Autumn is a great time to go boating and enjoy the beautiful colours in the trees
Tuition is included as part of our boat hire. So whether you are beginner looking for an easy short break to test the waters. Or a seasoned narrowboater looking for a longer more challenging route, why not book a narrowboat holiday break this autumn, and choose from hundreds of fantastic waterside destinations.
Our boats are equipped with key home comforts, including central heating, hot water, TV, WiFi, well-stocked kitchens, showers and flushing toilets. And some have multi-fuel stoves on board too.
Here’s a guide to our top 8 destinations to enjoy this autumn:
1. Explore a restored section of the Montgomery Canal
On a 4-night break from Whixall in Shropshire, you can cruise to Crickheath and back on the Montgomery Canal. With much of this special waterway designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the Montgomery Canal is rich in wildlife habitats, including aquatic plants and hedgerows. The route to Crickheath from Whixall takes you down the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal, and through Ellesmere in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. At Frankton Junction, you’ll transfer onto the Montgomery Canal, with 5 locks to go through before you reach Oswestry and the canalside Queen’s Head pub. You’ll then pass through Maesbury Marsh with its canalside Navigation Inn before reaching Crickheath Basin. The journey to Crickheath and back travels 36 miles, passing through 16 locks (8 each way) and takes around 19 hours.
2. Cruise along the Aire Valley to Gargrave
On a 3-night break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal you can cruise to Gargrave and back. The route takes you through the Aire Valley with some of the most spectacular scenery in Yorkshire. You’ll pass through Kildwick, with its 17th century coaching inn The White Lion, and Skipton with is fascinating medieval castle. Once at Gargrave, you can moor up to explore this picturesque village on the River Aire at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. There’s a choice of pubs in Gargrave, including The Masons Arms. The journey to Gargrave and back takes around 12.5 hours and passes through 6 locks (3 each way).
3. Travel through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey to Savernake Forest
On a 10-night break from Bradford on Avon, you can cruise along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Great Bedwyn and back. Along the way, you’ll travel up the famous Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes. Then you’ll pass through the North West Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the beautiful Vale of Pewsey. The canal then takes you through the village of Wootton Rivers and along the edge of the ancient Savernake Forest. At Great Bedwyn, you can visit The Three Tons pub and the Bedwyn Stone Museum. The journey to Great Bedwyn and back cruises 64 miles, passing through 100 locks (50 each way) and takes around 46 hours.
4. Cruise through atmospheric canal cuttings on the Shropshire Union Canal
On a 7-night break from Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal you can navigate to Norbury and back. The journey takes you through Nantwich, Market Drayton and a series of deep canal cuttings, full of vegetation and wildlife. There are some great canalside pubs to stop-off at along the way, including The Shroppie Fly at Audlem and The Junction Inn at Norbury. The journey to Norbury and back travels 58 miles, passing through 58 locks (29 each way) and takes around 31 hours.
5. Glide across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ to Whitchurch
On a 7-night break from Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales you can cruise to the historic market town of Whitchurch and back. Soon after leaving Trevor, you’ll cross the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, carrying the canal 38 metres high above the beautiful Dee Valley. The journey will also take you across the magnificent Chirk Aqueduct and through Ellesmere and the Shropshire Lake District. Once at Whitchurch, you can moor up to explore this picturesque town with independent shops and restaurants, walking trails and the award-winning Black Bear pub. The journey to Whitchurch and back takes 25 hours, passing through 4 locks (2 each way).
6. Navigate through the remains of the Forest of Arden to Hatton Locks
On a 4-night break from Wootton Wawen you can navigate to Hatton Locks and back. The journey begins travelling north along the Stratford Canal through the remains of the Forest of Arden. You’ll pass the canalside Fleur de Lys pub at Lowsonford. At Lapworth, you’ll transfer onto the Grand Union Canal, soon passing the canalside Tom o’ the Wood pub at Rowington. You can moor up just before you reach the Hatton Flight of 21 locks and walk to the Hatton Locks Cafe or Hatton Arms pub. The journey to Hatton Locks and back travels 21 miles, passes through 34 locks (17 each way) and takes around 14 hours.
