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A brief history of the canals

A brief history of the canals in England and Wales

A canal boat holiday takes you back in time.

You’ll be journeying through history when you float along our inland waterways constructed in a bygone era of horse-drawn transport.

The vast majority of the canals in England and Wales were built at the dawn of industrialisation. They provided the most efficient way of transporting the raw materials and goods going in and out the new factories.

This makes a narrowboat holiday a history lover’s dream come true! You can admire the antique engineering and the many sights, towns and cities along the routes which have all played notable roles in creating the modern Britain we know today.

To get you started, here’s a brief history of the canals of England and Wales.

Early history

While the UK was the first country to develop a nationwide canal network, the Chinese claim the title of being the earlier pioneers of inland waterways. They constructed the Grand Canal of China in the 10th century. Most early canals were extensions of natural rivers.

The first canal in England was built by the Romans who dug the Fossdyke connecting Lincoln to the River Trent around AD50. And the nearby Car Dyke which ran southwards towards Cambridge.

Other early waterways of the medieval and post medieval period were constructed during to extend or link river routes. These include the Exeter Canal, built in 1566 and featuring the first pond locks in Britain.

But the golden age of canal building began as the Industrial Revolution took hold during the second half of the 18th century, with the construction of the Bridgewater Canal.

The golden age of canal building

Completed in 1776 under the watchful eye of engineer James Brindley, the Bridgewater Canal connects Runcorn, Manchester and Leigh. It was created to carry coal from the Duke of Bridgewater’s mines at Worsley into the industrial heart of Manchester, where demand for coal to power the mills was soaring.

The Bridgewater Canal sparked a flurry of canal building over the next 50 years. During an age of horse drawn transport and antiquated mud tracks for roads, the canals provided a highly efficient way to transport large quantities of goods. One horse could pull a canal boat carrying around 30 tonnes of cargo – more than ten times the amount that could be transport via a one horse cart.

The efficiency of the Bridgewater Canal meant the price of coal in Manchester dropped by nearly two thirds within a year of its opening. The waterway repaid its construction costs within a few years, proving the viability of canals.

Other industrialists began to follow suit and James Brindley suddenly found himself constantly in demand. He is largely responsible for the ‘Grand Cross’, the 2,000 miles of canals linking the four great rivers of England – the Severn, Mersey, Humber and Thames.

There were two key canal building periods: from 1759 to the early 1770s; and from 1789 to around 1800 when trains began to dominate.

The famous potter Josiah Wedgewood commissioned canals to transport his goods from the Staffordshire factories to Manchester and Birmingham. He was instrumental in the building of the Trent & Mersey Canal, completed in 1777.

The Oxford Canal was completed in 1790, linking the coal mines and factories of the Midlands with London via the Thames. While the Ellesmere Canal completed in 1805 and later incorporated into the Chester, Montgomery, Shropshire Union and Llangollen canals, helped link the Mersey and the Severn.

Thomas Telford took over from Brindley as the leading canal engineer of the late 18th century designing incredible landmarks including the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which soars over the River Dee.

The epicenter of canal building was in the industrial West Midlands and North West. Birmingham and the Black Country boasted an intricate network of 160 miles of canals, known as the Birmingham Canal Navigations, most of which survive today.

Funding for the canals was raised largely through private investors keen to reap the promised high returns. But by the end of the 18th century the flurry of canal building was over. Virtually all Britain’s canals were completed by 1815 when attention began to turn to the development of steam powered railway locomotives.

Decline on the canal network

In the early 19th century the canals continued to be the preferred method for transporting bulky heavy goods, while the new railway lines focused on passengers and lighter cargo. But as the century progressed, the railways were developed into a national network, out competing the canals in both cargo volumes and speed. This forced tolls down, so that the canal companies went into terminal decline.

The emergence of the motorcar in the early 20th century and development of an improved reliable road system was another blow to the commercial appeal of the canals.

As most of the canals fell out of commercial use and the companies that had maintained them shut down or were bought out. The waterways themselves were left to wreck and ruin.

Reinvention of the inland waterways for leisure

In 1947 under the post-World War II Labour government, Britain’s canal and railway systems were nationalised. In the decades that followed, the canals were gradually restored and reopened, primarily for leisure purposes. Restoration projects have been largely undertaken by enthusiastic volunteer groups and local canal societies and trusts.

The canals are now managed by the charity the Canal & River Trust, the successor to British Waterways, actively supporting many of the ongoing restoration projects. The Inland Waterways Association is a charity which also promotes the ongoing protection and conservation of the canals.

Commercial traffic is still permitted on a few key canal routes, but the vast majority of waterways are now enjoyed by pleasure craft such as our own Anglo Welsh narrowboats.

There are said to be more boats using the British canals today than during the Industrial Revolution!

