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Top leafy canals to cruise this autumn

May 27, 2026/in News/by Debbie Ludford

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 anicent woodlands and forests.

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 Sowerby Bridge, you can cruise along the Calder & Hebble to Shepley Bridge and back. The route will take you through wooded valleys and the historic 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 Goytre, you can cruise to Talybont-on-Usk and back, passing the villages and hamlets of Llaellen, Llanfoist, Govilon, Llangattock and Llangynidr. 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 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 wooded section passes through the remains of the Forest of Arden. On a short break from Wootton Wawen, you can cruise through quiet countryside to Hatton Locks 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 Devizes, at the foot of the famous Caen Hill flight of locks, you can cruise to Hungerford and back. Along the way, you’ll pass 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.

Enjoy a spring day out afloat on a canal boat

Spring days out afloat

March 4, 2026/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Drifters offers canal boats for day hire at 19 locations in England and Wales

Spring is a great time of year to get family and friends together for a day out boating.

Britain’s 2,000-mile network of canals and rivers in England and Wales wind through some of the nation’s best-loved countryside. You can pack a picnic or stop off at a canalside pub for lunch.

We offer day boat hire at 19 locations in England and Wales. Full tuition is included and all our day boats are equipped with cutlery, crockery and a kettle. Most also have a toilet, cooker and fridge.

Boats range in size and can accommodate between 8 and 12 people. Our boats are pet-friendly and many have electric engines.

Here’s a guide to some of our best spring days out afloat:

Cruise through Shakespeare country to Wilmcote (Warwickshire)

On a day out boating from Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal you can cruise to the village of Wilmcote and back. The journey takes 2.5 hours each way and crosses the impressive Edstone Aqueduct, with beautiful views across the Warwickshire countryside. You can visit the Mary Arden Inn at Wilmcote or the View Restaurant at Hill Farm Marina, close to Edstone Aqueduct.

*Day boats ‘Dolly’, ‘Charlie’ and ‘Emma’ can carry up to 10 people each. Weekday hire is £120. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire is £165.

Boat through the Shropshire Lake District to Prees (Shropshire)

From Blackwater Meadow Marina on the Llangollen Canal near Ellesmere, you can cruise through the Shropshire Lake District to Prees and back. The lock-free return journey takes around 6 hours and goes through one short tunnel. The route passes Blake Mere and Cole Mere where there are some great walking and picnic spots.

*Day boat ‘Lazy Days’ can carry up to 10 people. Weekday hire starts at £119. Weekend and bank holiday day hire starts at £149.

Navigate through Cannock Chase to the Wolseley Arms (Staffordshire)

From Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford, you can cruise to the historic market town of Rugeley and back. The journey takes around 2 hours and goes through 2 locks. You’ll pass through the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And you’ll pass the popular Wolseley Arms pub at Wolseley Bridge. When you reach the village of Rugeley, you walk to the canalside Colliers pub.

*Day boats ‘Daphne’ and ‘Abi’ can carry up to 10 people each. Weekday hire is £120. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire is £165.

Glide along the leafy Worcester & Birmingham Canal (Worcestershire)

On a day out from Alvechurch Marina near Bromsgrove you can cruise through the remains of the Forest of Arden to Kings Norton Junction and back. Along the way you can stop off at the canalside Hopwood House pub and enjoy a walk around the Bittell Reservoirs, a haven for bird life. The route is lock-free and takes you through Wast Hills Tunnel, which is over 1.5 miles long.

*Electric day boats ‘Away Day’ and ‘Fun Day’ can carry up to 10 people. Weekday hire starts at £131. Weekend and bank holiday day hire starts at £164.

Navigate to The Star Inn at Mamhillad in the Brecon Beacons (Monmouthshire)

On day out boating along on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal from Goytre Wharf you can cruise through the beautiful Usk Valley. It takes around 2.5 hours to reach moorings close to the popular Star pub at Mamhillad, a short walk from bridge 62.

*Electric day boat ‘Golden Day’ can carry up to 10 people. Weekday hire starts at £131. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire starts at £164.

