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Book Our Delicious Evening Fish And Chip Cruise!

Skipton Boat Trips

Canal cruises on the leeds & liverpool canal, 🎁gift cards are the perfect gift. click here to purchase one 🎁.

Featured Cruises

• Calendar Mar - Dec
• Clock 12pm , 2:45pm
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Afternoon Tea Cruises

This 2-hour cruise on the Leeds and Liverpool canal is ideal for couples, small groups, and large groups. During the voyage, delicious sandwiches, scones, and cakes will be served at your table, along with tea or coffee. It’s a perfect activity for all kinds of occasions.

• Calendar Mar - Nov

Evening Fish and Chip Cruise – March to November

Skipton Boat Trips has teamed up with Bizzie Lizzie’s, known as local Fish and Chips Kings, to offer an unforgettable experience on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

• Clock 11am , 3pm
• Hour Glass 3 Hours

Sunday Roast Dinner / Christmas Dinner Cruise

Take a leisurely cruise down the Canal while enjoying a traditional roast dinner served to you on board. This makes for a great gift voucher or surprise for someone special.

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About Skipton Boat Trips

What makes our boat trips the best? Some people say it’s how peaceful they feel as we drift by the lush green Yorkshire Dales on our gentle canal cruises . But everyone agrees it’s the efforts of our thoughtful crew that bring them back.

With over 30 years of running boat trips, we’ve helped put the fun back into planning the perfect day out. We would love to help you plan your perfect day in Skipton aboard one of our comfortable canal boats, whether it’s a chartered cruise or you want to be your own skipper on one of our day boats.

We take extra care before, during, and after your booking to make your experience more enjoyable!

2023 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award Winners

2021 tripadvisor travellers' choice award winners.

"This is our 3rd time going on the santa cruise and it never fails. Each year has been fantastic. My daughter absolutely loves it and the present she receives, she's always so happy with. They take there time to read about your child and make it so believable to them by knowing there likes, achievements and even bad points 🤣.very welcoming and will definitely be booking again next year."

"Booked the for myself and 44 guests to have a fish and chip lunch for my birthday. The staff on board were great and looked after my guests extremely well and Jen and James were a pleasure to work with whilst making all the arrangements. A great experience - would highly recommend"

"absolutely brilliant evening on the fish and chips cruise the food was delicious this was the second trip for us both times the staff are fantastic very friendly and helpful helping to get my disabled wife on and off the boat where ready for our next trip I would highly recommend the cruises thank you guys"

"Excellent turned a miserable rainy day into a pleasurable experience. Tea and biscuits on board. Bar available for something stronger. Seating comfortable. Small toilet near the bar. Staff pleasant."

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal

The canal itself is Britain’s longest, at 127 miles, and was originally used for transporting coal, stone, cloth, and other cargo after its completion in 1816.

Of course, the canal’s busy industrial heyday has now passed, but the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is still enjoyed by thousands as a brilliant way of exploring the area, reliving the past, and relaxing as the world passes by.

About Skipton, England

Skipton is the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and was voted the best place to live in the U.K. in 2014. It’s a wonderful historic market town situated in North Yorkshire, right in the heart of beautiful scenery.

It’s not hard to see why Skipton is such a popular tourist destination, with the superbly preserved 900-year old medieval Skipton Castle, famous open-air Skipton market, spectacular limestone cliffs at Malham to the west, celebrated beauty of Bolton Abbey to the east, and of course the Leeds and Liverpool Canal passing right through the centre.

Manchester Ship Canal Cruise Mersey Ferries

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Manchester Ship Canal Cruise Mersey Ferries - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Liverpool & The Manchester Ship Canal

Discover liverpool’s magnificent architecture and remarkable musical heritage and experience a truly memorable cruise on the manchester ship canal., 5 day tour - suggested itinerary:.

Day 1: Travel to Liverpool for a 4 night stay.

Day 2: Enjoy a fascinating and informative two hour coach guided tour of Liverpool directly from your hotel and marvel at the history, heritage and architecture of this vibrant city. This afternoon, explore Liverpool, a UNESCO World Heritage City, at your own leisure. You could visit one of its two cathedrals, its historic waterfront, home to the Albert Dock - the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings in Europe, the Tate Liverpool, the Maritime Museum, the Beatles Story and Pier Head, the location of the affectionately titled Three Graces – the magnificent Liver Building.