Key sights of historic interest and engineering on the canals

Here are a few of the key sights representing historic feats of engineering during the golden age of canal building and well worth a visit during a canal boat holiday today:

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, completed in 1805, Llangollen Canal

Nearest Anglo Welsh narrowboat hire base: Trevor

The Anderton Boat Lift, completed 1875, Trent & Mersey Canal and River Weaver

Nearest Anglo Welsh narrowboat hire base: Bunbury

The Barton Swing Aqueduct, built 1893, Bridgewater Canal

Nearest Anglo Welsh narrowboat hire base: Bunbury or Silsden

Chirk Aqueduct, completed 1801, Llangollen Canal

Nearest Anglo Welsh narrowboat hire base: Trevor

Foxton Inclined Plane, opened 1900 and dismantled 1928, Grand Union Canal

Nearest Anglo Welsh narrowboat hire base: Wootton Wawen

Dudley Tunnel, completed 1791, Dudley Canal

Nearest Anglo Welsh narrowboat hire base: Great Haywood

Blisworth Tunnel, completed 1805, Grand Union Canal

Nearest Anglo Welsh narrowboat hire base: Wootton Wawen

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Experience Christmas on the canals

Best canal boat holidays at Christmas

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.

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Top 5 places to celebrate Halloween on a canal boat holiday

Luxury narrowboat hire Constellation Class

Canal boat holidays offer the chance to enjoy a family staycation afloat this October Half Term

You can spend time together exploring the waterways and visit waterside destinations hosting spooky Halloween events.

Your floating holiday cottage will be equipped with the key comforts of home, including central heating and hot water, so it’s always nice and cosy on board.

All our boats also have fully equipped kitchens, so you can enjoy a self-catering holiday afloat.

To celebrate the October Half Term holiday, we’ve put together a guide to our top 5 narrowboat holiday destinations hosting Halloween events*:

1. Take The ‘Sinister Side of Shakespeare Walking Tour’ in Stratford-upon-Avon

From Wootton Wawen, it takes around six hours to reach moorings in the centre of Shakespeare’s Stratford.  You can book online to experience ‘The Sinister Side of Shakespeare’s Stratford Walking Tour’ where you’ll learn about the town’s infamous witches, and discover the real-life tragedies that inspired Shakespeare.  The journey to Stratford and back takes around 12 hours and passes through 34 locks (17 each way).

2. Enjoy Halloween activities at Chirk Castle

From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, you can reach Chirk Bank in around one-and-a-half hours.  From there it takes around 30 minutes to walk up to the National Trust’s Chirk Castle, hosting special Halloween activities, including the Medieval Monster Activity Sheet, 26-31 October.  The journey from Trevor to Chirk and back takes around three hours, and passes over the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct along the way.

3. Follow the Halloween Trail at Chester Zoo

On a short break from Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal, you can reach Chester, home of the award-winning Chester Zoo.  Home to over 27,000 animals, this October half term Chester Zoo is hosting a Super Natural Trail Challenge across its 128 acres of zoological gardens.  The journey from Bunbury to Chester and back takes around 14 hours and passes through 18 locks (nine each way).

4. See ‘The Lost Boys’ 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.  At 6pm on Tuesday 29 October, the Estate is hosting an outdoor screening of the vampire classic ‘The Lost Boys’, starring Kiefer Sutherland.

5. Visit Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein in Bath

On a short break from Monkton Combe, Bradford on Avon and Bath, you can reach moorings in or close to Bath City Centre. There you can visit Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein featuring live actors, games and special effects.

*NB Most of the events listed need to be booked in advance via the venue’s website

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Top 6 cosy pubs to cruise to this winter

Top 5 cosy pubs to cruise to on a canal boat holiday this winter

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

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Top 7 October half term canal boat holiday destinations

Best autumn canal boat holidays in England and Wales

Our top 7 October half term canal boat holiday destinations include Chirk Castle

You’ll be self-contained aboard your very own floating holiday cottage. You’ll find all the key comforts of home, including hot water, TV, well-stocked kitchens, showers, flushing toilets and central heating.

We’ve put together a guide to our top 7 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 Most of the events listed need to be booked in advance via the venue’s website

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Best week-long breaks this autumn

Best Autumn canal boat holidays

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. 

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Best August bank holiday boating breaks

August bank holiday family canal boat breaks

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.

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Take a boat trip across the Stream in the Sky this summer

Boat trips across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in North Wales

This summer enjoy a family day out with a boat trip across the Pontcysyllte Aqeduct

Over the summer our ‘Little Star’ trip boat is offering five skippered cruises a day across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Described by Sir Walter Scott as a ‘stream in the sky’ where ‘fish swim above birds’, the aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal 38 metres high across the Dee Valley.

Enjoy a fantastic family day out this summer

This ‘bucket list’ journey give you the chance to experience amazing views across the Dee Valley in North Wales. And make some fantastic family memories over the school summer holidays.

You can also explore the Llangollen Canal and valley below the aqueduct by foot. You’ll find information at the Canal & River Trust’s Visitor Centre at Trevor Basin. And there are places to enjoy a meal, including The Pontcysyllte Chapel Tea Room at Trevor Basin and The Aqueduct Inn.

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.

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

Go to www.anglowelsh.co.uk/little-star or call us on 0117 304 1122.

 

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Be Inspired

We offer a range of different types of holidays such as City Breaks, Relaxation Cruises and Popular Destinations

City Breaks
Rural retreats
Popular places

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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