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).
To celebrate the autumn colours, we’ve put together a guide to our best week-long cruises through the countryside
adventure afloat on a canal cruise through the countryside this, 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 an 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 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 Horsehoe 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 Oustanding 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 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. 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 pubs 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.
We’ve put together a guide to some of the best canalside pubs to visit on a canal boat holiday
There are hundreds of historic pubs alongside the inland waterways of Britain, offering the perfect spots to moor up, relax and enjoy some great food and drink.
1. The Barge Inn at Seend
This beautiful pub on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire has a large waterside beer garden offers classic pub favourites, including great Sunday roasts. The Barge Inn is next to Seend Lock no.18. It takes around seven hours to reach this pub from our canal boat hire base at Bath. The journey travels 17 miles, through 4 locks and passes over the magnificent Bath stone aqueducts at Dundas and Avoncliff.
2. The Bay Horse at Snaygill
On the Leeds & Liverpool Canal near Keigthley, this popular country pub dates back to 1822. The Bay Horse is a Vintage Inn serving country pub classics and cask ales. From Silsden, it takes just under three hours to reach The Bay Horse.
3. The Crown Inn at Alvechurch
This country pub on the Worcestershire & Birmingham Canal close to the village of Alvechurch offers great food and drink, rustic charm and a lovely pub garden. The Crown Inn is just three miles from our boat yard at Tardebigge. Just an hour and a half away, it’s a good first night stopping point when heading towards Birmingham.
4. The Bridge Inn at Chirk Bank
Also known as the last pub in England, this traditional pub on the Llangollen Canal in the village of Chirk Bank offers visitors fantastic views of Chirk Aqueduct. The Bridge Inn is a 2.5-hour cruise from Trevor so it’s a great place to stop on the first night of your canal boat holiday, if you are heading to Ellesmere or beyond.
5. The Fleur De Lys at Lowsonford
This pretty 17th century country pub in the Warwickshire village of Lowsonford has a beer garden on the banks of the Stratford Canal and is famous for its pies. Choose from eleven different types of pie, accompanied by seasonal vegetables, chunky chips and gravy. The Fleur De Lys is just over three hours from our narrowboat hire centre at Wootton Wawen.
6. The Horse & Jockey at Grindley Brook
Next to the Llangollen Canal, this family owned pub near Whitchurch offers great food, drink and service. It takes around four and a half hours to reach the Horse & Jockey from our canal boat rental base at Whixall Marina. The journey travels seven miles and passes through five locks.
7. The Plume of Feathers at Barlaston
This popular pub on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire is co-owned by the actor, Neil Morrissey. Sample some of Neil’s beers and ales, and choose from a menu of homemade dishes made from fresh local ingredients. It takes just over seven hours to reach the Plume of Feathers from our Great Haywood base. The journey travels 12 miles through the Staffordshire countryside, passing through 12 locks and the town of Stone.
8. The Olde Barbridge Inn near Nantwich
This historic pub on the Shropshire Union Canal sells local ales brewed at its own local brewery and serves classic British food made with local produce. The Olde Barbridge Inn is an hour’s cruise from our base at Bunbury.
9. The Dundas Arms at Kintbury
With a terrace overlooking the Kennet & Avon Canal, the Dundas Arms in Kintbury is a traditional country pub in the Berkshire countryside. The menu features traditional pub food created with seasonal and local produce. You can reach the Dundas Arms on a 10-day, 11-day or two-week break from Bradford on Avon.
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 6 August bank holiday weekend boating breaks:
1. Cruise along the Llangollen Canal and into the Shropshire Lake District
On a weekend away from Trevor in North Wales, you can cruise to Ellesmere and back, journeying into the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. The journey takes you across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, 38 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 7 hours, crosses 2 aqueducts, and passes through 2 locks and 2 tunnels.
2. Navigate the Stratford Canal to Stratford-upon-Avon
From Wootton Wawen it takes around 6 hours to cruise along the Stratford Canal to Shakespeare’s Stratford and back. 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. Travel along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley
From Great Haywood you can head south along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley Junction and back. The journey takes around 5 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.
4. Cruise through the Cheshire countryside to Middlewich
On a weekend away, from Bunbury you can navigate to the ancient town of Middlewich and back. Your journey begins on the Shropshire Union Canal and transfers onto the Middlewich Branch at Barbridge Junction. You’ll cruise on through beautiful Cheshire countryside and the village of Church Minshull, home of the Badger Inn. Once at Middlewich you can moor up to explore this ancient town famous for its salt making. The journey to Middlewich takes around 6 hours and passes through 4 locks.
5. Float along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Bradford on Avon
From our base at Sydney Wharf near Bath, it takes around 3.5 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. 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.
