canal boat trips in manchester

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Manchester River Cruises

Boat tours in manchester.

Set sail on a Manchester adventure with our guide to boat tours. Cruise along picturesque waterways, exploring the city's charm from a unique perspective. From scenic canal tours to dynamic river cruises, our curated recommendations promise a leisurely and informative journey. Enjoy iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and captivating narratives as you navigate Manchester's waters. Plan your aquatic escapade, and discover why boat tours are a must-experience, offering a refreshing and unforgettable way to explore the beauty of this dynamic city. Dive into the rich tapestry of Manchester's waterborne delights and create memories on a boat tour like no other.

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Bridgewater Cruises

Cruises on the Historic Bridgewater Canal

Our award winning, family run company offers cruises along the Bridgewater Canal in Boothstown, Worsley, Manchester. 

We have two boats the first is our restaurant boat 'Francis Egerton'. This is a luxury wide beam passenger vessel, fully licensed with onboard bar to provide a variety of private hire cruises for up to 30 people as well as public Afternoon Tea, Sunday Lunch, two Course Lunch and Festive Cruises for individuals, couples and smaller family groups.

Our second boat is our trip boat 'Lady Harriet' which is a luxury wide beam passenger vessel built with disabled access. Capable of accommodating up to 12 passengers she is available to hire exclusively for a variety of cruises. 

Our Experiences 

Afternoon Tea Cruises

Our afternoon tea is an excellent

way to enjoy a relaxing cruise

on the Historic Bridgewa ter Canal.

2 Hour Cruise

3 tired  Afternoon Tea

Unlimited tea or filter coffee 

Licenced bar onboard

Fully central heated

Two Course Lunch Cruises

Enjoy a beautiful two course

lunch, whilst we cruise the

 Bridgewater canal.

Two course lunch

Tea and coffee to finish

Sunday Lunch Cruises

Cruise the historic Bridgewater Canal whilst enjoying a fabulous

3 course lunch, freshly prepared onboard by our chef.

3 Hour Cruise

3 course Sunday Lunch 

Lady Harriet ​

Private Charter

Lady Harriet' is a luxury widebeam boat that can be booked for a 1.5, 2 or 3 hour cruise. She is perfect for a day out, family get together or celebrating that special occasion. The boat comes with a driver so you can sit back and relax or why not have a go at steering the boat with the guidance of your onboard skipper.

​Private hire for up to 12 people

Self catering

Have a go at steering the boat

Full kitchen facilities 

Indoor and outdoor seating

Toilet onboard

Disabled Access 

Restaurant Boat 

Francis Egerton 

Why not hire our luxury wide beam restaurant boat exclusively for up to

 30 passengers and experience a day to remember. Whether it is a birthday, anniversary, wedding reception, baby shower, retirement, hen party, coach/ group tour or any other special occasion.

Private Hire for up to 30 people

2-3 hour hire

Additional hours can be added

Various catering options: buffets, formal 2-3 course dinners or Afternoon Tea 

Fully licenced bar onboard

Mark one of life's special events onboard

3 hour hire

Choose from a three course wedding breakfast or afternoon tea

Full decoration of the interior and exterior

Gift Vouchers

Our Gift Vouch ers make the perfect gift!

Valid for 1 year from purchase date

Choose to gift an Afternoon Tea, Two course Lunch or Sunday Lunch cruise onboard our restaurant boat

Choose to gift a 1.5, 2 or 3 hour cruise onboard our trip boat Lady Harriet  

To redeem your gift voucher either book online by selecting your chosen date and entering your gift certificate code or contact us and book over the phone. 

Halloween Craft Cruises ​

(Ideal for the little ones)

Join us this October and book your very own private ghost ship exclusively for your group.

1 hour private Halloween cruise

Halloween Craft Activities for each child

Tea and coffee onboard

Drink for each child

Trick or treat bag goodie bag for each child

 Up to 12 people

Fully central heated 

Dates to be released July 2024

Festive Afternoon Tea

Our Festive Afternoon Tea is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit with family and friends whilst enjoying a two hour cruise

Festive Afternoon Tea served with tea, filter coffee or a mulled wine

Four Course Festive Lunch Cruises 

What better way to enjoy the Christmas celebrations than tucking into a four course Festive Lunch cruise freshly prepared by our onboard chef

4 course festive Meal 

Licensed bar onboard

Christmas Craft Cruises ​

Join us this Christmas and book your very own private Christmas themed boat trip exclusively for your group.

