Best canal ghost stories on Britain's waterways

Best canal ghost stories

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Britain’s 250-year old canal network has creepy tunnels, spooky locks and plenty of ghosts

Britain’s 250-year old canal and river network provides the perfect backdrop for a haunting Halloween.

From shaggy coated beings to shrieking boggarts, here’s a guide to the best canal ghost stories:

1. Prepare to be spooked at Blisworth Tunnel

One of the best canal ghost stories is on the Grand Union Canal at Stoke Bruerne. Here the Blisworth Tunnel has spooked a number of boaters over the years. At 2,811 metres it’s one of the longest on the canal system. When construction began in 1793, the tunnel was a major feat of engineering. Teams of navvies worked with picks and shovels for three years until they hit quicksand and the tunnel collapsed, killing 14 men. A new route for the tunnel was found and it finally opened on 25 March 1805. Over the years, a number of boaters travelling through the tunnel have reported seeing lights and a second route emerging. But the tunnel runs straight through the hill so people have must seen the flicker of candlelight at the spot where the first tunnel would have intersected with the main canal tunnel. Perhaps the ghostly navvies are still working there…? You can reach Blisworth Tunnel on a short break from Gayton and Braunston.

2. Get the chills in Chester

Visit the City’s old Northgate where the canal was dug into part of the town’s moat. Here a Roman centurion can sometimes be seen guarding the entrance to the City. And the King’s Inn, an old coaching house, is believed to be haunted by three separate spirits. You can reach Chester on a short break from Bunbury.

3. Look out for the Monkey Man on the Shroppie

The Shropshire Union Canal is said to be Britain’s most haunted canal with five ghosts along its length. One of the best canal ghost stories on the Shroppie is the ‘The Monkey Man’ at Bridge 39 near Norbury. This hideous black, shaggy coated being is believed to be the ghost of a boatman drowned there in the 19th century. You can reach Norbury on a short break from Brewood.

4. Be stunned at Standedge Tunnel

At 3.25 miles long, Standedge Tunnel on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal at Marsden is the longest on the canal network. Over its 200-year history it has witnessed some gruesome events. There are tales of leggers who were crushed between boats and navvies dying in explosions (it took 17 years to build the tunnel). But the story of the restless ghost of 15-year old Matilda Crowther, murdered there in 1935, offers visitors a particularly chilling watery tale. You can reach Standedge Tunnel on a one-way one-week trip from Sowerby Bridge or Barnoldswick.

5. Hear about a Killing at Kidsgrove

The Trent & Mersey Canal’s Harecastle Tunnel at Kidsgrove is said to be home to a shrieking boggart.  This is the ghost of Kit Crewbucket who was murdered and his headless corpse was dumped in the canal. You can reach Harecastle Tunnel on a short break from Stoke-on-Trent and Great Haywood.

6. Watch out for an Aqueduct Apparition

The Llangollen Canal in Wrexham is haunted by an eerie figure that can sometimes be seen on moonlit nights. The ghost glides along the towpath by the World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. You can reach the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on a short break from Trevor, Chirk and Blackwater Meadow.

7. Beware the bloody steps at Brindley Bank

The Trent & Mersey Canal at Brindley Bank Aqueduct in Staffordshire, is said to be haunted by Christina Collins. She was murdered there on 17 June 1839 and her body was flung into the canal. Three boatmen were convicted of her killing – two were hanged and the third transported. As Christina’s body was dragged from the water, her blood ran down a flight of sandstone steps leading from the canal. It is said that the blood stain occasionally reappears on those stones. You can reach Brindley Bank on a short break from Great Haywood and Stoke-on-Trent.

Canal boat holiday on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

Embracing the slow pace on the Mon & Brec

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Gareth Butterfield recently reviewed his Drifters holiday on the beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in South Wales.

Travelling from our base at Goytre Wharf near Abergavenny, he embraced the slow pace on the Mon & Brec. Gareth holidayed with his wife, two dogs and pet lizard Boris.

They enjoyed cruising slowly through the Brecon Beacons National Park, weaving through ‘green and idyllic landscapes’.  And mooring up for the night at picturesque stop-offs in quiet countryside and exploring towns and villages along the way.