6. Glide along the Llangollen Canal to Ellesmere
On a 4-night mid-week break from Whixall Marina in Shropshire, you can cruise through the countryside to Ellesmere and back. The journey there and back takes around 7 hours. Along the way, you’ll cruise past Fenn’s, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses is a designated National Nature Reserve and Colemere Country Park. At Ellesmere, you can moor up to explore this historic market town and its famous Mere, with woodland walks, castle, gardens and Boathouse cafe.
Click here to book a holiday, or call our friendly booking team on 0117 304 1122.
We offer canal boat day boat hire from six of our bases, from just £99 per day for up to 10 people.
You can cruise gently through the countryside with family and friends, spotting wildlife along the way.
Tuition is included and our day boats are equipped with the all things you need for a day afloat, including a kettle, cooker, fridge and toilet.
Here’s a guide to our top six day boat hire destinations this summer:
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! 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 five 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 four 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 six hours and there are two 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 Barbridge Inn. And across the impressive Nantwich Aqueduct, with panoramic views across the town. The journey to Nantwich and back takes around six 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 five hours, and there are six 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 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 Restaurant at Brassknocker Basin. The journey there and back travels nine miles and takes around four hours. There’s just one lock to pass through each way.
You can book your summer day out boating online here or call us on 0117 304 1122.
Experience a spring break on Britain’s beautiful canal network and see the countryside bursting with new life.
Spring is a glorious time to celebrate the rich and diverse wildlife in Britain. Kevin Yarwood, manager at our Great Haywood base, explains:
“Our beautiful inland waterways weave through the countryside taking in woodlands, farmland, nature reserves and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Travelling along at just four miles per hour on a canal boat holiday, there’s always something special to look out for.
“In spring, when the countryside is bursting with new life, there’s no better way to see waterside trees and hedges covered in blossoms, nest-building birds, ducklings bobbing on the water, spring lambs playing in the fields, and carpets of bluebells in waterside woodlands.”
To celebrate Britain’s natural environment, we’ve put together a guide to our best spring canal boat holiday destinations:
1. Navigate through Shakespeare country and Warwickshire farmland
From our narrowboat hire base at Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal near Henley-in-Arden, it takes around six hours, travelling through 17 locks to reach Stratford-upon-Avon. Travelling over the Edstone Aqueduct and on through the pretty Warwickshire countryside, with spring lambs playing in the fields alongside the canal, boaters can stop off to visit Mary Arden’s Tudor Farm in the canalside village of Wilmcote, where Shakespeare’s mother grew up. Once in Stratford, there are overnight moorings in Bancroft Basin, perfect for enjoying all that Shakespeare’s birthplace has to offer, including riverside parks, theatres, shops, restaurants and museums.
2. Cruise into the Peak District spotting kingfishers along the way
On a week’s break from our barge hire base on the Trent & Mersey Canal at Great Haywood in Staffordshire, you can easily reach the beautiful Caldon Canal and travel into the Peak District. The journey takes boaters up to Stoke on Trent, passing Wedgewood World along the way, and, once on the Caldon, through gently rolling hills and wooded areas alongside the beautiful River Churnet. Here there’s the chance to spot kingfishers, herons, jays and woodpeckers, as well as otters which have recently returned to the area. The return journey along the Caldon to Froghall takes around 43 hours, travelling a total of 72 miles and passing through 70 locks.
3. Cruise to Ellesmere to catch a glimpse of a heron chick
From our base on the Llangollen Canal at Trevor in North Wales, on a short break (three or four nights) you can cruise to the Shropshire Lake District, teeming with water birds. The journey to the medieval market town of Ellesmere, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District, takes around seven hours, passing through just two locks and over the Pontcysyllte and Chirk aqueducts. Formed thousands of years ago by the melting of the glaciers during the retreating ice age, the meres of the Shropshire Lake District, including The Mere at Ellesmere, are particularly beautiful in spring. And every spring, Moscow Island on The Mere is home to the Heron Watch Scheme, with cameras allowing visitors to watch the birds build nests and raise chicks.
4. Cruise to the gateway of the Yorkshire Dales and explore the ancient woods at Skipton Castle
From Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, it takes just over three hours to reach Skipton, the ‘Gateway to the Dales’, with its medieval fortress and acres of woodland trails to explore. For nearly 1,000 years Skipton Castle Woods provided fuel, food and building materials for castle inhabitants. Today there are at least 18 species of trees flourishing there, and hundreds of flowering plants, including wild orchids and bluebells in the spring. The journey along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to Silsden passes through the typical Yorkshire stone-built villages of Kildwick and Farnhill and on into a dense wooded area famous for its bluebells and deer.