1 hour private Christmas cruise

Christmas Craft Activities for each child

Christmas Selection Box for each child

Easter Craft Cruises ​

Join us this Easter and book your very own private Easter themed boa t trip exclusively for your group.

1 hour private Easter cruise

Easter Craft Activities for each child

Easter Egg for each child

Up to 12 people

  Dates to be released January 2025

Trip Boat Lady Harriet

Private Charter / Self Catering

Restaurant Boat  Francis Egerton

Public Cruises / Private Charter 

Winner Best Canal Cruise Operator Northern England 2023

TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award Winners 2023

Winner Most Unique Family-Run Restaurant Northwest 2022

TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award Winners 2022

Winner Best Family Day Out Northwest England 2022

TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award Winners 2021

Winner of Best Canal Cruise Operator North 2021

Winner Leading Restaurant of the Year (Specialist) This is MCR Awards 201 9

River Cruise in Manchester

Manchester river cruise (1 hour).

Manchester Sightseeing Cruises - Princess Katherine

Book Tickets Now   

Relax with a Manchester boat trip between the city centre and Salford Quays.

Enjoy a relaxing river cruise floating down the river irwell and the historic ship canal between manchester city centre and the former manchester docks, now known as salford quays..

Board the Princess Katherine at Spinningfields in the city centre and listen to the onboard commentary as you enjoy this Manchester boat trip along the Irwell to Salford Quays for a 60-minute round trip. There are refreshments available onboard at the fully stocked bar, the perfect Manchester boat trip.

Cruise highlights See the Victoria & Albert Hotel, formerly a 19th-century riverside warehouse, George Stephenson’s 1830 Railway bridge and the striking new 2017 Ordsall Chord Bridge. Look out for the former Pomona Docks and Old Trafford football stadium, home to the world-famous Manchester United. At Salford Quays, admire the impressive glass and steel buildings of Media City including the ITV Studios which produce the long-running TV series ‘Coronation Street’. Don’t miss the BBC Studios, the Imperial War Museum North, Lowry Theatre and Gallery, the Millennium Bridge and striking new apartment blocks.

Timings  Regular* departures from Ralli Quay, opposite Manchester Spinningfields. Boarding is from the Salford side of the Irwell at Spinningfields, opposite the People’s History Museum and Dockyard Pub. Look out for the Manchester River Cruise flags on the riverside path that mark the boarding point.

The city centre boarding point is at Ralli Quay, which is opposite the People’s History Museum and Dockyard Pub.

Ralli Quay 3 Stanley Street Salford M3 5EJ

The nearest car park to the boarding point is the New Bailey MSCP, Salford. M3 5AY.

The boat docks at Salford Quays at Pier 8, beneath the Millennium footbridge, behind the Lowry Theatre.

* check river cruise website for latest sailing timetables, availability and latest information.

Discover more Sightseeing tours

Child (2-15 years)

DEPARTURE AND BOARDING POINTS

Boarding is from Ralli Quay, opposite the People’s History Museum and Dockyard Pub.

Departure from City Centre: 11:00 12:15 13:30 14:45

Optional drop off  at Manchester  Salford Qua ys: 11:30 12:45 14:00 15.15

Cruise ends Manchester: 12:00 13:15 14:30 15:45

Please ensure you arrive at least five minutes before stated departure time; the Princess Katherine cannot return to the quay once departed. Not all sailings run every day, please check the calendar for latest information.

Book Tickets

Click on the button below to visit our booking website and book tickets.

Book Now   

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Explore Manchester’s canals on a city cruise

Manchester, salford, trafford and beyond.

Choose from one of the city’s sightseeing cruises and get ready to discover Greater Manchester and its industrial history by boat.