Day 3: Cruise along the Manchester Ship Canal, one of Britain’s most historic waterways between Liverpool Pier Head and Salford Quays. This fascinating six hour cruise, with a lively commentary along the way, is as awe inspiring as it is relaxing. Hear the story of this magnificent waterway and enjoy wonderfully differing scenery as your cruise takes you through locks and under bridges, which have remained largely unchanged for over 100 years.

Day 4: The choice is yours. Visit the traditional and elegant seaside resort of Southport with its tree-lined boulevards and the UK’s oldest iron pier. Alternatively, travel through the Mersey Tunnel to the charming 19th Century village of Port Sunlight, which was built by William Hesketh Lever to house his soap factory workers and continue to the wonderful Ness Botanic Gardens or the historic walled city of Chester.

Day 5: Time to head for home.

The 4* Atlantic Tower by Thistle Liverpool is in the very heart of the city and overlooks Liverpool’s world famous waterfront and the iconic Liver Building. Ideally located to visit all of Liverpool’s historic attractions, it has 225 bedrooms, three lifts and fantastic views over the River Mersey from its Vista Restaurant, Vu Bar and Terrace.

Tour Package

Includes return luxury coach travel with Johnsons, accommodation on dinner, bed & breakfast basis, a two hour coach guided tour of Liverpool and a single journey cruise along the Manchester Ship Canal between Liverpool and Salford Quays.

Call us for an up to date per person price today!

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Leeds & Liverpool Canal

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal offers 127 miles of walking, boating, wildlife-watching and all-round relaxation.

Our team of experts work hard to ensure this 200 year-old canal continues to be a well-loved link between the bustling cities of Liverpool and Leeds.

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The Leeds & Liverpool Canal was built to link the cities of Leeds and Liverpool. No other canal has been established and built to link two cities that were further apart. Leaving Liverpool, the canal passes through East Lancashire and then crosses Pennine countryside and picturesque villages on the edge of the Yorskhire Dales before reaching Leeds. Walkers love the canal, and thousands of visitors come every year to marvel at the impressive Bingley Five Rise Locks and the historic salt town of Saltaire.

Places to visit

See our free guides for fantastic family days out along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal:

• Leeds City Centre waterfront
• Liverpool's Royal Albert Docks
• Saltaire's World Heritage Site
• Bingley Five Rise Locks
• The pretty canalside town of Skipton
• The famous 'pier' at Wigan
• The Rufford Junction at Burscough

Walking, cycling and canoeing on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Walking routes.

Walkers love the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Take a look at our favourite routes

Get on your bike

Cycle along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to Pendle Heritage Centre

Coast to coast canoeing

Read about the Liverpool to Goole coast to coast canoe trail

Free guides for fun days out

Looking for a perfect place to picnic, relax, think, run, walk your dog and more, all for free? Download your free regional guide today

Need to catch up in a calming space?

Find out why connecting with someone else by water can help how you’re feeling.

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Explore your nearest canals and ways to enjoy them Find walks, activities and more within:

See what work our teams are doing on the canal and towpath by going to our stoppages section here and checking your route

The history

Northern trade and industry flourished in the mid-18th Century, and there was great call for a canal linking the east and west of England.

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal was the earliest of the trans-Pennine canals to be proposed. It offered a gentler, less direct route than the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the Rochdale Canal , but it still passed through important limestone and coal mining areas. Construction took a long time, two canals, one in Yorkshire and one in Lancashire, were gradually brought together and it was only completed in 1816, some 46 years after work began.

Together with the Aire & Calder Navigation , which it meets at Leeds, it offered a coast to coast route between the Irish Sea and the North Sea, though not a proper connection until the Stanley Dock branch in Liverpool opened in 1846.

The tunnel at Foulridge was opened in 1796. A tale that has passed into local folklore tells of the cow that fell into the water and swam the whole length of Foulridge Tunnel before being pulled out at the other end and revived with brandy.

Canal hey day

Locks on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal were for the most part built to a size of 62 feet by 14 feet (18.8m x 4.3m). These broad locks turned out to play a key part in the long-term success of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. The local cargo craft were known as 'short boats', broad-gauge vessels capable of carrying around 45 tons. The larger payload of the short boats - around twice that of a standard narrowboat - enabled the line to prosper for many years.

