Fradley Junction in Staffordshire is a popular destination for canal boat holiday-makers
Fradley Junction near Alrewas is where the Trent & Mersey Canal meets the Coventry Canal.
There are visitor moorings for boaters so you can plan a stop at Fradley. There you’ll find woodland walks at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve, the historic Swan Inn canalside pub and the Laughing Duck Cafe.
You can reach Fradley Junction on a short break from Great Haywood.
Easy recipes to cook on a canal boat holiday
Our modern narrowboats have well equipped kitchens so you can prepare tasty meals on board
In our galley kitchens, you’ll find a sink with hot and cold running water, a cooker with four gas hobs, and an oven/grill beneath. There’s a fridge with a small freezer compartment, a larder, work tops, pots, pans, kettle, cutlery, plates, bowls, etc. Many of our canal boats also have a microwave.
For inspiration, we asked some of our experienced narrowboat holiday-makers and colleagues for their favourite recipes afloat:
1. Stan’s Venison Ragu with Tagliatelle
Stan Cullimore was a member of the 80’s band The Housemartins. Now a journalist and children’s author, Stan has been enjoying regular narrowboat holidays for years.
Serves 2-3
Cooking time: around 1 hr
Ingredients
500g venison mince*
400g chopped tomatoes (tinned)
2 x medium carrots
1 x large onion
1 x bulb of fennel
handful of fresh tarragon (or a large pinch if dried)
200ml beef stock
200 ml red wine
dollop of tomato puree
garlic
chilli
75g of Tagliatelle per person
*If you prefer, you can replace the venison with pork, beef or Quorn mince. And use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.
Preparation
Put the venison mince into a frying pan with some olive oil and brown for a few minutes. Whilst it is sizzling away, chop the carrots, onion and fennel.
Remove the mince from the pan, leaving the juices behind. Place the meat to one side in a bowl. Place the chopped vegetables in the pan with the meat juices. Heat and allow to soften for a few minutes.
Return the meat to the pan, with the vegetables, and allow this marvellous mixture to bubble away gently. Add the chopped tomatoes. Stir in the stock, red wine and tomato puree. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Finely chop the tarragon (if fresh), the chilli and the garlic. Add to the pan. Place a lid on the pan, turn down the heat and leave to simmer for at least 40 minutes. By now, you should have an open bottle of red wine to hand which is still quite full. Pour yourself a glass, sit back and relax. The hard work is over, it’s time to kick back, chill out and enjoy the smells wafting from the cooker. Mmm. Should be good.
12 minutes before the ragu is due to be ready, fill the kettle, boil it, then put the pasta on to cook. Should take around ten minutes, but read the pasta packet for details.
Finally, plate up the pasta, spoon a large portion of ragu on top and munch away. With that and another glass of red in hand, you are definitely living your best boat life.
Buon appetito!
2. Kev’s Cauliflower, Broccoli & Tomato Gratin
Kevin Yarwodd is our base manager at Great Haywood. He lives aboard his own narrowboat with his wife and two children.
Serves 4
Cooking time: around 40 minutes
Ingredients
1 head each of broccoli and cauliflower, cut into small florets
4 large tomatoes sliced
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan
Toppings
180g of cream cheese
150ml tub of sour cream or creme fraiche
2 teaspoons of English mustard
2 handfuls of grated cheese
bunch of finely chopped spring onions
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Preparation
Pre heat oven at gas mark 6
Put florets into a pan of boiling water and simmer for 5 minutes
Drain and put into a roasting tin
Mix all topping ingredients together season with salt and black pepper
Spread the mix over the florets
Top with sliced tomatoes and sprinkle over the Parmesan
Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbling and browned on top
Serve with a crisp mixed salad and garlic bread
*This recipe is vegetarian but can be made vegan by exchanging the cheese and dairy products to vegan alternatives.
3. Matt’s Scotch Egg Recipe
Matt lives on board his own narrowboat at Wootton Wawen.
“Scotch eggs are great for a cruise on the boat, as you can have them hot in the evening with a salad, and any left-over eggs can be eaten cold the next day, when you are on the move. These home-made scotch eggs are soft boiled, making them far better than the dry ones you buy.”
