Sitting at the crossroads of two popular canals there’s a great choice of 7-night breaks from Great Haywood
Etruria and back (38 miles, 36 locks, 21.5 hours)
Cruise north from Great Haywood up the Trent & Mersey Canal through the Staffordshire countryside and wooded Trent Valley. You’ll pass through Hoo Mill Lock and Weston Lock. You can stop at Bridge 80 to visit Weston, where there’s a choice of pubs – the Saracen’s Head and The Woolpack. Next continue north through the quiet meadows of the Trent Valley. At Aston Bridge you’ll reach the outskirts of the historic market town of Stone. Famous for its annual food and drink festival, Stone has a great choice of shops, pubs and restaurants. Continue north from Stone towards the village of Barlaston, home to the canalside Plume of Feathers pub. At Trentham Lock, you can moor up to visit the Wedgwood Pottery Factory. Cruising on north you’ll soon reach the Festival Park Marina at Etruria, where there’s a choice of places to eat and shop, and the Etruria Industrial Museum and Waterworld indoor tropical amusement park to visit.
Drayton Manor Theme Park and back (48 Miles, 10 locks, 22 hours)
Head south along the Trent & Mersey Canal and pass through Haywood Lock. The National Trust’s Shugborough Hall is close by, with riverside gardens dotted with fascinating monuments and follies, once rumoured to offer a clue to finding the Holy Grail. Cruise past Little Haywood, with Red Lion and Lamb & Flag pubs. Cruise on past the Wolseley Bridge, with canalside Wolseley Arms pub and access to the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Wolseley Centre. Continue on, now passing through Cannock Chase, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Cross Brindley Bank Aqueduct and continue towards the historic town of Rugeley. You can walk into the town centre where you’ll find the canalside Colliers pub. You’ll go through the villages of Armitage and King’s Bromley, before reaching Fradley Junction. Here the Trent & Mersey Canal meets the Coventry Canal. There’s a Canalside Café and The Swan Inn (also known as ‘The Mucky Duck’) to visit, and you can enjoy spotting wildlife along the woodland trail and boardwalk at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve. Transfer onto the Coventry Canal. Pass through the villages of Huddlesford (home of The Plough pub), Whittington (home of The Swan pub) and Hopwas (home of the Tame Otter country pub run by Vintage Inn) before reaching Fazeley Junction. Turn right and moor up between Tolson’s Footbridge and Coleshill Road Bridge. From there you can walk to Drayton Manor Park. Brewood and back (52 miles, 26 locks, 26 hours)
At Great Haywood Junction, join the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal and head west. You’ll pass over a small aqueduct before reaching Tixall Wide, a beautiful stretch of water where the canal widens. Cruise on through the Staffordshire countryside, passing the canalside Radford pub at bridge 98. Next you’ll reach the market town of Penkridge, where there are several shops and pubs, including The Boat and The Cross Keys. You’ll travel past Gailey Wharf and cruise on to Autherley Junction, head northwest, passing through the lock and join onto the Shropshire Union Canal. Enjoy a peaceful two hour lock-free cruise through the countryside to the historic village of Brewood. Walk into the village to visit Speedwell Castle in the market square and a choice of pubs, including The Oakley Arms and the Staffordshire Grill & Lion Hotel.
Leek and back (62 miles, 54 locks, 36 hours)
Follow the route to Etruria (see above) and transfer onto the Caldon Canal. Go through the Etruria Staircase Locks. You’ll cruise through Stoke-on-Trent. You can moor up at Bridge 8 to walk into Stoke-on-Trent and visit the Potteries Shopping Centre, Bridgewater Factory shop or the Repertory Theatre. Continuing on, the route becomes increasingly rural and you’ll pass the canalside Sportsman pub at Stockton Brook. At Hazelhurst Junction, take the Leek Branch. Travel across Hazelhurst Aqueduct and go through the 130yd Leek Tunnel to the winding hole at the canal terminus. Turn your boat and then moor up to walk into Leek. There are supermarkets and a choice of places to eat, including The Lazy Trout and The Reform Inn.
Market Drayton and back (95 miles, 38 locks, 42 hours)
Follow the route to Brewood (see above) and then continue heading north along the scenic Shropshire Union Canal. This lock-free stretch of canal takes you through Cowley Tunnel and past the Shropshire village of Gnosall with its Boat Inn and Navigation pubs. Next you’ll cruise high along the Shelmore Embankment on to Norbury, with its canalside Junction Inn. Soon after Norbury you’ll enter the Woodeaves Cutting, the longest cutting on the canal network at just under three kilometres long. The sides are 21 metres deep and it’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its geological interest. The trees and vegetation in the cutting will give you the feeling of ‘forest bathing’. There are five locks at Tyrley and then you’ll arrive at the historic market town of Market Drayton, home of the gingerbread man. Turn at Bridge 62 and then moor up to walk into the town and see the Tudor-framed buildings, historic market square and ‘Buttercross’.
