Enjoy a day out boating this Spring
Day boat hire on your local canal is a great way to enjoy the countryside this Spring.
We offer day boat hire from 17 boat yards across England and Wales, with prices starting from less than £10 per person.
Full tuition is included so if you are new to canal boating, you can get the hang of steering, mooring up and working the locks.
Drifters day boats are available to hire to single households from 29 March. From 17 May, the rule of six or two households is likely to apply. And from 21 June, there will hopefully be no social distancing restrictions.
Our day boats are equipped with cutlery, crockery and a kettle, perfect for a picnic afloat. Most of our day boats also have a toilet, cooker and fridge. And when pubs reopen, you can plan a stop for refreshment at a canalside pub.
Top 7 day boat destinations for Spring 2021
Glide through the Brecon Beacons
From Goytre Wharf on the beautiful Monmouth & Brecon Canal near Abergavenny, boaters can enjoy incredible mountain views. It takes two-and-a-half-hours to reach the popular Star pub at Mamhillad, a short walk from bridge 62. ***‘Rooster’ can carry up to eight people, prices start from £137.
Explore Shakespeare’s country afloat
From Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal near Stratford Upon Avon, boaters can head south to the pretty village of Wilmcote. Here you can enjoy lunch at The Mary Arden Inn or the Masons Arms. The journey takes two-and-a-half hours each way. Along the way you’ll cross over the impressive Edstone Aqueduct with beautiful views across the Warwickshire countryside.
Travel across ‘The Stream in the Sky’
From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, it takes less than 20 minutes to reach the World Heritage status Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Standing at 38m above the Dee Valley, this incredible structure offers stunning views of the Dee Valley below. After cruising over the Aqueduct, there’s another aqueduct and two tunnels to pass through, before reaching the Poacher’s Pocket pub at Glendrid.
Boat to beautiful Bradford on Avon
From Hilperton Marina near Trowbridge in Wiltshire, day boaters can cruise west along the Kennet & Avon Canal to the picturesque town of Bradford on Avon. Here, there’s a striking 14th century Tithe Barn and choice of pubs and restaurants, including the canalside Barge Inn.
Tunnel through rural Worcestershire
From Tardebigge on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove, you can cruise to Kings Norton Junction. There’s a choice of pubs to moor at along the way, including The Crown at Alvechurch. The route is lock-free but there are two tunnels to pass through, including Wast Hill Tunnel, which is nearly 2.5km long.
Cruise to Ellesmere in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District
From Whixall Marina on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, day boaters can head to the historic town of Ellesmere and back. The journey takes around two-and-a-half hours, passing Bettisfield Windmill, Lyneal Moss and Colemere Country Park along the way. Once at Ellesmere, you can moor up and explore the famous Mere with its historic castle, woodland paths and fascinating wildlife.
Travel through the Staffordshire countryside to Rugeley
From Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford, day boaters can cruise to Rugeley and back. The journey travels four miles and passes through two locks. It takes around two hours, passing the through Cannock Chase along the way. And the popular Wolseley Arms pub at Wolseley Bridge.