7. Boat through the Bath Valley to Sydney Gardens
From Bradford on Avon, it takes just five hours to cruise along the Kennet & Avon Canal to the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath. Along the way, you’ll cruise through the wooded Bath Valley, crossing over the magnificent Avoncliff and Dundas Bath stone aqueducts. You can moor up at Sydney Gardens and from there it takes around 15 minutes to walk into the centre of Bath. There you can explore some of the City’s top attractions, including the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and the stunning Georgian Royal Crescent. The journey to Sydney Gardens and back travels 20 miles, passes through 2 locks (1 each way) and takes around 8 hours.
8. Cruise through Cannock Chase to Fradley Junction
On a short break from Great Haywood you can cruise along the leafy Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley and back. The journey takes you through a series of hamlets and villages, including Wolseley with the canalside Wolseley Arms and Rugeley, with access to Cannock Chase, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Once at Fradley, you can moor up and visit the Canalside Café and the Swan Inn. And you can enjoy spotting wildlife along the woodland trail and boardwalk at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve. The journey to Fradley and back travels 25 miles, passing through 10 locks (5 each way) and takes around 12 hours.
Check availability and book online here, or call our booking team on 0117 304 1122.
Top 6 canal boat holidays for beginners
You don’t have to be an expert and you don’t need a licence to steer a canal boat.
It’s easy for first-timers to learn to operate our boats and as part of all our narrowboat holiday packages, we provide hirers with expert boat steering tuition.
With our nationally accredited handover, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and in control before you set off. There is a manual on board every boat if you need to check on anything and our engineering teams are on hand 24 hours a day to help over the phone or come out to you if you need them.
So, if you’ve thought about taking a canal boat holiday, but you’re not sure where to begin, here’s a guide to our top 6 short break narrowboat holidays to get you started:
Passing through stunning North Wales landscapes, the Llangollen Canal is one of the most popular on the network. With just two locks along the way, the seven-hour journey from Trevor to Ellesmere and back offers a fantastic short break holiday for beginners. The route includes the experience of travelling across the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, with jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Dee Valley 38 metres below and passing through Chirk Tunnel.
From our Bradford on Avon base on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, it takes just four hours to cruise to Sydney Gardens on the edge of Bath. There’s just one lock to go through and the route takes you across two magnificent Bath stone aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas. You can moor up at Sydney Gardens and it’s a 15-minute walk into UNESCO World Heritage Bath City Centre.
Cruising from Great Haywood, you can head south along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley Junction and back. The journey takes around five hours, travelling 12 peaceful miles and passing through just five locks. At Fradley, take time to enjoy refreshments at the Canalside Café or The Swan Inn and a wander around the Fradley Pool Nature Reserve, where a woodland trail and boardwalk offers a delightful tour of the reserve.
It’s a 14-hour, 18-lock journey to the ancient city of Chester and back from Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal in Cheshire. The route passes through glorious English countryside and villages with historic local pubs, including The Ring O’Bells at Christleton and The Shady Oak at Bates Mill Bridge. Once in Chester, take time to explore this cosmopolitan ancient city, with its Roman Amphitheatre, city walls, Chester Rows shops, 1,000-year old cathedral, racecourse and award-winning Zoo.
Setting off from Silsden base on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, the journey to Gargrave and back travels 23 miles, passes through just six locks (three each way), and takes around 12.5 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through the historic town of Skipton, with one of best preserved medieval castles in England. Once at Gargrave, there are plenty of pubs, including The Mason’s Arms and Cross Keys Inn. And it’s on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, where there’s over 680 square miles of some of England’s finest walking country to explore.
From Whixall Marina on the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, on a short break you can cruise to Chirk and back in 16 hours, encountering just two locks. The route takes you through the Shropshire Lake District and the medieval market town of Ellesmere. Here you can explore the Mere, Victorian gardens, woodland paths and historic castle. At Chirk, where the Llangollen Canal crosses the Welsh border, there’s a choice of canalside pubs and the National Trust’s Chirk Castle to visit.
For more advice, call our friendly booking team on 0117 304 1122.
