canal trips yorkshire

Hebden Bridge Cruises

•   07966 808717

Scenic Canal Boat Trips and Dining Cruises in the beautiful Calder Valley

Now offering a taste of Yorkshire platter served throughout the day and for evening dinner cruises at 5 and 7pm

We no longer offer Sunday lunches 

Welcome to Hebden Bridge Cruises

We are closed until the 16th September because we’re off on holidays. Any enquiries will be answered then.

  Stop  the world and get off and come onboard lovely Gracie, a traditional narrowboat.  

Treat yourself to a relaxing and scenic cruise along the Rochdale canal in the heart of the Calder Valley with our all female crew.

Book just for the cruise or enjoy a cream tea, afternoon tea or a taste of Yorkshire platter, as you relish in the tranquillity and beautiful scenery. Spot the multitude of wildlife whilst listening to informative commentary about the fascinating history of the canal, Hebden Bridge and surrounding areas

Everyone loves a party, and you can have yours onboard, from hen and stag parties, to birthdays, or anything else you want to celebrate. For groups over 8 people you have the boat to yourselves. Book in the evening for a 1.5hr cruise through a lock. Longer cruises can be arranged.

Our parties aren’t just for the adults, we do children’s parties too, so if you fancy something different we have various packages available. Please give me a ring or email with your inquiries.

As there’s so much history, wildlife and wonderful scenery we offer educational,  and informative cruises, so children can learn outside of the classroom.  We have a risk assessment in place and I’m also DBS checked.

Alternatively vouchers are available as a wonderful present for those special people in your life

Choose your cruise and book now or buy a voucher

Check us out on Facebook   for the latest reviews and images.

JUST THE CRUISE

 That’s it! No frills or whistles!

Taste of Yorkshire

Locally sourced charcuterie and cheeses, chutney, bread and crackers served on our evening cruises or throughout the day. Veg and vegan platters available

TEA CRUISES

 Delicious home made scone with fresh cream and strawberry jam along with a pot of Yorkshire Tea served in our vintage china tea service or go for the full monty and have an afternoon tea

CELEBRATION CRUISES

W hy not charter our narrowboat Gracie for that special celebration? Come on one of our scheduled trips or at a time that suits you. Different menus and cruise lengths available.  

Routes for Everyone

Below we show some examples of routes which our customers enjoy. Distances and times shown (for guidance) are for the return trip. You can vary the distance to suit you, because there are plenty of turning points ('winding holes') marked in the guides on your boat. Information we provide about specific waterways or suggested routes is for general reference only. Please see more about route availability .

Weekend breaks from Sowerby Bridge

Forget your frantic normal life as you concentrate on suddenly-important things such as which pub to have lunch at. From 1pm Friday to 9am Monday.

Midweek breaks from Sowerby Bridge

Enter the secret world of the waterways. you climb through stunning scenery and stop in pretty towns. From 1pm Monday to 9am Friday

Weeks from Sowerby Bridge

Explore the Calder Valley, with welcoming pubs, stunning scenery, stone-built towns and friendly people. Starting Friday, Saturday or Monday 1pm

Longer trips from Sowerby Bridge

In 10 days or a fortnight, you can see much more of the Yorkshire waterways. Roam further afield - or simply unwind. Starting Friday, Saturday or Monday

Short breaks from Barnoldswick

Relax on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, all sheep and stone walls. From 1pm Friday to 9am Monday, or 1pm Monday to 9am Friday

Weeks from Barnoldswick

Relax in glorious scenery, visit Skipton, with its romantic castle and thriving market, or go as far as the Bingley 5 Rise. Starting Friday or Monday 1pm

Routesfor experienced boaters

One way trips

Experienced boaters love our trips across the Pennines by any of the three trans-Pennine canals - return by minibus. We are the one-way specialists.

Three unforgettable canal journeys for enthusiasts, each crossing the Pennines twice - from 11 days to 3 weeks. Plus a special way of doing the Cheshire Ring. Starting in Sowerby Bridge or Barnoldswick.

Adventure holidays

Sheffield, Goole, York, Liverpool - if you know your canals, you'll know that these are amazing destinations. If your crew are really serious boaters, we can get you there.

• Boats / Availability
• Training as part of holiday

Prices and Availability

Beginners welcome, one way cruising, pet friendly.

• Leeds Liverpool Canal
• Contact / Downloads

Training and Holidays on 

Little DUKE 10’ x 45’ widebeam

nemoNOO  10' x 58' widebeam

See the boat details here

That’s how jessicaBOO was described on the front page of Waterways World.

Read the article here

The premier training centre in the North of England. Located on the Leeds Liverpool Canal

View details

Check out the availabillity of our boats

Widebeam or Narrowboats all our barges offer unrivalled quality for the more discerning charter

All our boats are competitively priced even though they are superior to conventional hire boats

RYA Training

Standalone courses or part of your holiday on narrowboats or widebeams

Available on all our boats between Apperley Bridge and Barnoldswick

Pets are welcome. After all, our boats are named after our newfoundland dogs

Beginners can book in confidence by incorporating an RYA training course as part of your holiday

Welcome To bearBOATING

Luxury Canal Boat Holiday Hire in North East England based on the Leeds Liverpool Canal. 

If you've not considered becoming a “bearBOATER”, then you really should. Our luxurious canal boats are made with incredible attention to detail and with the finest decor and bespoke fittings. They are kitted out with the latest technology, including internet connection and wireless music speakers. If you are looking for a Luxury Canal Boat Holiday on widebeam or narrowboat then look no further. 

On one of our canal boat holidays you will cruise the most scenic section of the beautiful and tranquil Leeds Liverpool Canal as it winds its way through the Yorkshire Dales. Take in the delights of Saltaire UNESCO World Heritage village and the iconic Bingley Five Rise Locks. Visit Skipton and its wonderful Castle. We also offer the option of a one way cruise so you get to explore more of this beautiful british canal.

