem, you’ll find the famous Shroppie Fly canalside pub next to Lock 13.
The journey to Audlem and back from Bunbury travels 23 miles, passes through four locks (two each way) and takes around nine hours.
Our best week-long narrowboat holidays in October
Navigate ‘The Shroppie’ to Market Drayton and Norbury
On a week’s break from Bunbury in Cheshire, you can cruise along the Shropshire Union Canal to Norbury and back. The journey will take you through the Cheshire countryside and across the Nantwich Aqueduct, with views across the town. At Hack Green locks, you can moor up to visit the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker Museum, where kids can follow the Soviet Spy Mouse Trail. At Audlem, you can moor up to visit the canalside Shroppie Fly pub. When you reach historic Market Drayton, you can visit one of the many places to eat and drink, and sample the town’s famous gingerbread men. Continue cruising south, and after the five locks at Tyrley, you’ll cruise through the atmospheric Woodeaves Cutting, full of wildlife and vegetation. Next you’ll cross the Shebdon Aqueduct, before reaching Norbury Wharf and the canalside Junction Inn.
The journey from Bunbury to Norbury and back takes around 31 hours and passes through 58 locks (29 each way).
Travel up the famous Caen Hill flight and cruise through the Vale of Pewsey
On a week’s break from Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, you can cruise to Pewsey Wharf and back. The journey takes you up the famous 29 locks at Caen Hill, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. You can moor up for a break at the historic market town of Devizes to visit the Wiltshire Museum, where gold from Stonehenge is on display. Next you’ll cruise through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At Pewsey Wharf, you can follow the Pewsey Vale Trail and visit the Pewsey Heritage Centre and the Waterfront Bar & Bistro.
It takes around 34 hours to cruise from Bradford on Avon to Pewsey and back, passing through 72 locks (36 each way).
Cruise through the Shropshire Lake District to Llangollen in the Welsh Mountains
On a week’s break from Whixall, on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, you can cruise to the historic town of Llangollen and back. Along the way, you’ll travel through the Shropshire Lake District to Ellesmere, with its beautiful Mere, castle remains, cycle trails and woodland walks. You’ll cross the border into Wales at Chirk and begin cruising the 11 miles of the Llangollen Canal designated a World Heritage site, including tunnels, lift bridges and the awesome Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. At the historic market town of Llangollen, nestled in the Berwyn Mountains, you can visit the famous Horseshoe Falls, the Llangollen Steam Railway and you can climb up to Castell Dinas Bran for amazing views.
The journey from Whixall to Llangollen and back takes around 24 hours and passes through four locks (two each way).
We offer canal boat day boat hire from 6 of our bases, with prices starting at just £99 per day for up to 10 people.
Autumn is a great time to hire a canal boat for the day, when you can see the beautiful autumn colours in the trees and hedgerows that line our canals reflected in the water.
On a day out boating with family and friends, you can cruise through the countryside spotting wildlife along the way.
Tuition is included and our day boats are equipped with everything you need for a great day afloat, including a kettle, cooker, fridge and toilet.
Our day boats are family and pet friendly.
Here’s a guide to our top 6 day boat hire destinations this autumn:
1. Glide across ‘The Stream in the Sky’
On a day afloat from Trevor on the Llangollen Canal, you can cruise across to the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to Chirk and back. As you cross, you’ll be 38 metres high above the Dee Valley with fantastic views of the autumn colours in the trees. You can stop to enjoy a drink or a meal at the Bridge Inn at Chirk Bank or the Poacher’s Pocket at Gledrid. The journey to Chirk and back takes around 5 hours.
2. Potter through the Warwickshire countryside to Lowsonford
From Wootton Wawen you can cruise north along the Stratford Canal to the village of Lowsonford and back. There you can moor up and visit the canalside Fleur de Lys pub, famous for its pies. The journey to Lowsonford and back takes 7 hours and there are 4 locks to go through each way.
3. Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Rugeley
From Great Haywood near Stafford, you can cruise to the historic market town of Rugeley and back. You’ll pass the National Trust’s Shugborough Estate. And the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Along the way, you can stop for a drink or a meal at the Wolseley Arms at Wolseley Bridge. Or book at table at The Colliers pub canalside in Rugeley. The journey to Rugeley and back takes 6 hours and there are 2 locks to go through each way.
