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
To celebrate the autumn colours, we’ve put together a guide to our best week-long cruises through the countryside
This autumn adventure afloat on a canal cruise through the countryside, enjoying the beautiful colours in the trees and hedgerows that line our canals and rivers.
Canal boat holidays are a great way to connect with nature. You can watch-out for a abundance of wildlife along the way.
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 24 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. 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 Red Bull Wharf
On a week’s break from Bunbury, you can cruise through the Cheshire countryside to Red Bull Wharf and back. The route will take you along the rural Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal, running from Barbridge Junction to Middlewich. This peaceful 10-mile long waterways passing through the pretty village of Church Minshull, with its popular Badger Inn. The journey from Bunbury to Red Bull Wharf and back travels 53 miles and passes through 70 locks (35 each way).
4. Wend your way through the Wiltshire countryside to the Vale of Pewsey
On a week’s break from Monkton Combe on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Bath you can reach Pewsey Wharf. 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 historic market towns of Bradford on Avon and Devizes. It takes around 38 hours to cruise from Monkton Combe to Pewsey and back, passing through 74 locks (37 each way).
5. Journey to Llangollen North Wales and visit the Horsehoe Falls
On a week’s break from Whixall Marina, on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, you can reach the historic town of Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains. Along the way, you’ll travel through the Shropshire countryside to Ellesmere, with its beautiful Mere and woodland walks. You’ll cruise across the magnificent Pontcysyllte and Chirk aqueducts, enjoying incredible 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 Oustanding Natural Beauty and the historic town of Rugeley. At Fradley Junction, home of Fradley Pool Nature Reserve, transfer onto the Coventry Canal. You’ll pass 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 a moor up between Tolson’s Footbridge and Coleshill Road Bridge. From there you can walk to Drayton Manor 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. 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, lowering/raising the canal by 45 metres over two miles. The Hatton Locks Cafe and Hatton Arms pubs are popular places to stop for refreshment. Soon after Hatton Bottom Lock No.26 you’ll connect with the Saltisford Arm at Budbrooke Junction. There you can moor up and 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.
Autumn boat trips across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Autumn boat trips across ‘The Stream in the Sky’
In September and October, our ‘Little Star’ trip boat will be operating five trips a day across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Nicknamed ‘The Stream in the Sky’, our boat trips offer passengers the chance to enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful autumn colours emerging across the Dee Valley.
Experience this World Heritage site afloat
The UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct carries boats 126 feet high across the Dee Valley.
Our daily skippered boat trips aboard ‘Little Star’ offer the chance to cruise along the Llangollen Canal and across this incredible structure.
This Autumn, passengers can enjoy amazing views across the Dee Valley, seeing the changing colours in the trees.
Onboard commentary is provided
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 this UNESCO World Heritage site as you cruise gently along.
Trip times and access
In September and October, trips depart daily at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm from Canal Wharf, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7TT.
There’s a public car park nearby at LL14 3SG.
Ticket prices and booking
‘Little Star’ (‘Seren Fach’ in Welsh) offers space for up to 48 passengers.
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. Refreshments are available to purchase on board, including hot and cold drinks, and ice creams.
Group bookings
We offer a 10% discount on bookings for groups of 10 or more. And we offer longer bespoke trips for groups of 20 or more.
For more information and to book in advance, visit www.anglowelsh.co.uk/little-star, or call the bookings team on 0117 304 1122.
We’ve published more information about making the most of your visit here
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 8 August bank holiday weekend boating breaks:
1. Cruise along the Llangollen Canal to Ellesmere
On a weekend away from Trevor in North Wales, you can cruise to Ellesmere, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. The journey takes you across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, 39 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 seven hours, crosses two aqueducts, and passes through two locks and two tunnels.
2. Navigate the Stratford Canal to Stratford-upon-Avon
From Wootton Wawen it takes around six hours to cruise along the Stratford Canal to Shakespeare’s Stratford. 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. Take a Thames boating holiday to Oxford
From our Oxford base on the River Thames at Eynsham, it takes just over three hours to reach Oxford City centre. There are just four locks to pass through along the way and some are manned, offering help to newcomers. Along the way, you’ll pass through Wolvercote, home of the popular riverside Trout Inn. Once in Oxford, you take time to explore the city, including the Bodleian Library, Carfax Tower and Oxford Castle.
4. Travel along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley
From Great Haywood, you can head south along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley Junction. The journey takes around five 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.
5. Cruise along the Shropshire Union Canal to Chester
On a weekend away, from Bunbury you can navigate to the ancient city of Chester. Cruising along the Shropshire Union Canal, the route passes through beautiful Cheshire countryside and a series of canalside villages. There are historic local pubs along the way, including The Ring O’Bells at Christleton and The Shady Oak at Bates Mill Bridge. Once in Chester, you can to explore some of the City’s attractions, including the Roman Amphitheatre, city walls and Chester Rows shops. The journey to Chester takes around seven hours and passes through nine locks.
6. Float along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Bradford on Avon
From our base at Sydney Wharf near Bath, it takes just four 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 and Cross Guns at Avoncliff. 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.