Their favourites were Gilwern and Crickhowell and their turning point was Talybont-on-Usk.

Canal & River Trust volunteer lock keepers helped them through some of the locks.

Gareth explains on a canal boat holiday ‘as nature rolls by you feel completely immersed in it’. And the slow pace ‘helps you to slow down too, providing the perfect tonic to a life in the fast lane back on dry land.’

To read Gareth’s full review, go to https://beseeingyou.world/wales-canal-boat-slow-pace-scenic-waterway/

Gareth has previously reviewed a holiday on the Llangollen Canal and the Coventry Canal.

Boris the lizard enjoys a canal boat holiday on the Mon & Brec Canal

Boris the lizard enjoys a canal boat holiday on the Mon & Brec Canal

Best canal and riverside pubs

Best canal and riverside pubs

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There are hundreds of lovely canal and riverside pubs to enjoy across Britain

It’s great to be by the water in the summer time. And there are plenty of canal and riverside pubs with waterside gardens perfect for watching the world go by.

To celebrate, we’ve listed our top 10 canal and riverside pubs for the summer, with our nearest canal boat hire bases:

1. The Bridge Inn, Chirk Bank in Shropshire

You can reach this popular watering hole on the Llangollen Canal on a short break from our bases at Chirk, Trevor and Blackwater Meadow.  Also known as ‘The Trap’, this historic inn enjoys views of the magnificent Chirk Aqueduct. And it’s on the 11-mile stretch of the Llangollen Canal designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

2. The Boat Inn, Gnosall in Staffordshire

This traditional family run pub on the banks of the Shropshire Union Canal can be reached on a short break from Brewood.  It has a patio area overlooking the canal and is renowned for its homemade pies and fish and chips.

3. The Cross Guns, Avoncliff in Somerset

This popular pub in the beautiful Bath Valley has extensive riverside gardens alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal and magnificent Avoncliff Aqueduct.  It can be reached on a short break from our bases at Bath, Monkton Combe, Bradford on Avon and Devizes.

4. The Leigh Arms, Little Leigh in Cheshire

On the banks of the River Weaver near Northwich, you can reach this charming riverside pub on a short break from our bases at Anderton and Acton Bridge.

5. The Fleur de Lys, Lowsonford in Warwickshire

Famous for its pies, this 17th century country pub has extensive gardens alongside the Stratford Canal. You can reach it on a short break from our base at Wootton Wawen.

6. The Plume of Feathers, Barlaston in Staffordshire

Co-owned by the actor Neil Morrissey, this popular pub on the Trent & Mersey Canal offers homemade food and locally brewed beers. You can reach it on a short break from our bases at Stoke-on-Trent and Great Haywood.

7. The Cutter Inn, Ely in Cambridgeshire

You can reach this popular riverside pub on the Great River Ouse on a short break from our Ely and March bases. It has an outdoor terrace for al fresco drinking and dining with excellent river views.

8. The Dundas Arms, Kintbury in Berkshire

This traditional country pub and hotel on the banks of the Kennet & Avon Canal can be reached on a short break from Aldermaston. It has a large beer garden, perfect for summertime al fresco drinking and dining.

9. The Trout Inn, Lechlade, Gloucestershire

With over 700 years of history, this Cotswold pub on the banks of the River Thames can be reached on a mid-week break from our Oxford base. It’s a traditional family-run inn, with riverside gardens perfect for watching the world go by.

10. The Bridge Inn, Ratho in Midlothian

This historic pub and hotel on the banks of the Union Canal near Edinburgh can be reached on a short break from Falkirk.  There’s a dining terrace overlooking the canal, and home-grown fruit and vegetables are served from the pub’s walled garden.

Top leafy canals to cruise this autumn

Top leafy canals to cruise this autumn

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Explore our top leafy canals to cruise this autumn

Britain’s 3,000-mile network of inland waterways meanders through some of our best-loved countryside, including woodlands and forest remains.

To celebrate the beautiful autumn colours in our trees and hedgerows, we’ve listed our top five leafy canals to cruise this autumn:

1. The Calder & Hebble in West Yorkshire

The 21-mile long leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation links Wakefield with Sowerby Bridge.  On a short break from our base at Sowerby Bridge, you can cruise along the part-canal, part-river Calder & Hebble to Shipley. The route will take you through wooded valleys and the towns of Elland and Brighouse along the way.  The journey there and back travels 22 miles, passes through 32 locks and takes around 16 hours.