Manchester is surrounded by miles of canals and waterways, built during England’s Industrial Revolution to allow coal to be transported into the heart of this great Northern city. Jump on board the City Centre Cruise from the docks at Castlefield Basin and watch Manchester, Trafford Park and Salford glide past you as you sail along the Manchester Ship Canal, Bridgewater Canal and River Irwell. You’ll see the MediaCityUK development site, the Imperial War Museum North and Old Trafford – home to Manchester United Football Club – as your boat navigates the locks and docks of Britain’s first canal. Those with time to spare can also experience Mersey Ferries’ Manchester Ship Canal Cruise, connecting the cities of Manchester and Liverpool along a 35 mile (56km) stretch of canal. The cruise lasts 6 hours and includes a fascinating commentary, departing from Salford Quays. Manchester is 2 hours 10 minutes from London by train.

Content provided by Visit Manchester

• Find out more about Manchester city cruises and plan your visit
• Find more tours and trails in Manchester

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• Email Address [email protected]
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Manchester Ship Canal

• Detailed Overview
• Tour Itinerary
• Pick-up Points
• Departure Dates

Enjoy a relaxing day out cruising along the historic Manchester Ship Canal. As you travel along the canal, take in some spectacular scenery and enjoy a lively commentary from the on-board Blue Badge Guide telling the story of how this magnificent waterway shaped the city of Manchester and the North West of England. The cruise will pass through locks and bridges that have remained largely unchanged since their construction over 100 years ago, and show you some of the region's most stunning architectural and natural sights.

The Manchester Ship Canal Cruise by Mersey Ferries will sail from Liverpool and the Wirral, travel along the captivating Manchester Ship Canal to the historic Latchford Locks and back, giving you the opportunity to experience a round-trip in the same day.

INCLUDED IN THIS TRAVEL PACKAGE

Mersey Ferries Manchester Ship Canal Cruise

Return coach travel from your local pick up point

Please CLICK HERE to view the booking conditions for ou r day excursions

Travel Arrangements

We travel to Birkenhead where we board a Mersey Ferries boat to begin our Manchester Ship Canal cruise. Relax as you travel under bridges mostly unchanged since they were built over 125 years ago and experience the rich legacy of Victorian architecture and engineering masterpieces like the Grade II listed Runcorn Rail Bridge and the Latchford High Level Bridge. At Latchford Locks the ferry will turn and start the return journey back to Liverpool and Wirral. As you sail back along the canal, through Eastham Locks into the River Mersey, you will get a breath-taking view of the Mersey Estuary and Liverpool's UNESCO World Heritage Waterfront in the distance. Enjoy the incredible panoramic views of the stunning coastline, Liverpool's famous skyline and historic buildings. The cruise will last between 5-6 hours and upon your return to Birkenhead, our coach will be waiting to commence the return journey home.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

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Pick-up Point Times

To make an online booking, please first select the number of passengers required in the dropdown menu below, then click the shopping trolley icon in the Book Now column. If the shopping trolley icon is unavailable, online booking is not currently available for this departure. Please call our reservations team on 01286 675175 or use the Call Back facility and a member of our team will be happy to assist.

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Description

Our city centre stop is closing from 27th nov all trips will be from salford quays, city river & canal tour.

Hop aboard the Princess Katherine for one of our boat trips around the Salford Quays and Manchester Ship Canal.  This 60/70 min river tour gives you an insight into the history of the area and a unique view of Manchester including Media City, Old Trafford and the disused dry docks.

Salford Quays  is quickly becoming a must do on the list of Manchester’s place to be with the  Imperial War Museum , Lowry Arts Theatre, BBC & Granada studios as well as the Lowry Outlet and a host of bars and restaurants it’s the perfect place to spend the day.

Tea and coffee is available on all our sightseeing boat trips, or you can choose something stronger from the fully stocked bar while you cruise along the waterway. 

Sights to see and what’s included

All tickets are return from Salford Quays and the trips include English commentary about the history of the Manchester Ship Canal and the surrounding area.

