Best week-long family canal boat holidays this summer
Experience a family holiday afloat this summer visiting exciting destinations along the way
Canal boat holidays on Britain’s beautiful inland waterways offer the chance for families to experience an outdoor family adventure together this summer.
Our larger boats offer accommodation for 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 12 people, so they’re perfect for families and multi-generation holidays. Or take a flotilla holiday with another family, booking two boats from the same base at the same time.
To celebrate our special summer holiday offer for weekly breaks on larger family-sized boats (saving up to £1,195* and bringing the cost per person per night down to less than £22), we’ve published a guide to our top 6 week-long breaks for families this summer:
1. Boat through Cannock Chase and Fradley 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. You’ll first head south along the Trent & Mersey Canal, passing through Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding 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 then takes you through a series of villages with canalside pubs before reaching Fazeley Junction. Turn right and moor up between Tolson’s Footbridge and Coleshill Road Bridge. From there you can walk to Drayton Manor Theme Park, with over 50 exciting rides and a 15-acre zoo.
The journey to Coleshill Road Bridge and back takes around 22 hours and passes through 10 locks (five each way).
2. Cruise across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ and visit Chirk Castle’s Summer of Play
On a week’s break from Trevor near Wrexham, you can travel along the Llangollen Canal to Whitchurch and back. You’ll begin your holiday crossing the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, also known as ‘The Stream in the Sky’, which carries the Llangollen Canal 38 metres high above the Dee Valley. You’ll cross the border into England at Chirk, home of the National Trust’s Chirk Castle, where this summer children can experience the special Summer of Play outdoor event, with interactive activities in the castle estate. Then you’ll pass through the picturesque town of Ellesmere, with woodland walks, castle remains, cycle trails and Boathouse Café at the Mere. You’ll then cruise on through the beautiful Shropshire Lake District to Whitchurch, where you can moor up to explore this historic market town, with a great choice of places to eat out.
The journey from Trevor to Whitchurch and back takes around 25 hours and passes through four locks (two each way).
3. Navigate ‘The Shroppie’ to Norbury and visit the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker
On a week’s break from Bunbury in Cheshire, you can cruise along the Shropshire Union Canal to Norbury and back. The journey will take you through the Cheshire countryside and across the Nantwich Aqueduct, with views across the town. At Hack Green locks, you can moor up to visit the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker Museum, where kids can follow the Soviet Spy Mouse Trail. At Audlem, you can moor up to visit the canalside Shroppie Fly pub and at historic Market Drayton you can sample the town’s famous gingerbread men. You’ll cross the Shebdon Aqueduct and pass Loynton Moss Nature Reserve, before reaching Norbury Wharf and the canalside Junction Inn.
The journey to Norbury and back takes around 31 hours and passes through 58 locks (29 each way).
4. Travel up the famous Caen Hill flight, see Stonehenge gold and cruise through 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 famous 29 locks at Caen Hill, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. You can moor up for a break at the historic market town of Devizes to visit the Wiltshire Museum, where gold from Stonehenge is on display. Next you’ll cruise through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At Pewsey Wharf, you can follow the Pewsey Vale Trail and visit the Pewsey Heritage Centre and the Waterfront Bar & Bistro.
It takes around 34 hours to cruise from Bradford on Avon to Pewsey and back, passing through 72 locks (36 each way).
5. Travel by boat through the Shropshire Lake District to Llangollen in the Welsh Mountains
On a week’s break from Whixall, 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, castle remains, cycle trails and woodland walks. You’ll cross the border into Wales at Chirk and begin cruising the 11 miles of the Llangollen Canal designated a World Heritage site, including tunnels, lift bridges and the awesome Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. At the historic market town of Llangollen, nestled in the Berwyn Mountains, you can visit the famous Horseshoe Falls, the Llangollen Steam Railway and you can climb up to Castell Dinas Bran for amazing views.
The journey from Whixall to Llangollen and back takes around 24 hours and passes through four locks (two each way).
6. Navigate to Warwick Castle to watch live action jousting!
On a week-long holiday from Wootton Wawen, you can cruise to Warwick Castle and back, said to be Britain’s greatest medieval experience. 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 pub, famous for its pies. At Lapworth Junction you’ll take the Lapworth Link and transfer onto the Grand Union Canal. The National Trust’s magnificent Baddesley Clinton moated manor house is a short walk away from there. Next 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 pub are popular places to moor up for a break. In Warwick, moor at the Cape of Good Hope pub to visit Warwick Castle, where you can climb the ramparts and watch the Wars of the Roses Live! Jousting Specular.
The journey to Warwick and back travels 28 miles, passes through 76 locks (38 each way) and takes around 23 hours.
*Discount based on a 12-berth boat from price band 3, departing between 11 July and 28 August 2025.
To check availability and book, click here or call us on 0117 463 3419.
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).
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.
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.
