Best days out boating on the canals this spring

Best days out boating on the canals this spring

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Drifters offers canal boat day hire from 19 locations in England and Wales.

We’ve published a guide to the best days out boating on the canals this spring.

With prices starting from just £10 per person, hiring a canal boat for the day is a great way to get the family together for a memorable day out cruising through the countryside.

Our day boats very in size and can accommodate up to 12 people. Full tuition is included so if you are new to narrow boating, you can get the hang of steering, mooring up and working the locks.

All our day boats are equipped with cutlery, crockery and a kettle, and most also have a toilet, cooker and fridge.  So you can plan a picnic afloat or stop off for lunch at a canalside pub along the way.

To help you plan your family day out canal boating this spring, we’ve listed our top 10 destinations for day boat hire:

1. Staffordshire: Navigate through the countryside for a pub lunch at Hopwas

From Kings Orchard Marina, on the Coventry Canal near Lichfield, you can cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Bonehill Bridge and back.  The route takes boaters through the villages Huddlesford, Whittington and Hopwas.  At Hopwas there are two pubs to choose from – the Tame Otter and the Red Lion.  The journey to Bonehill and back takes five and a half hours and there are no locks.

*Electric day boat ‘Perfect Day’ can take up to 10 people.  2025 prices start at £99.

2. Derbyshire: Cruise to Whaley Bridge in the Peak District

On a day out from New Mills Marina on the Peak Forest Canal in Derbyshire, you can cruise to Whaley Bridge in the Peak District.  You’ll experience spectacular views across the Goyt Valley and Kinder Scout, the highest plateau in England.  You’ll pass close by to the Crossings pub along the way and there’s a choice of places to eat in Whaley Bridge.

*Electric boat ‘Field Day’ can carry up to 10 people.  2025 prices start at £99 .

3. Monmouthshire: Navigate to The Star Inn at Mamhillad

From Goytre Wharf on the beautiful Monmouth & Brecon Canal near Abergavenny, you can enjoy incredible mountain views.  It takes around two-and-a-half-hours to cruise to moorings close to the popular Star pub at Mamhillad, a short walk from bridge 62.

*Day boats ‘Robin’ and Rooster’ can carry up to eight people each, and ‘Dragon’ up to 12.  2025 prices start from £109.

4. Warwickshire: Cruise along the Stratford Canal to The Mary Arden Inn at Wilmcote

From Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal near Stratford-upon-Avon, you can head south to moorings close to the historic village of Wilmcot. There you enjoy lunch at the historic The Mary Arden Inn.  The journey takes two-and-a-half hours each way, and crosses over the impressive Edstone Aqueduct with views across the Warwickshire countryside.

*Day boats ‘Dolly’ and ‘Charlie’ can carry up to 10 people each. Prices start at £99 weekdays, £150 on weekends and bank holidays.

5. Wrexham: Travel across ‘The Stream in the Sky’

From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, it takes just 10 minutes to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.  Standing at over 38 metres high above the Dee Valley, this incredible structure offers stunning views of the Dee Valley below.  After cruising over the Aqueduct, there are two tunnels and another aqueduct to cross, before reaching the Bridge Inn at Chirk.

*Day boats ‘Jacob’, ‘Daniel’ and ‘Lotty’ can carry up to 10 people each.  Weekday hire starts at £120, £180 on weekends and bank holidays.

6. Wiltshire: Boat to Avoncliff Aqueduct 

From Hilperton Marina on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Trowbridge, you can head west to the historic town of Bradford on Avon. You can travel on through the Avon Valley on to Avoncliff Aqueduct.  The journey to Avoncliff and back takes around six hours and there’s just one lock to pass through each way.

*Electric day boat ‘Great Day’ can carry up to 10 people.  2025 prices start at £119.

7. Berkshire: Cruise through the countryside to the Spring Inn

From Aldermaston on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Reading, you can cruise to Theale and back.  Along the way, you can stop-off to enjoy lunch at the Spring Inn, a 10-minute walk from the canal.  The total journey takes just over four hours and passes through two locks each way.

*Day boat ‘Heyday’ can carry up to 8 people.  2025 prices start from £109.

8. Cheshire: Boat through the woodlands of Marbury Country Park to Middlewich

From Anderton Marina, next to the incredible Anderton Boat Lift, you can cruise to Middlewich and back.  The journey passes through Marbury Country Park and Marston Flash.  There’s a choice of pubs to stop at, including the Broken Cross at Rudheath.  The journey to Middlewich and back takes around six hours.  There are no locks on this route.

*Day boat ‘Daydream’ can carry up to 12 people.  2025 prices start at £115.