The canal's most important cargo was coal closely followed by merchandise. Thanks to the combination of local heavy industry and the decision to build the canal with broad locks, the Leeds & Liverpool was able to compete successfully with the railways throughout the 19th Century. It even remained open for much of the 20th Century, other than household coal which is still being moved today, the last cargo of coal was carried along the Leigh Branch to Wigan Power Station in 1972. However other cargoes were carried after that, around 10,000 tonnes in all, until 1982.

The canal was so successful that the reservoirs built to supply the canal were never adequate, with water shortages in dry summers. Despite this, the canal continued to carry large tonnages well into the 1950s.

World War II

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal, like several major waterways across the country, formed part of Britain's defense plans against foreign invasion. Today, you can still see some remaining concrete pill boxes and blockhouses in west Lancashire. In this area, even canalside buildings such as pubs and barns were fortified.

Decline of commercial traffic

Traffic began to dwindle on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal with the introduction of natural gas and subsequent closure of the canalside collieries.

In the 1950s and 1960s, waterway enthusiasts including members of the Mersey Motor Boat Club tried hard to keep the canal open and navigable using a wide variety of boats, including converted life boats.

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal today

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal has continued to flourish in the 21st Century. The Ribble Link , which opened in 2002, allows the Leeds & Liverpool to connect with the Lancaster Canal and opened up a number of cruising opportunities for boaters. You need to book your passage through the Ribble Link so see that page for details.

And following the £22 million creation of the Liverpool Canal Link , the Leeds & Liverpool Canal now extends right into the heart of Liverpool and its historic Royal Albert Dock .

We're delighted that this historic waterway, once so vital to the manufacturing industries of the north, is continuing to play an important role in this second age of the canals.

The western end of the canal is cared for by our North West team. See more news and events from the team here

Yorkshire and North East

In the east, the canal runs through our Yorkshire and North East region - see more from the local team here

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• Watersports and Boats
• Scenic Cruises

One Hour Leeds and Liverpool Canal Cruise

Cruise the Leeds and Liverpool Canal With Entertaining Commentary on This One Hour Scenic Tour

Skipton Canal Cruise

• • One Hour Tour With Comedic Commentary
• • Picturesque Views of the Yorkshire Countryside
• • Cruise in a Comfortable Enclosed Canal Boat

Why We Love It

North Yorkshire Experience Gifts: The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is a beautiful and historic part of Yorkshire best explored from the calm waters, and this scenic canal cruise will provide you with the best seat in the house! With entertaining commentary from comedian Dave Spikey, the one hour tour is packed with Skipton trivia, anecdotes and stories aboard a comfortable canal boat. The scenery is truly fabulous and you'll love hearing about Yorkshire history and culture with a hilarious twist, a wonderful family day out or a fun experience gift for Yorkshire locals!

Check Availability & Book

Experience overview:.

The best sixty minutes of rib-tickling historic escapism you’ll find in Skipton. Our canal trip promises you a guided tour that’s fun whatever the weather with the finest countryside views you can get without moving your feet.  

Your guide for the canal tour is award-winning comedian Dave Spikey of Phoenix Nights and 8 Out of 10 Cats fame. With his characteristic Northern patter, Dave takes you on a whistle-stop tour of Skipton and canal history that’s refreshingly different to your average commentary.

Above the jokes and laughter, you’ll hear points of interest and fascinating stories of how the Leeds and Liverpool canal delivered the lifeblood of the industrial revolution through Yorkshire. There’s food and drink on board too so it’s a fun twist on your lunchtime break.

Details & Important Info

Additional experience details & important information.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure.

On arrival, this ticket must be redeemed in the wharf office for a boarding pass.

Cancellations & Refunds

Reservation changes, cancellations & refunds.

All ticket sales are final and not refundable. Reservations cannot be changed, rescheduled or refunded once confirmed. Reservations may be re-scheduled by the operator of the activity due to reasons such as weather, minimum participation requirements, mechanical issues or other interruptions beyond their control.

All gift certificate sales are final and not refundable. Gift certificates can only be exchanged prior to redemption.

A full list of terms of sale of tickets and certificates can be viewed here .

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Skipton boat trips.