7. Cruise along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to Gargrave
From Silsden, you can cruise through the Yorkshire countryside to Gargrave on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The route travels 12 miles and passes through Skipton, home to the medieval Skipton Castle and Woods. At Gargrave, there are plenty of pubs to enjoy, including The Mason’s Arms and Cross Keys Inn. The route to Gargrave passes through three locks, and takes around 6½ hours.
8. Glide along the Llangollen Canal to Chirk
On a weekend break from Whixall Marina in Shropshire, you can cruise through the countryside to Chirk, on the border between England and Wales. The journey takes around eight hours and passes through just two locks. Along the way, you’ll pass Whixall Moss nature reserve and the historic market town of Ellesmere. At Chirk, there’s a choice of canalside pubs and the National Trust’s medieval Chirk Castle to visit.
Click here to book a holiday, or call our friendly booking team on 0117 304 1122.
Take a boat trip across the Stream in the Sky this summer
This summer enjoy a family day out with a boat trip across the Pontcysyllte Aqeduct
Over the summer our ‘Little Star’ trip boat is offering five skippered cruises a day across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Described by Sir Walter Scott as a ‘stream in the sky’ where ‘fish swim above birds’, the aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal 38 metres high across the Dee Valley.
Enjoy a fantastic family day out this summer
This ‘bucket list’ journey give you the chance to experience amazing views across the Dee Valley in North Wales. And make some fantastic family memories over the school summer holidays.
You can also explore the Llangollen Canal and valley below the aqueduct by foot. You’ll find information at the Canal & River Trust’s Visitor Centre at Trevor Basin. And there are places to enjoy a meal, including The Pontcysyllte Chapel Tea Room at Trevor Basin and The Aqueduct Inn.
Trips depart daily at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm from Canal Wharf, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7TT. There’s a public car park nearby at LL14 3SG.
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.
Canal circuits and rings take in a wide variety of landscapes and are popular routes for narrowboat holidays
Canal boat holiday circuits and cruising rings bring you back to your narrowboat hire base without having to travel the same way twice.
Some are seriously challenging, with steep flights of locks and long dark tunnels to negotiate. Others are easier and more suitable for boating beginners.
All offer a wonderful summer holiday adventure and the chance to explore some of Britain’s best loved countryside, as well as vibrant city centres. All from your very own floating holiday home.
Here’s a guide to our top six narrowboat holiday summer circuits to explore:
1. The Black Country Ring
Setting off from our canal boat rental base at Great Haywood, the Black Country Ring can be done in a week. You’ll cruise sections of the Birmingham & Fazeley, Birmingham Main Line, Coventry, Staffordshire & Worcestershire and Trent & Mersey canals. Highlights include: Birmingham’s Gas Street Basin; the 21 locks at Wolverhampton; and the peaceful waters at Tixall Wide. To complete the Black Country Ring from Great Haywood you’ll travel 75 miles, through 79 locks in around 43 hours.
2. The Four Counties Ring
Departing from our bases at Great Haywood, Bunbury or Whixall, this popular circuit can be completed on a 10-day or two-week break. It takes you through the counties of Staffordshire, the West Midlands, Cheshire and Shropshire. Highlights include: the 2670-metre long Harecastle Tunnel; the flight of 15 locks at Audlem; views of the rolling Cheshire Plains; and the Roman town of Middlewich. To complete the Four Counties Ring from Great Haywood, you will travel 110 miles, pass through 94 locks, which will take around 55 hours. From Bunbury, it will be 115 miles, 96 locks and 58 hours. From Whixall, it’s 137 miles, 132 locks and 86 hours.
3. The Cheshire Ring
From our Bunbury base, you can complete the Cheshire Ring on a 10-day or two-week break. The journey will take you right through the heart of Manchester and into the Peak District via the Ashton, Macclesfield, Peak Forest, Rochdale, Trent & Mersey and Bridgewater canals. Highlights along the way include: the incredible Anderton Boat Lift; stunning views of the Peak District; and Manchester’s China Town. To complete the Cheshire Ring from Bunbury, you will travel 122 miles and pass through 102 locks, which takes around 86 hours.
4. The Warwickshire Ring
Setting off from Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal, you can complete the Warwickshire Ring on a 10-day or two-week break. You’ll travel along sections of the Grand Union, Oxford, Coventry and Birmingham & Fazeley canals. Highlights include: the flight of 11 locks into Atherstone; the pretty canal village of Braunston; the awesome flight of 21 locks at Hatton; and Warwick Castle. To complete the Warwickshire Ring from Wootton Wawen, you’ll pass through 128 locks in around 59 hours.
5. The Birmingham Mini-Ring
With more canals than Venice, exploring the Birmingham area by boat is one of the best ways to experience Britain’s vibrant second city. You can complete the Birmingham Mini-Ring on a week’s break from Wootton Wawen. The route takes in sections of the Worcester & Birmingham, Birmingham Main Line and Grand Union canals. Highlights include: the historic village of Bournville, home of Cadbury’s chocolate; Gas Street Basin in central Birmingham; and the flight of 13 locks at Farmers Bridge. To complete the Birmingham Mini-Ring from Wootton Wawen it takes around 35 hours and you’ll pass through 83 locks.