2. The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in South Wales

This 35-mile long peaceful waterway follows the line of the wooded Usk Valley through the Brecon Beacons National Park.  It has to be one of the most leafy canals to cruise on Britain’s beautiful inland waterways network. On a short break from our base at Goytre, you can cruise to Talybont-on-Usk and back, passing the villages and hamlets of Llaellen, Llanfoist, Govilon, Llangattock and Llangynidr along the way.  The journey there and back travels 39 miles, passes through 10 locks and takes around 18 hours.

3. The Macclesfield Canal in Cheshire

This 26-mile long tree-lined canal runs from Marple in Cheshire to Hall Green, on the Trent & Mersey Canal.  On a week’s break from our base at Stoke on Trent, you can connect to the Macclesfield Canal and cruise to Macclesfield and back.  You’ll pass through the 1.5 mile long Harecastle Tunnel on the Trent & Mersey Canal before transferring onto the Macclesfield Canal.  Then you’ll meander through the countryside to enjoy a series of wooded sections, as well as views of the distant hills.  The journey to Macclesfield and back travels 42 miles, passes through 26 locks and takes around 21 hours.

4. The Stratford Canal in Warwickshire

This 25.5-mile long narrow canal connects Stratford-upon-Avon with the Worcester & Birmingham Canal at Kings Norton Junction.  The middle section is surrounded by trees where it passes through the remains of the Forest of Arden.  On a short break from our base at Wootton Wawen, you can cruise through quiet countryside to Hatton and back.  You’ll pass through the village of Lowsonford with its popular Fleur de Lys canalside pub, and Lapworth where you transfer onto the Grand Union Canal. The journey to Hatton and back cruises 21 miles, passes through 34 locks and takes around 14 hours.

5. The Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire

The 87-mile long Kennet & Avon Canal links the Bristol Avon near Bath, with the River Thames at Reading. On a week’s break from our base at Devizes, at the foot of the famous Caen Hill flight of locks, you can cruise to Hungerford and back passing through the Vale of Pewsey, part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  There are a series of wooded sections to enjoy, including an area of the Savernake Forest.  The journey to Hungerford and back travels 54 miles, passes through 106 locks and takes around 40 hours.

Visit the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford upon Avon on a canal boat holiday

Culture on the canals

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Enjoy culture on the canals on your next narrowboat holiday.

There are dozens of fantastic art and historic centres on or very close to Britain’s 3,000 mile canal and river network.

We’ve put together a list of our top seven cultural destinations:

1. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford

From Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal near Henley-in-Arden, it’s a six-hour cruise through the Warwickshire countryside to Stratford-on-Avon. There you can moor up at Bancroft Basin, a stone’s throw from the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

2. The David Hockney Gallery at Saltaire

You can reach UNESCO World Heritage Saltaire on a short break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Saltaire was founded on the banks of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal near Bradford in 1851 by Sir Titus Salt, a leading industrialist in the woollen industry.  Salts Mill has a number of galleries, including the David Hockney Gallery showing both permanent and temporary collections of the Bradford-born artist’s work.

3. The Theatre Royal in Bath

From Bradford on Avon it’s a six-hour cruise along the Kennet & Avon Canal to moorings at Sydney Wharf. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to UNESCO World Heritage Bath city centre.  Over 200 years old, Bath’s beautiful Georgian Theatre Royal is one of the country’s best-loved.  And it’s one of the best places to enjoy culture on the canals.

4. The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford

From our Oxford base on the River Thames at Eynsham, it’s a three-hour cruise to moorings in Oxford City Centre, close to the Ashmolean Museum.  Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean was Britain’s first public museum and is home to the University of Oxford’s world-class collections of art and archaeology.  It has a series of permanent exhibition galleries, including a fascinating and significant collection of Ancient Egyptian artefacts.

