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Cosy pubs to cruise to this winter
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
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Best cosy pubs to cruise to on a winter canal boat holiday
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 cosy 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.
*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.
The Dusty Miller at Wrenbury, 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.
The Swan Inn at Fradley, 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. Along the way, you’ll pass through Rugeley and Cannock Chase. At Fradley, you can moor up next to the historic Swan Inn, serving ‘home cooked honest meals’. They also have a doggy menu.
*Please note, this winter the route to Fradley will be available from 19 December 2025.
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 charming 17th century canalside country pub. 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.
The Bay Horse at Snaygill, West Yorkshire
On a short break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, you can cruise to Skipton and back. Cruising through Airedale you’ll pass through a series of villages with pubs, including the canalside Bay Horse at Snaygill. Dating back to 1822, the Bay Horse is a Vintage Inn serving classic dishes like prawn cocktails and steaks, as well as rice bowls, pizzas and burgers. It’s a dog-friendly pub and its close to Skipton Castle Woods.
The Queen’s Head, Oswestry, Shropshire
From Whixall, it takes around 8 hours to reach The Queen’s Head pub on the Montgomery Canal. The route begins on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal and transfers onto the Montgomery Canal at Frankton Junction. Just over 3 miles after after going through Frankton Locks you’ll reach the canalside Queen’s Head, a family run pub serving cask ales, a selection of wines and homemade food. You’ll pass through 5 locks each way.
*Please note this route isn’t available 3-21 November 2025 when Ellesmere Tunnel will be closed.
The Cross Guns at Avoncliff, near Bath
You can reach the Cross Guns pub next to Avoncliff Aqueduct on a short break from Bradford on Avon. One of Wiltshire’s best known pubs, the Cross Guns dates back to the 17th century. Its large inglenook fireplace is the same style as those found at Hampton Court. After visiting the Cross Guns pub, you can continue cruising through the Bath Valley to Bath and back.
The Corn Mill at Llangollen in North Wales
From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal, it takes around 2.5 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, you can see the watermill running behind the bar. From macaroni cheese and a sweet potato tagine, to a crispy buttermilk chicken burger and rump steak, there’s a great choice of dishes on offer.
What to pack for your canal boat holiday
Frequently asked questions about our holidays
Advice on how to use locks safely