Welcome To Skipton Boat Trips

THE LEEDS & LIVERPOOL CANAL The Canal itself is Britain’s longest, at 127 miles, and was originally used for transporting coal, stone, cloth, and other cargo after its completion in 1816. Of course, the Canal’s busy industrial heyday has now passed, but the Leeds Liverpool is still enjoyed by thousands as a brilliant way of exploring the area, reliving the past and relaxing as the world passes by.

ABOUT SKIPTON Skipton The Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and voted best UK place to live 2014. A wonderful historic market town situated in North Yorkshire, right in the heart of beautiful scenery. It’s not hard to see why Skipton is such a popular tourist destination with the superbly preserved 900-year old medieval Skipton Castle, famous open-air Skipton market, spectacular limestone cliffs at Malham to the West, celebrated beauty of Bolton Abbey to the East, and of course, the Leeds Liverpool Canal passing right through the centre.

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Our beautifully designed e-certificates are sent instantly the moment you place an order, great for last minute gifts.

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The Leeds & Liverpool Canal Holiday Guide and Map

Including Liverpool, Wigan, Blackburn, Burnley, Foulridge Tunnel, Skipton, Bingley Five Rise, Leeds

Lancaster Canal

Bridgewater

Peak Forest

Sheffield &

South Yorkshire

Huddersfield

Rochdale Canal

Calder & Hebble

Aire & Calder

ON THIS CANAL…

•  Hire  boats
• Pubs & Eating
•  Days  Out
• Hotel boats

Feature Spot – Yorkshire’s Bingley 5 Rise Locks

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal

With a main line of 127¼ miles, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is easily the longest canal in Britain built by one company. (The Grand Union Canal is 10 miles longer but was a later amalgamation of a number of canals.) It links the north west seaport of Liverpool with the Aire and Calder Navigation at Leeds, forming a through route between the Irish Sea and the North Sea. The Millennium Ribble Link now provides a link via the River Ribble to the  Lancaster Canal . Extension of the western end past Liverpool Pier Head to join up with the main Dock system & River Mersey was completed in 2008.

From the top of Stanley Docks in Liverpool the canal leaves the city houses and streets at Litherland. Crossing the flat rich farmlands of the Lancashire plain to Parbold through numerous swing bridges, many now mechanised, then following the Douglas valley in to Wigan where it splits. The Leigh Branch heads west, often on embankments because of the amount of mining subsidence but now surrounded by greenery and nature reserves, to Leigh to meet the Bridgewater Canal .

The Leeds & Liverpool Main line from Wigan climbs north into the Pennine hills up the famous Wigan 21 locks . From here across the Pennines into Yorkshire the Leeds & Liverpool is a barge canal, built with locks 60 feet long and 14 feet wide. The canal passes the entrance to the Walton summit branch of the Lancaster Canal , now abandoned, and on through the once proud cotton towns of Blackburn and Burnley where waterside Victorian mills still stand. At Burnley the Weaver’s Triangle is worth a visit; weaving sheds, spinning mills, foundries and houses, a reminder of Burnley’s industrial heritage from the days when the town led the world in the production of cotton cloth.

The summit level is reached at the mile long Foulridge tunnel at a height of 487 feet above sea level amidst fine moorland scenery on the ‘backbone of England’. The reservoirs on this stretch are a reminder of the importance of water supplies for canals, this canal has always been subject to water shortages. The canal descends down the Aire Valley through remote and beautiful countryside and the market town of Skipton with its fine castle. Saltaire is a Victorian model village. Mills, comfortable stone houses and library for the workers, but no pubs! Titus Salt was a Victorian philanthropist, interested in the health and morals of his workforce for religious and efficiency reasons. The huge and impressive Bingley Five Rise Locks speeds the descent through the Yorkshire Dales and on towards the bustling city of Leeds . The junction with the Aire & Calder Navigation now houses tasteful and lively waterside developments, including the Royal Armouries Basin with lots to explore and enjoy.

The Rufford branch

Linking the canal near Burscough, via the small port of Tarleton, with the River Douglas and the River Ribble it now provides access to the Lancaster Canal . Crossing the tidal River Ribble requires careful planning, many boats prefer to travel in convoy employing the services of a professional pilot.

The Pennine Ring  links to the  Rochdale Canal  or to the  Huddersfield Narrow Canal .

Broad canal, 127 miles, 93 locks, 2 tunnels, 2 weeks Liverpool to Leeds. Wigan to Leeds locks only 60ft long, but some longer narrowboats can fit, with much care, diagonally in locks. Liverpool to Wigan and Leigh Branch 72ft.