Top 5 family canal boat holidays this summer
Our guide to the best narrowboat holiday destinations for families this summer
Set off together for a family adventure afloat this summer, exploring the countryside and visiting exciting waterside attractions.
Here’s a guide to our top 5 family canal boat holidays this summer:
1. Walk the Roman walls of Chester
On a short break from Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal you can cruise to the ancient city of Chester and back. You’ll cruise through the Cheshire countryside, passing Beeston Castle and Tattenhall with its famouse Cheshire Ice Cream Farm. And you’ll go through the village of Christleton with its Cheshire Cat canalside pub. Once there, you can explore this great heritage city home to the most complete City Walls in Britain. The walls date back to the Roman occupation 2,000 years ago. Walking the walls you can follow in the footsteps of the Roman soldiers with panoramic views on both sides. The journey to Chester and back travels 12 miles, passes through 18 locks (9 each way) and takes around 14 hours.
2. Visit Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains
On a week’s holiday from Whixall, you can cruise along the Llangollen Canal to Llangollen and back. You’ll travel through the beautiful Shropshire Lake District and the historic market town of Ellesmere. You’ll also cruise along the 11-mile section of the Llangollen Canal designated a World Heritage Site, including the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. You can moor up in Llangollen Basin to explore the town, including the Llangollen Steam Railway, Plas Newydd house and gardens and the Horseshoe Falls. There are many independent shops and places to eat, including the popular Corn Mill with stunning river and mountain views. The journey to Llangollen and back travels 52 miles, passes through 4 locks (2 each way) and takes around 24 hours.
3. Travel round the Birmingham Mini-Ring & visit the National Sea Life Birmingham
On a week’s break from Wootton Wawen you can complete the Birmingham Mini-Ring. You’ll cruise sections of the Stratford, Grand Union, Birmingham & Fazeley and Worcester & Birmingham canals. You’ll pass a series of canalside pubs along the way, including the Kings Arms at Heronfield. Once in Birmingham, you can moor up in Gas Street Basin to explore the city centre, including the National Sea Life Centre at Brindleyplace. The circuit cruises 48 miles, passes through 84 locks and takes around 33 hours.
4. Visit the food and drink capital of Staffordshire
On short break from Great Haywood you can cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to the bustling market town of Stone and back. The route along the Trent & Mersey Canal takes you through the village of Weston on Trent, home to the Woolpack and Saracen’s Head pubs. Stone is considered to be the food and drink capital of Staffordshire with an excellent choice of restaurants, pubs and wine bars. There are also regular markets, the annual food festival and Stone has its own micro ‘Lymestone Brewery’. The journey to Stone and back travels 20 miles, passes through 8 locks (4 each way) and takes around 10 hours.
5. Cruise to Devizes and the Caen Hill flight
On a short break from Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, you can cruise to Foxhanger Wharf and back. There you can moor up and walk up the famous flight of locks at Caen Hill, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. Then walk on into the historic market town of Devizes, home to the Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre with its famous shire horses making daily deliveries. And you can visit some of the town’s independent shops, restaurants and pubs, including the Peppermill Restaurant. The journey to Foxhangers Wharf and back travels 11 miles, passes through 14 locks (7 each way) and takes around 15 hours.
Book online here or call our friendly booking team on 0117 304 1122.
Watch out for wildlife and explore exciting waterside destinations
Here’s a guide to our top 6 May bank holiday family destinations – all short breaks suitable for beginners:
1. Explore Sir Titus Salt’s model town at Saltaire on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal
From Silsden it takes seven hours, passing through 11 locks to reach Sir Titus Salt’s model town at Saltaire. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sir Titus Salt built the textile Mill and entire village for his mill workers, all in a beautiful Italianate style. Places to visit at Saltaire include the magnificent Salt’s Mill where many examples of David Hockney’s work are on display. And the Shipley Glen Tramway, the oldest working cable tramway in Britain, which takes you a quarter of a mile up through woodlands to a popular local beauty spot.
2. Walk Chester’s Roman city wall circuit
On a weekend break from Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal it takes seven hours to reach the ancient City of Chester. The route takes you past a series of villages with canalside pubs, including The Cheshire Cat at Christleton. Once in Chester, you can moor-up and walk the city’s Roman wall circuit. Chester is the only City in Britain that retains the full circuit of its ancient defensive walls.