Serves 4
Cooking time: around 45 minutes
Ingredients
5 eggs
70g pack of Panko breadcrumbs
720g sausage meat
salt & pepper
thyme
fresh parsley
dijon mustard
To soft boil the eggs
Boil a pan of water with a small amount of vinegar.
When on a rolling boil, lower your free range eggs in to the water making sure they are covered by the water.
Time for 6 minutes for soft boiled, longer for harder centres. When time is up, cool immediately in a bowl of cold water and peel and set aside.
To make the outer casing
Mix 180g of sausage meat per egg with pinch of salt, a generous amount of cracked pepper, a pinch of thyme, a tablespoon roughly chopped parsley and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Flatten out the mix and wrap each egg in the sausage meat mixture.
To finish the egg
Preheat oven at gas mark 6.
Make an egg wash dip by whisking an egg and preparing a Panko breadcrumb bath.
Dip the egg and sausage meat ball in the egg first, then the breadcrumbs. Do this twice for an extra crispy outer crust.
Put eggs on a non-stick baking sheet and spray with a small mist of light oil. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
4. Bridget’s Mars Bar Crunch
Bridget Harrison writes for The Times and has been going on regular family holidays on board boats for over 30 years.
“This is an easy recipe that kids can do alone, and makes delicious snacks that you can hand out at tea time, or as rewards to any crew driving or doing locks. But be warned, they are very moreish!”
Ingredients
6 Mars bars
200g butter
200g Rice Crispies
Preparation
Cut the butter and Mars bars into chunks and melt in a saucepan over a low heat until liquid.
Put the Rice Crispies in a bowl and add the Mars bar /butter mixture.
Stir well until they are combined. Tip into a baking dish and press down until firm.
Pop in the fridge if you have room, but you may not on the boat, so it’s fine to leave on top also.
When the mixture is set, turn out and cut into squares and store in a Tupperware box.
5. Howard’s Bread & Butter Pudding
Howard Fisher has been on a canal boat holiday almost every year for the last 50 years, including around 15 with Anglo Welsh.
“This is for a pudding I’ve made for years. It has been modified over the years, but it always disappears, no matter how much I make!”
Ingredients
600ml milk
30g sugar
2 eggs
30g currants
6 small slices bread and butter
nutmeg
and optionally 2 tablespoons marmalade
Preparation
Heat oven to 175°C (Gas mark 6)
Grease dish and line with 3 slices of bread and butter.
Sprinkle with currants, sugar and grated nutmeg. Spoon over marmalade if using.
Top 7 October half term canal boat holiday destinations
Our top 7 October half term canal boat holiday destinations include Chirk Castle
You’ll be self-contained on board your very own floating holiday cottage. On board you’ll find all the key comforts of home, including hot water, TV, WiFi*, well-stocked kitchens, showers, flushing toilets and central heating.
We’ve put together a guide to our top 9 narrowboat holiday destinations and Halloween events** this October half term:
1. Enjoy live performances of Shakespeare’s spookiest plays
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. A short walk away at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, visitors can experience live performances of of scenes from some of Shakespeare’s spookiest plays. The special Halloween event is on from Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November 2024. 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. Hear tales of Folklore, myth and tradition at the Shugborough Estate
Our base on the Trent & Mersey Canal at Great Haywood is less than an hour’s cruise away from the National Trust’s Shugborough Estate. From 5-30 October, Shugborough Rangers will be hosting daily walking talks around the gardens and grounds recounting tales of Folklore, myth and tradition.
4. Experience the Super Natural at Chester Zoo
On a short break from our Bunbury base on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley, you can reach the historic City of Chester, home of the award-winning Chester Zoo. The journey to Chester cruises 12 miles, passes through 18 locks and takes around seven hours. From 28 September to 2 November 2024, Chester Zoo will be hosting a special Super Natural event. Visitors can shrink to the size of a rat in a giant pumpkin sculpture trail. Then adventure into unexplored lands with a digital immersive story experience, encountering mysterious mythical beasts.
