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.
Take a boat trip across the Stream in the Sky this summer
This summer enjoy a family day out with a boat trip across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Over the summer our Little Star (Seren Fach) 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
You can check availability and book online here or call us on 0117 304 1122.
If you’re looking for a great day out this spring, why not hire a canal boat for the day
You can enjoy cruising through the countryside, seeing the spring blossom on the trees and hedges, spring lambs playing in the fields, ducklings on the water, and bluebells in canalside woodlands.
We offer canal boat day boat hire from six of our bases, from just £99 per day for up to 10 people.
Tuition is included and our day boats are equipped with the things you need for a day afloat, including a kettle, cooker, fridge and toilet. Our day boats are pet-friendly too.
Here’s a guide to our top six day boat hire destinations on the canals in England and Wales this spring:
1. Float across The Stream in the Sky
On a day afloat from Trevor on the Llangollen Canal, you can cruise across to the World Heritage Status Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to Chirk and back. As you cross, you’ll be 38 metres high above the Dee Valley with amazing views of the spring countryside. 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 Wilmcote
From Wootton Wawen you can cruise south along the Stratford Canal to the village of Wilmcote and back. The journey will take you across the Edstone Aqueduct, the longest aqueduct in England, with views across the Warwickshire countryside. From moorings at the top of the Wilmcote flight, it’s a short walk into the village to the Mary Arden Inn. The journey to Wilmcote and back takes five hours.
3. Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Rugeley
From Great Haywood, near Stafford, you can cruise along the Trent & Mersey Canal to the historic market town of Rugeley and back. You’ll pass through 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. The journey to Rugeley and back takes six hours.
4. 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 refreshments at the canalside 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
Best romantic canal boat holiday destinations to visit this Valentine’s Day
Travelling by narrowboat is romantic. That’s a fact. The views, the traditions and the pace of life are perfect for couples wanting to spend some quality time together, so why not treat your partner to a romantic mini-break on a ‘love boat’ this Valentine’s Day?
Anglo Welsh offers winter cruising from six narrowboat hire bases in England and Wales. All our boats are beautifully equipped with comfy beds, contemporary kitchens, modern bathrooms and central heating, so you’ll both be snuggly and warm on board.
With the freedom to roam the waterways from your cruising love-nest you can access some of Britain’s most-loved towns and villages, without having to encounter a single traffic jam. Take romantic strolls along frosty towpaths, indulge in candlelit dinners for two in waterside dining destinations and cosy up by roaring log fires in traditional country pubs.
We also offer day hire from six of our canal boat hire bases, giving you the option of just taking a day out on the waterways. Full tuition is included, so you can get the hang of steering the boat, working the locks and mooring up. All our day boats are equipped with the facilities you need for a day afloat – cutlery, crockery, a kettle, cooker, fridge and toilet.
To help you decide where to go, with a mix of day and mini-break hire, we’ve chosen our top five romantic destinations for Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re looking to propose, shop for a ring or simply enjoy being together in some of the most beautiful places in the UK, we have some great ideas for a romantic canal boat boat getaway.
Discover Romantic Canal Boat Holiday Destinations for Valentines Day
1. Propose by a waterfall in the Welsh Mountains
From our canal barge hire base at Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, it takes just two hours to reach the pretty Eistedfordd town of Llangollen, nestled in the Berwyn Mountains. There’s a great choice of romantic settings to propose, including the famous Horseshoe Falls. Llangollen also offers lovers regular markets packed with local produce to saunter through hand-in-hand. And a number of romantic waterside dining venues, including the popular Corn Mill.
2. Experience panoramic views from Nantwich Aqueduct
From Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley, you can cruise south for six sedate miles to the historic town of Nantwich. There you can glide across the town’s impressive Grade II* listed aqueduct to enjoy panoramic views across the town. With no locks along the way, the journey to Nantwich takes around two hours. There are moorings next to the aqueduct and a choice of places to eat, including The Waterside Café.
3. Read Shakespeare’s sonnets in Stratford-upon-Avon
On a short break from Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal in Warwickshire, you can cruise through the Warwickshire countryside to Shakespeare’s Stratford. Once there, you can moor up in Bancroft Basin to a great choice of dining venues. You can book a Tower Tour at the Swan Theatre to enjoy panoramic views of this famous historic town. And visit Shakespeare’s birthplace to find out more about The Bard, his romantic plays and his love poems. The journey from Wootton Wawen to Stratford-upon-Avon takes around 5.5 hours and passes through 17 locks.