To check availability and book click here or call us on 0117 463 3419.
Best autumn days out boating on the canals
Hire a canal boat for a great day out this autumn
We offer canal boat day boat hire from 6 of our bases, with prices starting at just £99 per day for up to 10 people.
Autumn is a great time to hire a canal boat for the day, when you can see the beautiful autumn colours in the trees and hedgerows that line our canals reflected in the water.
On a day out boating with family and friends, you can cruise through the countryside spotting wildlife along the way.
Tuition is included and our day boats are equipped with everything you need for a great day afloat, including a kettle, cooker, fridge and toilet.
Our day boats are family and pet friendly.
Here’s a guide to our top 6 day boat hire destinations this autumn:
1. Glide across ‘The Stream in the Sky’
On a day afloat from Trevor on the Llangollen Canal, you can cruise across to the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to Chirk and back. As you cross, you’ll be 38 metres high above the Dee Valley with fantastic views of the autumn colours in the trees. You can stop to enjoy a drink or a meal at the Bridge Inn at Chirk Bank or the Poacher’s Pocket at Gledrid. The journey to Chirk and back takes around 5 hours.
2. Potter through the Warwickshire countryside to Lowsonford
From Wootton Wawen you can cruise north along the Stratford Canal to the village of Lowsonford and back. There you can moor up and visit the canalside Fleur de Lys pub, famous for its pies. The journey to Lowsonford and back takes 7 hours and there are 4 locks to go through each way.
3. Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Rugeley
From Great Haywood near Stafford, you can cruise to the historic market town of Rugeley and back. You’ll pass the National Trust’s Shugborough Estate. And the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Along the way, you can stop for a drink or a meal at the Wolseley Arms at Wolseley Bridge. Or book at table at The Colliers pub canalside in Rugeley. The journey to Rugeley and back takes 6 hours and there are 2 locks to go through each way.
4. Navigate through the Cheshire countryside to Nantwich
On a day out from Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley, you can cruise to Nantwich and back. The lock-free journey takes you past the canalside Old Barbridge Inn. And across the impressive Nantwich Aqueduct, with panoramic views across the town. The journey to Nantwich and back takes around 6 hours.
5. Travel slowly through the Shropshire countryside to historic Whitchurch
From Whixall on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal, you can reach the historic market town of Whitchurch. You’ll pass the Hadley Farm Café along the way and there’s a good choice of places to eat in Whitchurch, including the Black Bear pub. The journey to Whitchurch and back takes around 5 hours, and there are 6 lift bridges each way.
6. Boat through the Bath Valley to Brassknocker Basin
From Bradford on Avon, on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, you can cruise through the wooded Bath Valley to Brassknocker Basin and back. Along the way you’ll pass over the magnificent Bath stone aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas. You can stop for lunch at the canalside No.10 Cafe next to Avoncliff Aqueduct, or the Angelfish Cafe at Brassknocker Basin. The journey there and back travels 9 miles and takes around 4 hours. There’s just 1 lock to pass through each way.
You can book your summer day out boating online here or call us on 0117 304 1122.
Autumn boat trips across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Autumn boat trips across ‘The Stream in the Sky’
In September and October, our ‘Little Star’ trip boat will be operating five trips a day across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Nicknamed ‘The Stream in the Sky’, our boat trips offer passengers the chance to enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful autumn colours emerging across the Dee Valley.
Experience this World Heritage site afloat
The UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct carries boats 38 metres high across the Dee Valley.
Our daily skippered boat trips aboard ‘Little Star’ offer the chance to cruise along the Llangollen Canal and across this incredible structure.
This Autumn, passengers can enjoy amazing views across the Dee Valley, seeing the changing colours in the trees.
Onboard commentary is provided
Our knowledgeable team provides commentary on board about the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Llangollen Canal.
It’s a great way to learn more about the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage site as you cruise gently along.
Trip times and access
In September and October, trips depart daily at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm from Canal Wharf, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7TT.
There’s a public car park nearby at LL14 3SG.
Ticket prices and booking
‘Little Star’ (‘Seren Fach’ in Welsh) offers space for up to 48 passengers.
