We have five star customer reviews on Feefo.
Routes from Bunbury
Ellesmere Port & back
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
With our Price Promise you’ll know you’re paying the best price.
The Route
4 nights 
42 miles 
19 hours 
24 locks 
All levels
Chester & back
Tilstone Lock Head north up the Shropshire Union Canal and after around 2/3 of a miles you’ll reach Tilstone Lock. Half a mile later you’ll the two locks at Beeston, close to the Beeston Castle Hotel.
Beeston Castle About a mile later you’ll reach Wharton’s Lock. You can moor-up just below Wharton’s Lock and walk half-a-mile to English Heritage’s Beeston Castle & Woodland Park, one of the most dramatic ruins in the English landscape.
Shady Oak Soon after Wharton’s Lock, you’ll see the canalside Shady Oak pub. There are visitor moorings opposite.
Tattenhall Two miles later, you can moor up before Bridge 113 and the Famous Cheshire Ice Cream Farm at Tattenhall is a short walk away.
Waverton The canal becomes less rural, passing through Waverton, and the site of the Battle of Rowton Moor (one of the last major battles of the English Civil War).
Christleton Then you’ll travel through Christleton, with its Cheshire Cat canalside pub and the Ring ‘o’ Bells pub in the village. Soon after the village, you’ll go through Christleton Lock.
Greenfield Lock There are visitor moorings just before Greenfield Lock where you can moor up and walk into Boughton Heath where there’s a Sainsbury’s supermarket.
Tarvin Road Lock Go through Tarvin Road Lock and soon after Chemistry Lock and then Hoole Lane Lock. Moor up close to Chester Cathedral at Cow Lane Bridge 123D to explore the City of Chester.
Chester There’s so much to explore in the ancient City of Chester including the City’s Roman Amphitheatre, Museum, Roman City walls, River Dee, Chester Rows, Shops, Chester Cathedral, Chester Castle and racecourse.
Chester Zoo Continue through Chester, down the staircase locks and into Telford’s Basin. Continue along the Shropshire Union Canal lock free. When you reach Caughall Bridge you can moor up to visit the award-winning Chester Zoo, a half-mile walk away. There 15,000 animals live in 125 acres of gardens.
National Waterways Museum At the end of the Shropshire Union Canal you’ll find the Canal & River Trust’s National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port, with its historic boat collection, docks, warehouses, forge, stables and workers cottages, bringing the past vividly to life with the help of costumed characters and guided tours.
FAQs
What are the best routes for canal boat holiday beginners?
Anglo Welsh offers a variety of beginner-friendly routes across the UK. From the historic beauty of the Kennet & Avon Canal to the scenic Llangollen Canal, there’s something for everyone. Routes without too many locks tend to be best for beginners. Our team can recommend a route tailored to your interests and the duration of your holiday.
Where can I moor overnight and what does it cost?
There are plenty of places to moor your canal boat for free along towpaths, making overnight stops flexible and stress-free. If you prefer additional facilities like water, electricity, or secure mooring, some marinas charge a small fee. Our team can provide route advice, including the best mooring spots along your journey.
How easy is it to operate locks?
Operating locks is a fun part of the canal boat holiday experience, and it’s easier than you might think. During your handover, we’ll explain how to safely work locks. You’ll quickly get the hang of it, and there’s always help at busy locks if you need it.