• Old Trafford Football Ground
• Stephenson’s 1830 Bridge
• Mode Wheel Locks
• Fully stocked bar serving teas, coffees or something stronger
• Outside seating available on first come first served basis
• Purpose built Dutch style sightseeing boat
• Tickets available on board (check below calendars for available dates and times) 

Accessibility

The Princess Katherine does not have disabled access. There is one step up and four steps down in order to board the vessel. We are not able to accommodate full size prams , children’s buggies will need to be folded down prior to boarding.

The Princess Katherine is fully heated, equipped with an onboard licenced bar and two toilets.

The Princess Katherine has booth seating for six to a table, for bookings of two you may share a booth with another couple, bookings of four or six have a booth to themselves. You are welcome to sit in the outside if you wish.

Departure Point

We are currently only operating the Salford Quays departure point – https://manchesterrivercruises.com/salford-quays/

All sailings are subject to the weather and the levels of the River Irwell . Tickets entitle the holders to round trip from point of embarkation. If passengers decide to disembark the vessel, return trip is subject to availability.

Please check above calendars for available trips and daily schedule.

Gift Vouchers - If you have a gift voucher from prior to March 2022 please email us with your voucher code to receive a replacement.

Activities and Experiences | Travel

The Stunning Canal Boat Cruises with added Gin, Afternoon Tea, Tapas & Wine!

Spend a few hours on the stunning waterways of Lancashire...

By Manchester's Finest | 20 July 2021

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There’s nothing more relaxing than exploring the region’s many beautiful waterways and canals, slowly drifting past picturesque towns and villages, meandering through stunning greenery and best of all – stopping off for a few pints in a cracking countryside pub.

Around Manchester though you’re pretty much limited to the Manchester Ship Canal or the Rochdale Canal, which, if we’re being honest, aren’t as picturesque as you’d expect.

No, you need to go a little bit further out to get the most out of your canal cruise, which is why a little trip up to Lancashire should be on the cards.

Starting things off in the tiny village of Riley Green, Canal Boat Cruises offer up leisurely canal cruises on their charming luxury narrowboat called ‘Romance’, who will take you down the picturesque 200 year old Leeds & Liverpool Canal, which offers up 127 miles of walking, boating, wildlife-watching and plenty more.

Canal Boat Cruises of Riley Green is enthusiastically run by the Yates family, who have created a range of brilliant food & drink packages to enjoy whilst exploring the canal, including an Afternoon Tea Cruise, Tapas Cruise and even one where you can tuck into a smashing Roast Dinner with all the trimmings…

Wine & Cheese Tasting Cruise Join Barrica Wines for a ‘Round the World’ wine tasting cruise, where you’ll be guided through the mysteries of how to taste wine, (and why!) and what to look for when choosing your perfect bottle. You’ll tuck into six wines, some favourite grape varieties, plus a couple of surprises tucked in there. Informal, yet informative, and lots of fun. 2 hour cruise with wine, cheese: £31 per person

Afternoon Cream Tea Cruise A picturesque two hour cruise down the 200 year old canal can only be made better with a delightful Afternoon Tea beside you, complete with all the trimmings you could ever desire. A selection of freshly made sandwiches, pork pies, quiche, homemade scones (with jam and cream) and a selection of cakes… brilliant. 2 hour cruise: £25 per person

Tapas Evening Cruise Enjoy the delights of Spain with a 2.5 hour cruise with a selection of tapas dishes served on board. Kicking things off with some artisan bread, olives and oil and vinegar, you’ll then be treated to a range of tapas dishes, from patatas bravas to paella, chicken to garlic mushrooms. Add yourself in some wine or sangria and you’ll feel like you’re on your holidays abroad in no time. 2.5 hour cruise with tapas: £30 per person

Three Hour Cruise with Three Courses The ultimate in gastronomic indulgence, this 3-course, 3-hour extravaganza will see you enjoy a range of culinary delights, including their Spout House Farm Roast Beef Dinner with Yorkshire Pudding and all the trimmings, or perhaps their Mushroom, Cranberry & Brie Wellington. Finish things off with a Farmhouse baked Apple Pie and tonnes of custard. 3 hour cruise with 3 courses: £29.50

There’s loads more trips and cruises available, including private full and half day charters where you and some of your mates can book out the entire boat and bring your own food and drink for the ultimate party!