3. Visit Ellesmere in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District
From Whixall on the Llangollen Canal, you can reach Ellesmere in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. The journey takes seven hours and you’ll pass Cole Mere and Blake Mere along the way. At Ellesmere there are plenty of visitor moorings, giving you the chance to explore this historic market town with a mix of Tudor, Georgian and Victorian buildings, as well as its famous Mere and woodland walks. There’s a range of places to eat and drink, including The White Hart pub and The Red Lion coaching inn.
4. Marvel at the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes
From Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, it takes nearly eight hours to reach Foxhanger Wharf the base of the mighty Caen Hill flight of 29 locks at Devizes. Said to be one of The Seven Wonders of the Waterways, the breath-taking sight of the 16 locks in a row is one of the most spectacular of Britain’s inland waterways. Once there, the historic market town of Devizes is a short walk away. Devizes has a great choice of independent shops, pubs and restaurants, including the ‘Peppermill Restaurant’ and the Bear Hotel.
5. Get close to nature at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve
From Great Haywood in Staffordshire you can cruise along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley Junction in around six hours. Along the way, you’ll cruise past Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and through the historic village of Rugeley. Once at Fradley, you’ll find a café, two pubs and the award-winning Fradley Pool Nature Reserve with woodland walks to explore.
6. Travel on the Llangollen Steam Railway
From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, it takes around two hours to cruise to Llangollen. You’ll pass the canalside Sun Trevor pub along the way. Once in Llangollen, you can moor up in Llangollen Basin to explore the historic town on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains. And you can experience a journey along the Llangollen Steam Railway.
Click here to book a holiday or call our booking team on 0117 304 1122.
Experience luxury afloat with our Constellation fleet
Our Constellation Class narrowboats are among the stars of our boat hire fleet
They have full-size showers, a range of flexible and private berths, solid fuel stoves on the four and six berth boats, a large TV and Wifi, and spacious kitchens with modern fittings and lighting.
You can find Constellation Class boats at the following locations:
Constellation narrowboat hire prices start at £1,290* for short break on a boat for four and £1,760* for a week.
Check availability and book here or call us on 0117 304 1122 to find out more.
*A fuel deposit of £70 for short breaks and £110 for week long holidays is required.
New year, new hobby – narrowboating!
If you’re looking to try something new this year, give narrowboating a go
The new year is a great time to take up new hobbies and activities, or to learn a new skill. It is an opportunity for a fresh start.
We don’t think New Year’s resolutions should be about self-denial and restrictions, but about positive fulfilment, expansion, self-discovery and learning. A new hobby is a wonderful way to boost your wellbeing and re-energise life when things are feeling a little stale.
After the overindulgence of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, most of us are seeking some more wholesome interests and activities to nourish our mind, body and soul.
So why not take up narrowboating as your new hobby for 2025! Here some reasons why you should give narrowboating a go:
We provide tuition for beginners
If you book a canal boat holiday with Anglo Welsh, you will be taken through all the basics to set you up for your first ever narrowboat cruise.
Any narrowboat holiday veteran will admit to being a little nervous the first time they found themselves in control of their own canal barge. But our expert instructors will ensure you have all the knowledge you need to quickly become an adept skipper.
Before you set off from our narrowboat hire base, you will be taught how to start the engine, fill up with water, steer, moor up and work the canal locks. You’ll also be told about canal etiquette and rules such as where and when to drive, speeds, how to leave locks behind you and the best places to moor up.
All our narrowboats have manuals on board for guests to check anything, or you can even give our engineering team a ring 24 hours a day for further advice. Since four miles per hour is the top speed on the canals, being at the helm is a relaxing, rather than a stressful experience.
We have lots of information for first-time boaters here on our website, including videos, advice on what to pack, etc.
It’s a sociable and family friendly holiday
Narrowboat holidays are perfect for families or groups of friends of all ages and tastes since the canal barges to hire range from sleeping just two up to 12 people. There’s a lot to see and do on canal boat holidays setting off from any of our nine narrowboat hire bases. They all offer very different styles of narrowboat cruising, meaning there really is something for everyone.