9. Northamptonshire: Navigate through Blisworth Tunnel to Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum

From Gayton on the Grand Union Canal near Northampton, you can navigate to the pretty canal village of Stoke Bruerne.  The village is home to the intriguing Canal Museum and waterside café, and a choice of canalside pubs.  The route travels through the Blisworth Tunnel, which at 3,076 yards long is the third longest on the canal network.  It takes around one and half hours to reach Stoke Bruerne, including 30 minutes to cruise through the tunnel.

*Day boat ‘Day Lark’ can carry up to 12 people.  2025 prices start at £109.

10. Shropshire: Cruise through the Shropshire Lake District to Ellesmere

From Whixall Marina, on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal, you can reach the historic market town of Ellesmere.  The journey takes around two-and-a-half hours, cruising through eight miles of beautiful countryside.  You’ll pass Lyneal Moss and Colemere Country Park along the way.

*Day boat ‘Julia’ can carry up to 10 people.  Weekday hire is £99, weekends & bank holidays £150.

For more information about Drifters’ day boat hire go to https://www.drifters.co.uk/day-boats/

Bank holiday rural retreats on the Llangollen Canal

Bank holiday rural retreats on a canal boat

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Britain’s canals take boaters through some of our best loved countryside

You can enjoy the choice of hundreds of bank holiday rural retreats on a canal boat with Drifters.

There are so many places to moor up your canal boat in quiet backwaters.  And the chance to visit historic country pubs and farm shops along the way.

Here’s a list of our top 6 bank holiday boating rural retreats:

1. Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Shebdon

From our canal boat hire base at Brewood on the Shropshire Union Canal in Staffordshire, it takes just over five hours to reach the small village of Shebdon, surrounded by beautiful countryside. The journey takes you through 13 miles of scenic countryside and woodland. Then passes through a series of small villages and hamlets with historic pubs. These include Wheaton Aston with its Hartley Inn; Gnosall with its Boat Inn; and the Junction Inn at Norbury Wharf. Canal features encountered along the way include Stretton Aqueduct, a lock at Wheaton Aston, Cowley Tunnel, Shelmore Embankment and Grub Street Cutting. The journey there and back takes around 11 hours.

2. Boat through the Warwickshire countryside to Napton

From our base at Stockton on the Grand Union Canal it’s a two-hour cruise through the countryside to Napton.  Here a herd of water buffalo can often be seen grazing.  In 1999, the Buffalo Farm at Chapel Green started milking 20 water buffalo, and now the herd is 300 strong.  Napton Village Stores sells the farm’s Buffalo burgers, sausages, meatballs, steaks and ice cream.  They also sell veg boxes, homemade meals, cider and homemade cakes.

3. Navigate through the Staffordshire countryside to Fradley

Our base at Great Haywood offers a great bank holiday rural retreat in the Staffordshire countryside. On a weekend break, you can cruise along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley Junction and back. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Before setting off, the Canalside Farm Shop at Great Haywood is perfect for stocking up on local food.  The shop sells a variety of produce sourced from local farms, including homemade sausages, fruit, vegetables, free range eggs and baked products. The journey to Fradley and back travels 25 miles, through 10 locks (five each way) and takes around 12 hours.

4. Cruise through the Brecon Beacons to Llangynidr

The beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal runs through the Brecon Beacons National Park. The waterway offers the chance to escape to the country and experience incredible mountain views.  On a weekend’s break from Goytre Wharf near Abergavenny, you can cruise lock-free to Llangynidr and back.  The route goes through a series of small villages with historic pubs, including the Lion Inn at Govilon.

5. Travel slowly through the Leicestershire countryside to Stoke Golding

From Springwood Haven, it takes around six hours to cruise to the historic village of Stoke Golding. This bank holiday rural retreat on a canal boat takes you through the Leicestershire countryside along the Ashby Canal.  There are no locks along the way. Stoke Golding has one of the most beautiful churches in England and a choice of pubs, including the White Swan. Before setting off, you can stock up on local produce at the Poplars Farm shop and café near Nuneaton. The shop sells fruit, vegetables, honey, local cheese, eggs, poultry and jams.

6. Potter through the Shropshire countryside to Chirk

On a weekend break from Blackwater Meadow on the Llangollen Caanl you can cruise through the Shropshire countryside to Chirk and back.  The journey there and back takes around 11 hours and there are only two locks to go through each way.  You’ll travel across the stunning Chirk Aqueduct, crossing the border from England to Wales.  Then on through Chirk Tunnel to Chirk Marina, where you can moor up to visit the National Trust’s Chirk Castle.  There’s a café at the castle, and choice of canalside pubs, including The Bridge at Chirk Bank.