………………………………….

For more information and to book your Canal Boat Cruise, head to the Visit Lancashire site below…

Book A Cruise

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6+ Best Manchester Boat Trips to Book in 2024

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Are you looking for the best boat trips in Manchester? You’ve come to the right place!

Manchester is famous for many things like music, street art and nightlife but it’s also a great place to discover from a boat.

There are so many canals like the Manchester Ship Canal, Bridgewater Canal and Ashton canals but also many rivers (though River Irwell is the main one), making it a great place for a boat tour.

🕒 IN A RUSH?

The best boat tour in Manchester is this Canal & River Cruise . It lasts 70 minutes and can be boarded from the city centre or Salford.

See prices here.

Several companies offer boat tours in Manchester and you can opt for a sightseeing one as well as a dinner cruise in Manchester.

You can also privatise some boats for a team building or birthday party.

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the best Manchester boat trips.

Table of Contents

1. Canal & River Cruise by Manchester River Cruises

⏰ Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes | ⭐ Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 | Check Rates and Availability

The Manchester Ship Canal is 36 miles long that links Manchester with the Irish Sea. The canal was officially opened in 1894, so it plays a big part in Manchester’s industrial history. 

With this Manchester canal tour , you get to enjoy a scenic tour of not only the Ship Canal but also the River Irwell.

This 70 minute boat trip takes place on board the sightseeing boat the Princess Katherine.

From the boat you will get to see places like Media City, Manchester United’s Old Trafford, the Ship Canal locks, the old Pomona Docks and the Imperial War Museum. 

As well as seeing all these interesting sites, you will also learn about Manchester’s history by listening to the onboard commentary. 

You will discover the industries that used the Ship Canal and how they made the city one of the most economically powerful in Europe.

There are two options for boarding the Princess Katherine for this Manchester boat tour. 

You can meet from their city centre location at Ralli Quay on the other side of the river from the People’s History Museum. 

Alternatively, you can board from the Millennium Life bridge close to the Lowry Theatre in Salford Quays.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICES

2. Elvis-on-the-River Cruise

⏰ Duration: 2.5 hours | ⭐ Reviews: 4.8 out of 5 | Check Rates and Availability

For themed boat trips in Manchester look no further than this Elvis-on-the-River cruise on the Irwell.

Looking for an evening cruise that will have you singing and dancing, then search no longer. It will help if you also have a bit of Elvis fever.

This river boat cruise in Manchester is two and a half hours long and departs from Salford Quays boarding point under the Millennium Footbridge by the Lowry Theatre.

As you step on board Princess Katherine you will be welcomed with a glass of Prosecco.

There will also be light snacks and canapes served on the cruise. Music comes in the form of an Elvis Presley tribute artist who will perform all of the legend’s biggest tracks.

As you tap your feet and chatter away, you will get to see some of Manchester’s top sites from the boat, including the Old Trafford stadium and the beautifully lit Media City.

Previous guests on board the Elvis-on-the-River cruise wax lyrical about the Elvis impersonators voice.

There’s no half-hearted out of tune singing on this cruise boat, you might even feel though you’ve listened to the real deal.

3. Swing and Rat Pack River Cruise

⏰ Duration: 2.5 hours | ⭐ Reviews: 4.9 out of 5 | Check Rates and Availability

This Manchester boat tour is a fantastic evening activity to enjoy with friends or family.

The Rat Pack were an informal group of entertainers which included big names like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.

Swing music just evokes that feeling of peace and can only be described as feel-good music.

This two and a half hour swing and rat pack river cruise takes place aboard the Princess Katherine, the perfect sightseeing boat.

You will be welcomed with drinks and provided with snacks along the way. Cruising along the River Irwell, you’ll listen to some of the best Rat Pack and swing artists from the era.

As you listen, you will be able to appreciate the glittering lights of Manchester as you head from Salford Quays to the heart of Manchester.

Seating on the boat is arranged in booths of four and it might be that you will have to share booths with other rat pack cruise guests.

The cruise starts from under the Millennium Footbridge, otherwise known as the lift bridge, just outside the Lowry Theatre.