Thoroughly recommended

We spent 4 days on the mollyMoo and invested in the helmsman course for the first two, which was well worth it. Boat was luxurious and Andy's tuition was spot on. Thoroughly recommended!

A fabulous hire boat

A fabulous hire boat & the best handover ever from Andy & Mark on day one. The boat really is very special - beautifully finished & equipped with everything you need for a luxury holiday especially if, like us, you enjoy cooking a few meals for quiet nights on board

Luxury on the canal

We had an excellent time on jessicaBOO on the Leeds to Liverpool canal, cannot recommend this enough. Andy was brilliant teaching us all how to navigate her first... Luxury on the canal.

We will be back

We will be back... with our shiny, new RYA Helmsman Certificates for another fabulous holiday!

For Further Information Call 07969 901383

Narrowboat Nomad

Canal Holidays in Yorkshire: A Guide to Exploring the Region’s Waterways

Canal holidays in Yorkshire offer a unique and relaxing way to explore the region’s stunning countryside. With over 200 miles of navigable waterways, visitors can travel through picturesque towns and villages, tranquil countryside, and historic landmarks.

The canals of Yorkshire are rich in history, with many dating back to the Industrial Revolution. They were once bustling trade routes, transporting goods such as coal, wool, and textiles. Today, they offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, with narrowboats providing a comfortable and cosy base for exploring the region.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, canal holidays in Yorkshire offer something for everyone. With plenty of opportunities for cycling, walking, and fishing, as well as visiting local pubs and restaurants, a canal holiday is the perfect way to experience the beauty and charm of Yorkshire at a leisurely pace.

Canal Holidays in Yorkshire

Boating experience.

Canal holidays in Yorkshire provide an unforgettable boating experience for all. Whether you are an experienced boater or a first-timer, the narrowboats offer a unique way to explore the waterways of Yorkshire. The boats are easy to handle and come with all the necessary amenities to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable. The crew will provide lock instruction and training to ensure you have a smooth and safe journey.

Routes and Navigation

Yorkshire has a variety of canal routes to choose from, each with its own unique sights and scenery. The Pennine canals offer a journey through the Yorkshire Dales and the Pennines , while the Leeds and Liverpool canal takes you through the heart of Lancashire. One-way trips are also available, allowing you to explore more of the northern waterways. Navigation is made easy with clear signposting and maps provided on board.

Availability and Booking

Canal holidays in Yorkshire are available throughout the year, with short breaks and longer trips available to suit your schedule. Boat hire is available from companies such as Pennine Cruisers and Shire Cruisers , with a range of narrowboats to choose from. Gift vouchers are also available, making it the perfect present for any occasion. To check availability and make a booking, simply visit the company’s website or contact them directly.

Overall, canal holidays in Yorkshire offer a unique way to explore the waterways of the north , with a rich history and stunning scenery to enjoy along the way.

Yorkshire Canals and Waterways

Yorkshire is home to a vast network of canals and waterways that offer scenic and peaceful canal holidays. The region’s waterways are perfect for narrowboat cruises, providing a unique way to explore the beautiful countryside and charming towns of Yorkshire.

Leeds-Liverpool Canal

The Leeds-Liverpool Canal is one of the longest canals in the UK, stretching over 127 miles from Leeds to Liverpool. The canal offers a mix of industrial heritage and stunning natural beauty, making it a popular choice for canal holidaymakers. The canal route passes through South Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Pennine Canals.

Pennine Canals

The Pennine Canals are a series of interconnected canals that traverse the Pennine Hills. The canals offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Yorkshire, with stunning views of the rolling countryside and charming towns along the way. The Pennine Canals include the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Rochdale Canal, and the Peak Forest Canal.

The River Aire is a beautiful waterway that runs through the heart of Yorkshire. The river offers a peaceful and scenic route for canal boats, with plenty of sights to see along the way. The river passes through the historic town of Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the picturesque village of Gargrave.

Navigating the locks along the canals is an enjoyable experience for both experienced boaters and first-time crews. One-way trips are available, allowing holidaymakers to explore different parts of Yorkshire without having to return to their starting point.

There are plenty of restaurants and pubs along the canal route, offering a chance to sample local cuisine and enjoy the local hospitality. One of the most popular sights along the route is the Bingley Five Rise Locks, a staircase of five locks that raise boats 18 meters in just a quarter of a mile. The Foulridge Tunnel is another notable landmark along the canal, measuring over 1.5 miles in length.

Overall, canal holidays in Yorkshire offer a unique and relaxing way to explore the region’s stunning scenery and historic landmarks. Reviews of the waterways are overwhelmingly positive, with many holidaymakers returning year after year to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the northern waterways.

Boating Holidays in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is a beautiful county in the north of England, and one of the best ways to explore its stunning scenery is by taking a boating holiday on its canals. Narrowboats are the ideal vessel for navigating the region’s waterways, and there are numerous routes to choose from.

Short Breaks

Short breaks are a popular option for those who want to experience canal holidays in Yorkshire without committing to a longer journey. These typically last for three or four nights and cover a distance of around 20-30 miles. Popular routes for short breaks include the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which takes in the stunning World Heritage Site of Saltaire, and the Rochdale Canal, which passes through the Pennines.

One Way Trips

For those who want to explore more of the region, one way trips are a great option. These allow you to travel along a canal route in one direction, before returning by train or taxi. Popular one way trips in Yorkshire include the journey from Skipton to Leeds along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which takes in the famous Bingley Five Rise Locks and the Foulridge Tunnel.

Canal Rings

Canal rings are circular routes that allow you to explore a variety of sights and scenery without retracing your steps. The Pennine Ring is one of the most popular canal rings in Yorkshire, taking in the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, the Rochdale Canal, and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. This route covers a distance of around 130 miles and takes approximately one week to complete.