Spot kingfishers winter cruising on the Kennet & Avon Canal

Winter cruising on the K&A

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Allways Travellers describe the experience of winter cruising on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire

Ashley Gibbin and Ann Mealor of the International Travel Writers Alliance have reviewed their winter cruising on the K&A experience.

Setting off from our canal boat hire base on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire, Ashley and Ann spent four days aboard ‘Centaurus’.

In their article, they describe the facilities on board their narrowboat, including central heating and a multi-fuel stove.

They travelled to the village of Seend and back, and visited the canalside Barge Inn at Seend.

Along the way, they negotiated five locks and a series of swing bridges. And they spotted six kingfishers!

Ashley and Ann have previously been on two canal boat holidays with Drifters.

They explored Cheshire’s waterways in the autumn and the Grand Union Canal in the spring.

This was their first experience of winter cruising on the K&A. Ashley says:

“We found the winter experience on the canal different, though equally rewarding, to other seasons on the water. One has to be prepared for weather that could be chilly and somewhat inclement, and towpaths that might be a little more muddy.

“Warm clothing and sensible footwear can easily accommodate for this. Then one can embrace a waterway with relatively few other boaters and surrounding countryside that is silently serene in its stark winter garb.”

You can read their full ‘Plying the Kennet & Avon Canal in Winter’ article here.

Our other articles about holidays on the Kennet & Avon Canal include:

Kim Jones’s review of a short break from Bradford on Avon A dog-friendly holiday on the Kennet & Avon Canal – Drifters

Mark Whitley cruised from Hilperton to Keynsham Exploring the Kennet & Avon Canal from Hilperton – Drifters

Nicola from Globalmouse Travels navigated from our Bath base A family holiday on the Kennet & Avon Canal – Drifters

5 Star Stories cruised from Hilperton to Bath 5 Reasons Why You Should Go Canal Boating in the UK – 5 Star Stories

 

Visit Saltaire and the David Hockney Gallery by canal boat

Visit Saltaire & The Hockney Gallery

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Reach Sir Titus Salt’s fascinating model town at Saltaire by canal boat

On a short break canal boat holiday from our Silsden base, you can visit Saltaire and The Hockney Gallery at Salts Mill to see David Hockney’s and new ’20 Flowers for 2025′ exhibition.

The exhibition will run throughout 2025, celebrating Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture.

Beautiful Italianate buildings

Saltaire, on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal near Bradford, was founded by Sir Titus Salt in 1851. In 2001, Saltaire became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sir Titus Salt was a leading industrialist in the woollen industry. He wanted his workforce to be healthier, happier and more productive. So he moved his five mills to a new green site away from the overcrowded town centre of Bradford. Saltaire Mill operated from 1853 to 1986 and gave employment to thousands of workers.

The mills were housed in beautiful Italianate buildings.  And Salt built neat stone houses for his workers with community facilities including wash-houses, a hospital, library, reading room, concert hall, billiard room, science laboratory and gymnasium.  He also built a village school for the children of the workers, almshouses, allotments, a park and a boathouse.

Today, the extraordinary town of Saltaire is a popular tourist destination with guided walks, events, shops, restaurants, cafes and galleries.

Hockney’s new ’25 Flowers for 2025′ exhibition is on at Salts Mill

Salts Mill displays work by David Hockney, including his ‘The Arrival of Spring’ series and 90-metre long ‘A Year in Normandie’ frieze.

In 2025, Hockney’s special ’20 Flowers for 2025′ exhibition is running. The exhibition features 20 stunning iPad paintings of flowers, large-scale landscape and abstract works and a unique 6-screen video installation showing Hockney’s brushstrokes in action. It’s the first time this collection has been shown outside London and the first time the video installation has been exhibited in Europe.

People and Process

Also on display at Salts Mill is a fascinating exhibition ‘People and Process’ about the history of the mill and the people who worked there, told through objects and film. It includes ‘Reel Lives: Saltaire women who worked the mills’, biographies researched by Colin Coates.

The journey from Silsden

From Silsden, it takes around seven hours to reach Saltaire, passing through 11 locks. The locks include the Bingley Five Rise locks, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways.

For more information about our canal boat holidays in the North East of England, go to https://www.drifters.co.uk/canals-of-north-east-england/

Drifters Top new narrowboats available to hire in 2025

Top new narrowboats for 2025

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Every year we add dozens of new canal boats to our hire fleet

Drifters offers the choice of over 500 canal boats for hire from 40 locations across England, Wales and Scotland, and every year dozens of new boats are added to our fleet.

There are over 35,000 canal boats on Britain’s 3,000-mile inland waterways network, and around 1,000 of these are holiday hire narrowboats.