Cruise along the Grand Union Canal to Napton-on-the-Hill (Northamptonshire)

On a day boat from Braunston in heart of the canal network you can reach the historic village of Napton-on-the-Hill. The lock-free journey goes through the Northamptonshire countryside and into Warwickshire. When you reach Napton, you can moor up and walk into the village where there’s a choice of pubs, including the Kings Head. There’s also a shop with a deli, local produce and homemade meals. The journey to Napton and back takes around 6 hours.

*Day boat ‘Ouzel II’ can carry up to 12 people. Weekday hire is £150. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire is £195.

Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ (Wrexham)

From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales you can travel across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Standing at over 38 metres high above the Dee Valley, this incredible structure offers amazing views of the Dee Valley below. After cruising across the Aqueduct, there are 2 tunnels and another aqueduct to cross, before you reach the Bridge Inn at Chirk Bank. The journey to Chirk and back takes around 5 hours.

*Day boats ‘Jacob’, ‘Daniel’ and ‘Lotty’ can carry up to 10 people. Weekday hire is £155. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire is £199.

Boat along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Brassknocker Basin (Wiltshire)

From Bradford on Avon Marina you can cruise west through the Bath Valley to Brassknocker Basin and back. The route takes you through Bradford on Avon Lock and across the magnificent Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts. At Brassknocker Basin you can stop off at the Angelfish café. The journey there and back travels 9 miles and takes around 4 hours.

*Day boats ‘Jacy’, ‘Emily’, ‘Katherine’, ‘Sally’ & ‘Grace’ can carry up to 10 people each. Weekday hire is £185. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire is £199.

Navigate through the West Berkshire countryside to the Spring Inn (Berkshire)

From Aldermaston on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Reading you can cruise through the West Berkshire countryside to Theale and back. There you can take a 10-minute walk to enjoy lunch at the Spring Inn at Sulhamstead. The total journey takes just over 4 hours and passes through 2 locks each way.

*Day boat ‘Happy Days’ can carry up to 10 people. Weekday hire starts at £149. Weekend and bank holiday hire starts at £249.

Enjoy views of the Peak District on the Peak Forest Canal (Derbyshire)

On a day out boating from New Mills Marina you can cruise to Marple and back, enjoying fantastic views of the rolling countryside along the way. There are moorings at the bottom of the Marple Lock flight and the chance to watch boats passing through one of the steepest lock flights in Britain. The Hatton Arms in Marple is a short walk away. The journey to Marple and back takes 5.5 hours and there are no locks.

*Electric day boat ‘Field Day’ can accommodate up to 10 people. Weekday hire starts at £119. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire starts at £149.

Float along the Shropshire Union Canal to Nantwich (Cheshire)

From Bunbury Wharf near Tarporley you can cruise south for 6 miles to Nantwich and back. The journey travels across the impressive Grade II* listed Nantwich Aqueduct, with panoramic views across the town, and passes the canalside Olde Barbridge Inn. The journey to Nantwich takes around 2.5 hours and there are no locks.

*Day boat ‘Bella’ can carry up to 10 people. Weekday hire is £99. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire is £165.

Boat along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Avoncliff Aqueduct (Wiltshire)

From Hilperton Marina, near Trowbridge you can cruise west through the Bath Valley to Avoncliff and back. Along the way you’ll pass through the medieval market town of Bradford on Avon. There’s just one lock to pass through at Bradford on Avon. When you reach the impressive Bath stone Avoncliff Aqueduct you can moor up visit The Cross Guns pub. Or the No.10 canalside cafe. The journey to Avoncliff and back takes around 6 hours.

*Electric day boat ‘Seize the Day’ can carry up to 10 people. Weekday hire starts at £131. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire starts at £219.

Cruise through the countryside to Atherstone (Warwickshire)

On a day out from Springwood Haven Marina on the Coventry Canal near Nuneaton you can cruise through the Warwickshire countryside to the historic market town of Atherstone and back. The route passes the canalside Anchor Inn and return journey takes around 3 hours.

*Electric day boat ‘Sunny Day’ can accommodate up to 10 people. Weekday hire starts at £119. Weekend and bank holiday hire starts at £149.