4. Navigate through the Cheshire countryside to Nantwich
On a day out from Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley, you can cruise to Nantwich and back. The lock-free journey takes you past the canalside Old Barbridge Inn. And across the impressive Nantwich Aqueduct, with panoramic views across the town. The journey to Nantwich and back takes around 6 hours.
5. Travel slowly through the Shropshire countryside to historic Whitchurch
From Whixall on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal, you can reach the historic market town of Whitchurch. You’ll pass the Hadley Farm Café along the way and there’s a good choice of places to eat in Whitchurch, including the Black Bear pub. The journey to Whitchurch and back takes around 5 hours, and there are 6 lift bridges each way.
6. Boat through the Bath Valley to Brassknocker Basin
From Bradford on Avon, on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, you can cruise through the wooded Bath Valley to Brassknocker Basin and back. Along the way you’ll pass over the magnificent Bath stone aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas. You can stop for lunch at the canalside No.10 Cafe next to Avoncliff Aqueduct, or the Angelfish Cafe at Brassknocker Basin. The journey there and back travels 9 miles and takes around 4 hours. There’s just 1 lock to pass through each way.
You can book your summer day out boating online here or call us on 0117 304 1122.
Best week-long family canal boat holidays this summer
Experience a family holiday afloat this summer visiting exciting destinations along the way
Canal boat holidays on Britain’s beautiful inland waterways offer the chance for families to experience an outdoor family adventure together this summer.
Our larger boats offer accommodation for 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 12 people, so they’re perfect for families and multi-generation holidays. Or take a flotilla holiday with another family, booking two boats from the same base at the same time.
To celebrate our special summer holiday offer for weekly breaks on larger family-sized boats (saving up to £1,195* and bringing the cost per person per night down to less than £22), we’ve published a guide to our top 6 week-long breaks for families this summer:
1. Boat through Cannock Chase and Fradley to Drayton Manor Theme Park
On a week’s break from Great Haywood near Stafford, you can cruise to Drayton Manor Theme Park and back. You’ll first head south along the Trent & Mersey Canal, passing through Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the historic town of Rugeley. At Fradley Junction, home of Fradley Pool Nature Reserve, you’ll transfer onto the Coventry Canal. The route then takes you through a series of villages with canalside pubs before reaching Fazeley Junction. Turn right and moor up between Tolson’s Footbridge and Coleshill Road Bridge. From there you can walk to Drayton Manor Theme Park, with over 50 exciting rides and a 15-acre zoo.
The journey to Coleshill Road Bridge and back takes around 22 hours and passes through 10 locks (five each way).
2. Cruise across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ and visit Chirk Castle’s Summer of Play
On a week’s break from Trevor near Wrexham, you can travel along the Llangollen Canal to Whitchurch and back. You’ll begin your holiday crossing the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, also known as ‘The Stream in the Sky’, which carries the Llangollen Canal 38 metres high above the Dee Valley. You’ll cross the border into England at Chirk, home of the National Trust’s Chirk Castle, where this summer children can experience the special Summer of Play outdoor event, with interactive activities in the castle estate. Then you’ll pass through the picturesque town of Ellesmere, with woodland walks, castle remains, cycle trails and Boathouse Café at the Mere. You’ll then cruise on through the beautiful Shropshire Lake District to Whitchurch, where you can moor up to explore this historic market town, with a great choice of places to eat out.
The journey from Trevor to Whitchurch and back takes around 25 hours and passes through four locks (two each way).
3. Navigate ‘The Shroppie’ to Norbury and visit the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker
On a week’s break from Bunbury in Cheshire, you can cruise along the Shropshire Union Canal to Norbury and back. The journey will take you through the Cheshire countryside and across the Nantwich Aqueduct, with views across the town. At Hack Green locks, you can moor up to visit the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker Museum, where kids can follow the Soviet Spy Mouse Trail. At Audlem, you can moor up to visit the canalside Shroppie Fly pub and at historic Market Drayton you can sample the town’s famous gingerbread men. You’ll cross the Shebdon Aqueduct and pass Loynton Moss Nature Reserve, before reaching Norbury Wharf and the canalside Junction Inn.
The journey to Norbury and back takes around 31 hours and passes through 58 locks (29 each way).