Adult tickets are priced at £10 each, children (aged under 16) are priced at £6. Family tickets for two adults and two children are priced at £25 each. Refreshments are available to purchase on board, including hot and cold drinks, and ice creams.
Group bookings
We offer a 10% discount on bookings for groups of 10 or more. And we offer longer bespoke trips for groups of 20 or more.
For more information and to book in advance, visit www.anglowelsh.co.uk/little-star, or call the bookings team on 0117 304 1122.
We’ve published more information about making the most of your visit here
Christmas boat trips across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Cruise across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct this Christmas
This December, our ‘Little Star’ (‘Seren Fach’) trip boat will be offering daily skippered Christmas cruises across the UNESCO World Heritage Status Pontcysyllte Aqueduct until 31 December 2025.
Departing every day (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day) at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm, the 45-minute return trips take you across the incredible 38-metre high Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, to experience amazing views across the Dee Valley.
Our knowledgeable team provides commentary on board, so you can learn more about the historical significance of the Llangollen Canal as you cruise gently along. Hot drinks and snacks are available to purchase on board, and children will receive a free chocolate treat from Father Christmas on the trips running before Christmas Day.
Adult tickets are £10 each, children (aged under 16) are £6. Family tickets for two adults and two children are £25 each.
Trips depart from Canal Wharf, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7TT and can be booked in advance at Little Star Booking | Anglo Welsh Ltd, or call the bookings team on 0117 304 1122.
Tickets can also be purchased on the day, subject to availability.
Week long breaks from Bradford on Avon
There’s a choice of week-long holidays on the Kennet & Avon Canal from Bradford on Avon
Pewsey and back (72 locks, 34 hours)
From Bradford on Avon Marina, head east along the Kennet & Avon Canal. The journey takes you through Semington and Seend, with its canalside Barge Inn. Soon after you’ll reach the base of the Caen Hill flight of 29 locks at Devizes, one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’. It takes around five hours to travel up the flight, which raises the canal 235ft across 2.5 miles. From the canal it’s a short walk to the historic market town of Devizes, with places to visit including the Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre, Bear Hotel and Peppermill Restaurant. After Devizes, you’ll pass through a series of pretty canalside villages dotted through the North West Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including All Cannings with its King’s Arms pub and Honeystreet, with its canalside Barge Inn. You’ll travel on through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, passing Pewsey Wharf and close by to the village of Pewsey, with its Royal Oak pub.
Great Bedwyn and back (100 locks, 46 hours)
Follow the Pewsey route above. After Pewsey, you’ll reach Wootton Rivers with its Royal Oak pub on the edge of the Savernake Forest. Then you’ll pass through The Bruce Tunnel, also known as Savernake Tunnel, marking the highest point of the canal. Soon after you’ll reach Crofton with its historic Pumping Station and Beam engines and a flight of locks taking you back down the hill. Next it’s Great Bedwyn, with its Three Tuns pub and Great Bedwyn Wharf where you can turn your boat.
Bristol Floating Harbour and back (28 locks, 24 hours)
Please note this route is only available to hirers with lots of boating experience.
Heading west from the marina along the Kennet & Avon Canal, cruise through the picturesque Bath Valley. You’ll cross over the Avoncliff Aqueduct, with The Cross Guns and No.10 Tea Garden next to it. You’ll cross over the Dundas Aqueduct and pass the entrance to the Somerset Coal Canal. Soon after you’ll pass Claverton Pumping Station and Claverton Manor, home of the American Museum in Britain. Next you’ll pass through Bathampton and the canalside George Inn. You’ll cruise through two short tunnels – Beckford Road and Cleveland House. Next you’ll travel down the flight of six locks in Bath (the Widcombe flight) before joining the River Avon. You’ll pass through Saltford with its Riverside Inn and Keynsham with its Brassmill and Lock Keeper pubs. You’ll cruise on through a steeply wooded valley, before reaching Hanham Lock and the Old Lock & Weir Inn. Cruise on to Bristol Floating Harbour, home of Brunel’s SS Great Britain ship, the MShed Bristol Museum and galleries, and the Watershed arts centre, cinema and café bar. The centre of Bristol is just a 20-minute walk away. There are mooring fees at the floating harbour.
To check availability and book click here or call us on 0117 463 3419.
Best week-long family canal boat holidays this summer
Experience a family holiday afloat this summer visiting exciting destinations along the way
Canal boat holidays on Britain’s beautiful inland waterways offer the chance for families to experience an outdoor family adventure together this summer.