5. Face medieval monster-themed challenges at Chirk Castle
From Whixall, on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal, you can reach Chirk in around eight hours. The journey passes through just two locks. From visitor moorings on the canal at Chirk it takes around 30 minutes to walk up to the National Trust’s Chirk Castle. From 26 October to 2 November, Chirk Castle will be offering a Medieval Monster Activity Sheet for a self-led monster-themed adventure challenge.
6. Take a ghost tour in Bath
From Bradford on Avon, it takes around five hours, passing through seven locks, to cruise into Bath City Centre. 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).
*NB Our Silsden boats don’t have WiFi
**NB Most of the events listed need to be booked in advance via the venue’s website
We’re offering winter cruising from seven of our canal boat hire bases
Winter canal boat hire provides the opportunity to cruise gently through the quiet winter countryside and stop off at canalside pubs along the way.
You’ll be snug and warm on board as all our boats have central heating and hot water, and some also have multi-fuel stoves.
We offer narrowboat hire over Christmas and New Year from six of our bases. So you can celebrate the festive season afloat with family and friends. Or simply escape from it all with your nearest and dearest, aboard your very own floating holiday cottage.
Here’s a Guide to Our Top 6 Cosy Canal Boat Holiday Pubs to Cruise to This Winter
**Please note that winter maintenance on the canals may affect some routes for part of the winter, so do just check with us when you make your booking:
1. Cruise to the Dusty Miller at Wrenbury Mill, Cheshire
From Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal, it takes around seven hours to reach Wrenbury Mill. The route travels through 10 miles of the Cheshire countryside, and passes through 11 locks. You’ll start off on the Shropshire Union Canal, transferring onto the Llangollen Canal at Hurleston Junction. At Wrenbury Mill you can moor up and enjoy a meal at the Dusty Miller. They serve traditional pub food, including chicken in a basket and pie of the day. The pub is dog friendly and they have a guide to local walks on their website.
2. Head to the Swan Inn at Fradley Junction, Staffordshire
From Great Haywood it takes around five hours to reach Fradley Junction. The journey travels along the Trent & Mersey Canal for 12 miles, passing through five locks. At Fradley, you can moor up next to the historic Swan Inn, serving ‘home cooked honest meals’. They also have a doggy menu.
3. Visit the Fleur De Lys at Lowsonford, Warwickshire
From Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal, it takes around three hours to cruise to the pretty canalside village of Lowsonford. There you can moor up to visit the Fleur De Lys, a 17th century country pub famous for its pies. Eleven different types of pie are served, accompanied by seasonal vegetables, chunky chips and gravy. There are gluten free and vegan options, as well as veggie, meat and fish pies.
4. Dine out at the Corn Mill in Llangollen, Denbighshire
From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal, it takes around two-and-a-half hours to reach the pretty town of Llangollen, nestled in the Berwyn Mountains. Once there, you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and take a short walk to the popular Corn Mill pub. Housed in a 14th century watermill on the banks of the River Dee, there’s a great choice of dishes on offer. From pumpkin tortellini and a sweet potato curry, to a crispy buttermilk chicken burger and rump steak, all are calorie counted.
5. Visit the Black Bear at Whitchurch, Shropshire
Setting out from Whixall, it takes around two-and-a-half hours to reach the historic market town of Whitchurch. You’ll travel through the Shropshire countryside along the Llangollen Canal. Once at Whitchurch, you can moor up to explore the town and visit the award-winning Black Bear pub on the High Street, housed in a medieval building.
6. Dine at the Cross Guns at Avoncliff, Wiltshire
You can reach the Cross Guns pub next to Avoncliff Aqueduct on a short break from our bases at Bradford on Avon and Bath. One of Wiltshire’s best known pubs, the Cross Guns dates back to the 17th century. It’s large inglenook fireplace is the same style as those found at Hampton Court.
To check availability and book click here or call us on 0117 463 3419.
*Winter maintenance will affect some of the routes some of the time
Halloween boat trips across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Experience a Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Halloween boat trip this October half term
Our ‘Little Star’ trip boat will be operating daily Halloween themed boat trips over the October half term holiday (26-31 October).