The Liverpool Canal Link

This is the extension of the canal from Stanley Dock linking the North Docks to the South Docks and passing the famous Pier Head and the ‘Three Graces’ , the Liver Building, Cunard Building and the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board Building. This involved a mile and a half of new canal with two new locks and tunnels. The flagship project was opened in 2008 at a cost of £22m.

The original canal terminus in Liverpool city centre was filled in in the 1960’s. The Stanley Dock branch gave canal access to the northern dock system but plans were put forward in the early 2000’s for the extension past the landmark Liverpool waterfront into the South Docks. The original link between the North and South dock had been lost when Georges Dock was filled in at the beginning of the 20th century to allow the building of the Three Graces. Book passage with CRT .

Pearson Canal Companion – Leeds & Liverpool

Heron Map – Leeds & Liverpool, Aire & Calder and Calder & Hebble

Nicholson Waterways Guide 5 – North West & The Pennines

Maps & guidebooks.

You can by maps and guides covering the Shropshire Union Canal from our  Online Shop .

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Canal maps & guides >>.

All materials and images © Canal Junction Ltd. Dalton House, 35 Chester St, Wrexham LL13 8AH. No unauthorised reproduction.

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Narrowboat Nomad

Historic Canal Routes in the UK: Discover the Beauty of Britain’s Waterways

For those who love to explore the UK’s waterways, there are few historic canal routes experiences that can match the charm and history of a canal boat trip. The country’s canals are steeped in history, boasting wonderful heritage and architecture created centuries ago. From the earliest canals built in the 17th century to the modern-day waterways, there are many routes to choose from, each with its own unique character and attractions.

One of the best ways to explore the UK’s historic canals is to take a leisurely boat trip along one of the many scenic routes. These routes offer a glimpse into the country’s industrial past, with old mills, warehouses and factories lining the water’s edge. Along the way, you can also enjoy the beautiful countryside, quaint villages and bustling towns that make up the fabric of the UK’s canal network.

History of Canals in the UK

Origins of canal systems.

The canal network in the UK was the first of its kind in the world. The first canal, the Sankey Canal in Lancashire, opened in stages between 1757 and 1773. It was followed by the Bridgewater Canal, which initially connected Worsley to Manchester and was completed in 1761. These canals were built because they offered the most economic and reliable way to transport goods, especially heavy and bulky items like coal and iron.

The canal systems were built during a time when road transport was slow and expensive, and the railways had not yet been developed. The canals allowed goods to be transported quickly and cheaply across the country, which helped to fuel the growth of industry and trade.

Importance of Canals in the Industrial Revolution

The canals played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution, which saw the UK become the world’s first industrial power. The canals supported the industries that allowed the country to become wealthy and created the wealth that led to the British Empire in the Victorian Era.

Canals were used to transport raw materials, such as coal and iron, and finished goods, such as textiles and pottery. They also allowed for the movement of people, which helped to create new markets and stimulate economic growth.

During the Industrial Revolution, many new canals were built, including the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which opened in 1816 and connected the cities of Leeds and Liverpool. This canal was over 120 miles long and included 91 locks, making it one of the longest and most complex canals in the UK.

The canals continued to be an important part of the UK’s transport infrastructure until the mid-19th century, when the railways began to take over. However, many of the canals are still in use today and are popular with tourists and boaters.

Popular Canal Routes in the UK

Grand union canal.

The Grand Union Canal is the longest canal in the UK, stretching over 137 miles from London to Birmingham. It was created in 1929 by merging several canals, including the Grand Junction Canal, the Warwick and Napton Canal, and the Leicester Line of the Old Union Canal. The canal passes through the Chiltern Hills, providing stunning views of the countryside. The route has 166 locks, including the famous Hatton Flight of 21 locks near Warwick.

The Grand Union Canal is a popular route for boating holidays, with plenty of opportunities to stop at charming towns and villages along the way. The canal is also home to a variety of wildlife, including kingfishers, herons, and otters.

Regent’s Canal

The Regent’s Canal is a 9-mile waterway that runs through the heart of London. It was built in the early 19th century to link the Grand Union Canal to the River Thames. The canal passes through several historic neighbourhoods, including Little Venice, Camden, and Hackney.

