Tag Archive for: canal boat hire

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/

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.

Ways to reduce plastic waste on your canal boat holiday

Ways to reduce plastic waste on your narrowboat holiday

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Plastic in our oceans and waterways is damaging our wildlife

Programmes like Blue Planet II have highlighted the damage plastic waste is doing to wildlife in our oceans.

Sadly our beautiful inland waterways are also affected by plastic waste, posing a threat to our native biodiversity. And, as a staggering 80 per cent of marine debris comes from inland sources, to ocean life as well.

To help combat the blight of plastic pollution in our canals and rivers, we’ve put together a list of ways to reduce the plastic waste generated on your narrowboat holiday:

1. Don’t use products with microbeads

Harmful microplastics are in some consumer products like face wash and toothpaste. The shower water you use on your canal boat holiday drains straight out into the canal. Avoid items with ‘polypropylene’ or ‘polyethylene’ on the ingredients list and go for natural biodegradable alternatives.

2. Use eco-friendly cleaning products

Make sure your washing up liquid and other cleaning products are also eco-friendly.

3. Bring a refillable thermos and reusable plastic bottles

So if you stop off to buy a coffee somewhere on your narrowboat holiday you won’t need a disposable cup and you won’t have to buy bottled water. You can use boiled water from the boat’s tank to make a cup of tea or coffee, and we suggest bringing one large bottle or canteen to top up at water points for drinking water.

4. Bring your own shopping bags

Remember to pack your re-useable bags every time you shop and avoid products with excess packaging.

5. Make use of recycling facilities

The Canal & River Trust offers recycling points for boaters along the canal network.

6. Bag all rubbish

Make sure the bags are tied securely so they don’t spill open. Only dispose of your bagged domestic rubbish inside bins marked domestic waste, and don’t forget to close the lid.  If the bins are full, keep your rubbish securely on board until the next available waste disposal point.

7. Help clean up

Take part in the Canal & River Trust’s Plastics Challenge campaign.  You can pledge to pick up and safely dispose of at least one piece of canalside litter a day while on your narrowboat holiday. For more information, go to https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/features/plastic-and-litter-in-our-canals

 

Spend Christmas or New Year on a narrow boat

Spend Christmas or New Year on a narrow boat

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Drifters offers Christmas and New Year holidays from six narrow boat hire bases

You can spend Christmas or New Year on a narrow boat with the choice of six departure points.

All our boats have central heating and hot water, and some of our boats also come with multi-fuel stoves.

Prices start at £635 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for up to four people. £875 for a week.

Please note, some routes are affected at times by the Canal & River Trust’s winter maintenance programme.

1. Travel along the Stratford Canal to Stratford upon Avon

From Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal at Wootton Wawen in Warwickshire, it’s a six-hour cruise to Stratford-upon-Avon. The journey takes you through the Warwickshire countryside, passing through 17 locks along the way. Christmas in Stratford-upon-Avon is magical with Christmas lights adorning ancient streets, picturesque pubs and restaurants with festive decorations, and the Stratford Town Walk which runs all year round, including Christmas Day.

2. Cruise the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley Junction

Heading south from our base at Great Haywood, boaters can reach Fradley Junction in around five hours. The journey passes through five locks and 12 miles of Staffordshire countryside, including the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At Fradley you’ll find a choice of places to eat, including The Swan pub, and woodland walks around Fradley Pool Nature Reserve.

3. Boat along the Llangollen Canal to Ellesmere

From our base at Whixall in Shropshire, it takes around four hours to reach the historic town of Ellesmere. The journey travels through the Shropshire Lake District, past Whixall Moss Nature Reserve, Lyneal Moss and Colemere Country Park. The pretty town of Ellesmere has a great choice of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, woodland walks around the Mere, sculpture trail, cycle paths and hire, a castle and Victorian gardens.

4. Navigate the Shropshire Union Canal to Chester

From Bunbury near Tarporley, you can cruise through the Cheshire countryside to Chester. This ancient city has so much to offer visitors, including Roman city walls to walk, shopping at the Chester Rows, many historic pubs and vibrant restaurants and an award winning Zoo. The journey to Chester and back takes 14 hours and passes through 18 locks (nine each way).

5. Travel along the Llangollen Canal to Llangollen

From Trevor in North Wales, it takes around two hours to cruise to Llangollen. There you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and enjoy visiting this historic town nestled in the Berwyn Mountains. Llangollen has great places to visit, including the magnificent Horseshoe Falls and the National Trust’s Plas Newydd House.

6. Cruise the Kennet & Avon Canal to Devizes and the Caen Hill flight

Beginning your journey at Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire, it takes around eight hours to cruise through the Wiltshire countryside to Foxhangers Wharf at the base of the Caen Hill flight. There you can moor up and walk up the flight and into the vibrant market town of Devizes. The journey from Bradford on Avon to Foxhangers passes through seven locks.