Navigate to the Fenn’s, Whixall & Bettisford Mosses National Nature Reserve (Shropshire)

From Whitchurch Marina on the Llangollen Canal you can cruise through the Shropshire countryside to the Fenn’s, Whixall and Bettisford Mosses National Nature Reserve. The journey there and back takes around 6 hours. There are no locks but there are 3 lift bridges to negotiate. Whixall Mosses Nature Reserve is the perfect spot for a walk and a picnic.

*Electric day boat ‘Perfect Day’ can accommodate up to 10 people. Weekday hire starts at £131. Weekend and bank holiday hire starts at £219.

Canal boat travelling along the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire

May bank holiday weekend breaks on a canal boat

January 20, 2026/in News/by Debbie Ludford

There are hundreds of destinations to visit on a bank holiday canal boating break

Britain’s beautiful 3,000-mile network of inland waterways takes canal boat holiday-makers through the countryside and into historic towns and cities. There are places to moor up in quiet backwaters for the perfect rural retreat, as well as moorings close to attractions and amenities in towns and cities, like Linlithgow and Bath.

Drifters 2026 Top May Bank Holiday Weekend Breaks on a Canal Boat:

1. Cruise the Rochdale Canal to Hebden Bridge

On a weekend break from Sowerby Bridge, you can cruise through the West Yorkshire countryside to Hebden Bridge and back. The journey begins with 3 locks, including Tuel Lane Lock, the deepest in the country. At Luddenden Foot you can stop to visit the Lord Nelson pub, set within a Conservation Area. The route then passes through Mytholmroyd, birthplace of Ted Hughes and through Fallingroyd Tunnel to Hebden Bridge. There you can moor in the centre of town and discover a good choice of pubs, restaurants, cafes and independent shops. There are also some fantastic walks from Hebden, including up to Heptonstall and along Hardcastle Crags.

The journey to Hebden Bridge and back travels 14 miles, passes through 20 locks and takes around 11 hours.

2. Travel along the Union Canal to Linlithgow

From Falkirk at the Junction of the Union and Forth & Clyde canals, you can cruise through the Scottish Lowlands to Linlithgow and back. This route begins by going through a manned lock into the canal basin, and then up the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. After that, the journey takes you through Roughmute Tunnel, followed by another 2 manned locks. Now on the Union Canal, you’ll travel through the Falkirk Tunnel and across the massive Avon Aqueduct. After enjoying miles of peaceful countryside, you’ll reach the historic town of Linlithgow, where you can visit the beautifully preserved remains of Linlithgow Palace on the shores of Linlithgow Loch, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Linlithgow has some excellent eateries, including the award-winning Four Marys pub.

The journey to Linlithgow and back passes through 6 locks (3 each way) and takes around 8 hours.

3. Navigate the Grand Union Canal to Cosgrove

On a weekend break from Weedon on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire, you can cruise to Cosgrove and back. This route travels through the countryside, passing the Narrow Boat pub at Stowehill Wharf and the Bakers Arms in the village of Bugbrooke. Soon after, you’ll enter the 1.74-mile long Blisworth Tunnel, emerging into the picturesque ‘canal village’ of Stoke Bruerne, home of the Canal & River Trust’s Canal Museum and a choice of canalside pubs. There are then seven locks to go through before reaching Thrupp Wharf and the Navigation Inn. At Cosgrove, boaters can moor up to explore the Ouse Valley Park, the site of Wolverton Medieval Village and the Barley Mow pub.

The journey to Cosgrove and back travels 36 miles, passes through 16 locks and takes around 16 hours.

4. Cruise through the Brecon Beacons to Llangynidr

Isolated from the main canal network, the beautiful Monmouth & Brecon Canal runs through the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. It offers an escape to the country with incredible mountain views. On a weekend’s break from Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny you can cruise to Llangynidr and back. The route goes through a series of small villages with historic pubs, including the Lion Inn at Govilon, deep in the Welsh countryside.

The journey to Llangynidr and back travels 32 miles and takes around 13 hours. There are no locks on this route.