When it comes to boat hire, there are a number of companies to choose from, including Pennine Cruisers and Shire Cruisers. Both offer a range of narrowboats to suit different group sizes and budgets, and experienced boaters will find navigating the canals straightforward thanks to the clear navigation and lock systems.

Availability can be limited during peak periods, so it’s advisable to book your canal holiday in advance. There are plenty of restaurants and pubs along the canal route where you can enjoy a meal or a drink, and the region’s northern waterways offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Reviews from previous canal boating enthusiasts often highlight the beauty of the scenery, the peacefulness of the journey, and the friendliness of the crew. Whether you’re looking for a short break or a longer journey, a canal holiday in Yorkshire is a unique and enjoyable way to explore this stunning part of England.

Yorkshire Villages and Pubs

Skipton and surrounding villages.

Yorkshire is known for its picturesque villages and stunning scenery, and Skipton is no exception. Located in South Yorkshire, Skipton is a popular starting point for canal holidays. From here, experienced boaters can navigate the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which winds its way through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

As you cruise through the countryside, you’ll come across a number of charming villages that are well worth a visit. One such village is Gargrave, which is just a short distance from Skipton. Here, you’ll find a number of traditional pubs and restaurants, serving up hearty Yorkshire fare.

Another village that’s worth a visit is Kildwick, which is home to the historic Fleece Inn. This traditional pub has been serving customers for over 300 years, and is a great place to stop for a pint and some food.

Pubs and Restaurants

When it comes to pubs and restaurants, Yorkshire has plenty to offer. Whether you’re looking for traditional pub grub or something a bit more sophisticated, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.

One popular pub in Skipton is The Woolly Sheep Inn , which is located just a short walk from the canal. This traditional pub serves up a range of real ales and classic pub dishes, such as fish and chips and steak and ale pie.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket, The Devonshire Arms in Bolton Abbey is a great choice. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves up modern British cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients.

Overall, Yorkshire is a great destination for canal holidays. With its stunning scenery, charming villages, and great pubs and restaurants, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice among boaters.

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• Heart of England Canals
• South Midlands Canals
• NW England and Welsh Canals
• Yorkshire Waterways
• Potteries & Peak District Canals
• Map of the UK Canals

Yorkshire Canals

Suggested trip details below the map

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Definitely a canal with a split personality!

Across its summit, around Skipton and Silsden, the grandeur of the canal is matched only be the rugged pennine scenery.  The landscape of drystone walls is mirrored in the simple canal architecture.   This contrasts with the Yorkshire Canals and the monumental features of the famed Bingley Five Rise locks. Plus there is the ‘Straight Mile’ in Burnley – a high embankment crossing the Calder Valley.

The Aire & Calder Canal

Following the Aire Valley into Leeds is without doubt the finest entrance into the city, and after exploring the revitalised canal wharves, the Aire and Calder beckons.    This remains a successful commercial waterway and is becoming increasingly popular for pleasure boating.   Electrically operated locks make life easier, and the tankers and coal boats offer a reminder that canal transport still makes environmental sense.

The Rochdale Canal

Restored to the main system in 1996, the Rochdale Canal climbs out of Sowerby Bridge sheltered in the Calder Valley with intoxicating moorland scenery on either side.    Climbing steadily, the canal reaches a high point of 600 feet (the summit of the entire canal network) before dropping down to Littleborough, across the border with Lancashire.   Take a break from the locks and explore a section of the Pennine Way. Alternatively savour the Victorian heritage of fine mill towns such as Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.

Not To Be Missed

Skipton;   a fine Georgian town with Norman Castle.

Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds;   opened in 1996, this canalside museum is probably the finest example of an interactive journey through the development of weaponry down the ages.

Henry Moore Sculpture Centre, Leeds;   proving once again that not all the best galleries are in London, this centre features fine work from Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Jacob Epstein.

Tetley Brewery Wharf, Leeds;   a trip into the history of that British institution, the Pub, and the brewery tour.

  Yorkshire canals   Boating holidays with Shire Cruisers

• Short breaks
• Availability

Boating holidays of a week or more

It would take you many boating holidays to discover all that the Yorkshire and Pennine canals and rivers have to offer (we're lucky to have many loyal customers doing just that).

Here are some sample routes to get you planning. You'll find lots more if you 'click for routes' on the availability search results.

Sample route from Sowerby Bridge

Day 2 – The locks seem easier the second day, and you travel happily down to Brighouse. After shopping in the canalside Sainsburys, pen down into the river. Now you sail sometimes on river, sometimes on canal, and the valley gradually widens round you. A good day will bring you down to  the Navigation pub at Horbury Bridge, with good moorings and a garden.

Day 3 – Go down through Wakefield, sailing by the new Hepworth gallery - save your visit for the return journey. Have lunch at The Stanley Ferry Inn on the canal side, much liked by our crews. Spend the night at Castleford.

Day 4 – Travel a short distance along the main line of the Aire & Calder Navigation. You may see a huge tanker on its way to Leeds, taking many lorries off the road, and coexisting cheerfully with pleasure craft. Turn off and enter yet another world, meandering down the River Aire, then turning onto the sleepy Selby Canal. Lots of wildlife to spot. Moor overnight in Selby, with a good choice of places to eat.

Day 5 – Visit the abbey and market in the morning, then head back to Stanley Ferry for another pleasant evening.

Day 6 – Stop in Wakefield to visit the Hepworth, in its stunning building. Permanent and visiting exhibitions of sculpture. Move on to Shepley Bridge, and visit the Ship Inn, a Hungry Horse pub.

Day 7 – Back through Brighouse and say goodbye to the river you have followed for so long. Travel up the last few miles of canal, and moor in the Halifax arm, eating in the Water Mill. Next morning, a short sail with no locks brings you back to the yard for 9  am, and the end of a memorable journey.