Here’s a guide to our top new boats for hire in 2025:

1. ‘Willow’ will be available at Napton

The 61.5ft ‘Willow’ Regency Class semi-traditional stern narrowboat for up to six people, will be available to hire from Napton, on the Oxford Canal in Northamptonshire.

‘Willow’ will have two king-sized double bed cabins and two bathrooms. The headroom is 6ft 4in throughout. There are TV’s and DVD players in both cabins and an extra large TV in the Saloon. There’s an extra outside table for alfresco dining and a bike rack is available for the front deck.  ‘Willow’ has a reverse layout, so the galley is at the back of the boat.  The interior dining area can be converted into a double bed.

***2025 prices for ‘Willow’ start at £1,392 for a week.  Price includes up to four adults and two children, fuel, parking, tuition, towels, bed linen and welcome pack.  There’s a compulsory extra £70 damage waiver, pets are charged at £45 each per week and extra adults are charged at £50 each.

2. ‘Hill Partridge’ will cruise from Anderton

The 66ft ‘Hill Partridge’ semi-traditional stern narrowboat for up to six people will arrive at Anderton on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Cheshire.

‘Hill Partridge’ will have two double cabins that can be made up as singles or doubles (with optional wider beds), and the seating/dining area can be converted into a double bed. She will have two shower/toilet rooms, a front deck table, LED lighting, two televisions and WiFi.

***2025 prices for ‘Hill Partridge’ currently start at £999 for a short break, £1,299 for a week.  Price includes bedding, towels, non-refundable accidental damage waiver, two pets, car parking, tuition, buoyancy aids, helmsman’s waterproofs and a welcome pack with cleaning materials.  Fuel is extra: a £60 deposit is taken for a short break, £110 for a week’s holiday.  Actual cost based on use, circa £15 per day.

3. The ‘Little Swift’ will navigate from Gayton

The 49ft ‘Little Swift’ cruiser stern narrowboat for up to four people will be available to hire from Gayton on the Grand Union Canal near Northampton.

The ‘Little Swift’ will have one cabin, which can be configured either as a double or twins (with optional wider beds), and a seating/dining area which can be converted into a double bed.  She will have a shower/toilet room, a front deck table, LED lighting, two televisions and WiFi.

***2025 prices for ‘Little Swift’ currently start at £699 for short break, £899 for a week.  Price includes bedding, towels, non-refundable accidental damage waiver, two pets, car parking, tuition, buoyancy aids, helmsman’s waterproofs and a welcome pack with cleaning materials.  Fuel is extra: a £60 deposit is taken for a short break, £110 for a week’s holiday.  Actual cost based on use, circa £15 per day.

4. The ‘Blackpoll Warbler’ will be bookable from Aldermaston

The new 69ft ‘Blackpoll Warbler’ semi-traditional stern narrowboat for up to eight people will arrive at Aldermaston on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Berkshire.

The boat will have three cabins: one fixed as double; and two which can be configured as doubles or singles. The ‘Blackpoll Warbler’ will have LED lighting, a front deck table, optional wider beds, two shower/toilet rooms, WiFi and two TV’s.

***2025 prices aboard ‘Blackpoll Warbler’ currently start at £1,299 for a short break, £1,799 for a week.  Price includes bedding, towels, collision damage waiver, two pets, car parking and tuition.  Fuel is extra: a £60 deposit is taken for a short break, £110 for a week’s holiday.  Actual cost based on use, circa £10-15 per day.

5. ‘Coral’ will be found at Trevor

The 60ft ‘Coral’ Gem Class cruiser stern narrowboat for up to six people will be available to hire from Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales.

The boat will feature: two double cabins that can be configured either as a doubles or singles; a dinette double; and two toilet/shower rooms.  ‘Coral’ will have a reverse layout, meaning the galley is at the rear and the main sleeping areas are at the front and middle of the boat.

***2025 ‘Gem’ Class prices start at £1,265 for short break, £1,720 for a week.  Price includes bed linen, towels, up to three pets, parking and tuition on arrival.  A fuel deposit (£70 for a short break, £110 for a week) is extra. Fuel charges are based on use, circa £15 per day.

6. ‘Drake’ and ‘Hamilton’ will be available at Bradford on Avon

The 67ft ‘Drake’ and ‘Hamilton’ Admiral Class cruiser stern narrowboats for up to six people will be available to hire from Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire.

These boats will each feature: two double cabins that can be configured either as a doubles or singles; a dinette double; and two toilet/shower rooms.  As well as central heating throughout, ‘Drake’ and ‘Hamilton’ will have a multi-fuel stove.