5. Float across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in North Wales

On a weekend break from Chirk, you can cruise the 11-metre section of the Llangollen Canal designated a UNESCO World Heritage site to the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen, on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains. Along the way, you’ll cross the 38-metre high Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, experiencing stunning views of the Dee Valley below. When you reach Llangollen, you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and enjoy visiting the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as its Steam Railway and Horseshoe Falls. Canalside pubs to enjoy along the way include the Aqueduct Inn at Froncysyllte and The Sun at Trevor.

The journey to Llangollen and back travels 14 miles and takes around 6 hours.

6. Boat through the Northamptonshire countryside to Hillmorton

From Stockton on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire, it takes just over 6 hours to cruise to the village Hillmorton. The route takes you past the village of Napton-on-the-Hill, where the village store sells products from the nearby Buffalo Farm, including buffalo burgers, sausages, meatballs, steaks and ice cream. Napton Village Stores also sells bakery and deli products, veg boxes, homemade meals, cider and homemade cakes. Continuing through the countryside, you’ll will next reach the village of Braunston, where there’s a choice of pubs including the canalside Admiral Nelson. Heading on north up the Oxford Canal, you’ll soon reach the village of Hillmorton, home of the Stag & Pheasant pub.

The journey to Hillmorton and back travels 30 miles, passes through 12 locks (6 each way) and takes around 12.5 hours.

7. Travel through the Leicestershire countryside to Stoke Golding

From Springwood Haven on the Coventry Canal, it takes around 6 hours to cruise to the historic village of Stoke Golding. At Marston Junction, you’ll transfer onto the lock-free Ashby Canal to continue travelling on through the Leicestershire countryside. The journey takes boaters through Sutton Cheney, home of the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre & Country Park. Then on past Dadlington and the Dog & Hedgehog pub. Stoke Golding has one of the most beautiful churches in England and there’s a choice of pubs, including the White Swan. Before heading out, you can stock up on local produce at the Poplars Farm shop and café near Nuneaton, selling fruit, vegetables, honey, local cheese, eggs, poultry and jams.

The journey to Stoke Golding and back travels 27 miles and takes around 12 hours. There are no locks on this route.

8. Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Shebdon

From Brewood on the Shropshire Union Canal in Staffordshire, it takes just over 5 hours to reach the village of Shebdon, surrounded by beautiful countryside. The journey takes you through miles of scenic countryside and woodland, and a series of villages, including Wheaton Aston with its Hartley Inn and Gnosall with its Boat Inn. Canal features encountered along the way include Stretton Aqueduct, a lock at Wheaton Aston, Cowley Tunnel, Shelmore Embankment and Grub Street Cutting. At Shebdon, you can moor up to visit the canalside Wharf pub.

The journey to Shebdon and back travels 27 miles, through 2 locks and takes around 11 hours.

9. Navigate through Cannock Chase to Fradley

On a weekend break, from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal, you can cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Fradley Junction and back. You’ll pass through Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along the way. Before heading out, the Canalside Farm Shop at Great Haywood is perfect for stocking-up on local produce, including sausages, fruit, vegetables, free range eggs and baked products.

The journey to Fradley and back travels 25 miles, through 10 locks (5 each way) and takes around 12 hours.

10. Float along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Georgian Bath

From the base of the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes in Wiltshire, you can travel along the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal to Bath and back. As well as 16 locks (8 each way), the journey takes boaters through a series of swing bridges. And across the magnificent Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts. Canalside pubs to enjoy along the way include the Barge Inn at Seend, the Canal Tavern at Bradford on Avon and the Cross Guns at Avoncliff. There are places to moor alongside Sydney Gardens, and from there it’s a 15-minute walk into Bath city centre, home to world famous attractions, including the Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent.

The journey to Bath and back travels 38 miles, passes through 16 locks (8 each way) and takes around 20 hours.

Best autumn days out boating on the canals

August 15, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Hire a canal boat for the day this autumn

Drifters members hire canal boats for the day from 19 narrowboat hire bases across England and Wales, offering the chance to enjoy a family day out boating on the canals this autumn.