5. Shugborough Hall in Staffordshire

From Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford, it’s a short cruise or walk to the National Trust’s beautiful Shugborough Estate.  Set in 900 acres of stunning parkland and riverside gardens, it is a rare survival of a complete estate.  Major buildings include the Georgian Mansion House, servants’ quarters, model farm and walled garden. Visitors can explore the Mansion’s state rooms and private apartments of the Earls of Lichfield. And see costumed characters in the servant’s quarters and farmstead make cheese, beer and bread.

6. The Hepworth Wakefield Museum

On a week’s break from Sowerby Bridge, you can reach moorings alongside the Hepworth Wakefield museum. This modern gallery on the banks of the Calder & Hebble Navigation showcases the extraordinary work by the British sculptor Barbara Hepworth. There are also works on display by Henry Moore, Antony Gormley, David Hockney, Bridget Riley and Anthony Caro.

7. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

On a short break from Alvechurch, you can cruise along the Worcester & Birmingham into Birmingham City Centre. From Alvechurch it takes about five hours to reach moorings in Gas Street Basin. From there you can walk to the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, housed in a stunning Grade II* listed landmark building. The Museum opened in 1885 and is home to one of the biggest collections of Pre-Raphaelite art in the world.

One-way canal boat holidays across the Pennines

Pennine one-way trips

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We offer one-way narrowboat holidays across the Pennines for experienced boaters

Explore Yorkshire’s inland waterways and cross the Pennines on a one-way canal boat holiday adventure with Drifters.

You’ll encounter some of the Wonders of the Waterways, including the Bingley Five Rise Locks at Bradford. And you’ll enjoy incredible views of the Pennines, Yorkshire Dales and Calder Valley.

We offer the choice of two Pennine one-way trips for crews with experience of locks. They are available for 10 or 11 day holiday hire, starting on a Friday or a Monday. Minibus transfers are included in the boat hire price.

1. One-way trips across the Pennines via Leeds (79 miles, 79 locks, 45 hours)

This epic canal journey starts either on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Barnoldswick or the Calder & Hebble Navigation at Sowerby Bridge.  You’ll travel stretches of the Calder & Hebble Navigation, the Aire & Calder Navigation and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Highlights along the way include: the Hepworth Wakefield gallery; Leeds Dock and Royal Armouries Museum; UNESCO World Heritage Saltaire; the Bingley Five Rise Locks; Skipton with its medieval castle; and incredible views of the Yorkshire Dales.

2. One-way trips across the Pennines via Wigan (103 miles, 136 locks, 65 hours)

This challenging narrowboat adventure appeals to very serious boaters committed to long days with lots of locks. You’ll travel sections of the Rochdale Canal, Bridgewater Canal and Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Highlights along the way include: the historic market towns of Hebden Bridge and Todmorden; the exhilarating Pennine Summit stretch and Summit Inn; Picadilly Village, Manchester City Centre and Castlefield Basin; the Trafford Centre on the Bridgewater Canal; the Barton Swing Aqueduct; spectacular views from the top of the Wigan Flight; views of the Lancashire Calder Valley; historic Blackburn; the Burnley Mile; the deep locks at Barrowford; and Foulridge Tunnel.

There’s information about the boats available for these one-way trips here

Summer holiday boating on the canals is great for families

Summer holiday boating

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Take to the water for some summer holiday boating fun with Drifters Waterway Holidays and choose from over 550 boats and 45 locations.

From lazing on the Llangollen to bobbing through Bath, Britain’s 3,000 mile canal and river network offers the fastest way to slow down.

And there are plenty of exciting family attractions to visit along the way, including the Sea Life Centre in Birmingham and the magnificent Tithe Barn at Bradford on Avon.

Here’s a run-down of Drifters’ top 6 summer holiday boating destinations:

1. Bath and Bristol on the Kennet & Avon Canal

On a short break from our canal boat hire base on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Bath you can cruise to historic Bradford on Avon, with its stunning Tithe Barn.  On a week’s cruise you can cruise on to the base of the awesome Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes.

2. Travel round the Droitwich Ring on a short break

On a short break from the City of Worcester, where the River Severn meets the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, you can travel round the 21-mile Droitwich Ring.  It takes around 16 hours to cruise the ring, negotiating 33 locks. Highlights along the way include: Hanbury Hall; the ancient village of Salwarpe; and Diglis Basin.