***2025 prices for ‘Drake’ and ‘Hamilton’ start at £1,370 for short break, £1,870 for a week.  Price includes bed linen, towels, up to three pets, parking and tuition on arrival.  A fuel deposit (£70 for a short break, £110 for a week) is extra. Fuel charges are based on use, circa £15 per day.

7. The new ‘Crown’ narrowboat will be available from Chirk and Bradford on Avon

The new Royal Range 65ft ‘Crown’ cruiser stern narrowboat for up to six people will be available from Chirk on the Llangollen Canal and Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal. The Crown is a great choice for friends holidaying together as there are two separate bedrooms with full sized double beds and two toilet and shower rooms, allowing for more space and privacy. The Crown also features extendable double beds, a more spacious galley kitchen with microwave, a large flat screen TV and DAB/Bluetooth Radio.

***2025 prices for the new Royal range Crown narrowboats start at £1,249 for a short break, £1,849 for a week.  Price includes boat hire, gas, car parking, tuition on arrival, damage waiver, buoyancy aids, bed linen, towels and first pet.  Fuel is charged on return, circa £10-15 per day. 

For more information about visiting the canals go to www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

 

Best canalside events 2025

Best canalside events in 2025

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Britain’s canals and rivers host hundreds of exciting waterside events each year

Here’s our pick of the best canalside events in 2025 to head to on a canal boat holiday:

1. Easter Boat Gathering, 18-21 April

The annual Easter Boat Gathering at the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port marks the official start of the cruising season.  Over the weekend, dozens of boats will moor up across the Museum’s seven-acre site and visitors can enjoy live music, children’s activities, workshop tours and historic boats.  You can reach Ellesmere Port on a week’s break from Bunbury.

2. Crick Boat Show, Northamptonshire, 24-26 May

Over 200 exhibitors will gather at Crick Marina on the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal near Daventry for the Crick Boat Show.  The event, which is organised by Waterways World and the Canal & River Trust, will showcase thousands of inland waterways products and services. And there’ll be an exciting programme of entertainment, including boat trips, live music, boating seminars and a wide variety of food and drink stalls. You can reach Crick on a week’s break from Gayton.

3. St Richards Canal Festival, Worcestershire, 2-5 May

This annual event organised by the Worcester-Birmingham and Droitwich Canals Society takes place in Vines Park alongside the Droitwich Barge Canal. The event offers family entertainment, live music, boats, classic cars, markets, duck races and a real ale bar. You can reach Droitwich on a short break from Worcester and Stoke Prior.

4. IWA Canalway Cavalcade, London, 3 May

The Inland Waterway Association’s annual Canalway Cavalcade takes place at Little Venice in London is one of the best canalside events in 2025. This unique waterways and community festival offers fun for all the family with a boaters’ gathering, pageant of boats, trade stalls, live music, kids’ activities, competitions, Morris Dancers, a real ale bar and variety of food stalls. You can reach Little Venice on a two-week break from Aldermaston.

5. Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Wales, 8-13 July

Thousands of people from around the world descend on the pretty town of Llangollen on the Llangollen Canal each year to celebrate dance, music, costume and culture. The Llangollen Eisteddfod is one of the world’s great music and culture events with six days of world-class competitions and concerts featuring an array of international performers. You can reach Llangollen on a short break from  Trevor, Chirk and Blackwater Meadow.

6. Stone Food & Drink Festival, Staffordshire, 9-11 May

Staffordshire’s biggest celebration of all things gastronomic takes place at the Georgian market town of Stone on the Trent & Mersey Canal. This year the Stone Food & Drink Festival marks its 20th anniversary with an exciting new programme of demos, talks and tastings. The event will also host a range of themed food marquees, live music, gourmet dining and free kids’ cookery classes. You can reach Stone on a short break from Great Haywood and Stoke on Trent.

7. Fairport Convention at Cropredy, Oxfordshire, 7-9 August

This annual festival of folk and rock music is held in the village of Cropredy, next to the Oxford Canal is one of the best canalside events in 2025. The event is run by the Fairport Convention, often credited with being the first English electric folk band. You can easily reach Cropredy on week long break from Napton, Braunston and Stockton.

8. Edinburgh Canal Festival, Scotland, 21 June

Organised by the Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust, this annual event takes place at Lochrin Basin, at the Edinburgh end of the Union Canal.  The event includes free boat trips, canoe taster-sessions, children’s entertainment, music, dance and food. You can reach Edinburgh on a week’s break from Falkirk.

Best spring canal boating breaks

Best spring canal boating breaks

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Britain’s beautiful inland waterways are a great place to visit in the spring time, when the countryside is bursting with new life.

