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Experience Christmas on a canal boat
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.
Best destinations for spending Christmas and New Year on a canal boat
This winter, we’re offering winter cruising* over Christmas and New Year from 7 of our narrowboat hire bases.
You can cruise through quiet countryside, and moor up somewhere special to enjoy country walks, festive food and Christmas lights.
From a cosy narrowboat for 2, to a family canal boat for up to 10 people, all our boats have central heating, hot water, WiFi, TV and DVD players, so it’s always nice and warm on board.
Some of our boats also come with multi-fuel stoves for some extra special winter warmth. And there’s plenty of storage room on board, so you can bring lots of warm and wet weather clothing.
*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.
Shakespeare’s Stratford
From our narrowboat rental base on the Stratford Canal at Wootton Wawen in Warwickshire, it’s a 6-hour cruise to Stratford-upon-Avon. The journey takes you through the Warwickshire countryside, passing through 17 locks along the way. Once in Stratford-upon-Avon, you can moor up in Bancroft Basin, just a short walk from the town’s famous theatres, markets and museums. There’s a great choice of places to enjoy a Christmas menu, including The Woodsman Restaurant.
Georgian Bath
From Bradford on Avon on Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, you can reach moorings at Sydney Gardens on the edge of Bath in around 4 hours. The route takes you through the Bath Valley and across the magnificent Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts. There’s just one lock to pass through. From moorings close to Sydney Wharf, it’s a 15 minute walk into Bath City Centre where you’ll find glittering lights and festive events, including the chance to experience the Roman Baths by torchlight.
Roman Chester
From Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley, it’s a seven-hour cruise through the Cheshire countryside to Chester. Once there, you can visit the City’s famous 700-year old two-tired shopping galleries – the Rows. You can also take time to explore this ancient city’s Roman Walls, Amphitheatre, riverside gardens and sparkling city centre Christmas lights.
Llangollen in the Welsh Mountains
Departing from our base at Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, it takes around 2 hours to cruise to Llangollen. There you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and enjoy visiting this beautiful town nestled in the Berwyn Mountains. Things to visit include the Llangollen Steam Railway, Plas Newydd house and the Horseshoe Falls. There’s a great choice of independent shops and places to eat, including the popular Corn Mill with a special Christmas menu.
Skipton in the Dales
From Silsden, it takes around 3.5 hours to reach visitor moorings in Skipton, a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. The route takes you through Airedale’s steep green hills, passing a series of villages with historic pubs, including the White Lion at Kildwick. The ancient market town of Skipton has a range of places to eat, including the Yorkshire Rose pub which has a special festive menu. You can also take time to explore Skipton Castle is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Britain. And take stroll through Skipton Castle Woods and the valley of the Eller Brook.
Barlaston in Staffordshire
On a 4- or 7-night break from Great Haywood, you can cruise north up the Trent & Mersey Canal to the Staffordshire village of Barlaston. There you can moor up to explore the village and the moorlands at Downs Bank, owned by the National Trust. You can also book into the popular canalside Plume of Feathers pub to enjoy their Christmas menu. The journey from Great Haywood to Barlaston and back takes around 18 hours and passes through 24 locks (12 each way).
Ellesmere in Shropshire
On a short break from Whixall on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal, you can cruise to Ellesmere and back. The route takes you through the Shropshire Lake District, passing Colemere Country Park. When you reach Ellesmere, you can moor up to explore this historic market town, famous for its Mere. There are medieval streets, woodland walks, castle gardens and a great range of places to eat out, including the White Hart which has a Christmas day menu.
What to pack for your canal boat holiday
Frequently asked questions about our holidays
Advice on how to use locks safely