Our larger boats offer accommodation for 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 12 people, so they’re perfect for families and multi-generation holidays. Or take a flotilla holiday with another family, booking two boats from the same base at the same time.
To celebrate our special summer holiday offer for weekly breaks on larger family-sized boats (saving up to £1,195* and bringing the cost per person per night down to less than £22), we’ve published a guide to our top 6 week-long breaks for families this summer:
1. Boat through Cannock Chase and Fradley to Drayton Manor Theme Park
On a week’s break from Great Haywood near Stafford, you can cruise to Drayton Manor Theme Park and back. You’ll first head south along the Trent & Mersey Canal, passing through Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the historic town of Rugeley. At Fradley Junction, home of Fradley Pool Nature Reserve, you’ll transfer onto the Coventry Canal. The route then takes you through a series of villages with canalside pubs before reaching Fazeley Junction. Turn right and moor up between Tolson’s Footbridge and Coleshill Road Bridge. From there you can walk to Drayton Manor Theme Park, with over 50 exciting rides and a 15-acre zoo.
The journey to Coleshill Road Bridge and back takes around 22 hours and passes through 10 locks (five each way).
2. Cruise across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ and visit Chirk Castle’s Summer of Play
On a week’s break from Trevor near Wrexham, you can travel along the Llangollen Canal to Whitchurch and back. You’ll begin your holiday crossing the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, also known as ‘The Stream in the Sky’, which carries the Llangollen Canal 38 metres high above the Dee Valley. You’ll cross the border into England at Chirk, home of the National Trust’s Chirk Castle, where this summer children can experience the special Summer of Play outdoor event, with interactive activities in the castle estate. Then you’ll pass through the picturesque town of Ellesmere, with woodland walks, castle remains, cycle trails and Boathouse Café at the Mere. You’ll then cruise on through the beautiful Shropshire Lake District to Whitchurch, where you can moor up to explore this historic market town, with a great choice of places to eat out.
The journey from Trevor to Whitchurch and back takes around 25 hours and passes through four locks (two each way).
3. Navigate ‘The Shroppie’ to Norbury and visit the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker
On a week’s break from Bunbury in Cheshire, you can cruise along the Shropshire Union Canal to Norbury and back. The journey will take you through the Cheshire countryside and across the Nantwich Aqueduct, with views across the town. At Hack Green locks, you can moor up to visit the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker Museum, where kids can follow the Soviet Spy Mouse Trail. At Audlem, you can moor up to visit the canalside Shroppie Fly pub and at historic Market Drayton you can sample the town’s famous gingerbread men. You’ll cross the Shebdon Aqueduct and pass Loynton Moss Nature Reserve, before reaching Norbury Wharf and the canalside Junction Inn.
The journey to Norbury and back takes around 31 hours and passes through 58 locks (29 each way).
4. Travel up the famous Caen Hill flight, see Stonehenge gold and cruise through the Vale of Pewsey
On a week’s break from Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, you can cruise to Pewsey Wharf and back. The journey takes you up the famous 29 locks at Caen Hill, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. You can moor up for a break at the historic market town of Devizes to visit the Wiltshire Museum, where gold from Stonehenge is on display. Next you’ll cruise through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At Pewsey Wharf, you can follow the Pewsey Vale Trail and visit the Pewsey Heritage Centre and the Waterfront Bar & Bistro.
It takes around 34 hours to cruise from Bradford on Avon to Pewsey and back, passing through 72 locks (36 each way).
5. Travel by boat through the Shropshire Lake District to Llangollen in the Welsh Mountains
On a week’s break from Whixall, on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, you can cruise to the historic town of Llangollen and back. Along the way, you’ll travel through the Shropshire Lake District to Ellesmere, with its beautiful Mere, castle remains, cycle trails and woodland walks. You’ll cross the border into Wales at Chirk and begin cruising the 11 miles of the Llangollen Canal designated a World Heritage site, including tunnels, lift bridges and the awesome Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. At the historic market town of Llangollen, nestled in the Berwyn Mountains, you can visit the famous Horseshoe Falls, the Llangollen Steam Railway and you can climb up to Castell Dinas Bran for amazing views.
The journey from Whixall to Llangollen and back takes around 24 hours and passes through four locks (two each way).