As you cruise gently along on a narrowboat holiday, you’ll see blossom on the hedges and waterside trees, birds busy rearing their young, spring lambs playing in the fields and bluebells in waterside woodlands.

Here’s a guide to our best spring canal boating breaks for 2025:

1. Drift through the prehistoric Vale of Pewsey

From our boat hire base on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Devizes, it takes around 20 hours, travelling 27 miles through 53 locks to reach the historic town of Hungerford, perfect for a week afloat.  Along the way, you’ll travel up the spectacular flight of 29 locks at Caen Hill and cruise through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey.  You’ll pass closeby to prehistoric Avebury and along the edge of the ancient Savernake Forest, home to thousands of ‘Ancient’, ‘Veteran’ and ‘Notable’ trees and carpets of bluebells in the spring.  Once at Hungerford, there’s a choice of places to eat and drink and antique shops to browse in.

2. Explore the ancient woods at Skipton Castle

On a short break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, you can travel to the historic town of Skipton. There you’ll find Skipton Castle with ancient woods bursting with bluebells to see on a canal boat holiday in spring.  Skipton’s 900-year old castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England. Its extensive woodlands are home to at least 18 species of trees, and hundreds of flowering plants, including wild orchids and bluebells. The journey to Skipton and back takes around seven hours, travelling 13 miles with no locks.

3. Glide through the Brecon Beacons

Isolated from the main canal network, the beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal runs through the Brecon Beacons National Park. This route offers canal boat holiday-makers incredible mountain views and wooded sections full of the sound of woodland birds.   On a short break from Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny, you can cruise lock-free to Llangynidr and back, passing the Lion Inn at Govilon and the Bridge End Hotel at Llangattock.  On a week’s break, you can travel on to Brecon, passing through Talybont-on-Usk, with walks to the waterfalls at Blaen y Glyn and the popular Star Inn.

4. Boat to Brewood and back

From Gailey on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, it takes around five hours to reach the historic village of Brewood, perfect for a short break. This historic village with its half-timbered cottages and Georgian houses, offers one of the best spring canal boating breaks. The 13-mile journey, which passes through just one lock, takes you through beautiful stretches of Shropshire countryside, and passes the waterside Anchor Inn at Cross Green.  On reaching Brewood, there’s a choice of pubs, restaurants and tea rooms to dine at, including the canalside Bridge Inn.

5. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’

From Chirk on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, the pretty Eisteddford town of Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains can be reached on a short break. You’ll cruise across the awesome World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct along the way.  Standing at 38 metres high above the Dee Valley, this incredible 300-metre long structure consists of a cast iron trough supported by 18 enormous pillars and 19 arches.  On reaching Llangollen, you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and enjoy visiting the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants. And visitor attractions such as the Steam Railway and Horseshoe Falls. 

6. Visit the old mill town of Hebden Bridge

On a short break from Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire, you can travel along the leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation to the old mill town of Hebden Bridge.  Cruising through the Calder Valley and climbing through woods, fields and small stone towns, the journey covers seven miles, passes through 10 locks and takes around five-and-a-half hours. Once at Hebden Bridge, you can enjoy an amazing variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. And stunning countryside walks with woods, crags and the Calder running alongside.

7. Cruise through Shakespeare country

From 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 through the Warwickshire countryside, you can stop off along the way to visit Mary Arden’s Tudor Farm in the canalside village of Wilmcote, where Shakespeare’s mother grew up.  Once in Shakespeare’s Stratford, you can moor up in Bancroft Basin, just a stone’s throw from the Swan Theatre and the town’s many shops, restaurants and museums. 

8. Navigate the Cheshire Ring

Starting from Anderton, this epic cruising ring takes you on a 97-mile tour through some of the most beautiful Cheshire countryside.  The route passes through 92 locks and takes around 55 hours, taking you through the heart of Manchester and the Peak District via the Ashton, Macclesfield, Peak Forest, Rochdale, Trent & Mersey and Bridgewater canals.  Highlights include the spectacular vertical Anderton Boat Lift, also known as ‘The Cathedral of the Canals’, Dunham Massey Hall and its working Elizabethan Mill alongside the Bridgewater Canal, Manchester’s China Town, the Top Lock at Marple on the Peak Forest Canal with fantastic views of the Peak District, and the Cheshire Plain with its heavily locked ‘Heartbreak Hill’. The Cheshire Ring can be done on a 10-day or two week break from Anderton, Bunbury or Acton Bridge.

Visit a bluebell wood on a canal boat holiday

Bluebell woods to see on a canal boat holiday

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Canals meander through some of Britain’s best loved countryside with bluebell woods to explore

The UK is home to almost half the world’s bluebells, and they are one of the nation’s favourite wildflowers.  Native bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) are an ancient woodland indicator.