Sample route from Barnoldswick Bingley and back 52 miles 30 locks 30 hours

Day 2 - The canal now enters deep countryside, and you are surrounded by hills, sheep and stone walls. Over the stone walls you may see another boat on what seems a parallel canal, heading the same way. Then you meet on a hairpin corner and return along the other side of the valley. Bank Newton's charming locks wind down the side of the hill and lead you to Gargrave, with good moorings and a choice of pubs.

Day 3 - Finish the flight, and enter swing bridge country. You soon find the rythm for these simple bridges, and arrive in Skipton, gateway to the Dales. Super fish and chips, busy canal basin, bustling market and of course the castle, with a breathtaking view of the canal far below its ramparts. After shopping, head for the White Lion at Kildwick.

Day 4 - Keep along the side of the valley, with extensive views through the trees. Arrive at the top of the Bingley 5 rise, staircase locks. Meet the lock keepers, and watch boats going through, but your own trip must wait for amother holiday. Turn and head back to Bridge 197A. Moor and walk to East Riddlesden Hall NT, a 17th century manor house.

Day 5 - In the morning, catch the bus to Keighley and go on the steam train (of Railway Children fame) to Haworth, and walk up the steep cobbled hill to the Bronte parsonage. Then back to the boat, and stay at Skipton overnight.

Day 6 - The valley and hills look quite different on your return journey. After some time in Skipton, perhaps picking up that treasure you resisted on your first visit, head for Gargrave. Moor at the Anchor - or go a little beyond, and enjoy a board game.

Day 7 - Go back up the locks, sharing with another boat if you can to save water. Meander through East Marton, perhaps stopping at the Abbott's Harbour café at Bridge 162. Then the last three locks bring you onto the summit. Turn the boat round, and moor at the Anchor at Salterforth. On your last morning, a short trip takes you in to Barnoldswick to hand the boat back.

When and where

• Weeks run from Friday, Saturday or Monday.
• All holidays start at 1400 and finish at 0900.
• Weeks and fortnights are out and back from Sowerby Bridge or Foulridge.
• Boats available from 2 to 10 berth.
• Many boats have free places for children.

This website concentrates on opportunities for first timers. Our other site has one way canal routes , rings and other canal holidays for crews with a little (or a lot of) experience.

Welcome aboard Titus!

Join us on board the narrowboat Titus and enjoy a relaxing 30-minute cruise along a beautiful stretch of the historic Leeds and Liverpool Canal in the World Heritage Site of Saltaire.  The fare is just £5.00 per passenger.  There is no need to book - you can just turn up.  If you fancy a longer cruise, a private trip costs just £80.00 per hour for up to 12 passengers - either click here or contact us for details.  We are also available for school trips - either click here or contact us for details. 25% Off Monday -Friday 1 and 2 hour booking ALL TRIPS WEATHER PERMITTED. 

When do we operate?

To find out when we are running, click here .

Where are we?

We are located on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in the World Heritage Site of Saltaire (Bradford, West Yorkshire), at the bottom of Victoria Road, only two minutes' walk from the iconic Salts Mill and the railway station.  If the boat is not there when you arrive, just look for our A-board on the canal towpath to see the time of the next trip.  Our postcode is BD18 3LA - this is provided to help you locate us; please do not use it for mailing purposes, as no mail can be delivered to the boat.

Titus is a semi-traditional narrowboat.  On board, you'll find a comfortable cabin while in the bow there's a covered deck where you can take photographs or just let the world go by.

SALTAIRE  TRIP  BOAT

Hotel Boat Holidays

Canal cruises yorkshire and lancashire, phone number: 07834 320 199.

• Canal Cruises
• Canal Cruises 2
• Canal Cruises 3

Yorkshire and Lancashire Canal Cruises

Lady Teal offer incredible canal cruises throughout the most beautiful parts of the Lancashire and Yorkshire landscapes. Ask about our hotel boat holidays today.

Lady Teal is the spectacular 5-star resort boat. It offers excellent fully catered and crewed cruises on England's canals and rivers. All cabins are totally en-suite. Our rates are all inclusive. Unlike numerous various other hotel boats, this includes all drinks. We also offer safe vehicle parking and licensed operator limos to or from your car.

Cruising the silent spectacular canals is remarkable. You can enjoy cruising through the Yorkshire Dales, the Lancashire countryside and more.  We feel so lucky to be doing this as owner operators. We welcome you to join us, unwind and go for walks. You can learn how to work the locks, bridges and helm the boat.  All this complete in a days holiday and you determine exactly what you do, hotel boats offer something for everybody.

Northern Canal and River System Cruises

We travel the Northern canal and river system. This includes Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Bridgewater Canal, Selby Canal, River Aire, The Calder, Aire & Calder and South Yorkshire waterways. Destinations of our cruises include the following locations:

• Bridgewater Marina
• Preston Brook
• New Springs
• Reedley Marina

Lady Teal was designed, by us, to be the 5 Star high-end Resort Boat.  This is how she is defined by Visit England. We are the widest resort boat on the system. Every guest cabin is en-suite. This offers you your own hand washbasin, flush toilet and a great shower all to yourself.

Call 07834 320 199 today to book your Hotel Boat Holidays in Yorkshire and Lancashire

Cruise price consists of:

• On board WiFi 
• Soft drinks
• Homemade cakes and cookies
• Chauffeur transfers to/from your vehicle or local public transport
• Hot beverages
• Four-course evening meal

Nick will talk with you about the history of the canals. We can share a few of the popular sayings that came from travellers on the canals.

Five Star Accommodation

5 for food hygiene, canal cruises .

We added many innovative style features right into Lady Teal. Many of our guests comment on our attention to detail and that is beautiful to hear. Our goal was to create a brand new style of boat hotel. We are leading the way for resort boats that others will use of as a design template to follow where we are leading.

At 60 foot long and 13 foot large Lady Teal has come to be a function of the marvellous Leeds and Liverpool canal. She is incredible. We may be prejudiced but all our visitors have said the same about our boat hotel too!