Visitors can experience an unforgettable family day out together at the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct site.
At 300 metres long and 39 metres high, it’s the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain.
Our 45-minute-long return boat trips offer the chance to cruise across this incredible structure, experiencing amazing views across the Dee Valley.
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 the site as you cruise gently along, including some Halloween aqueduct ghost stories.
Steph Furniss from Anglo Welsh says: “It’s not surprising to learn there are lots of ghost stories associated with this World Heritage site that is over 100 years old, including tales of an eerie figure gliding along the towpath close the aqueduct on moonlit nights.”
Refreshments are available to purchase on board, including hot and cold drinks, and ice creams.
From 26 to 31 October 2024, Halloween-themed trips depart daily at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm from Canal Wharf, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7TT.
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.
For more information and to book in advance, click here www.anglowelsh.co.uk/little-star, or call the bookings team on 0117 304 1122.
Best week-long breaks this autumn
To celebrate the autumn colours, we’ve put together a guide to our best week-long cruises through the countryside
This autumn adventure afloat on a canal cruise through the countryside, enjoying the beautiful colours in the trees and hedgerows that line our canals and rivers.
Canal boat holidays are a great way to connect with nature. You can watch-out for a abundance of wildlife along the way.
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 24 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. 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 Red Bull Wharf
On a week’s break from Bunbury, you can cruise through the Cheshire countryside to Red Bull Wharf and back. The route will take you along the rural Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal, running from Barbridge Junction to Middlewich. This peaceful 10-mile long waterways passing through the pretty village of Church Minshull, with its popular Badger Inn. The journey from Bunbury to Red Bull Wharf and back travels 53 miles and passes through 70 locks (35 each way).
4. Wend your way through the Wiltshire countryside to the Vale of Pewsey
On a week’s break from Monkton Combe on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Bath you can reach Pewsey Wharf. 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 historic market towns of Bradford on Avon and Devizes. It takes around 38 hours to cruise from Monkton Combe to Pewsey and back, passing through 74 locks (37 each way).
5. Journey to Llangollen North Wales and visit the Horsehoe Falls
On a week’s break from Whixall Marina, on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, you can reach the historic town of Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains. Along the way, you’ll travel through the Shropshire countryside to Ellesmere, with its beautiful Mere and woodland walks. You’ll cruise across the magnificent Pontcysyllte and Chirk aqueducts, enjoying incredible 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 Oustanding Natural Beauty and the historic town of Rugeley. At Fradley Junction, home of Fradley Pool Nature Reserve, transfer onto the Coventry Canal. You’ll pass 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 a moor up between Tolson’s Footbridge and Coleshill Road Bridge. From there you can walk to Drayton Manor 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. 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, lowering/raising the canal by 45 metres over two miles. The Hatton Locks Cafe and Hatton Arms pubs are popular places to stop for refreshment. Soon after Hatton Bottom Lock No.26 you’ll connect with the Saltisford Arm at Budbrooke Junction. There you can moor up and 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.
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 126 feet 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
The August bank holiday weekend is a great time to take to the water for a boating break
Our best August bank holiday boating breaks take you through some of Britain’s best-loved countryside, and into the heart of some our most famous waterside towns and cities.
Canal boat holidays are great for families, bringing everyone together for an adventure afloat. From steering the boat and working the locks, to planning the route and watching out for wildlife, there’s plenty to get involved in.
Pets are welcome aboard all our boats, so all the family can enjoy a relaxing staycation together. And there’s everything you need on board for a self-catering holiday afloat if you want to keep your costs down.
There are hundreds of waterside destinations in England and Wales to choose from.
To celebrate the upcoming August bank holiday, we’ve put together a guide to our top 8 August bank holiday weekend boating breaks:
1. Cruise along the Llangollen Canal to Ellesmere
On a weekend away from Trevor in North Wales, you can cruise to Ellesmere, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. The journey takes you across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, 39 metres high above the Dee valley. At Ellesmere, you can moor up to explore this historic market town and its ancient mere, with woodland walks and places to eat. The journey to Ellesmere takes around seven hours, crosses two aqueducts, and passes through two locks and two tunnels.