The Woodland Trust says, “most flowering usually happens in April, so this is the best time to see that iconic carpet of blue.”

To celebrate the bluebell woods to see on a canal boat holiday, we’ve listed the best bluebell woods near canals and rivers in England and Wales:

1. Copley Woods on the Calder & Hebble in West Yorkshire

The bluebells are stunning in the woods alongside the Calder & Hebble Navigation at Copley.  From our narrowboat hire base at Sowerby Bridge, it takes just under 30 minutes by boat to reach Copley.

2. Coed Cefn at Crickhowell on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

This ancient woodland managed by the Woodland Trust has an iron age hill fort at its centre.  There’s a circular walk perfect for enjoying fantastic displays of bluebells.  From our base at Goytre in South Wales, it takes around five hours to reach Llangattock Wharf.  From there it’s a two-mile walk to Coed Cefn.

3. Chirk Castle Woods, close to the Llangollen Canal in Wrexham

Owned by the National Trust, the grounds of Chirk Castle include 480 acres of woodland and parkland.  There are carpets of bluebells, veteran trees and a section of the historic Offa’s Dyke trail to discover.  Setting out from our Chirk base on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, it takes just 40 minutes to cruise to visitor moorings at Chirk Bank.  From there, it’s a 30-minute walk up to Chirk Castle to explore bluebell woods on a canal boat holiday.

4. Cliveden on the River Thames in Berkshire

Set high above the River Thames near Maidenhead, Cliveden has 375 acres of glorious gardens and woodlands to explore.  These include a magnificent carpet of bluebells alongside the beautiful tree-lined Green Drive.  From our canal boat hire base at Aldermaston, it’s a 14 hour journey to Cliveden Reach.

5. Packwood House near the Stratford Canal in Warwickshire

The National Trust’s magnificent Packwood House has 150 acres of parkland to explore, including an area of ancient woodland with bluebells.  From our base at Alvechurch, it takes around six hours to cruise to moorings on the Stratford Canal at Lapworth, close to Packwood House.

6. Savernake Forest on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire

There are over 4,500 acres of woodlands to explore at Savernake Forest, and it’s a bluebell paradise in spring. The Kennet & Avon Canal runs alongside the Savernake Forest, with bluebell woods to see on a canal boat holiday. From our Devizes base, it takes around 10 hours to reach the village of Wootton Rivers. This is a great starting point for a variety of walks around the Forest.

7. Skipton Castle Woods on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire

The woods at Skipton Castle Woods are a rare ancient woodland habitat cared for by the Woodland Trust. These woods close to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal are said to be one of the best places to spot bluebells in Yorkshire.  From our base at Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, it takes just around four cruising hours to reach Skipton.

Guide to the Four Counties Ring

Guide to the Four Counties Ring

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Love Travelling’s guide to cruising round the Four Counties Ring on a narrowboat

Last autumn Marion Collinson of Love Travelling travelled round the Four Counties Ring on a narrowboat holiday with her family, and has since published a Guide to the Four Counties Ring.

Marion departed from Drifters’ canal boat hire base at Stoke-on-Trent aboard a 62ft Princess Signature Class narrowboat.

The journey covered 110 miles, passed through 94 locks and took two weeks. It is possible to complete the Four Counties Ring on a 10-day holiday, but Marion and her family wanted time to visit local attractions along the way.

With such an epic journey to review, Marion’s detailed Guide to Narrowboating on the Four Counties Ring is a four-part series:

Part 1 Staffordshire

The Staffordshire guide covers the first few days heading north on the Trent & Mersey Canal, including visiting Middleport Pottery and travelling through the Harecastle Tunnel.

Part 2 Cheshire

The Cheshire guide covers the 31 locks at Heartbreak Hill, boating through the leafy Cheshire Plains and visiting Wheelock and Sandbach. This section of the journey includes transferring onto the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal at Middlewich and a visit to Nantwich.

Part 3 Cheshire, Shropshire & The West Midlands

This third guide covers a section of the Shropshire Union Canal in Cheshire and then into Shropshire at Audlem and on to the outskirts of the Wolverhampton. Stops included The Shroppie Fly pub at Audlem Wharf, Market Drayton, The Bridge Inn at Brewood (offering a laundry service for boaters) and Autherley Junction.

Part 4 Completing the circle

This final guide covers the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, Gailey Wharf, Penkridge, the Tixall Wide Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), transferring onto the Trent & Mersey Canal at Great Haywood Junction, the village of Stone and a stop at the Plume of Feathers at Barlaston.