Our best autumn days out boating on the canals include cruising along the Stratford Canal to the historic village of Wilmcote. On a day out canal boating, you can see the beautiful autumn colours in the trees and hedges that line our canals reflected in the water.

Full tuition is included, so if you’re new to canal boating, day boat hire is a great way to 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. Boats range in size and can accommodate between eight and 12 people.

Our day boat hire prices start at £99 and are pet-friendly.

1. Cruise through Shakespeare country to Wilmcote (Warwickshire)

From our day boat hire centre at Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal, you can cruise to the village of Wilmcote and back. The journey takes 2.5 hours each way and crosses the impressive Edstone Aqueduct with beautiful views across the Warwickshire countryside. For refreshments, The Mary Arden Inn is at Wilmcote and The View Restaurant is at Hill Farm Marina, close to Edstone Aqueduct.

*Day boats ‘Dolly’, ‘Charlie’ and ‘Emma’ can carry up to 10 people each and prices start at £99.

2. Navigate through Cannock Chase to the Wolseley Arms (Staffordshire)

From Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford, you can cruise to the historic market town of Rugeley and back. The journey takes around two hours and passes through two locks. It takes you through the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and past the popular Wolseley Arms pub at Wolseley Bridge. At Rugeley, you can walk to the canalside Colliers pub.

*Day boats ‘Daphne’ and ‘Abi’ can carry up to 10 people each and prices start at £99.

3. Glide along the leafy Worcester & Birmingham Canal (Worcestershire)

On a day out from Alvechurch Marina near Bromsgrove, you can cruise north through the remains of the Forest of Arden to Kings Norton Junction and back. Along the way, you can stop off at the canalside Hopwood House pub. And take a walk around the Bittell Reservoirs. The route is lock-free but passes through Wast Hills Tunnel, which is over a mile-and-a-half long.

*Electric day boats ‘Away Day’ and ‘Fun Day’ can carry up to 10 people and prices start at £155.

4. Navigate to The Star Inn at Mamhillad in the Brecon Beacons (Monmouthshire)

On day out boating along on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal from Goytre Wharf, you can cruise through the beautiful Usk Valley. It takes around two-and-a-half-hours to reach 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 prices start at £149.

5. Cruise along the Grand Union Canal to Napton-on-the-Hill (Northamptonshire)

From Braunston in heart of the canal network, you can reach the historic village of Napton-on-the-Hill. The lock-free journey 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. The journey to Napton and back takes around six hours.

*Day boat ‘Ouzel II’ can carry up to 12 people and prices start at £150.

6. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ (Denbighshire)

From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, you can travel across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Standing at over 38 metres high above the Dee Valley, this incredible structure offers amazing views of the Dee Valley below. After cruising over the Aqueduct, there are two tunnels and another aqueduct to cross, before you reach the Bridge Inn at Chirk Bank. The journey to Chirk takes around two-and-a-half hours.

*Day boats ‘Jacob’, ‘Daniel’ and ‘Lotty’ can carry up to 10 people each and prices start at £120.

7. Boat along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Brassknocker Basin (Wiltshire)

From Bradford on Avon Marina, you can cruise west through the Bath Valley to Brassknocker Basin and back. The route takes you through Bradford on Avon Lock and across the magnificent Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts. At Brassknocker Basin, you can visit the Angelfish café for lunch. The journey there and back travels nine miles and takes around four hours.

*Day boats ‘Jacy’, ‘Emily’, ‘Katherine’, ‘Sally’ & ‘Grace’ can carry up to 10 people each and prices start at £185.

8. Navigate through the West Berkshire countryside to the Spring Inn (Berkshire)

From our day boat hire centre at 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 at Sulhamstead, a 10-minute walk from the canal. The total journey takes just over four hours and passes through two locks each way.

*Day boat ‘Happy Days’ can carry up to 10 people and summer prices start from £155.

Best summer days out canal boating

July 10, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

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 best summer days out canal boating:

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 you 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.

2. Glide along the leafy Worcester & Birmingham Canal to Kings Norton

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 3 tunnels to pass through, including Wast Hill Tunnel, which is nearly 2.5km long.