4. Travel up the famous Caen Hill flight, see Stonehenge gold and cruise through the Vale of Pewsey
On a week’s break from Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, you can cruise to Pewsey Wharf and back. The journey takes you up the famous 29 locks at Caen Hill, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. You can moor up for a break at the historic market town of Devizes to visit the Wiltshire Museum, where gold from Stonehenge is on display. Next you’ll cruise through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At Pewsey Wharf, you can follow the Pewsey Vale Trail and visit the Pewsey Heritage Centre and the Waterfront Bar & Bistro.
It takes around 34 hours to cruise from Bradford on Avon to Pewsey and back, passing through 72 locks (36 each way).
5. Travel by boat through the Shropshire Lake District to Llangollen in the Welsh Mountains
On a week’s break from Whixall, on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, you can cruise to the historic town of Llangollen and back. Along the way, you’ll travel through the Shropshire Lake District to Ellesmere, with its beautiful Mere, castle remains, cycle trails and woodland walks. You’ll cross the border into Wales at Chirk and begin cruising the 11 miles of the Llangollen Canal designated a World Heritage site, including tunnels, lift bridges and the awesome Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. At the historic market town of Llangollen, nestled in the Berwyn Mountains, you can visit the famous Horseshoe Falls, the Llangollen Steam Railway and you can climb up to Castell Dinas Bran for amazing views.
The journey from Whixall to Llangollen and back takes around 24 hours and passes through four locks (two each way).
6. Navigate to Warwick Castle to watch live action jousting!
On a week-long holiday from Wootton Wawen, you can cruise to Warwick Castle and back, said to be Britain’s greatest medieval experience. The journey begins heading north along the Stratford Canal through the remains of the Forest of Arden. You’ll pass through the village of Lowsonford, with its Fleur de Lys pub, famous for its pies. At Lapworth Junction you’ll take the Lapworth Link and transfer onto the Grand Union Canal. The National Trust’s magnificent Baddesley Clinton moated manor house is a short walk away from there. Next you’ll boat through the 396-metre long Shrewley Tunnel and soon after you’ll reach the top of the flight of 21 locks at Hatton. The Hatton Locks Cafe and Hatton Arms pub are popular places to moor up for a break. In Warwick, moor at the Cape of Good Hope pub to visit Warwick Castle, where you can climb the ramparts and watch the Wars of the Roses Live! Jousting Specular.
The journey to Warwick and back travels 28 miles, passes through 76 locks (38 each way) and takes around 23 hours.
*Discount based on a 12-berth boat from price band 3, departing between 11 July and 28 August 2025.
To check availability and book, click here or call us on 0117 463 3419.
To celebrate the autumn colours, we’ve put together a guide to our best week-long cruises through the countryside
Canal boat holidays are a great way to connect with nature and spot wildlife on the water and in the canalside fields and woods. This autumn, take an adventure afloat on a canal cruise through the countryside, enjoying the beautiful colours in the trees and hedgerows that line our canals and rivers.
Our best week-long breaks this autumn
1. Cruise through the Shropshire countryside to Whitchurch
On a week’s break from Trevor in North Wales, you can travel along the Llangollen Canal to Whitchurch and back. Along the way, you’ll cross the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, with amazing views of the Dee Valley. Then it’s on through the Shropshire countryside, passing through Ellesmere, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. Once at Whitchurch, you can moor up to explore this historic market town, including its award-winning Black Bear pub. The journey from Trevor to Whitchurch and back takes 25 hours and passes through four locks (two each way).
2. Navigate through the Yorkshire countryside to Barnoldswick
On a week’s break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, you can cruise through the Yorkshire countryside to Barnoldswick and back. The journey takes you through a series of historic towns and villages, including Skipton, with its medieval castle and acres of woodland trails to explore, and East Marton with access to the Pennine Way National Trail. The journey from Silsden to Barnoldswick and back takes 22 hours and passes through 30 locks (15 each way).
3. Boat through the Cheshire countryside to the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port
On a week’s break from Bunbury, you can cruise to the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port and back. The route will take you along the Shropshire Union Canal and through the Cheshire countryside to the ancient City of Chester, and on to Ellesmere Port, passing close to Chester Zoo along the way. At Ellesmere Port, you can visit the National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port, with its historic boat collection, docks, warehouses, forge, stables and workers’ cottages. The journey to Ellesmere Port and back goes through 24 locks (12 each way) and takes around 19 cruising hours.