01252 796400

[email protected]

Find Your Canal Holiday

Boating holidays on the canals of northern england.

Hire a traditional narrowboat and explore the picturesque scenery of the Pennines cruising the Leeds Liverpool Canal to the North and the Calder & Hebble and Rochdale Canal to the South.

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal:

The Leeds & Liverpool Canal follows the contours of the land between the two cities, making its way through glorious views of the Yorkshire Dales and giving you the opportunity to navigate staircase locks and stop to visit mill towns with stone cobbled walls.

The Rochdale Canal:

The middle trans-Pennine canal, is only 33 miles long, but packs in a lot of locks! It was fully reopened in 2002. On the Yorkshire side, boaters cruise through romantic scenery and stone-built towns as they climb towards the summit. On the Lancashire side, the architecture gradually changes to red brick as you approach Manchester, with its bustling feel and canalside activities.

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal:

Re-opened in 2001, this canal is a spectacular combination of wooded countryside, views of the moors, and reminders of the textile industry, from weavers' cottages to giant mills (stone for wool, brick for cotton) now reused for today's needs. You will also discover Standedge Tunnel along this waterway, which is the longest and highest canal tunnel in Britain.

These three canals are linked on the Yorkshire side by river navigations. The Calder & Hebble is an old navigation, hidden in the trees. The Aire & Calder successfully mixes boaters on holiday with environmentally friendly bulk transport.

Our recommendations:

Week holidays: Explore Northern England on an 'out and back' holiday starting from Sowerby Bridge. You can go up the Rochdale towards the summit, then back down to Brighouse and beyond. Enthusiasts like to go right over to Rochdale and back. Or you can set off down the valley to Selby, or onto the L&L to Bingley - hard work but great fun. Experienced crews can do a good part of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

Alternatively if you are an experienced boater, why not try a one way trip. With a choice of three routes covering the Leeds Liverpool Canal, Rochdale Canal or Huddersfield Canal, a one way trip is a great way to explore this area of outstanding natural beauty. However, due to the amount of locks and bridges in this area, a one way option does require previous cruising experience including working locks.

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• English Canals
• Welsh Canals
• Scottish Canals
• Norfolk Broads
• Cottage holidays in Scotland

21 best canal boat trips in the UK

Watching the world go by from a narrowboat or barge may not be the fastest way to travel, but it’s a wonderful way to discover some of the UK’s most beautiful and interesting landscapes. Rolling countryside, quaint market towns, historic mill villages and UNESCO-listed industrial heritage – along with some truly cutting-edge modern additions to the canal network; you can see it all when you take these canal boat trips on Britain’s amazing inland waterways.

• Northern England
• Central England
• Southern England

Canal boat holidays

This post contains affiliate links – all that means is that if you buy something as a result of clicking on a link in the post, I’ll receive a small commission that helps me with the costs of running this site. Thanks!

Canal boat trips in northern England

Standedge tunnel, west yorkshire.

Let’s start this list of the best canal trips with something truly extraordinary. Standedge Tunnel, on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is the longest, highest, deepest canal tunnel in the UK, and you can take a guided canal boat trip inside its astonishing depths.

Boat trips into the Standedge Tunnel start from Tunnel End near the village of Marsden in West Yorkshire. They’re operated, like a few of the boat tours on this list, by the Canal and River Trust , a charity which looks after 2000 miles of inland waterways in England and Wales.

After your 30-minute journey into the tunnel, you can explore a small museum which describes the arduous building of the tunnel in the late 18th century, its decline when the railways came, how it was abandoned for decades and was finally brought back to life in 2001 thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers.

Read more about visiting Standedge Tunnel

Skipton, North Yorkshire

Skipton is a gorgeous market town at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. The Leeds and Liverpool canal arrived in Skipton in 1773, carrying coal, cloth and other cargo across the country from the ports at Liverpool and Hull (via the Aire and Calder Navigation).

Skipton is surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, and gliding through it on a canal boat trip is the perfect way to see it. From Skipton’s pretty marina in the centre of town, you can take a 1 hour trip to discover the canal, or 2 hour trips to enjoy an afternoon tea on the water.

If you’re thinking you might like to skipper your own boat for a canal boat holiday, a day cruise on the wide, lock-free stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool canal south of Skipton is a good place to perfect your skills. There’s even a handily-placed canalside pub for lunch.

The team at Skipton Boat Trips will give you all the tuition you need to take the helm of your hire boat with confidence, even if you’re a complete novice. If you love it, you can hire a boat for a short break canal holiday or a full week or more, depending on how many miles of waterways you want to explore.

Saltaire, West Yorkshire

15 miles south east of Skipton on the Leeds and Liverpool canal, you’ll find Saltaire. Saltaire is a picturesque model village built by Sir Titus Salt to house the workers from his enormous mill in hygienic, morally sound and intellectually improving surroundings.

Salts Mill and the village surrounding it are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of my favourite places to visit; the mill now holds an art gallery, interesting shops (including the most amazing bookshop) and cafes. Across the river, there’s a lovely park, and down on the canal you can buy ice creams from a barge and take 30-minute boat trips on the narrowboat Titus . Trips run from the end of March to the end of October.

Read more: visiting Salts Mill and Saltaire

Manchester owes a lot of its existence to canals. Canals allowed Manchester’s industrialists to bring raw materials into the city, along with coal to power the machines that would turn raw cotton into finished cloth.

At first, products were transported out of Manchester by barge on the Bridgewater Canal or later by rail, but this didn’t provide enough capacity for Manchester’s factories and mills.

This all changed when the Manchester Ship Canal opened in 1894, providing a wide channel all the way to the sea at Liverpool. Manchester became Britain’s 3rd busiest port, despite being 40 miles from the sea.