 

Best October Half Term narrowboat holidays for families

Best October Half Term narrowboat holidays

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There are dozens of great family destinations to choose from this October Half Term

We’ve published a guide to our best October Half Term narrowboat holidays.

Narrowboats are like floating holiday cottages, with everything you need on board for a self-catering adventure afloat. All our boats are equipped with essential home comforts, including central heating, hot water, TV, showers, flushing toilets, and most now have WiFi too.

Prices this October Half Term start at £706 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for four people, £952 for a week. Here’s a guide to our top six destinations this October Half Term:

1. Travel along the peaceful Ashby Canal to Shakerstone

On a week’s holiday from Braunston on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire, you can explore the beautiful Ashby Canal.  With no locks, and miles of countryside to enjoy, this peaceful canal stretches for 22 miles. It passes the pretty town of Market Bosworth, close to the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field and the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre.  The journey to Shakerstone and back, travels 95 miles, passes through eight locks (four each way) and takes around 37 hours.

2. Drift through the Calder Valley to the old mill town of Hebden Bridge

One of our best October half term narrowboat holidays takes you Hebden Bridge. You can reach this old mill town on a weekend break from Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire.  You’ll travel through the Calder Valley along the leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation.  Climbing through woods, fields and small stone towns, the journey to Hebden Bridge, covers seven miles, passes through 10 locks and takes around 5.5 hours.  Once at Hebden, you can moor in the centre of town to enjoy a good choice of places to eat, as well as walks up to Heptonstall or Hardcastle Crags.

3. Glide through the Usk Valley to Brecon and back

On a week’s break from Goytre on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal you can navigate through the wooded Usk Valley to Brecon, in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park.  Along the way, you can stop off at Llanfoist to take the old tramway into the Black Mountains.  You can visit the 13th century castle at Crickhowell and walk to the Blaen y Glyn waterfalls at Talybont-on-Usk.  The total journey there and back travels 51 miles, passing through 12 locks (six each way) and takes around 25 hours.

4. Cruise along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Georgian Bath

On a four-night mid-week break from the bottom of the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes, you can cruise to Bath and back.  The journey takes around 10 hours, travelling across two magnificent aqueducts and passing through 10 locks.  There’s a choice of canalside pubs, to stop-off at along the way, including the Barge Inn at Seend and the Cross Guns at Avoncliff.  Once in Bath, you can moor up at Sydney Gardens, a short walk away from the centre of this World Heritage city.

5. Glide across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

On a short break from Trevor in North Wales, you can reach the historic Shropshire town of Ellesmere, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District.  The route takes you along the Llangollen Canal and across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, 38 metres high above the Dee Valley.  In Ellesmere, you can moor up and spend time exploring the Mere with its Victorian gardens, woodland paths and historic castle.  The journey to Ellesmere and back takes around 14 hours and passes through four locks (two each way).

6. Navigate to Market Drayton, home of the gingerbread man

On a week’s break from Gailey you can travel along the Staffordshire & Worcestershire and Shropshire Union canals to the historic market town of Market Drayton and back.  The route passes through the historic village of Brewood with its choice of pubs and through a series of deep wooded cuttings.  At Market Drayton there’s a Wednesday market and a great choice of places to eat and drink, many offering the town’s famous gingerbread.  The journey to Market Drayton and back cruises 68 miles, passes through 14 locks and takes around 30 hours.

Visit the Stratford Christmas Market on a canal boat holiday

Visit a Christmas market on a canal boat holiday

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Drifters offers winter cruising from five bases in England and Wales

You can visit a Christmas market on a canal boat holiday with Drifters winter cruising.

Our canal boats for hire range from snug narrowboats for two, to larger boats for seven.

All Drifters’ boats have central heating and hot water, and some also have multi-fuel stoves. So, whatever the weather, it’s always nice and cosy on board.

Prices start at £635 for a short break (three or four nights), £875 for a week.

Here’s a guide to the top Christmas markets and events to visit on a barge holiday in 2024:

1. Visit Stratford-upon-Avon’s Victorian Christmas Market

This award-winning event taking place 7-8 and 14-15 December 2024 features hundreds of stalls selling seasonal products, with traders decked out in Victorian costumes. From Wootton Wawen, it’s a six-hour cruise to moorings in Bancroft Basin in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon. The journey passes through 17 locks each way.

2. Boat to the Bath Christmas market

From Thursday 28 November to Sunday 15 December, Bath Christmas market will return to the historic City of Bath. You can explore dozens of chalets nestled amongst iconic monuments, with a wide range of crafts, gifts, food and drink. You can cruise into Bath on a short break from our bases at Devizes, Hilperton, Bradford on Avon, Monkton Combe and Bath.