2. Navigate the Stratford Canal to Stratford-upon-Avon
From Wootton Wawen it takes around six hours to cruise along the Stratford Canal to Shakespeare’s Stratford. The route takes you through the Warwickshire countryside to reach overnight moorings in Bancroft Basin in the heart of Stratford upon Avon. Once there, you can walk to top attractions, including the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Shakespeare’s Birthplace. There are 17 locks to pass through along the way, and you’ll cross the impressive Edstone Aqueduct, the longest aqueduct in England.
3. Take a Thames boating holiday to Oxford
From our Oxford base on the River Thames at Eynsham, it takes just over three hours to reach Oxford City centre. There are just four locks to pass through along the way and some are manned, offering help to newcomers. Along the way, you’ll pass through Wolvercote, home of the popular riverside Trout Inn. Once in Oxford, you take time to explore the city, including the Bodleian Library, Carfax Tower and Oxford Castle.
4. Travel along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley
From Great Haywood, you can head south along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley Junction. The journey takes around five hours, travelling 12 miles through the Staffordshire countryside. There are just five locks to pass through, and you’ll pass canalside pubs at Wolseley and Rugeley. At Fradley, you can enjoy refreshments at the Canalside Café or The Swan Inn. And you can take a wildlife-spotting walk along the woodland trail and boardwalk at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve.
5. Cruise along the Shropshire Union Canal to Chester
On a weekend away, from Bunbury you can navigate to the ancient city of Chester. Cruising along the Shropshire Union Canal, the route passes through beautiful Cheshire countryside and a series of canalside villages. There are historic local pubs along the way, including The Ring O’Bells at Christleton and The Shady Oak at Bates Mill Bridge. Once in Chester, you can to explore some of the City’s attractions, including the Roman Amphitheatre, city walls and Chester Rows shops. The journey to Chester takes around seven hours and passes through nine locks.
6. Float along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Bradford on Avon
From our base at Sydney Wharf near Bath, it takes just four hours to reach the lovely market town of Bradford on Avon. There’s just one lock to pass through and stunning Bath stone aqueducts to glide across at Dundas and Avoncliff. You’ll pass a series of canalside pubs along the way, including The George at Bathampton and Cross Guns at Avoncliff. Once in Bradford on Avon, you can moor up to visit Historic England’s medieval Tithe Barn. And there’s a great choice of places to eat, including the riverside Timbrell’s Yard.
7. Cruise along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to Gargrave
From Silsden, you can cruise through the Yorkshire countryside to Gargrave on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The route travels 12 miles and passes through Skipton, home to the medieval Skipton Castle and Woods. At Gargrave, there are plenty of pubs to enjoy, including The Mason’s Arms and Cross Keys Inn. The route to Gargrave passes through three locks, and takes around 6½ hours.
8. Glide along the Llangollen Canal to Chirk
On a weekend break from Whixall Marina in Shropshire, you can cruise through the countryside to Chirk, on the border between England and Wales. The journey takes around eight hours and passes through just two locks. Along the way, you’ll pass Whixall Moss nature reserve and the historic market town of Ellesmere. At Chirk, there’s a choice of canalside pubs and the National Trust’s medieval Chirk Castle to visit.
Click here to book a holiday, or call our friendly booking team on 0117 304 1122.
We offer a range of different types of holidays such as City Breaks, Relaxation Cruises and Popular Destinations
So why choose Anglo Welsh?
Over 55 years providing unique canal boat holidays in England and Wales.
Modern and spacious narrowboat and wide beam barge hire – from 2 to 12 berths.
Wide choice of narrowboat hire locations and canal boat holiday destinations.
Canal boat holiday routes for novices & experienced boaters.
Flexible holiday booking, no hidden costs.
Family friendly and pet friendly holidays.
Great days out on the water.
Luxury canal boat hire and Thames boating holidays.
Anglo Welsh. So much more than narrowboats
...but don't just take our word for it
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