6. Navigate to Warwick Castle to watch live action jousting!
On a week-long holiday from Wootton Wawen, you can cruise to Warwick Castle and back, said to be Britain’s greatest medieval experience. The journey begins heading north along the Stratford Canal through the remains of the Forest of Arden. You’ll pass through the village of Lowsonford, with its Fleur de Lys pub, famous for its pies. At Lapworth Junction you’ll take the Lapworth Link and transfer onto the Grand Union Canal. The National Trust’s magnificent Baddesley Clinton moated manor house is a short walk away from there. Next you’ll boat through the 396-metre long Shrewley Tunnel and soon after you’ll reach the top of the flight of 21 locks at Hatton. The Hatton Locks Cafe and Hatton Arms pub are popular places to moor up for a break. In Warwick, moor at the Cape of Good Hope pub to visit Warwick Castle, where you can climb the ramparts and watch the Wars of the Roses Live! Jousting Specular.
The journey to Warwick and back travels 28 miles, passes through 76 locks (38 each way) and takes around 23 hours.
*Discount based on a 12-berth boat from price band 3, departing between 11 July and 28 August 2025.
To check availability and book, click here or call us on 0117 463 3419.
To celebrate the autumn colours, we’ve put together a guide to our best week-long cruises through the countryside
Canal boat holidays are a great way to connect with nature and spot wildlife on the water and in the canalside fields and woods. This autumn, take an adventure afloat on a canal cruise through the countryside, enjoying the beautiful colours in the trees and hedgerows that line our canals and rivers.
Our best week-long breaks this autumn
1. Cruise through the Shropshire countryside to Whitchurch
On a week’s break from Trevor in North Wales, you can travel along the Llangollen Canal to Whitchurch and back. Along the way, you’ll cross the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, with amazing views of the Dee Valley. Then it’s on through the Shropshire countryside, passing through Ellesmere, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. Once at Whitchurch, you can moor up to explore this historic market town, including its award-winning Black Bear pub. The journey from Trevor to Whitchurch and back takes 25 hours and passes through four locks (two each way).
2. Navigate through the Yorkshire countryside to Barnoldswick
On a week’s break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, you can cruise through the Yorkshire countryside to Barnoldswick and back. The journey takes you through a series of historic towns and villages, including Skipton, with its medieval castle and acres of woodland trails to explore, and East Marton with access to the Pennine Way National Trail. The journey from Silsden to Barnoldswick and back takes 22 hours and passes through 30 locks (15 each way).
3. Boat through the Cheshire countryside to the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port
On a week’s break from Bunbury, you can cruise to the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port and back. The route will take you along the Shropshire Union Canal and through the Cheshire countryside to the ancient City of Chester, and on to Ellesmere Port, passing close to Chester Zoo along the way. At Ellesmere Port, you can visit the National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port, with its historic boat collection, docks, warehouses, forge, stables and workers’ cottages. The journey to Ellesmere Port and back goes through 24 locks (12 each way) and takes around 19 cruising hours.
4. Wend your way through the Wiltshire countryside to the Vale of Pewsey
On a week’s break from Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire you can cruise to Pewsey Wharf and back. The journey takes you up the 29 locks of the Caen Hill Flight, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways, and through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Places to visit along the way include the canalside Barge Inn at Seend and the historic market town of Devizes. It takes around 34 hours to cruise from Bradford on Avon to Pewsey and back, passing through 72 locks (36 each way).
5. Journey to Llangollen North Wales and visit the Horseshoe Falls
On a week’s break from Whixall Marina, on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, you can cruise to the historic town of Llangollen and back. Along the way, you’ll travel through the Shropshire Lake District to Ellesmere, with its beautiful Mere and woodland walks. You’ll cruise across the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte and Chirk aqueducts, enjoying views of the Welsh mountains. At Llangollen, nestled in the Berwyn Mountains, you can visit the famous Horseshoe Falls. The journey from Whixall to Llangollen and back takes around 24 hours and passes through four locks (two each way).
6. Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Drayton Manor Theme Park
On a week’s break from Great Haywood near Stafford, you can cruise to Drayton Manor Theme Park and back. Head south along the Trent & Mersey Canal, passing through Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the historic town of Rugeley. At Fradley Junction, home of Fradley Pool Nature Reserve, you’ll transfer onto the Coventry Canal. The route takes you through the villages of Huddlesford (home of The Plough pub), Whittington (home of The Swan pub) and Hopwas (home of the Tame Otter pub) before reaching Fazeley Junction. Turn right and moor up between Tolson’s Footbridge and Coleshill Road Bridge. From there you can walk to Drayton Manor Theme Park. The journey to Coleshill Road Bridge and back cruises 48 miles, passes through 10 locks (5 each way) and takes around 22 hours.