3. Navigate to the World of Wedgewood for some Christmas shopping

The World of Wedgewood is next to the Trent & Mersey Canal at Stoke on Trent. There you can browse the world famous pottery centre’s Festive Collection, including the Nutcracker Collection. From Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire, you can reach the World of Wedgewood in around eight hours. You’ll pass through 12 locks along the way.

4. Experience Christmas at Warwick Castle

From Stockton on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire, you can cruise to Warwick and back to experience ‘Christmas at the Castle’ (23 November 2024 to 5 January 2025), including an open-air ice rink, Stories with Santa and winter food and drink village. The journey from Stockton to Warwick takes around seven hours, passing through 20 locks.

*NB some of our routes will be affected by winter maintenance work on the canal network.

Enjoy a day out boating on the canals this summer

Best summer days out canal boating

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We offer canal boat day hire from 19 locations

Drifters offers day boat hire from 19 places across England and Wales for the best summer days out canal boating.

Full tuition is included, so if you’re 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.

Boats range in size and can accommodate between eight and 12 people.

Day boat prices start at £99 on week days, and £150 on weekends and bank holidays.

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

1. Navigate through the Staffordshire countryside to 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 5.5 hours and there are no locks.  *Electric day boat ‘Perfect Day’ and day boat ‘Happy Days’ can take up to 10 people.

2. Glide along the leafy Worcester & Birmingham Canal

On a day out from Alvechurch Marin near Bromsgrove, you can cruise north through the remains of the Forest of Arden to Kings Norton Junction.  There’s a choice of pubs to visit along the way, including the canalside Crown and Weighbridge pubs at Alvechurch.  The route is lock-free but there are three tunnels to pass through, including Wast Hill Tunnel, which is nearly 2.5km long.  *Day boat ‘Away Day’ at Alvechurch can carry up to 10 people. 

3. Navigate to The Star Inn at Mamhillad in the Brecon Beacons

Heading out for a day afloat from Goytre Wharf, day boaters can travel along the beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, enjoying 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’ at Goytre can carry up to eight people each. 

4. Cruise along the Grand Union Canal to Napton-on-the-Hill

From our day boat hire centre at Braunston in heart of the canal network, you can cruise to the historic village of Napton-on-the-Hill.  The journey, which takes around three hours, takes you through the Northamptonshire countryside and into Warwickshire.  Once at Napton, you can moor up and walk into the village where there’s a choice of pubs, including the popular Kings Head.  *Day boat ‘Ouzel II’ at Braunston can carry up to 12 people. 

5. Boat along the Shropshire Union Canal to Nantwich

From our canal boat hire base at Bunbury Wharf on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley, you can cruise south for six miles to Nantwich.  There you can travel across the impressive Grade II* listed Nantwich Aqueduct, enjoying panoramic views across the town.  You’ll pass the Barbridge Inn along the way, and there’s a choice of places to eat and drink in Nantwich.  The journey to Nantwich takes around two-and-a-hafl hours. *Day boat ‘Bella’ at Bunbury can carry up to 10 people. 

6. Cruise through Shakespeare country to Wilmcote

From Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal, you can cruise to the pretty village of Wilmcote, home of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s Mary Arden Farm.  The journey takes two-and-a-half hours, and crosses over the Edstone Aqueduct with amazing views across the Warwickshire countryside.  From moorings at the top of the Wilmcote lock flight, it’s a short walk into Wilmcote and the Mary Arden Inn.  *Day boats ‘Dolly’ and ‘Charlie’ at Wootton Wawen can carry up to 10 people each.

7. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ in North Wales

From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal, day boaters can cruise across the UNESCO World Heritage status 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. It takes around two-and-a-hours to reach Chirk. *Day boats ‘Jacob’, ‘Daniel’ and ‘Lotty’ at Trevor can carry up to 10 people each. 

8. Boat along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Avoncliff Aqueduct

From Hilperton Marina, near Trowbridge in Wiltshire, you can head west to the picturesque town of Bradford on Avon.  You pass through one lock and then on to the impressive Bath stone Avoncliff Aqueduct for lunch at the Cross Guns.  The journey to Avoncliff takes around three hours. *Electric day boat ‘Great Day’ at Hilperton can carry up to 10 people. 

9. Cruise the Peak Forest Canal to Marple Junction

From New Mills Marina on the Peak Forest Canal in Derbyshire, you can cruise to Marple Junction and back. You’ll enjoy fantastic views of the rolling countryside along the way. At Marple Junction, you can visit the Hatters Arms. And walk up along the Marple Lock flight, to see boats passing through one of the steepest lock flights in Britain. *Electric day boat ‘Field Day’ at New Mills Marina can carry up to 10 people.

10. Glide through the Warwickshire countryside to Marston

On a day out boating from Springwood Haven Marina on the Coventry Canal in Warwickshire, you can cruise to Marston and back. You can stop off at the canalside Horseshoes pub along the way. *Electric day boat ‘Sunny Day’ at Springwood Haven Marina can carry up to 10 people.

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

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.

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/