5. Drift through the beautiful prehistoric Vale of Pewsey
From our base at Monkton Combe on the Kennet & Avon Canal just outside Bath, it takes around 19 hours to reach Pewsey Wharf, perfect for a week afloat. Along the way, you’ll pass through miles of peaceful Wiltshire countryside, with a series of waterside villages and country pubs to visit along the way. Highlights on this route include: the mighty Caen Hill Flight of 29 locks at Devizes; cruising along the edge of the ancient Savernake Forest; and the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and home to prehistoric Avebury. The journey to Pewsey and back takes around 38 hours, passing through 74 locks (37 each way).
6. Travel to Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains
From Whixall, on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, it takes around 12 hours to reach the pretty town of Llangollen. Along the way, you’ll travel through the beautiful Shropshire Lake District and across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’ and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once in Llangollen, you can moor up to enjoy exploring this pretty town nestled on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains, including its regular markets packed with local produce, choice of independent shops and restaurants, steam railway and famous Horseshoe Falls. The journey to Llangollen and back passes through just four locks (two each way).
7. Navigate the Four Counties Ring for stunning views of the Cheshire Plains
On a 10 day or longer break from Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal in Cheshire, you can travel round the popular Four Counties Ring. Travelling for around 58 hours and passing through 96 locks, this route takes you through the counties of Staffordshire, the West Midlands, Cheshire and Shropshire and travels sections of the Trent & Mersey, Staffordshire & Worcestershire and Shropshire Union canals. Rural highlights include: panoramic views from the flight of 31 locks (also known as ‘Heartbreak Hill’) between Middlewich and Kidsgrove on the Trent & Mersey Canal; views of the rolling Cheshire Plains on the Shropshire Union Canal; acres of farmland on the Middlewich Branch; wildlife spotting at Tixall Wide on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal; and the National Trust’s Shugborough Hall with its extensive waterside gardens.
8. Travel up the Caen Hill Flight or to UNESCO World Heritage Bath
From our base at Bradford on Avon, you can cruise east towards Devizes, travelling up the famous Caen Hill flight of locks along the way. The route, which is perfect for a week away, takes you along the Kennet & Avon Canal and through 29 locks of the Caen Hill Flight at Devizes. You can also cruise west across two dramatic Bath stone aqueducts at Dundas and Avoncliff, towards the fabulous UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath.
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
Spend Christmas or New Year on the canals with Anglo Welsh
This winter, we’re offering winter cruising* over Christmas and New Year from six of our narrowboat hire bases.
The canals are quieter during the winter months and people tend to make shorter journeys. Winter canal boat hire is about enjoying being close to the water and nature. And visiting canalside pubs and attractions.
From a cosy narrowboat for two to a family canal boat for eight, 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.
Here’s our guide to our top 6 narrowboat holidays for Christmas 2024
1. Float to through the Warwickshire countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon
From our narrowboat rental base on the Stratford Canal at Wootton Wawen in Warwickshire, it’s a six-hour cruise to Shakespeare’s Stratford. 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 excellent choice of theatres, restaurants, markets and museums.
2. Experience Christmas in the World Heritage City of Bath
On a short break from our canal boat hire base on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Bradford on Avon, you can reach moorings at Sydney Gardens on the edge of Bath in around four cruising 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 with glittering lights and festive events, including panto at the Theatre Royal.
3. Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Fradley
Heading south from our base at Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal, you can reach Fradley Junction in around five hours. The journey passes through five locks and 12 peaceful miles of Staffordshire countryside, including the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Places to enjoy along the way include The Wolseley Centre run by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the Wolseley Arms pub and the village of Handsacre with its ‘The Old Peculiar’ pub. Once at Fradley, refreshments are available at the Canalside Café or The Swan Inn, and there are walking trails at the Fradley Pool Nature Reserve.
4. Travel through the Shropshire Lake District to Ellesmere
From our base at Whixall on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, it takes around four hours to reach the historic market town of Ellesmere in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. Along the way, the route passes Whixall Moss Nature Reserve, Lyneal Moss and Colemere Country Park. Once at Ellesmere, there’s a choice of independent shops and restaurants, as well as formal gardens, woods and castle grounds to explore at the Mere.
5. Visit the ancient city of Chester afloat
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. And you can also take time to explore this ancient city’s Roman Walls, Amphitheatre, riverside gardens and sparkling city centre Christmas lights.
6. Cruise to the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen
Departing from our base at Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, it takes around two 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 gardens and the Horseshoe Falls. There’s a great choice of independent shops and places to eat, including the popular Corn Mill with stunning river and mountain views.
*NB Winter maintenance work can affect some routes at certain times. We’ll advise you at the time of booking.