4. Enjoy a rural retreat in Staffordshire
From our narrowboat rental base at Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire, you can cruise quietly through the Staffordshire countryside to the historic market town of Rugeley. The journey travels four miles, passes through two locks and takes around two hours. Along the way, the route passes the National Trust’s impressive Shugborough Estate and the beautiful Cannock Chase Forest. You’ll also pass the Wolseley Arms canalside pub and the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Wolseley Centre.
5. Cruise through the Shropshire Lake District
On a short break from Whixall on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, you can head west along the Llangollen Canal to Ellesmere, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. The journey to Ellesmere takes around two-and-a-half hours, cruising through eight miles of stunning Shropshire countryside. You’ll pass close to Lyneal Moss and Colemere Country Park along the way. Once at Ellesmere, you can moor up and explore the famous Mere with its romantic historic castle, woodland paths and fascinating wildlife.
6. Navigate to UNESCO World Heritage Bath
On a short break from Bradford on Avon, you can cruise to moorings at Sydney Gardens, a short walk from Bath City Centre. Bath has so many romantic destinations to choose from, including the Georgian Pump Rooms and Bath Abbey, where you can take a Bath Abbey Tower Tour. The journey from Bradford on Avon to Sydney Gardens takes around four hours and passes through just one lock.
Our 2025 winter short breaks (three or four nights) start at £715*, and £970* for a week. Or you could choose to just hire a boat for the day from one of our six boat yards offering day hire, with prices from just £99.
*Fuel is extra with the charge based on use, circa £10-15 per day. A £70 fuel deposit for short breaks is taken at the time of booking, £110 for a week.
Best Easter canal boat holiday destinations in 2025
This Easter, narrowboat holidays offer the chance to explore the Great British countryside as it bursts into life with new leaves, daffodils, bluebells, spring lambs and nesting birds.
Set sail aboard your own floating holiday home to enjoy a fantastic family adventure, stopping off along the way to visit exciting waterside visitor attractions.
Here are our top 5 Easter holiday destinations to visit afloat in 2025:
1. Enjoy animal talks at Chester Zoo
You can reach Chester on a short break from Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal in Cheshire, and experience a visit to the award-winning Chester Zoo. Home to over 37,000 animals across 128 acres, every day at the zoo expert keepers and zoo rangers share fascinating facts about the animals they care for through their animal talks. From keeping elephants healthy and the hunting techniques of a Komodo dragon, to how penguins fly through the water and snow leopards live in cold temperatures. The journey from Bunbury to Chester takes around seven hours, passing through nine locks along the way.
2. Glide across ‘The Stream in the Sky’
Just five minutes from our base on the Llangollen Canal at Trevor in North Wales, you’ll encounter the incredible Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, also known as ‘The Stream in the Sky’. Its cast iron trough filled with water is supported on iron-arched ribs and carried 38 metres high above the Dee Valley on 19 hollow pillars. In 2009 the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, putting it on a par with the pyramids and Taj Mahal. On a short break from Trevor, you can cross the aqueduct and then continue east to reach the historic market town of Ellesmere in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. The journey from Trevor to Ellesmere takes around seven hours and passes through two locks.
3. Enjoy a daily show at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds
From our base at Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, on a week’s holiday you can travel to Leeds and back. There you can moor up in Leeds Dock and visit the Royal Armouries Museum, home of the national collection of arms and armour. Every day at the museum there are daily shows where the museum’s expert live interpretation team brings to life what it felt like to take part in legendary battles. From the Celtic Warrior Boudicca riding into battle against the mighty legions of Rome, to first-hand accounts from soldiers about the Battle of the Somme, the shows span from ancient times to the world wars. The journey from Silsden to Leeds takes around 11 hours and passes through 15 locks.
4. See new-born lambs at the Shugborough Estate
From our base at Great Haywood, on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford, the National Trust’s beautiful Shugborough Estate is a short journey away. Here you can explore the historic mansion house and servants’ quarters, as well as visit the working farm to see lambs being born, witness bulbs blooming in the walled garden and wildlife emerging in the parkland. The journey from Great Haywood to moorings close to Shugborough takes around 20 minutes.
5. See a show at Bath’s Egg Theatre
On a short break from Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, you can cruise to Sydney Gardens close to Bath City Centre. There you can moor up and walk into the city to visit the famous Egg Theatre. There Return to the Forbidden Planet is being performed by the Theatre Royal Bath Theatre School 17-19 April. The journey from Bradford on Avon to Sydney Gardens in Bath takes around four hours and passes through just one lock.
Book your holiday online here or call us on 0117 463 3419.
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
