Tag Archive for: Kennet & Avon Canal

Drifters top 6 new narrowboats for 2025

Top 6 new narrowboats for 2025

/in /by

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 6 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’ will be available at Bradford on Avon

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

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.  As well as central heating throughout, ‘Drake’ will have a multi-fuel stove.

***2025 prices for ‘Drake’ 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.

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

*There are two main types of stern (back of the boat) available: the cruiser stern has an open back deck with room for a number of people to stand; while the semi-traditional has a smaller deck/steering area with a seating area that can be enclosed with doors.

 

Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, credit @5starstories

Reasons to take a narrowboat holiday

/in /by

5 Star Stories have reviewed their boating holiday on the Kennet & Avon Canal

Setting off from our base at Hilperton on the Kennet & Avon Canal, 5 Star Stories cruised to Bath and back and published 5 reasons to take a narrowboat holiday.

From slowing down and disconnecting, to feeling part of a community and learning to pack light, Janine from 5 Star Stories explains why the novelty of canal boat life had her “hooked”.

She says, “Taking a canal boat holiday in the UK is unlike any other vacation. It’s a unique blend of slow-paced travel, hands-on navigation, and beautiful surroundings.”

Drifters offers canal boat holidays on the Kennet & Avon Canal from six locations: Bath; Monkton Combe; Bradford on Avon; Hilperton; Devizes; and Aldermaston.

You can read Janine’s ‘5 Reasons Why You Should Go Canal Boating in the UK’ article here.

To discover more reasons to take a canal boat holiday, click here.

Kim Jones of Kick Back Times at the Caen Hill flight of locks on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Devizes

A dog-friendly holiday on the Kennet & Avon Canal

/in /by

Travel writer Kim Jones reviews her dog-friendly boating holiday on the Kennet & Avon Canal

Kim Jones of Kick Back Times has reviewed her Drifters holiday with her partner and her dog Hugo.

They set off from Bradford on Avon Marina on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire.

In her article, Kim describes the facilities on board their cosy narrowboat for two ‘Bella’:  

“It had a full heating system, and even a wood burner. The bedroom cabin featured a ‘four poster’ bed and a fair amount of wardrobe space. In the living area there was a small settee and tv, and the kitchen was really well equipped – with a four burner hob, oven, microwave, kettle and plenty of saucepans and cooking utensils. There was also a toilet and shower.“

Cruising east towards Devizes, they enjoyed the slow pace of life, towpath walks and stopping off at dog-friendly pubs along the way. Kim says the experience allows you to:

“Open yourself up to the charm of a slower lifestyle and enjoy the journey, chugging along through silent waters and beautiful unspoilt countryside. You’ll be followed by swans in search of a meal, spot flashes of electric blue as kingfishers dash through the sunlight. And take in the beautiful autumn hues of the trees lining the canal and the green countryside beyond.”

On their second day afloat, they moored up close to the bottom of the famous Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes. They enjoyed a walk up to the cafe at the top and enjoyed beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

It was their first narrowboat holiday, so Kim describes the experience of getting used to steering the boat and mooring up. And she provides some helpful tips for newcomers, including bringing food for your first night on board so you can be flexible where you moor up on your first night.

You can read Kim’s article here.

Spend Christmas or New Year on a narrow boat

Spend Christmas or New Year on a narrow boat

/in /by

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.

 

Downie Live Travels by Boat series two

Downie Live Travels by Boat

/in /by

Canadian Youtuber Michael Downie has published another series of Downie Live Travels By Boat

This summer Michael took three Drifters holidays for Downie Live Travels by Boat:

  1. From Devizes on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire where he travelled up and down the Caen Hill flight Narrowboating the LONGEST canal locks in the UK (youtube.com);
  2. From Alvechurch on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal in Worcestershire from where he boated into Birmingham City Centre Boating the city with MORE CANAL than VENICE (youtube.com); and
  3. From Falkirk on the Scottish lowland canals where he travelled up the Falkirk Wheel boat lift and along the Union Canal Riding the World’s ONLY ROTATING BOAT LIFT (youtube.com).

Michael’s videos offer a great insight into what it’s like to take a canal boat holiday in Britain and what the facilities are like on board our boats. Michael explains the history of the canals, locks, tunnels and other historic engineering structures.  He tells you about places to moor, pubs to visit and places to stock up on supplies.

Here are links to Michael’s films about his four trips on the canals in 2022:

  1. From Goytre on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGcGMcj2dWM
  2. Acton Bridge on the Trent & Mersey Canal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERH0zbSxL4g
  3. Trevor on the Llangollen Canal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evulu9dXzec
  4. Sowerby Bridge on the Rochdale Canal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmBBnaRHkik
Best October Half Term narrowboat holidays for families

Best October Half Term narrowboat holidays

/in /by

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.

Enjoy a day out boating on the canals this summer

Best summer days out canal boating

/in /by

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

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.