6. The Avon Ring
You can complete this epic circuit on a two week break Wootton Wawen. The journey navigates sections of the Stratford Canal, River Avon, River Severn and Worcester & Birmingham Canal. Highlights include: Shakespeare’s Stratford; the River Avon with its panoramic views; the charming historic town of Evesham; the Cotswold medieval town of Tewskesbury; the City of Worcester with its magnificent cathedral; and the flight of 30 locks at Tardebigge. To complete the Avon Ring from Wootton Wawen, you’ll travel 109 miles and pass through 131 locks, which will take around 58 hours.
To check availability and book click here or call us on 0117 463 3419.
Acroos the summer our ‘Little Star’ trip boat will be operating five Pontcysyllte Aqueduct boat trips a day
Our Little Star trip boat offers families the chance to enjoy skippered cruises across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
At 300 metres long and 38 metres high, the awesome Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain.
Described by Sir Walter Scott as a ‘stream in the sky’ where fish swim above birds, in 2009 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. This puts it on a par with the pyramids in Egypt and the Taj Mahal in India.
Our ‘Little Star’ daily boat trips offer the chance to cruise across this incredible structure, experience amazing views across the Dee Valley, and make some fantastic family memories.
Our knowledgeable team provides commentary on board about the 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.
Trips depart daily at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm from Canal Wharf, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7TT.
Little Star’ (‘Seren Fach’ in Welsh) offers space for up to 48 passengers.
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.
Refreshments are available to purchase on board, including hot and cold drinks, and ice creams.
For more information and to book in advance, visit www.anglowelsh.co.uk/little-star, or call the bookings team on 0117 304 1122.
Making the most of your boat trip across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Ways to make the most of your trip across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ in North Wales
One of our Little Star Pontcysyllte Aqueduct trip boat skippers and commentary providers describes some of the highlights of the trip and ways to make the most of a visit to this UNESCO world heritage site.
Our Little Star trip boat takes passengers across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, to experience incredible views across the beautiful Dee Valley.
What are the journey highlights?
Probably the most breath-taking moment is just as you pass the Ash trees on the right of the aqueduct and suddenly a panoramic view of the Dee Valley and the beautiful 17th century Cysylltau Bridge, known locally as ‘The Bont’ opens up beneath you. Meanwhile, on the other side the magnificent Cefn Railway viaduct is coming into view; if you’re lucky, you’ll see a train going across the Viaduct! People also find the process of turning the 70ft trip boat fascinating and seeing the lift bridge in operation.
Personally, I’ve got a soft spot for the Fron (pronounced ‘Vron’) Embankment just over the other side of the aqueduct. It’s a surreal structure made from the spoil excavated when the canal tunnels were built, now lined with trees home to many types of birds, including gold crests, woodpeckers, nut hatches and chaffinches.
Birds fly beneath you!
Crossing the aqueduct as often as I do, you’d have thought you might start taking it all for granted; but one thing that always brings me back into the moment as I’m guiding boats across the aqueduct is the jackdaws that roost under the arches. Often they’ll swoop out from underneath the boat as we are driving along. Birds flying underneath boats, suspended 126 feet above a roaring river. If that ever feels ‘normal’ then I’ll know it’s time to find a new job!
What else can I do when I visit Pontcysyllte Aqueduct?
As well as seeing the aqueduct and the spectacular views of the Dee Valley from the trip boat, people love to experience crossing it on foot, and to enjoy a meal or a drink at the Aqueduct Inn perched up the hill overlooking the canal in Froncysyllte.
The Pontcysyllte Chapel Tea Rooms at Trevor Basin do excellent breakfasts, lunches and cream teas so it’s well worth planning a visit there too.
You can also walk down the steps to the bottom of the valley to see the Aqueduct from below, which really brings home the scale of the structure and the achievements of the canal engineers.
Another option is to head up the hill to the fascinating historic village of Cefn Mawr to see the aqueduct from above. Once the site of iron works, coal mines and brick and tile works, it’s full of little alleyways, steps and stair cases and there some great viewpoints looking out across the valley, with glimpses of the Aqueduct.
Parking at the site
The best place to park to enjoy one our boat trips and visit the Canal & River Trust’s Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Visitor Centre is the public ‘pay and display’ car park at Acrefair, Wrexham, LL14 3SG. The car park is open daily from 8am to 8pm.
Make sure you put the car park postcode in your Sat Nav or Google maps, rather than simply ‘Pontcysyllte Aqueduct’ to ensure you arrive in the right place
When do the boat trips run?
From 29 March until 31 October 2025 trips depart daily at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm from Canal Wharf, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7TT.
Our winter trips are running three times a day in December, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is closed from 2nd January 2025 and reopens in the Spring.
How do I book a boat trip aboard Little Star?
For more information about Little Star and to book ahead, go to Little Star – Anglo Welsh Ltd or call us on 0117 304 1122.
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