Taking a guided canal boat trip is a great way to understand the history of Manchester. Boat trips run along the Manchester Ship Canal and the navigable parts of the River Irwell, passing Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, Imperial War Museum North and the Lowry, plus the old Pomona docks. You can book your Manchester river and canal tour here .

Burscough, Lancashire

After the drama of the route across the Pennines, the Leeds and Liverpool canal spends its last few miles before arriving in Liverpool meandering across the west Lancashire landscape. This part of northern England is full of small towns and huge skies, and spending a couple of hours on the water is the perfect way to see it.

Lancashire Canal Cruises operate two cruises from Burscough, a small town near Ormskirk and Southport.

Ashton under Lyne, Greater Manchester

Ashton under Lyne is just to the east of Manchester, and the town’s Portland canal basin marks the point where the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the Peak Forest Canal meet and the Ashton Canal begins its journey to Manchester city centre.

The 1800s canal warehouse at Portland Basin has been turned into a lively family museum with recreations of a 1920s street and the interior of a normal family home. There are also exhibitions on the history of Ashton’s three canals. Outside the museum, the Tameside Canal Boat Trust operate seasonal trips on the Ashton Canal on their narrowboat Still Waters .

Northwich, Cheshire

Together with the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland, the Anderton Boat Lift is one of the most impressive sights on Britain’s canal network and is the world’s oldest working boat lift. The boat lift was built in 1875 to lift cargo boats 15 metres up in the air from the River Weaver to the Trent and Mersey Canal and is still operational today.

You can experience the “cathedral of the canals” for yourself with a canal boat trip on the Edwin Clark , named after the engineer who built this amazing structure. The Anderton Boat Lift is having some refurbishment work done at the moment but boat trips are expected to resume after Easter 2023.

Ellesmere Port, Cheshire

The transhipment dock at Ellesmere Port, where the River Mersey, Manchester Ship Canal and Shropshire Union Canal all meet, used to be a noisy, bustling spot at the height of the Industrial Revolution, but it’s now a peaceful spot for a family day out. The warehouse is now home to one of the Canal and River Trust’s three museums. The museum is a fascinating place to visit, with regularly-changing exhibitions, special events and themed “Canal Sundays” during the summer months.

Wirral Community Narrowboat Trust run occasional canal boat trips from the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port. If there’s a group of you, you might want to hire one of their barges and skippers for a longer trip – they have a range of full day and short day options from £125, some of which stop off at canalside pubs for lunch.

Canal boat trips in central England

Cromford, derbyshire.

Cromford is a village on the edge of the Peak District and home to one of the great wonders of the industrial revolution, the huge Cromford Mills complex. Built in 1771 by the inventor and industrialist Sir Richard Arkwright, Cromford Mills was the first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill.

Like Sir Titus Salt in Saltaire, Arkwright built a village to house his workers, and today Cromford is a lovely place to visit, with shops, cafes, a large mill pond and quaint streets. The UNESCO-listed mill has a museum about the mills, plus craft workshops and more shops and cafes.

The 14.5 mile long Cromford Canal was critical to the success of Arkwright’s mills, but it also carried people! An enterprising man named Nathaniel Wheatcroft started the first “fly” boat service from here, carrying passengers to Nottingham twice a week.

Boat trips from Cromford Basin run on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and take a 2 hour route from Cromford Wharf to Leawood Pumphouse and back on board the narrowboat Birdswood . There’s also an occasional option for a premium cruise which includes refreshments and a guided tour of the historic places to visit along the route, including Leawood Pumphouse and High Peak Junction, where you can see the oldest extant railway workshop in the world. You can book both the regular and the premium tour on the Friends of Cromford Canal’s website .

Lincoln, Lincolnshire

The oldest canal in Britain is the Fosse Dyke Canal, which was built by the Romans to link Lincoln to the River Trent, and from there to the North Sea. Lincoln is a beautiful cathedral city, and spending a relaxing hour on this historic canal is a lovely way to see the wider area.

You can take a guided boat trip along the Fosse Dyke on the Brayford Belle which operates between Easter and October each year. The Brayford Belle has two decks, the lower one with central heating and the upper one with outside seating and a fantastic view.

Birmingham famously has more miles of canals than Venice or Amsterdam – over 35 miles of them. The canals arrived in Birmingham in 1768, and grew to a peak of 160 miles of canal across the city. Canals were essential to fuel Birmingham’s growth during the industrial revolution, bringing in raw materials and coal, and sending out finished goods.

You can explore Birmingham’s history by taking a canal boat trip with Brindley Cruises or Sherborne Wharf . Routes cover part of the original James Brindley Canal, a section of Telford’s New Main Line (revolutionary for its time) and Gas Street Basin. If you’re visiting Birmingham at Christmas, you can even take a “Search for Santa” canal trip.

Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire

The Stratford-upon-Avon canal runs from the outskirts of Birmingham to the heart of historic Stratford, Shakespeare’s home town. The canal was built to transport coal from the Midlands down to Oxford and London, without needing to use the network through Birmingham. The route was near-derelict by the 1930s, but was rescued thanks to the efforts of the Inland Waterways Association, the National Trust and local volunteers.

Today, the 25 miles of the Stratford-upon-Avon canal is navigable again and visitors to Stratford can take 40 minute canal boat tours along the canal and the River Avon . Stratford’s resident swans often follow the boat, and there’s a good chance you’ll also see tufted ducks, herons, coots and perhaps a kingfisher too.

Dudley, West Midlands

Just as at Standedge, the main attraction for canal boat trips in Dudley is going underground. The Dudley Tunnel is the UK’s second-longest tunnel, but unlike Standedge, it isn’t continuous and instead emerges at points into canal basins.

The rock in this area is particularly rich in fossils and other geological features. The area was once heavily mined for its limestone, creating amazing caverns that the boat trip passes through. One of these, named the Singing Cavern, is even available for weddings!