Guests onboard the Princess Katherine highly rate the music and extremely friendly and accommodating staff.

Whether you want to sit back and relax or dance the cruise away this is an enjoyable evening activity in Manchester.

4. Sunday Lunch Cruises

If you want to find a lunch spot with a twist head out on this Manchester city river tour.

This tour is run by City Centre Cruises and the cruise sets sail from Castlefield along the Bridgewater Canal Tow Path at 1pm.  

On their website they release the dates for Sunday lunch for the up-and-coming months.

Their lunch menu changes but you can expect to enjoy a homemade soup for starters with fresh hot rolls.

A classic British Sunday lunch for mains includes roast beef, Yorkshire puddings and roast potatoes. Desert often includes their melt in the mouth apple and blackberry crumble with custard.

Of course, you can’t have Sunday lunch without some tea and coffee. People rave about the food and it’s a great way to experience a class British meal if you are visiting from overseas.

There is also a bar on board where you can purchase drinks separately.

The boat you will dine on is a barge boat named after Manchester’s political activist Emmeline Pankhurst.

As you dine on this canal boat tour in Manchester your captain will provide you with informative insight into the local area and the Manchester canal network.

Your skipper, Alan, makes the experience all the more pleasurable with his wit, humour and friendly manner.

5. Cocktails Cruises

For a lively evening on the water why not try one of Cocktails Ahoy’s cocktail cruises .

Perhaps you’ve already been out in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and want to try something different for a night out? Well, this is a fun choice.

This cocktail cruise runs from Castlefield down the Bridgewater Canal.

The cruise takes place on their canal barge Bohemia. Bohemia has space for up to 60 guests, has a well-stocked cocktail bar and a dance floor.

As the boat can accommodate so many people, this is a great idea for a birthday or anniversary celebration as well.

This boat cruise is three hours long and you can enjoy seven freshly made cocktails.

There’s also a resident DJ on board who plays some classic tunes that will get you dancing.

As well as regular cocktail cruises Cocktails Ahoy also do themed cruises like the ‘Sex and the City’, Peaky Blinders and’ 80s themed night.

6. Bridgewater Cruises

Bridgewater Cruises offer two options for Manchester city river tours.

First up there’s the restaurant boat, the Francis Egerton. This boat is used for public cruises and private charters as well.

Their restaurant boat has a ton of different dining cruises to choose from. There’s the two-course lunch, afternoon tea, Sunday lunch, and the Worsley Gin cruises.

Alternatively, you can book a private charter canal boat tour in Manchester on the Lady Harriet.

This boat is suitable for up to 12 people and can be booked for an hour and 15 minutes, two hours or three-hour cruises.

People departing on the Francis Egerton should head to the towpath side of the Humpback Bridge in Worsley Village in Greater Manchester.

The Lady Harriet departs from the Bridgewater Marina which is around 15 minutes’ drive from the Trafford Centre.

Bridgewater Cruises is a family run company and you can really tell this in the details from booking to the trip itself.

It’s a truly unique experience and one that will allow you to create lasting memories whilst also seeing interesting spots along the Bridgewater Canal.

Whether you head there for dinner, a birthday celebration or a surprise party this barge boat is a unique thing to do in Manchester.

Best Boat Trips in Manchester: Frequently Asked Questions

Here we will answer all the most frequently asked questions about boat trips in Manchester.

What is the famous canal in Manchester?

There are a few well-known canals in Manchester but the most famous one is the Manchester Ship Canal. It’s 36-mile long and links Manchester to the Irish sea.

It was originally built so the cotton arriving in Liverpool could be transported straight to Manchester where it would be turned into textile. The Manchester ship canal was completed in 1893 and is still in use today.

Another very famous canal in Manchester is the Bridgewater canal. It is the oldest canal in England and particularly popular for canal walks , boating and SUP.

What canal runs through Manchester?

There are a few canals that run through Manchester but the main ones in the city centre are the Rochdale and Ashton canals.

Is the Manchester ship canal still used?

Yes it is still used to transport goods from the port of Liverpool to Manchester as well as for tourism purposes. There are a lot of Manchester ship canal cruises going between Liverpool and Manchester.