You can enjoy walking, cycling, kayaking, visit stately homes, castles, historic towns and villages, explore parks and gardens or simply relax on board and admire stunning countryside rolling past. If you choose a canal boat holiday with us, you’re also welcome to bring along up to three of your beloved pets on board so even they do not have to miss out on the fun.
You can explore Britain’s idyllic countryside
A canal boat holiday is a perfect way to explore some of the most beautiful areas of Britain, with more than 3,000 miles of navigable waterways snaking their way through unspoilt countryside and historic cities, towns and villages.
How far you explore is dependent on how long you have for your canal boat holiday. We offer short breaks (three or four nights), week-long holidays or longer. As you’re always on the move, mooring in a different spot each day with new places and things to admire and explore, there’s no excuse for getting bored.
Canal boat holidays are great for wellbeing
It is a very calming and mindful experience being on the water, focused on the present moment, whether steering the narrowboat or taking in the gorgeous surroundings. With so many people now suffering from stress, a canal boat holiday is the perfect way to unwind away from the rush and bustle of your day-to-day existence.
The canals crisscross miles of idyllic countryside and are teeming with wildlife so a narrowboat holiday allows you to get outside, connect with nature and breathe in the clean air. Choose one of our more rural canal routes for a truly tranquil narrowboat holiday experience. A canal boat holiday in 2025 may be just the thing you need to boost your mental and physical wellbeing.
You’ll be floating through history
The canals are a key part of our nation’s industrial heritage, with the vast majority built 250 years ago. They were originally constructed as the most efficient method of transporting large bulky goods prior to the advent of the railways. That is why there is such a high concentration of canals in the old industrial heartlands around the West Midlands and North West. This makes a canal boat holiday a history lover’s dream come true as you are quite literally floating through history.
You can admire many historic feats of engineering, including the soaring grandeur of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the quirky Victorian engineering of the Anderton Boat Lift.
Beyond the canals themselves, are the historic villages, towns and cities through which they pass. As well as stately homes, castles and museums, all easily accessible from the waterways. If you have an interest in the UK’s heritage, then a narrowboat holiday will be perfect for you.
Experience a spring break on Britain’s beautiful canal network and see the countryside bursting with new life.
Spring is a glorious time to celebrate the rich and diverse wildlife in Britain. Kevin Yarwood, manager at our Great Haywood base, explains:
“Our beautiful inland waterways weave through the countryside taking in woodlands, farmland, nature reserves and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Travelling along at just four miles per hour on a canal boat holiday, there’s always something special to look out for.
“In spring, when the countryside is bursting with new life, there’s no better way to see waterside trees and hedges covered in blossoms, nest-building birds, ducklings bobbing on the water, spring lambs playing in the fields, and carpets of bluebells in waterside woodlands.”
To celebrate Britain’s natural environment, we’ve put together a guide to our best spring canal boat holiday destinations:
1. Navigate through Shakespeare country and Warwickshire farmland
From our narrowboat hire base at Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal near Henley-in-Arden, it takes around six hours, travelling through 17 locks to reach Stratford-upon-Avon. Travelling over the Edstone Aqueduct and on through the pretty Warwickshire countryside, with spring lambs playing in the fields alongside the canal, boaters can stop off to visit Mary Arden’s Tudor Farm in the canalside village of Wilmcote, where Shakespeare’s mother grew up. Once in Stratford, there are overnight moorings in Bancroft Basin, perfect for enjoying all that Shakespeare’s birthplace has to offer, including riverside parks, theatres, shops, restaurants and museums.
2. Cruise into the Peak District spotting kingfishers along the way
On a week’s break from our barge hire base on the Trent & Mersey Canal at Great Haywood in Staffordshire, you can easily reach the beautiful Caldon Canal and travel into the Peak District. The journey takes boaters up to Stoke on Trent, passing Wedgewood World along the way, and, once on the Caldon, through gently rolling hills and wooded areas alongside the beautiful River Churnet. Here there’s the chance to spot kingfishers, herons, jays and woodpeckers, as well as otters which have recently returned to the area. The return journey along the Caldon to Froghall takes around 43 hours, travelling a total of 72 miles and passing through 70 locks.