Marion has also reviewed a Drifters narrowboat holidays on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Drifters top 8 Easter canal boat holidays

Top 8 Easter canal boat holidays

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Easter is a great time to take a narrowboat holiday in England, Scotland and Wales

We’ve published a guide to our top 8 Easter canal boat holidays in 2025.

Canal boat holidays are fantastic for families, offering the chance to set off on an adventure together. Everyone can enjoy learning how to work the locks, spotting wildlife, exploring traffic-free towpaths and visiting waterside attractions along the way.

Drifters’ prices this Easter currently start at £761 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for up to four people, £1,026 for a week.

Here are our top 8 Easter canal boat holidays destinations in 2025:

1. Visit the World’s biggest Cadbury shop at Cadbury World

Perfect for beginners, you can travel lock-free to Birmingham in around five hours from Alvechurch on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove. Along the way, you can stop off at Bournville to find handmade Easter eggs in the World’s biggest Cadbury shop at Cadbury World. With more canals than Venice, boaters can travel right into the heart of the City where over-night moorings are available at Gas Street Basin. Here you are close to Brindleyplace with plenty for families to see and do, including visiting the Planetarium at Birmingham’s Science Museum Thinktank.

2. Follow Wallace & Gromit across ‘The Stream in the Sky’

On a short break from Chirk on the beautiful Llangollen Canal in North Wales you can cruise across the awesome UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Wallace & Gromit boated across the aqueduct in the BAFTA and Oscar nominated ‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, also known as ‘The Stream in the Sky’ stands 38 metres high above the Dee Valley.  With not even a hand rail on the south side of the aqueduct to obscure the stunning views of the valley below, crossing the aqueduct by boat you literally feel like you’re floating above the earth. After you’ve crossed the aqueduct, you can continue on to Llangollen Basin and moor up visit he pretty Eisteddfod town of Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains.

3. Join the Easter Boat Gathering at the National Waterways Museum

Over the Easter Weekend (18-21 April 2025), the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire celebrates the start of the summer boating season with a large boat gathering and music and activities for the whole family. From our base at Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal in Cheshire, it’s a 10-hour journey to Ellesmere Port. You’ll travel 21 miles through 12 locks, passing through the historic City of Chester along the way, perfect for a week away.

4. Celebrate the Jane Austen 250th anniversary in Bath

On a short break from Hilperton near Trowbridge in Wiltshire, you can travel along the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal and reach Sydney Gardens in around seven hours. There are three locks to pass through each way. From there, it’s a short walk to Georgian Bath’s City Centre attractions, including the Roman Baths and the Jane Austen Centre, celebrating 250 years since this remarkable author was born.

5. Visit Drayton Manor Theme Park

On a week-long holiday from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire, you can cruise to moorings close to Drayton Manor Theme Park.  The journey there and back travels 48 miles, passes through 10 locks (five each way) and takes around 22 cruising hours. Along the way you’ll pass through the Cannock Chase, Fradley Junction and Nature Reserve, and a series of villages with canalside pubs. You can moor up between Tolson’s Footbridge and Coleshill Road Bridge on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal and walk to Drayton Manor Park.

6. Step back in time in Mary King Close in Edinburgh

On a week long break from Falkirk you can travel through the Scottish Lowlands to Edinburgh and back. The journey starts with trip through the iconic Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first and only rotating boat lift, which lifts boats 100ft from the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal above. You’ll pass through Linlithgow and Ratho along the way. Once in Edinburgh, you can moor up in Edinburgh Quay to enjoy the City’s attractions, including a tour of Mary King Close frozen in time beneath the Royal Mile.

7. See the Zog Live Show at Warwick Castle

On a short break from Stockton, on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire, you can cruise to Warwick and back. Once there, you can moor up to explore Warwick Castle, said to be Britain’s greatest medieval experience. From 12 April to 28 September 2025 the daily Zog Live Show will bring this popular children’s book to life.  The journey to Warwick and back travels 23 miles, passes through 44 locks (22 each way) and takes around 17 hours.

8. Star gaze in the Brecon Beacons

Isolated from the main canal network, the beautiful Monmouth & Brecon Canal runs through Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.  Stretching 35 miles from Brecon to Cwmbran, this peaceful waterway has very few locks so it’s great for beginners. It offers canal boat holiday-makers incredible mountain views. There’s a series of historic village pubs to visit along the way and dark skies perfect for star-gazing on clear nights. On a short break from our base at Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny, you can cruise lock-free to Llangynidr and back. You’ll pass the Lion Inn at Govilon and the Bridge End Inn at Llangattock. On a week’s break, you can travel on to Brecon, passing through Talybont-on-Usk with its popular Star Inn.