What are the best canals around Manchester?

The best canals for walking in Manchester are Rochdale, Ashton and Bridgewater canals.

Can you walk along Manchester canal?

Yes you can walk along all the canals in Manchester. They are also a great place for a bicycle ride.

Can you swim in Manchester canals?

No, you can not swim in any of the canals in Manchester. Even if you were allowed, it’s highly unlikely you’d want to. They are canals and therefore not the cleanest places for a swim. There are many wildlife swimming spots around Manchester that you can check out instead.

What is the longest canal in Manchester?

Manchester Ship Canal is the longest canal in Manchester. It’s 36-mile long and goes all the way to Liverpool and the Irish Sea. 

What is the oldest canal in Manchester?

The Bridgewater Canal was the first canal in Britain and therefore the oldest in Manchester as well. It was opened in 1761 which is over a 100 years before the Manchester Ship Canal.

What are the 3 rivers in Manchester?

There are three rivers in Manchester: the Irk, the Medlock and the Mersey but it’s important to note that the Irk flows into River Irwell which is at the limit between Manchester and Salford.

Now that you know everything there is to know about the best boat trips in Manchester, have fun!

You may also be interested in:

• 13+ Best Canal Walks in Manchester (and nearby!)
• 5+ Best Manchester Football Tours for fans of United and City
• 4+ Best Food Tours in Manchester to try in 2023
• 10+ Best Day Tours from Manchester To Book in 2023

Founder of Manchester Pocket Guide. Pauline has been living in Manchester for 6 years and loves exploring the city. As a travel writer, she always had passion for discovering cities but Manchester is the place she truly fell in love with. From cute food spots to famous landmarks, she knows Manchester like the back of her hand.

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Boat Trips & Boat Hire

Hire a boat to travel along the Canal for a day or a short term break

If you are looking to hire a boat to travel along the Canal for a day or a short term break, please contact one of the below operators.

Weekly and Short Term Narrow Boat Hire

Bridgewater Boating Holidays – Boothstown Salford Telephone 0161 702 8622

Restaurant/Day Cruise Charter/Boat Trips

City Centre Cruises – Manchester Telephone 0161 902 0222 Contact Mr Eamon Gall www.citycentrecruises.co.uk

Day Cruise Charter / Boat Trips

Bridgewater Cruises – Worsley Telephone 07725 130277 Contact Mr Mark Rigby Email  [email protected]

The Drybarge Company Ltd Contact Mr Matt Taylor www.drybarge.com

Day Boat Hire

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Summer colours along the Bridgewater Canal 🌷🌞 August is right around the corner and hopefully it will bring sun and blue skies so we can enjoy warm walks along the waterside. 📸: @leahwhitehorse001

Happy Monday everyone! We hope you all have a lovely week 🌥️✨ 📸: @jobo_photos

Peaceful evening walks along the Bridgewater Canal >> ☁️😮‍💨 Nothing beats a long walk at the end of a busy week, so make time for you this weekend and head out for a stroll along the water`s edge. 📸: @drwilli59

We`re missing sunny blue skies over the Bridgewater Canal 💭✨🌞 📸: @kyniker122

Why not walk along the Bridgewater Canal to find the perfect picnic spot? 🍉🍴 Did you know that July is National Picnic Month? So grab your favourite picky bits and head out into the great outdoors this summer 🌞

Spice up your Monday with watersports along the Bridgewater Canal! 🛶⛅ Why not get a @British.Canoeing licence that permits Canoes, Kayaks and SUP`s to travel up and down the Bridgewater Canal free of charge. 📸 : @_jaderauhl

Cheeeeeese... 📸🧀 We found this photo in our gallery and just had to share it. It`s made our week! The Bridgewater Canal is the perfect place to take your pooch this summer, come rain or shine ⛅

Taking a dip 🦆💧 We love seeing your photos of the wildlife you find along the Bridgewater Canal. Next time you`re visiting, snap some pics and send them to us! 📸: @geembailey

Happy Monday 🌤️✨ Sending you peaceful and positive vibes to get you through this week. 📸: @monicasphotographs