3. Cruise to Ellesmere to catch a glimpse of a heron chick
From our base on the Llangollen Canal at Trevor in North Wales, on a short break (three or four nights) you can cruise to the Shropshire Lake District, teeming with water birds. The journey to the medieval market town of Ellesmere, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District, takes around seven hours, passing through just two locks and over the Pontcysyllte and Chirk aqueducts. Formed thousands of years ago by the melting of the glaciers during the retreating ice age, the meres of the Shropshire Lake District, including The Mere at Ellesmere, are particularly beautiful in spring. And every spring, Moscow Island on The Mere is home to the Heron Watch Scheme, with cameras allowing visitors to watch the birds build nests and raise chicks.
4. Cruise to the gateway of the Yorkshire Dales and explore the ancient woods at Skipton Castle
From Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, it takes just over three hours to reach Skipton, the ‘Gateway to the Dales’, with its medieval fortress and acres of woodland trails to explore. For nearly 1,000 years Skipton Castle Woods provided fuel, food and building materials for castle inhabitants. Today there are at least 18 species of trees flourishing there, and hundreds of flowering plants, including wild orchids and bluebells in the spring. The journey along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to Silsden passes through the typical Yorkshire stone-built villages of Kildwick and Farnhill and on into a dense wooded area famous for its bluebells and deer.
5. Drift through the beautiful prehistoric Vale of Pewsey
From our base at Monkton Combe on the Kennet & Avon Canal just outside Bath, it takes around 19 hours to reach Pewsey Wharf, perfect for a week afloat. Along the way, you’ll pass through miles of peaceful Wiltshire countryside, with a series of waterside villages and country pubs to visit along the way. Highlights on this route include: the mighty Caen Hill Flight of 29 locks at Devizes; cruising along the edge of the ancient Savernake Forest; and the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and home to prehistoric Avebury. The journey to Pewsey and back takes around 38 hours, passing through 74 locks (37 each way).
6. Travel to Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains
From Whixall, on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, it takes around 12 hours to reach the pretty town of Llangollen. Along the way, you’ll travel through the beautiful Shropshire Lake District and across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’ and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once in Llangollen, you can moor up to enjoy exploring this pretty town nestled on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains, including its regular markets packed with local produce, choice of independent shops and restaurants, steam railway and famous Horseshoe Falls. The journey to Llangollen and back passes through just four locks (two each way).
7. Navigate the Four Counties Ring for stunning views of the Cheshire Plains
On a 10 day or longer break from Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal in Cheshire, you can travel round the popular Four Counties Ring. Travelling for around 58 hours and passing through 96 locks, this route takes you through the counties of Staffordshire, the West Midlands, Cheshire and Shropshire and travels sections of the Trent & Mersey, Staffordshire & Worcestershire and Shropshire Union canals. Rural highlights include: panoramic views from the flight of 31 locks (also known as ‘Heartbreak Hill’) between Middlewich and Kidsgrove on the Trent & Mersey Canal; views of the rolling Cheshire Plains on the Shropshire Union Canal; acres of farmland on the Middlewich Branch; wildlife spotting at Tixall Wide on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal; and the National Trust’s Shugborough Hall with its extensive waterside gardens.
8. Travel up the Caen Hill Flight or to UNESCO World Heritage Bath
From our base at Bradford on Avon, you can cruise east towards Devizes, travelling up the famous Caen Hill flight of locks along the way. The route, which is perfect for a week away, takes you along the Kennet & Avon Canal and through 29 locks of the Caen Hill Flight at Devizes. You can also cruise west across two dramatic Bath stone aqueducts at Dundas and Avoncliff, towards the fabulous UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath.
Best romantic canal boat holiday destinations to visit this Valentine’s Day
Travelling by narrowboat is romantic. That’s a fact. The views, the traditions and the pace of life are perfect for couples wanting to spend some quality time together, so why not treat your partner to a romantic mini-break on a ‘love boat’ this Valentine’s Day?