3. Cruise the Four Counties Ring

From our Stoke-on-Trent base, the Four Counties Ring is one of the most popular journeys.  Predominantly rural, it travels stretches of the Trent & Mersey, Staffs & Worcs and Shropshire Union canals.  Highlights include: the world famous 2,670-metre-long Harecastle Tunnel; Market Drayton; the World of Wedgewood; stunning views of the rolling Cheshire Plains; the Roman town of Middlewich; the National Trust’s Shugborough Hall; Tixall Wide; and the flight of 15 locks at Audlem.  The Four Counties Ring is best travelled on a 10-day or two-week break.

4. Navigate to Happy Valley

On a short break from Sowerby Bridge you can cruise along the leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation to Hebden Bridge and Todmorden, navigating 20 miles and 32 locks.  At Hebden Bridge there are excellent shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants and walks in ‘Happy Valley’ and on the moors.  Todmorden boasts fine Victorian buildings, a lively market and offers many places to eat and drink.

5. Lock free cruising & the bright lights of Birmingham

On a short break from Alvechurch you can travel along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal to Birmingham and back.  The journey there and back takes less than ten hours and there are no locks.  Stop off at Cadbury World and the historic village of Bournville. Then travel on to moorings in Gas Street Basin, close to the Sea Life Centre at Brindleyplace, city centre museums and the Bullring and Mailbox shopping centres.

6. Glide across ‘The stream in the sky’

From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal you can experience one of the UK’s most stunning stretches of waterway.  You can glide across the awesome UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – an incredible feat of engineering standing 38 metres high above the Dee Valley.  You may be travelling at just four miles an hour, but with not even a hand rail on the south side of the aqueduct to obscure your views, you feel like you are floating above the earth!

 

(1) Warns of increasing battle against aquatic weeds | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

Why canal boat holidays are great for families

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Experience a family adventure afloat making memories together

With thousands of miles of inland waterways to explore on a boating holiday in England, Scotland and Wales, canal boat holidays are great for families.

There are hundreds of exciting waterside destinations to choose from. So whether you are looking for a rural retreat or a city break afloat, canal boat holidays offer the chance to make memories together on a family adventure afloat.

1. It’s the fastest way to slow down

Canal boat holidays give families the chance escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Slowing right down to four miles per hour allows everyone to reconnect and live life in the moment again.

2. You’ll embark on a new bonding adventure together

Families can work together as a team to master navigation skills, operating the locks, taking care of the boat and planning the route. There’s a real sense of achievement and bonding when discovering new places and skills together.

3. You can take your pets with you

Narrowboats are like floating holiday cottages with space for pets too. Most of our boats allow up to two pets on board. As well as dogs, rabbits, iguanas, hamsters, gold fish and tortoises have enjoyed our holidays.

4. You can watch out for wildlife

Canals are havens for wildlife so narrowboat holidays are like a floating safari. Look out for the flashing blue of the kingfisher and bats skimming the water at dusk. And listen out for the quack of duck and the hoot of an owl.

5. Take a break from the usual evening routine

Moor up outside a family-friendly canalside pub for dinner or experience cooking meals in one of our well-equipped narrowboat galley kitchens.  Then take the chance to dust-off long neglected cards and board games for cosy evenings on board, spending quality family time together away from digital distractions at home.

6. There are exciting waterside attractions to visit along the way

There are many family attractions to visit along the way in canalside towns and cities, including the Sea Life Centre in Birmingham, The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon and the Roman Baths in Bath.

7. You’ll be enjoying the great outdoors

A holiday on the inland waterways takes you through some of Britain’s best-loved countryside, enjoying the freedom and outdoors from on deck, and exploring traffic-free towpaths by foot or by bike. Whether standing at the tiller with a cuppa or jumping off to work the locks, the whole family will be breathing in buckets of fresh air.

8. History is all around

Most of our canals were constructed 250 years ago and thousands of historic structures make up the waterway system.  Some of the most famous include the soaring majesty of the World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the extraordinary Anderton Boat Lift, also known as the “Cathedral of the Canals”.