The Regent’s Canal is a popular destination for walking and cycling, with a towpath that provides a scenic route through the city. Along the way, you’ll see colourful houseboats, modern apartment buildings, and iconic landmarks such as the London Zoo and the Camden Lock Market.

Leeds and Liverpool Canal

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is the longest canal in northern England, stretching over 127 miles from Leeds to Liverpool. It was built in the late 18th century to transport goods between the two cities, and it played an important role in the Industrial Revolution.

The canal passes through several historic towns and cities, including Skipton, Burnley, and Wigan. It also crosses the Pennines, providing stunning views of the landscape. The route has 91 locks, including the famous Bingley Five Rise Locks near Bradford.

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is a popular route for boating holidays, with plenty of opportunities to stop at traditional pubs and restaurants along the way. It is also a popular destination for walkers and cyclists, with a towpath that provides a scenic route through the countryside.

Exploring Canal Routes

Boat hire and tours.

If you’re looking for a relaxing way to explore the historic canal routes of the UK, hiring a boat or joining a guided tour is a great option. There are many different boat hire companies and tour operators available, offering a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. One popular choice is ABC Boat Hire, which offers a variety of boats for hire along some of the most scenic canal routes in the UK. Other options include Black Prince, Drifters, and Anglo Welsh. Many of these companies offer self-drive boats, as well as guided tours with experienced captains who can provide insight into the history and culture of the canals.

Walking and Cycling Routes

For those who prefer to explore on foot or by bike, there are also plenty of options available. The Canal & River Trust, which manages many of the UK’s canals, has created a network of walking and cycling routes that follow the canal routes and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. One popular option is the towpath along the Kennet and Avon Canal, which stretches for 87 miles from Bristol to Reading. The route passes through picturesque villages, historic towns, and beautiful countryside, making it a great option for both walkers and cyclists. Other popular walking and cycling routes along the canals include the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, the Grand Union Canal in London, and the Caledonian Canal in Scotland. No matter how you choose to explore the historic canal routes of the UK, there’s no doubt that they offer a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind on a boat, or get some exercise while taking in the stunning scenery, the canal routes are a great option for anyone looking to explore the beauty and history of the UK’s waterways.

Canal Heritage Sites

Museums and visitor centres.

There are several museums and visitor centres across the UK that showcase the history of the canal route system. These sites provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the construction, operation, and significance of the canals.

• The National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, is one of the most popular canal heritage sites in the UK. It is located on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal and features interactive exhibits, historic boats, and a Victorian canal village.
• The Canal Museum in Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire, is another popular destination for canal enthusiasts. It is located in a former pumping station and features exhibits on canal construction and the lives of canal workers.
• The London Canal Museum is located in King’s Cross and tells the story of the canals in the capital. It features exhibits on the history of the Regent’s Canal and the ice trade, as well as a reconstructed ice well.

Historic Canal Structures

The canal route system in the UK is home to many historic structures, including aqueducts, locks, and bridges. These structures are a testament to the engineering prowess of the canal builders and are an important part of the country’s industrial heritage.

Visitors to these historic canal route structures can marvel at the engineering feats of the canal builders and gain a deeper appreciation for the role that canals played in the development of the UK.

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Red diesel is a popular fuel type used in boats. However, there has been much debate and confusion about whether it is legal to use red diesel in boats. The UK government has recently changed the law regarding the use of red diesel in boats, which has caused some uncertainty among boat owners. In the…

Narrowboat Insurance: Your Essential Guide Before Setting Sail

Narrowboats are a popular way to experience the UK’s waterways, offering a unique perspective on the countryside and an opportunity to slow down and relax. However, before setting sail on a narrowboat, it’s important to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance coverage. Narrowboat insurance is designed to protect you against a range of risks,…

The Most Luxurious Narrowboat Rentals in the UK

Narrowboat holidays are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, and for good reason. They offer a unique way to explore the country’s waterways, with the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife at a leisurely pace. For those looking for a touch of luxury on their narrowboat adventure, there are a number of options…

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• Cheshire Ring
• Four Counties Ring
• Grand Union Canal
• Kennet and Avon Canal
• Leeds-Liverpool Canal
• Leicester Ring
• Llangollen Canal
• London Ring
• Mon and Brec Canal
• Oxford Canal
• Scotland Canals
• Stourport Ring
• Thames Ring
• Warwickshire Ring
• UK Canal Map
• About Narrowboats
• About the Canals
• Canal Holiday FAQs
• Website Help

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Canal Narrowboat Holidays

Book 2024 and 2025 holidays now with amazing savings, we offer the widest range of canal narrow boats in the uk. search over 2000 canal holiday options and book online at best prices any time.