4. Wend your way through the Wiltshire countryside to the Vale of Pewsey
On a week’s break from Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire you can cruise to Pewsey Wharf and back. The journey takes you up the 29 locks of the Caen Hill Flight, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways, and through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Places to visit along the way include the canalside Barge Inn at Seend and the historic market town of Devizes. It takes around 34 hours to cruise from Bradford on Avon to Pewsey and back, passing through 72 locks (36 each way).
5. Journey to Llangollen North Wales and visit the Horseshoe Falls
On a week’s break from Whixall Marina, on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, you can cruise to the historic town of Llangollen and back. Along the way, you’ll travel through the Shropshire Lake District to Ellesmere, with its beautiful Mere and woodland walks. You’ll cruise across the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte and Chirk aqueducts, enjoying views of the Welsh mountains. At Llangollen, nestled in the Berwyn Mountains, you can visit the famous Horseshoe Falls. The journey from Whixall to Llangollen and back takes around 24 hours and passes through four locks (two each way).
6. Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Drayton Manor Theme Park
On a week’s break from Great Haywood near Stafford, you can cruise to Drayton Manor Theme Park and back. Head south along the Trent & Mersey Canal, passing through Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the historic town of Rugeley. At Fradley Junction, home of Fradley Pool Nature Reserve, you’ll transfer onto the Coventry Canal. The route takes you through the villages of Huddlesford (home of The Plough pub), Whittington (home of The Swan pub) and Hopwas (home of the Tame Otter pub) before reaching Fazeley Junction. Turn right and moor up between Tolson’s Footbridge and Coleshill Road Bridge. From there you can walk to Drayton Manor Theme Park. The journey to Coleshill Road Bridge and back cruises 48 miles, passes through 10 locks (5 each way) and takes around 22 hours.
7. Travel to Warwick Castle and back
On a week-long holiday from Wootton Wawen, you can cruise to Warwick Castle and back. The journey begins heading north along the Stratford Canal through the remains of the Forest of Arden. You’ll pass through the village of Lowsonford, with its Fleur de Lys canalside pub, famous for its pies. At Lapworth Junction you take the Lapworth Link and transfer onto the Grand Union Canal. You’ll boat through the 396-metre long Shrewley Tunnel and soon after you’ll reach the top of the flight of 21 locks at Hatton. The Hatton Locks Cafe and Hatton Arms pub are popular places to stop for refreshment. In Warwick, moor at the Cape of Good Hope pub to visit Warwick Castle, said to be Britain’s greatest medieval experience. The journey to Warwick and back travels 28 miles, passes through 76 locks (38 each way) and takes around 23 hours.
To check availability and book click here or call us on 0117 463 3419.
Top October half term canal boat holiday destinations
Set off for a family adventure afloat together this October half term.
You’ll be cosy aboard your very own floating holiday cottage, with all the key comforts of home, including hot water, central heating, well-equipped kitchens, showers, flushing toilets and WiFi.
Tuition is included in our hire boat rental and our holidays are pet friendly.
We’ve put together a guide to our top 7 narrowboat holiday destinations this October half term:
1. Take a Ghost Walk in Shakespeare’s Stratford
From our boat yard on the Stratford Canal at Wootton Wawen, it takes around six hours to reach Bancroft Basin in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon. There, every Saturday at 7.30pm the award-winning Ghost Walk takes visitors on a tour around the haunted streets of Stratford-upon-Avon. The journey to Stratford and back from Wootton Wawen passes through 34 locks (17 each way) and takes around 12 hours.
2. Cruise to Llangollen to visit the magnificent Horseshoe Falls
Setting off from our base on the Llangollen Canal at Trevor in North Wales, it takes just two hours to reach moorings at Llangollen Basin. From there, you can explore this historic town nestled in the Berwyn Mountains, including the magnificent Horseshoe Falls. This 140 metre long weir structure was designed by Thomas Telford to feed water from the River Dee to the Llangollen Canal.
3. Navigate to Alrewas and the National Memorial Aboretum
On a 4-night break from Great Haywood you can cruise along the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal to Alrewas and back. There you can moor up and walk to the National Memorial Aboretum, home to more than 400 memorials. Along the way, you’ll pass the beautiful Tixall Wide lake, Penkridge and Gailey with canalside pubs to enjoy. The journey from Great Haywood to Alrewas and back travels 26 miles, passes through 22 locks (11 each way) and takes around 15 hours.