9. It’s fun to learn the boating lingo

Canal boat hire offers the chance to learn the language of boating, with words like ‘windlass’, ‘winding hole, ’tiller’, ‘bow’ and ‘stern’, to get to grips with.

10. It’s the greener way

 A boating holiday is estimated to be some 20 times better for the planet than spending two hours flying to a holiday overseas, and as soon as you swap your car for your hire boat, you’ll be using around a third of the fuel.

Watch out for wildlife on a family canal boat holiday

    Chirk Castle close to the Llangollen Canal in Wales

    National Trust properties to visit

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    There are dozens of National Trust properties within easy reach of our canals and rivers, making them great places to visit on a canal boat holiday.

    Here’s a guide to our top 10 National Trust properties to visit, and our nearest bases:

    1. The Rock Houses at Kinver Edge on the Staffs & Worcester Canal

    Kinver’s famous Holy Austin Rock Houses near Stourbridge were inhabited until the 1950’s and give an atmospheric glimpse into a bygone age.  The woodland sandstone ridge out of which the houses are built, offers dramatic views across surrounding counties.  You can reach Kinver on a week’s holiday from Gailey or Autherley.

    2. Knot Garden at Little Moreton Hall on the Macclesfield Canal

    This iconic Tudor Manor House in Congleton offers an insight into life in the 1600’s. Little Morton Hall‘s manicured Knot Garden grows herbs and vegetables used by the Tudors for their cooking and medicines.  You can reach Congleton on a short break from Stoke on Trent on the Trent & Mersey Canal.

    3. William Morris interiors at Wightwick Manor on the Staffs & Worcester Canal

    Described as ‘the haven of a romantic industrialist’, this beautiful timber-framed house in Wolverhampton has stunning interiors. They are decorated with the designs of William Morris and his Arts & Crafts contemporaries.  You can reach Wolverhampton on a short break from Autherley or Gailey.

    4. Timber-frames at Greyfriars House close to the River Severn

    This late medieval merchant’s house and walled garden in Worcester city centre was rescued from demolition after the Second World War.  It has now been carefully restored and refurbished and you can visit it on a short break from Worcester on the River Severn.

    5. 700 years of history at Chirk Castle on the Llangollen Canal

    This magnificent medieval fortress at Chirk was completed in 1310, and is the last Welsh castle from the reign of Edward I still lived in today.  Features from its 700 years include the medieval tower and dungeon, 17th century Long Gallery, grand 18th century state apartments, servants’ hall and laundry.  It also boasts award-winning gardens and incredible views over the Cheshire and Salop plains.  You can reach Chirk from our bases at Chirk, Trevor and Blackwater Meadow on the Llangollen Canal.

    6. Profumo Affair links at Cliveden on the River Thames at Maidenhead

    W country retreat on a grand scale, Cliveden’s magnificent gardens and breath-taking views have been admired for centuries.  Once the glittering hub of society and visited by virtually every British Monarch since George I, Cliveden was renowned for hosting exclusive parties and political gatherings.  In the 1960’s, Cliveden became infamously associated with the Profumo Affair.  Today visitors can explore the stunning gardens, peaceful woodlands and Thames riverbank.  You can reach Cliveden on a week’s break from Aldermaston on The Kennet & Avon Canal.

    7. Notable topiary at Packwood House on the Stratford Canal

    Originally built in the 16th century, the interiors of this timber-framed Tudor house at Lapworth were restored between the wars by Graham Baron Ash.  The restoration created a fascinating 20th century evocation of domestic Tudor architecture.  Its gardens have fine herbaceous borders and a famous collection of yews.  You can reach Lapworth on a short break from Alvechurch on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal or Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal.

    8. Exquisite embroideries at East Riddlesden Hall on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

    This 17th century manor house at Keighley was a hive of farming activity for generations.  It has a cosy lived-in feel with exquisite embroideries and blackwork, plus oak furniture and pewter on show.  You can reach Keighley on a short break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

    9. 18th century gardens at Hanbury Hall on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal

    Built in 1701 by Thomas, Vernon, a lawyer and whig MP for Worcester, Hanbury Hall near Droitwich Spa is a beautiful country house.  It’s surrounded by 20 acres of recreated early 18th century gardens and 400 acres of parkland.  You can reach Hanbury Hall on a short break from Stoke Prior on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal or Worcester on the River Severn.