7. Travel to Warwick Castle and back
On a week-long holiday from Wootton Wawen, you can cruise to Warwick Castle and back. The journey begins heading north along the Stratford Canal through the remains of the Forest of Arden. You’ll pass through the village of Lowsonford, with its Fleur de Lys canalside pub, famous for its pies. At Lapworth Junction you take the Lapworth Link and transfer onto the Grand Union Canal. You’ll boat through the 396-metre long Shrewley Tunnel and soon after you’ll reach the top of the flight of 21 locks at Hatton. The Hatton Locks Cafe and Hatton Arms pub are popular places to stop for refreshment. In Warwick, moor at the Cape of Good Hope pub to visit Warwick Castle, said to be Britain’s greatest medieval experience. The journey to Warwick and back travels 28 miles, passes through 76 locks (38 each way) and takes around 23 hours.
To check availability and book click here or call us on 0117 463 3419.
Top October half term canal boat holiday destinations
Set off for a family adventure afloat together this October half term.
You’ll be cosy aboard your very own floating holiday cottage, with all the key comforts of home, including hot water, central heating, well-equipped kitchens, showers, flushing toilets and WiFi.
Tuition is included in our hire boat rental and our holidays are pet friendly.
We’ve put together a guide to our top 7 narrowboat holiday destinations this October half term:
1. Take a Ghost Walk in Shakespeare’s Stratford
From our boat yard on the Stratford Canal at Wootton Wawen, it takes around six hours to reach Bancroft Basin in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon. There, every Saturday at 7.30pm the award-winning Ghost Walk takes visitors on a tour around the haunted streets of Stratford-upon-Avon. The journey to Stratford and back from Wootton Wawen passes through 34 locks (17 each way) and takes around 12 hours.
2. Cruise to Llangollen to visit the magnificent Horseshoe Falls
Setting off from our base on the Llangollen Canal at Trevor in North Wales, it takes just two hours to reach moorings at Llangollen Basin. From there, you can explore this historic town nestled in the Berwyn Mountains, including the magnificent Horseshoe Falls. This 140 metre long weir structure was designed by Thomas Telford to feed water from the River Dee to the Llangollen Canal.
3. Navigate to Alrewas and the National Memorial Aboretum
On a 4-night break from Great Haywood you can cruise along the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal to Alrewas and back. There you can moor up and walk to the National Memorial Aboretum, home to more than 400 memorials. Along the way, you’ll pass the beautiful Tixall Wide lake, Penkridge and Gailey with canalside pubs to enjoy. The journey from Great Haywood to Alrewas and back travels 26 miles, passes through 22 locks (11 each way) and takes around 15 hours.
4. Visit ‘The Cathedral of the Canals’
On a 4-night break from Bunbury in Cheshire, you can cruise to the Anderton Boat Lift and back. Also known as ‘The Cathedral of the Canals’, Anderton Boat Lift celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. The journey begins on the Shropshire Union Canal, transferring onto the Middlewich Branch at Barbridge Junction. Cruising through the Cheshire countryside, you’ll connect with the Trent & Mersey Canal at Middlewich. You’ll pass through the village of Marston before reaching Anderton. There you can visit the Anderton Boat Lift Visitor Centre explains how this amazing structure works. The journey from Bunbury to Anderton and back travels 46 miles, passes through 20 locks (10 each way) and takes around 18 hours.
5. Explore 1,200 acres at Chirk Castle
On a 4-night break from Whixall, on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal, you can travel to Chirk and back. The journey to Chirk passes through just two locks and takes around eight hours. There you can moor up and walk to the National Trust’s Chirk Castle, which takes around 30 minutes. At Chirk Castle there are murder holes and medieval toilets in the Adam Tower to marvel at, richly decorated state rooms to explore and 1,200 acres to roam.
6. Take a ghost tour in Bath
From Bradford on Avon, it takes around four hours, passing through one lock, to reach moorings at Sydney Gardens in Bath. From there, you can explore this UNESCO World Heritage city and book a Ghost Tour. The tour takes visitors on a thrilling tour of Bath, discovering tales of murder, mayhem, witch burnings, hangings, medieval monks, duels and poltergeists.
7. Experience the Royal Armouries Escape Room in Leeds
On a week’s holiday from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, you can cruise to Leeds and back. You can moor up in Leeds Dock, home of the Royal Armouries Museum. There you can book an Escape Room experience with Great Escape Game. The journey from Silsden to Leeds and back takes around 34 hours, and passes through 56 locoks (28 each way).