Canal boat trips into Dudley Tunnel are run by the Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust . You can just turn up for the regular 45 minute trips or book online for longer trips. While you’re in the area, don’t miss a visit to the nearby Black Country Living Museum , which has a canal area featuring a collection of historic boats.

Banbury, Oxfordshire

The Oxford Canal meanders 78 miles from just north of Coventry, down through Rugby and Banbury and on until it meets the River Thames at Oxford.

While there are lots of river cruises on offer in Oxford itself, you’ll need to go to Banbury for canal boat trips on the Oxford Canal, unless you want a self-drive boat. Tooleys Boatyard Trust in Banbury offer regular, 40-minute canal boat trips on their day boat the Dancing Duck . Their Facebook page is the best place to check for boat trip times and dates.

Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

The Cotswolds are more famous these days for picturesque villages and trickling streams in a rolling, rural landscape, but there are canals here too. The Stroudwater Navigation opened in 1779 to link Stroud to the River Severn and from there to the sea. Ten years later, the Thames and Severn Canal opened, extending the route to the River Thames at Lechlade and providing a cross-country route.

Both the Stroudwater Navigation and the Thames and Severn Canal fell into decline, with sections being filled in, but the Cotswolds Canal Trust have worked tirelessly to bring parts back into use. It’s expected that the Stroudwater Navigation will join up with the national waterways network again in 2025.

The Cotswolds Canal Trust run canal boat trips on the navigable parts of the Stroudwater Navigation at the Saul visitor centre, Ebley Wharf and the Wallbridge Lock visitor centre. At Lechlade, you can take a boat trip on the River Thames from St John’s Lock to see the start of the old Thames and Severn Canal.

Canal boat trips in southern England

The Regent’s Canal in London is an 8.6-mile link between the Grand Union Canal near Paddington Station to the Limehouse Basin and River Thames near Canary Wharf.

The canal weaves its way prettily through some of North London’s most attractive and interesting areas, including Little Venice, Regent’s Park, Camden Town and the Coal Drops Yard area of Kings Cross.

Canal boat trips on the Regent’s Canal tend to run between Little Venice and Camden Town. On a tour with the London Waterbus Company you’ll be entertained by a commentary, which points out key sights along the route, including London Zoo, Maida Hill Tunnel and the homes of the rich and famous.

Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire

The Kennet and Avon Canal is one of the UK canal network’s most popular waterways. Stretching from the Bristol channel, through the beautiful city of Bath then on through Devizes, Hungerford, Newbury to the Thames at Reading, it’s an outstanding route, passing through quintessentially English countryside.

One of the most beautiful towns on the Kennet and Avon is Bradford-on-Avon. Bradford-on-Avon is 10 miles from Bath and the tow paths are a popular walk between the two. At Bradford-on-Avon you can take a canal boat trip on the impressively large Barbara McLellan , a 65ft wide-beam boat that seats 40 and is operated by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust.

From Bradford-on-Avon, the Barbara McLellan sails west to Avoncliff Aqueduct and east to Widbrook winding hole. There are also a range of themed cruises throughout the season.

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust have four other boats along the canal and also offer canal boat trips in Devizes , Hungerford , Newbury and Reading .

Canal boat trips in Wales

Llangollen, denbighshire.

The Llangollen Canal in North Wales is one of the most scenic canal trips in the UK, but you’ll need a good head for heights! The amazing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct soars over the valley of the River Dee and is the longest and highest canal aqueduct in the world. It was designed by the famous engineer Thomas Telford, who was also involved in building Standedge Tunnel.

You can walk along the tow path to see the view from the aqueduct, but for the full Pontcysyllte experience, complete with checking out the sheer drop from the side of the boat on the canal side, Llangollen Wharf offer both motor and horse-drawn canal trips over the aqueduct.

The 5 mile route can be done in either direction, starting at Llangollen or Froncysyllte (near the aqueduct). The journey takes two hours; for an extra cost you can enjoy afternoon tea onboard. At the end of the trip, a courtesy bus will take you back to where you started.

Brecon, Powys

The peaceful Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal (also known as the Mon and Brec) is one of the UK’s most scenic routes. 35 miles are currently navigable, and many of those are within the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Things weren’t always so quiet and serene around here though; the canal transported coal, stone and iron ore from the Welsh hillsides down to the iron works at Blaenavon (now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage site ) and other industrial sites in the area. Cruising along the canal today you can still see traces of its heritage including wharves and lime kilns.

If you’re visiting this lovely part of Wales, Dragonfly Cruises have public canal boat trips departing from Brecon canal basin and including a journey over the Brynich Aqueduct which takes the Mon and Brec over the River Usk. They can also provide a skipper and guide for a canal trip through the area’s picturesque villages.

Canal boat trips in Scotland

Inverness, highlands.

The Caledonian Canal runs for 60 miles across Scotland, from Inverness to Corpach near Fort William, connecting the lochs of the Great Glen; Loch Dochfour, Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. The man-made connections between the lochs were built by Thomas Telford and opened in the early 19th century.

You can take a combined cruise of the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness by joining a boat trip at Dochgarroch Lock. The trip will take you through the locks and on to Loch Douchfour, past the old Bona Lighthouse and into Loch Ness as far as Urquhart Castle. You can book online through online ticket seller Get Your Guide .

The Falkirk Wheel is one of the most impressive feats of engineering on the whole UK canal network. Opened in 2002, the Wheel is a rotating boat lift, the only one of its kind in the world. It connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.

The best way to see the Falkirk Wheel is to take a spin on it. Canal boat trips on the Falkirk Wheel take around 50 minutes. First you’ll go into the canal basin, then enter the Wheel’s gondola, ready to be lifted into the air as the Wheel rotates.

At the top, you’ll sail along the aqueduct, through the Roughcastle Tunnel and to the start of the Union Canal. The boat will turn round and take you back to the Wheel for another spin, this time back down to the canal basin.