    10. Holy Grail connections at Shugborough Hall on the Staffs & Worcester Canal

    Beautiful Shugborough Hall in Staffordshire, once the home of Lord Lichfield, is set in 900 acres of stunning parkland and riverside gardens.  It’s a rare survival of a complete estate, with all major buildings including the fine Georgian Mansion House, servants’ quarters, model farm and walled garden. And it’s rumoured to have connections to the Holy Grail.  Our nearest base is just five minutes away at Great Haywood.

    To check availability and book, go to https://www.drifters.co.uk/

     

    Top 5 Yorkshire canal boat holidays

    Top 5 Yorkshire canal boat holidays

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    Yorkshire is home to some of the most picturesque canals in the UK, including the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and the Calder & Hebble Navigation. These waterways wind their way through diverse landscapes, from rolling countryside to bustling cities, offering breathtaking views at every turn.

    To celebrate the beautiful waterways of Yorkshire, we’ve put together our Top 5 Yorkshire canal boat holidays:

    1. Visit Skipton and its medieval castle

    On a short break from Silsden, you can cruise along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to Skipton.  The journey there and back travels 12 miles and takes around seven hours. There are no locks but there are a series of swing bridges to operate along the way.  You’ll cruise along the beautiful River Aire Valley, passing through the village of Kildwick with its 17th century coaching inn, The White Lion.  Once in Skipton, you can moor in the centre of the town to visit shops and restaurants. And explore the 900-year old Skipton Castle, one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England.

    2. Sail to the historic market town Selby

    On a week’s brea from Sowerby Bridge you can cruise to along the Calder & Hebble and the Aire & Calder navigations to Selby.  The journey there and back travels 96 miles, passes through 68 locks (34 each way) and takes around 40 hours.  The route passes through Wakefield, Stanley Ferry, Castleford and Knottingley.  Scenery ranges from leafy cuttings on the Calder & Hebble and farmland along the Aire, to industrial hinterland on the Aire & Calder.  At Selby, you can moor up to explore the ancient Abbey and market, and enjoy a choice of pubs and restaurants.

    3. Toddle to Todmorden for some stunning Pennine scenery

    On a short break from Sowerby Bridge you can travel along the Rochdale Canal to Todmorden.  The journey there and back travels 20 miles, passes through 34 locks (17 each way) and takes around 16 hours.  This historic town offers visitors fine Victorian architecture, plenty of pubs and restaurants, and a busy market.  Along the way, you’ll pass through the village of Mytholmroyd, the birthplace of Ted Hughes. And the old mill town of Hebden Bridge, nestled in a fork in the hills, with an amazing variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.  There are also a series of scenic waymarked walks to enjoy.

    4. Cruise to Rishton for a trip through industrial history

    On a week’s holiday from Barnoldswick, you can travel west along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to Rishton and back.  The journey there and back travels 53 miles, passes through 14 locks (seven each way) and takes around 20 hours.  The route begins on the summit before plunging into Foulridge Tunnel, then down to Barrowford Locks.  After 20 miles on one level, you’ll sail above Burnley’s rooftops on its famous embankment, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways.  The Weavers Triangle visitor centre at Burnley is a good place to visit. Then carry on through largely open scenery and the historic town of Rishton, the first place calico cloth was woven on an industrial scale.  The trip includes spectacular views of the Lancashire Calder Valley and Pendle Hill, famous for its witches.

    5. Journey to the Hepworth Wakefield

    On a mid-week break from Sowerby Bridge, you can travel to Wakefield and back to visit the fabulous Hepworth Wakefield Art Gallery.  The journey travels 40 miles, passes through 52 locks (26 each way) and takes around 22 cruising hours. There are narrow boat moorings right outside the Hepworth Wakefield.  The Gallery offers over 1,600 square metres of light-filled gallery spaces to explore. As well as works by the British artist and sculptor Barbara Hepworth, there are works on display by Henry Moore, Antony Gormley, David Hockney, Paul Nash, Bridget Riley and Anthony Caro.

    To find out more about the canals of North East England, go to https://www.drifters.co.uk/canals-of-north-east-england/