Anglo Welsh offers winter cruising from six narrowboat hire bases in England and Wales. All our boats are beautifully equipped with comfy beds, contemporary kitchens, modern bathrooms and central heating, so you’ll both be snuggly and warm on board.
With the freedom to roam the waterways from your cruising love-nest you can access some of Britain’s most-loved towns and villages, without having to encounter a single traffic jam. Take romantic strolls along frosty towpaths, indulge in candlelit dinners for two in waterside dining destinations and cosy up by roaring log fires in traditional country pubs.
We also offer day hire from six of our canal boat hire bases, giving you the option of just taking a day out on the waterways. Full tuition is included, so you can get the hang of steering the boat, working the locks and mooring up. All our day boats are equipped with the facilities you need for a day afloat – cutlery, crockery, a kettle, cooker, fridge and toilet.
To help you decide where to go, with a mix of day and mini-break hire, we’ve chosen our top five romantic destinations for Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re looking to propose, shop for a ring or simply enjoy being together in some of the most beautiful places in the UK, we have some great ideas for a romantic canal boat boat getaway.
Discover Romantic Canal Boat Holiday Destinations for Valentines Day
1. Propose by a waterfall in the Welsh Mountains
From our canal barge hire base at Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, it takes just two hours to reach the pretty Eistedfordd town of Llangollen, nestled in the Berwyn Mountains. There’s a great choice of romantic settings to propose, including the famous Horseshoe Falls. Llangollen also offers lovers regular markets packed with local produce to saunter through hand-in-hand. And a number of romantic waterside dining venues, including the popular Corn Mill.
2. Experience panoramic views from Nantwich Aqueduct
From Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley, you can cruise south for six sedate miles to the historic town of Nantwich. There you can glide across the town’s impressive Grade II* listed aqueduct to enjoy panoramic views across the town. With no locks along the way, the journey to Nantwich takes around two hours. There are moorings next to the aqueduct and a choice of places to eat, including The Waterside Café.
3. Read Shakespeare’s sonnets in Stratford-upon-Avon
On a short break from Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal in Warwickshire, you can cruise through the Warwickshire countryside to Shakespeare’s Stratford. Once there, you can moor up in Bancroft Basin to a great choice of dining venues. You can book a Tower Tour at the Swan Theatre to enjoy panoramic views of this famous historic town. And visit Shakespeare’s birthplace to find out more about The Bard, his romantic plays and his love poems. The journey from Wootton Wawen to Stratford-upon-Avon takes around 5.5 hours and passes through 17 locks.
4. Enjoy a rural retreat in Staffordshire
From our narrowboat rental base at Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire, you can cruise quietly through the Staffordshire countryside to the historic market town of Rugeley. The journey travels four miles, passes through two locks and takes around two hours. Along the way, the route passes the National Trust’s impressive Shugborough Estate and the beautiful Cannock Chase Forest. You’ll also pass the Wolseley Arms canalside pub and the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Wolseley Centre.
5. Cruise through the Shropshire Lake District
On a short break from Whixall on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, you can head west along the Llangollen Canal to Ellesmere, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. The journey to Ellesmere takes around two-and-a-half hours, cruising through eight miles of stunning Shropshire countryside. You’ll pass close to Lyneal Moss and Colemere Country Park along the way. Once at Ellesmere, you can moor up and explore the famous Mere with its romantic historic castle, woodland paths and fascinating wildlife.
6. Navigate to UNESCO World Heritage Bath
On a short break from Bradford on Avon, you can cruise to moorings at Sydney Gardens, a short walk from Bath City Centre. Bath has so many romantic destinations to choose from, including the Georgian Pump Rooms and Bath Abbey, where you can take a Bath Abbey Tower Tour. The journey from Bradford on Avon to Sydney Gardens takes around four hours and passes through just one lock.
Our 2025 winter short breaks (three or four nights) start at £715*, and £970* for a week. Or you could choose to just hire a boat for the day from one of our six boat yards offering day hire, with prices from just £99.
*Fuel is extra with the charge based on use, circa £10-15 per day. A £70 fuel deposit for short breaks is taken at the time of booking, £110 for a week.