Cruise the canals around London, moor in historic Bath, Oxford or Chester. Travel from Edinburgh via the stunning Falkirk Wheel. Cross the amazing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wales.

The narrowboat is the modern version of the cargo vessels that travelled the canals before the railways.

Now these boats contain every creature comfort and are available for hire across the UK and in Ireland.

These canal boats have modern kitchens, beds which can be left made up, heating, showers and toilets. They can sleep from 2 to 12 people.

Canal Boat Hire

A canal holiday lets you experience the locks to go up or down hill and travel through exciting tunnels. You can cross aqueducts over valleys and rivers - the most famous is 120 feet above the ground.

At 4 miles per hour a canal narrow boat holiday is often described as 'the fastest way to slow down'.

Widest Choice

On this website there is the widest choice of canal boat holidays in the UK. We offer weekend and midweek breaks, week hire or longer. And all at the boat operator's price.

Search and Book

On our website you can search for a boat by size, by date, by canal route, or by cruise area. Then book online for best prices.

Your Shortlist

As you find boats and routes you like just add them to your Shortlist (Shopping Basket). Review and compare at any time!

For boating holidays in Europe see our Boating Holidays website

Popular routes for narrowboat holidays.

Canal Holidays, Bowers Wharf, Skipton, BD23 2PD, United Kingdom

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Manchester River & Canal Tours

RIVER TOURS / LIVE EVENTS / FOOD & DRINK TRIPS

Our Tours & Events

Here are tours and events with Manchester River Cruises from historical tours along Manchester Ship Canal, live music events or drinks and foods events.

Sunday Sessions

Back to the 90’s

Rollin’ on the river.

Broadway Boat Party

Evening Cruise

City River Tours

Dolly Cruise

Wizards & Fairies

Swing & Rat Pack

View all tours

Other Popular tours and things to do in Manchester

Manchester is a great city for museums, nightlife and sightseeing. Here are some other things to do in and around Manchester.

Imperial War Museum North

Imperial war museum.

Just across the water from our Salford Quays landing stage, the Imperial War museum provides a multimedia experience and explores the impact of modern conflict on people and society.

People's History Museum

People's history musuem.

Just a two minute walk from our City Centre pick up, this makes a great addition to a day out with our City River Tour

Old Trafford Museum & Stadium Tour

Manchester united experience.

Take a tour of one of the UK’s largest & most famous stadiums and see where dreams are made. Just ten to fifteen minute walk from our Salford Quays stop, a great option for those wanting to hop off on our City River Tour

EXPLORE WITH US

Manchester Ship Canal, Rivers Irwell & Weaver

 Discover our Top tours from £9 per adult

We have a number of different tours and event throughout the year for all age groups

Private hire for tours and parties

Manchester River Cruises provides a unique venue for hosting your event. From birthday parties, wedding receptions or private tours for your group, Manchester River Cruise is the premier boat company in the Northwest.

+70 Passengers

Depending on your event we can host 70+ guests

+Catering available for all Private Functions

Local caterers South Catering or Impact Catering can provide the perfect buffet for your event. You are also welcome to provide your own catering but not drinks.

DJ or Live Music

We can host a number of different entertainment options for your event from DJ’s to live acts. We work with agents Unit One Entertainment who have a number of great acts on their books for your party.

Take a tour with us!

Come with us to gain a unique view of Manchester as we cruise along the city’s historical waterways.

• 1 Select your preferred tours
• 2 Purchase tickets online
• 3 tickets are emailed to you

Klopp farewell tour fizzling out as Liverpool struggle to keep up momentum

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Ohtani breaks record for most home runs by a Japanese player

Shohei Ohtani surpassed Hideki Matsui to become the Japanese-born player who has hit the most home runs in Major League Baseball history after the Dodgers slugger launched to right field in the third inning on Sunday.

Arizona Diamondbacks impromptu starter Slade Cecconi, on the mound after Merrill Kelly's appearance was scratched due to injury, led his team to a 5-3 victory Sunday at San Francisco.