4. Visit ‘The Cathedral of the Canals’
On a 4-night break from Bunbury in Cheshire, you can cruise to the Anderton Boat Lift and back. Also known as ‘The Cathedral of the Canals’, Anderton Boat Lift celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. The journey begins on the Shropshire Union Canal, transferring onto the Middlewich Branch at Barbridge Junction. Cruising through the Cheshire countryside, you’ll connect with the Trent & Mersey Canal at Middlewich. You’ll pass through the village of Marston before reaching Anderton. There you can visit the Anderton Boat Lift Visitor Centre explains how this amazing structure works. The journey from Bunbury to Anderton and back travels 46 miles, passes through 20 locks (10 each way) and takes around 18 hours.
5. Explore 1,200 acres at Chirk Castle
On a 4-night break from Whixall, on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal, you can travel to Chirk and back. The journey to Chirk passes through just two locks and takes around eight hours. There you can moor up and walk to the National Trust’s Chirk Castle, which takes around 30 minutes. At Chirk Castle there are murder holes and medieval toilets in the Adam Tower to marvel at, richly decorated state rooms to explore and 1,200 acres to roam.
6. Take a ghost tour in Bath
From Bradford on Avon, it takes around four hours, passing through one lock, to reach moorings at Sydney Gardens in Bath. From there, you can explore this UNESCO World Heritage city and book a Ghost Tour. The tour takes visitors on a thrilling tour of Bath, discovering tales of murder, mayhem, witch burnings, hangings, medieval monks, duels and poltergeists.
7. Experience the Royal Armouries Escape Room in Leeds
On a week’s holiday from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, you can cruise to Leeds and back. You can moor up in Leeds Dock, home of the Royal Armouries Museum. There you can book an Escape Room experience with Great Escape Game. The journey from Silsden to Leeds and back takes around 34 hours, and passes through 56 locoks (28 each way).
We’ve put together a guide to some of the best canalside pubs to visit on a canal boat holiday
There are hundreds of historic pubs alongside the inland waterways of Britain, offering the perfect spots to moor up, relax and enjoy some great food and drink.
1. The Barge Inn at Seend
This beautiful pub on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire has a large waterside beer garden offers classic pub favourites, including great Sunday roasts. The Barge Inn is next to Seend Lock no.18. It takes around seven hours to reach this pub from our canal boat hire base at Bath. The journey travels 17 miles, through 4 locks and passes over the magnificent Bath stone aqueducts at Dundas and Avoncliff.
2. The Bay Horse at Snaygill
On the Leeds & Liverpool Canal near Keigthley, this popular country pub dates back to 1822. The Bay Horse is a Vintage Inn serving country pub classics and cask ales. From Silsden, it takes just under three hours to reach The Bay Horse.
3. The Crown Inn at Alvechurch
This country pub on the Worcestershire & Birmingham Canal close to the village of Alvechurch offers great food and drink, rustic charm and a lovely pub garden. The Crown Inn is just three miles from our boat yard at Tardebigge. Just an hour and a half away, it’s a good first night stopping point when heading towards Birmingham.
4. The Bridge Inn at Chirk Bank
Also known as the last pub in England, this traditional pub on the Llangollen Canal in the village of Chirk Bank offers visitors fantastic views of Chirk Aqueduct. The Bridge Inn is a 2.5-hour cruise from Trevor so it’s a great place to stop on the first night of your canal boat holiday, if you are heading to Ellesmere or beyond.
5. The Fleur De Lys at Lowsonford
This pretty 17th century country pub in the Warwickshire village of Lowsonford has a beer garden on the banks of the Stratford Canal and is famous for its pies. Choose from eleven different types of pie, accompanied by seasonal vegetables, chunky chips and gravy. The Fleur De Lys is just over three hours from our narrowboat hire centre at Wootton Wawen.
6. The Horse & Jockey at Grindley Brook
Next to the Llangollen Canal, this family owned pub near Whitchurch offers great food, drink and service. It takes around four and a half hours to reach the Horse & Jockey from our canal boat rental base at Whixall Marina. The journey travels seven miles and passes through five locks.
7. The Plume of Feathers at Barlaston
This popular pub on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire is co-owned by the actor, Neil Morrissey. Sample some of Neil’s beers and ales, and choose from a menu of homemade dishes made from fresh local ingredients. It takes just over seven hours to reach the Plume of Feathers from our Great Haywood base. The journey travels 12 miles through the Staffordshire countryside, passing through 12 locks and the town of Stone.
