Enjoy a Valentine’s escape aboard a cosy boat for two
Cosy double berths, romantic destinations and historic canalside pubs with roaring log fires make canals the perfect romantic escapte.
We offer winter cruising* and cosy boats for two from a number of our bases, giving you the chance to getaway aboard your very own ‘love boat’.
Today’s canal boats are fully equipped with all the essential mod cons, including central heating and hot water, and some have multi-fuel stoves on board too. So whatever the weather, it’s always nice and warm on board.
Here’s our guide to the Top 4 romantic destinations afloat this Valentine’s Day:
1. Moor up in the home of the Bard to watch a Shakespeare play
It’s a picturesque six-hour cruise to Stratford-upon-Avon from our narrowboat hire base on the Stratford Canal at Wootton Wawen. The route crosses over the Edstone Aqueduct, with lovely views of the surrounding Warwickshire countryside. And there are 17 locks to go through. Once in Stratford, you can moor up in Bancroft Basin to enjoy a performance of ‘The Tempest’ at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Or visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, where there’s a special exhibition commemorating the 400th anniversary of the publication of the First Folio.
2. Cruise to Llangollen and enjoy romantic mountain views
On a short break from our base on the Llangollen Canal at Trevor, you can cruise to the historic town of Llangollen, nestled in the Berwyn Mountains. There’s a choice of restaurants to enjoy a candlelit dinner for two, including the Corn Mill, housed in a 14th century watermill on the banks of the River Dee. The journey to Llangollen takes just two hours.
3. Visit Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter for Valentine’s gift
From our canal boat hire base at Tardebigge on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove, it takes around five hours to cruise into the centre of Birmingham. Once there, you can moor up in Gas Street Basin to enjoy visiting city centre attractions, including the City’s famous Jewellery Quarter to browse for that special Valentine’s gift.
4. Cruise gently through the Staffordshire countryside to Fradley Pool Nature Reserve
From our base at Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal, you can reach Fradley Junction in around five hours. The journey passes through 12 peaceful miles of countryside and five locks. Canalside pubs to enjoy along the way including the Wolseley Arms at Wolseley Bridge, which is offering a special three-course Valentine’s set menu. At Fradley Junction, you can enjoy romantic walks around the Frradley Pool Nature Reserve.