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 2.5 hours to cruise to moorings close to the popular Star pub at Mamhillad, a short walk from bridge 62.

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 3 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.

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 6 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 2.5 hours.

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 2.5 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.

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 2.5 hours to reach Chirk.

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. The No.10 Cafe is next to the Aqueduct. The journey to Avoncliff takes around 3 hours.

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.

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.

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

Best days out boating on the canals this spring

March 10, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

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 vary 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 £155.

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 £139.

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 £155.

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 £155.

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 £155.

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 £155.

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 £155.

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/

Best spring canal boating breaks

January 14, 2025/in News/by Drifters

Britain’s beautiful inland waterways are a great place to visit in the spring time, when the countryside is bursting with new life.

As you cruise gently along on a narrowboat holiday, you’ll see blossom on the hedges and waterside trees, birds busy rearing their young, spring lambs playing in the fields and bluebells in waterside woodlands.

Here’s a guide to our best spring canal boating breaks for 2025:

1. Drift through the prehistoric Vale of Pewsey

From our boat hire base on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Devizes, it takes around 20 hours, travelling 27 miles through 53 locks to reach the historic town of Hungerford, perfect for a week afloat. Along the way, you’ll travel up the spectacular flight of 29 locks at Caen Hill and cruise through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey. You’ll pass closeby to prehistoric Avebury and along the edge of the ancient Savernake Forest, home to thousands of ‘Ancient’, ‘Veteran’ and ‘Notable’ trees and carpets of bluebells in the spring. Once at Hungerford, there’s a choice of places to eat and drink and antique shops to browse in.

2. Explore the ancient woods at Skipton Castle

On a short break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, you can travel to the historic town of Skipton. There you’ll find Skipton Castle with ancient woods bursting with bluebells to see on a canal boat holiday in spring. Skipton’s 900-year old castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England. Its extensive woodlands are home to at least 18 species of trees, and hundreds of flowering plants, including wild orchids and bluebells. The journey to Skipton and back takes around seven hours, travelling 13 miles with no locks.

3. Glide through the Brecon Beacons

Isolated from the main canal network, the beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal runs through the Brecon Beacons National Park. This route offers canal boat holiday-makers incredible mountain views and wooded sections full of the sound of woodland birds. On a short break from Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny, you can cruise lock-free to Llangynidr and back, passing the Lion Inn at Govilon and the Bridge End Hotel at Llangattock. On a week’s break, you can travel on to Brecon, passing through Talybont-on-Usk, with walks to the waterfalls at Blaen y Glyn and the popular Star Inn.

4. Boat to Brewood and back

From Gailey on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, it takes around five hours to reach the historic village of Brewood, perfect for a short break. This historic village with its half-timbered cottages and Georgian houses, offers one of the best spring canal boating breaks. The 13-mile journey, which passes through just one lock, takes you through beautiful stretches of Shropshire countryside, and passes the waterside Anchor Inn at Cross Green. On reaching Brewood, there’s a choice of pubs, restaurants and tea rooms to dine at, including the canalside Bridge Inn.

5. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’

From Chirk on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, the pretty Eisteddford town of Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains can be reached on a short break. You’ll cruise across the awesome World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct along the way. Standing at 38 metres high above the Dee Valley, this incredible 300-metre long structure consists of a cast iron trough supported by 18 enormous pillars and 19 arches. On reaching Llangollen, you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and enjoy visiting the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants. And visitor attractions such as the Steam Railway and Horseshoe Falls.

6. Visit the old mill town of Hebden Bridge

On a short break from Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire, you can travel along the leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation to the old mill town of Hebden Bridge. Cruising through the Calder Valley and climbing through woods, fields and small stone towns, the journey covers seven miles, passes through 10 locks and takes around five-and-a-half hours. Once at Hebden Bridge, you can enjoy an amazing variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. And stunning countryside walks with woods, crags and the Calder running alongside.