8. The Olde Barbridge Inn near Nantwich
This historic pub on the Shropshire Union Canal sells local ales brewed at its own local brewery and serves classic British food made with local produce. The Olde Barbridge Inn is an hour’s cruise from our base at Bunbury.
9. The Dundas Arms at Kintbury
With a terrace overlooking the Kennet & Avon Canal, the Dundas Arms in Kintbury is a traditional country pub in the Berkshire countryside. The menu features traditional pub food created with seasonal and local produce. You can reach the Dundas Arms on a 10-day, 11-day or two-week break from Bradford on Avon.
The August bank holiday weekend is a great time to take to the water for a boating break
Our best August bank holiday boating breaks take you through some of Britain’s best-loved countryside. And into the heart of some our most famous waterside towns and cities.
Canal boat holidays are great for families, bringing everyone together for an adventure afloat. From steering the boat and working the locks, to planning the route and watching out for wildlife, there’s plenty to get involved in.
Pets are welcome aboard all our boats, so all the family can enjoy a relaxing staycation together. And there’s everything you need on board for a self-catering holiday afloat if you want to keep your costs down.
There are hundreds of waterside destinations in England and Wales to choose from.
To celebrate the upcoming August bank holiday, we’ve put together a guide to our top 6 August bank holiday weekend boating breaks:
1. Cruise along the Llangollen Canal and into the Shropshire Lake District
On a weekend away from Trevor in North Wales, you can cruise to Ellesmere and back, journeying into the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. The journey takes you across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, 38 metres high above the Dee valley. At Ellesmere, you can moor up to explore this historic market town and its ancient mere, with woodland walks and places to eat. The journey to Ellesmere takes around 7 hours, crosses 2 aqueducts, and passes through 2 locks and 2 tunnels.
2. Navigate the Stratford Canal to Stratford-upon-Avon
From Wootton Wawen it takes around 6 hours to cruise along the Stratford Canal to Shakespeare’s Stratford and back. The route takes you through the Warwickshire countryside to reach overnight moorings in Bancroft Basin in the heart of Stratford upon Avon. Once there, you can walk to top attractions, including the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Shakespeare’s Birthplace. There are 17 locks to pass through along the way, and you’ll cross the impressive Edstone Aqueduct, the longest aqueduct in England.
3. Travel along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley
From Great Haywood you can head south along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley Junction and back. The journey takes around 5 hours, travelling 12 miles through the Staffordshire countryside. There are just five locks to pass through, and you’ll pass canalside pubs at Wolseley and Rugeley. At Fradley, you can enjoy refreshments at the Canalside Café or The Swan Inn. And you can take a wildlife-spotting walk along the woodland trail and boardwalk at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve.
4. Cruise through the Cheshire countryside to Middlewich
On a weekend away, from Bunbury you can navigate to the ancient town of Middlewich and back. Your journey begins on the Shropshire Union Canal and transfers onto the Middlewich Branch at Barbridge Junction. You’ll cruise on through beautiful Cheshire countryside and the village of Church Minshull, home of the Badger Inn. Once at Middlewich you can moor up to explore this ancient town famous for its salt making. The journey to Middlewich takes around 6 hours and passes through 4 locks.
5. Float along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Bradford on Avon
From our base at Sydney Wharf near Bath, it takes around 3.5 hours to reach the lovely market town of Bradford on Avon. There’s just one lock to pass through and stunning Bath stone aqueducts to glide across at Dundas and Avoncliff. You’ll pass a series of canalside pubs along the way, including The George at Bathampton. Once in Bradford on Avon, you can moor up to visit Historic England’s medieval Tithe Barn. And there’s a great choice of places to eat, including the riverside Timbrell’s Yard.
6. Glide along the Llangollen Canal to Ellesmere
On a 4-night mid-week break from Whixall Marina in Shropshire, you can cruise through the countryside to Ellesmere and back. The journey there and back takes around 7 hours. Along the way, you’ll cruise past Fenn’s, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses is a designated National Nature Reserve and Colemere Country Park. At Ellesmere, you can moor up to explore this historic market town and its famous Mere, with woodland walks, castle, gardens and Boathouse cafe.
Click here to book a holiday, or call our friendly booking team on 0117 304 1122.