We are still on cloud nine after hundreds of people joined us for The Bridgewater Way Walk in aid of @christiecharity last Sunday 🎗️☁️ Take a look at some amazing shots we got of the day 👉

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The Bridgewater Canal Co Ltd, Venus Building, 1 Old Park Lane TraffordCity, Manchester M41 7HA

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Peel Holdings Land and Property (UK) Limited | Registered in England & Wales 6497115 Peel L&P | Venus Building | 1 Old Park Lane | TraffordCity | Manchester | M41 7HA

Dinner Cruises

Book your own individual table for that special occasion or simply enjoy an evening meal out with friends or family. ​

This scheduled evening dinner cruise departs from Castlefield in central Manchester.

Boarding commences at 7.00pm.

With gentle background music playing, you will be seated, drink orders taken and served to your table.

We sail at 7.30 and the first part of the cruise is along the historic Bridgewater Canal to Pomona Lock. The boat then enters the lock and is lowered down onto the Manchester Ship Canal where we cruise on the upper reaches of the Ship Canal and then to Salford Quays where you will have views of the spectacular scenery and developments that have taken place.

These include Media City UK, The Lowry Theatre and The Imperial War Museum - North, which are connected by the hydraulic footbridge spanning the width of the Manchester Ship Canal.

All this while enjoying your evening meal, which is freshly prepared in our onboard galley by our talented chef.

The return journey is again via Pomona Lock, arriving back at Castlefield at approximately 10.15pm. Disembarkation is by 10.30pm.

Pre-booking for this cruise is essential

Please note that a booking is not confirmed until full payment is received by us prior to the cruise and you have been issued with a booking reference number.

The fully inclusive price for this dinner cruise is:

Adults £34pp​

Drinks are not included

Not suitable for children

There no commentary on this cruise

Evening Dinner Cruise Menu

Warm Serrano salad

A bed of salad leaves layered with crispy ham, toasted pine nuts and fresh asparagus

Main course

Oven roasted chicken breast 'Pomodoro'

Succulent chicken breast served with a tomato, garlic and basil sauce, tender stem broccoli, glazed carrots and crushed new potatoes

Warm sticky toffee pudding

Served with vanilla ice cream

Filter coffee  //  selection of teas

*Any special dietary requirements can be catered for,

but must be pre-ordered at the time of booking

£34.95 per person

Table bookings

Only available on selected evenings For availability, visit our calendar

Private charter

This cruise is also available for private cruises all year round, a minimum booking for 25 guests is required (maximum 50)

Please contact us for availability.

• Entertainment

Canal trips set to resume from county wharf

Popular canal trip from a county venue are set to resume.

The trip boat George Watson Buck, which is based on the Montgomery Canal in Llanymynech, is due to restart 30 minute trips between England and Wales on May 5 following a successful survey of the boat.

Based at the Llanymynech Wharf Visitor Centre in the Limeworks Heritage Area in Llanymynech, the boat trips offer a sense of the heritage and wildlife of the Montgomery Canal.

Volunteer run, both the boat and visitor centre offer an insight into the canal and plans for its restoration.

Informative exhibitions in the old stable block highlight the history associated with the Montgomery Canal, which was built to carry limestone from local quarries as well as passengers and agricultural goods.

The visitor centre is open every Sunday – and Bank Holiday Mondays – from the spring to the end of September.

Opening hours are 1.30pm to 4.30pm.

No booking is required for the boat trips and the visitor centre has light refreshments available and a picnic area.

Roy Mansell, one of the volunteer skippers at the centre said: “Our 30 minute long boat trip is ideal for families who are looking for an inexpensive afternoon out in the local area. It’s long enough to be interesting and, at the same time, short enough to keep young enquiring minds active.

“There’s no need to book and you can always enjoy a drink or ice cream while you wait for the next trip boat.

“Our boat is wheelchair accessible, and we cater for visitors of all ages.”

He added: “We have just repainted most of the boat while it was out of the water and we’d like to express our thanks to Lee Hitch and his team at FixAuto Oswestry for their help recently.”

Entrance to the visitor centre is free and boat trips cost £5 for adults and £2.50 per child.

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