If day trips aren’t enough for you, there are lots of companies offering canal boat hire, either to stay put and use the boat as a base, or to explore the UK’s miles of navigable waterways at your own pace on a narrow boat holiday.

VRBO has narrow boats, house boats and barges for rent with all the comforts of home, while specialist hire firms like Waterways Holidays have canal boat hire across the country. There are lots of local companies as well; if you’re interested in a particular starting point, you might like to talk to a local specialist who can advise you on canal routes and the best places of interest to see along the way.

Have you taken one of these canal boat trips, or have I missed out your favourite? Let me know in the comments.

Related posts

If you enjoyed this post, you might find these other posts interesting:

• Visiting Jodrell Bank, the UNESCO-listed radio telescope near Manchester
• 5 of my favourite heritage railways you can take a ride on
• Things to do in Whitby, a historic fishing town on the Yorkshire coast
• Visiting Thermae Bath Spa, the UK’s only naturally-heated thermal bath

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2 thoughts on “21 best canal boat trips in the UK”

A Great shame you did not include The Horse-Drawn Barge in Tiverton Devon as it is now one of the last Horse-Drawn Barges in Great Britain and operates Trips along the very beautiful Grand Western Canal.

Thanks Philip, that sounds amazing, I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in the south west 🙂

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Britain’s Longest, Highest And Deepest Canal Tunnel Is In Yorkshire

West Yorkshire’s famous canal trip, Standedge Tunnel, a series of four parallel tunnels through the Pennines is Britain’s longest, highest, deepest, and most unique experience for visitors. If you’re looking for something to do, then these deep dark tunnels are an exciting and fascinating place to visit in Yorkshire .

You can jump on board on one of the exciting boat trips and marvel at 19th-century engineering deep underneath the beautiful Pennine countryside as you travel through these incredible 200-year-old relics.

This year marks the 21st year since the rebirth of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the grand reopening of the Standedge Tunnel. After standing derelict for 50 years, it’s now one of the  seven wonders of the waterways  and a great family day out.

Found on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, you can enjoy a 30-minute trip on the waterway underneath the Pennines, which is listed as one of the Canal and River Trust’s Seven Wonders of the Waterways.

The tunnel took 16 years to build and was finished back in 1811. The tunnel is listed as one of the Canal and River Trust’s Seven Wonders of the Waterways.

How long is Standedge Tunnel?

It is nearly three-and-a-half miles long, 645 feet above sea level, and goes 638 feet underground. The last commercial trip through the tunnels was 100 years ago in 1921.

Why not enjoy a canalside stroll in the spectacular countryside or visit the museum gallery and the Watersedge Coffee House where you can enjoy a tasty lunch, with cakes, pastries and locally sourced Darkwoods Coffee

Vicky Levine, area operations manager for the Canal and River Trust which runs the attraction, said: “We’re delighted to be able to run boats into the tunnel again. Although we’ve had a lot of visitors to the site over recent months, it’s great people can experience in the tunnel itself once more.”

She added: “We want to ensure our guests have an enjoyable and safe experience at this historic attraction, so please follow all of the Covid safe precautions we have put in place.”

Standedge Visitor Centre note that children under six may not ride and that it is a maximum of 10 people per boat ride.

The tunnels have a link to the paranormal. Both staff and visitors have reported strange lights, unexplained sounds and even robed figures lurking in the tunnel’s depths. Official figures claim that 50 people died in the making of the tunnel that took 2,500 navvies to dig from Marsden, West Yorkshire to Diggle in Greater Manchester, according to The Mirror .

To find out more, or to book visit their Facebook page here .

Read More: 8 Breathtaking Natural Wonders You Have To Visit In Yorkshire

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Book Our Delicious Evening Fish And Chip Cruise!

Sunday Roast Dinner / Christmas Dinner Cruise

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 3 Hours
• Three-hour dinner cruise
• Fully stocked bar on board
• Roast Dinners are available March to November on Sundays (2-Course)
• Christmas Dinner are available November and December (3-Course)
• Gift cards available
• Vegetarian option available

A Floating Restaurant with Magnificent Views

Cruise along the Canal with a hot roast dinner being served right to your table. Gift vouchers for these trips make wonderful gifts and even better as a surprise!

Boarding begins just before 11am where our friendly crew will help you on board. Once at your table, sit back and relax, maybe order a drink from the bar and settle in for a special 3-hour cruise. Smell the scents from the galley and get ready for a wonderful dinner to be served to you. Locally sourced roast beef, new potatoes, classic roast potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, a duo of seasonal vegetables, and a jug of homemade gravy are served to you to enjoy at your table. Superb!

A delicious, seasonal dessert is then served, before you sit back, full up, and content!

There is a fully licensed bar onboard, serving alcoholic & soft drinks, spirits, wines, Prosecco, including excellent local bottled beer. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are also available for purchase.

Public Christmas Dinner Cruise

Come on board and enjoy the Christmas music, crackers and Christmas dinner! From the galley, a delicious 3-course meal is brought out to your table. We start with a homemade soup with croutons and fresh baked bread roll, followed by a traditional Roast Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings. Your choice of  Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce or seasonal dessert is then enjoyed before coffee and tea is served. It’s so much fun and an unusual venue for a Christmas Event!

Group Private Hire

Have a group of 25 or more? Why not hire the Dalesman exclusively for no additional cost. Subject to availability, your group can enjoy a 2-hour cruise or upgrade to a 3-hour cruise for just a small additional fee. Roast Dinner Cruise or Christmas Dinner Cruise for groups includes the same delicious food and are a 3-hour cruise.

To make your groups experience even better, members of your party can upgrade to a drinks package from just £15 per person. This unique cruise includes a selection of drinks for your group. This additional option is very popular with birthday parties and community get togethers.

Related Trips

• Calendar Mar - Nov
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

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.