7. Cruise through Shakespeare country

From Wootton Wawen, on the Stratford Canal near Henley-in-Arden, it takes around six hours, travelling through 17 locks to reach Stratford-upon-Avon. Travelling through the Warwickshire countryside, you can stop off along the way to visit Mary Arden’s Tudor Farm in the canalside village of Wilmcote, where Shakespeare’s mother grew up. Once in Shakespeare’s Stratford, you can moor up in Bancroft Basin, just a stone’s throw from the Swan Theatre and the town’s many shops, restaurants and museums.

8. Navigate the Cheshire Ring

Starting from Anderton, this epic cruising ring takes you on a 97-mile tour through some of the most beautiful Cheshire countryside. The route passes through 92 locks and takes around 55 hours, taking you through the heart of Manchester and the Peak District via the Ashton, Macclesfield, Peak Forest, Rochdale, Trent & Mersey and Bridgewater canals. Highlights include the spectacular vertical Anderton Boat Lift, also known as ‘The Cathedral of the Canals’, Dunham Massey Hall and its working Elizabethan Mill alongside the Bridgewater Canal, Manchester’s China Town, the Top Lock at Marple on the Peak Forest Canal with fantastic views of the Peak District, and the Cheshire Plain with its heavily locked ‘Heartbreak Hill’. The Cheshire Ring can be done on a 10-day or two week break from Anderton, Bunbury or Acton Bridge.

Visit a bluebell wood on a canal boat holiday

Bluebell woods to see on a canal boat holiday

January 14, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

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.

Top 8 Easter canal boat holidays

January 3, 2025/in News/by Drifters

Easter is a great time to take a narrowboat holiday in England, Scotland and Wales

We’ve published a guide to our top 8 Easter canal boat holidays in 2025.

Canal boat holidays are fantastic for families, offering the chance to set off on an adventure together. Everyone can enjoy learning how to work the locks, spotting wildlife, exploring traffic-free towpaths and visiting waterside attractions along the way.

Drifters’ prices this Easter currently start at £761 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for up to four people, £1,026 for a week.

Here are our top 8 Easter canal boat holidays destinations in 2025:

1. Visit the World’s biggest Cadbury shop at Cadbury World

Perfect for beginners, you can travel lock-free to Birmingham in around five hours from Alvechurch on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove. Along the way, you can stop off at Bournville to find handmade Easter eggs in the World’s biggest Cadbury shop at Cadbury World. With more canals than Venice, boaters can travel right into the heart of the City where over-night moorings are available at Gas Street Basin. Here you are close to Brindleyplace with plenty for families to see and do, including visiting the Planetarium at Birmingham’s Science Museum Thinktank.

2. Follow Wallace & Gromit across ‘The Stream in the Sky’

On a short break from Chirk on the beautiful Llangollen Canal in North Wales you can cruise across the awesome UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Wallace & Gromit boated across the aqueduct in the BAFTA and Oscar nominated ‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, also known as ‘The Stream in the Sky’ stands 38 metres high above the Dee Valley. With not even a hand rail on the south side of the aqueduct to obscure the stunning views of the valley below, crossing the aqueduct by boat you literally feel like you’re floating above the earth. After you’ve crossed the aqueduct, you can continue on to Llangollen Basin and moor up visit he pretty Eisteddfod town of Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains.

3. Join the Easter Boat Gathering at the National Waterways Museum

Over the Easter Weekend (18-21 April 2025), the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire celebrates the start of the summer boating season with a large boat gathering and music and activities for the whole family. From our base at Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal in Cheshire, it’s a 10-hour journey to Ellesmere Port. You’ll travel 21 miles through 12 locks, passing through the historic City of Chester along the way, perfect for a week away.

4. Celebrate the Jane Austen 250th anniversary in Bath

On a short break from Hilperton near Trowbridge in Wiltshire, you can travel along the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal and reach Sydney Gardens in around seven hours. There are three locks to pass through each way. From there, it’s a short walk to Georgian Bath’s City Centre attractions, including the Roman Baths and the Jane Austen Centre, celebrating 250 years since this remarkable author was born.

5. Visit Drayton Manor Theme Park

On a week-long holiday from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire, you can cruise to moorings close to Drayton Manor Theme Park. The journey there and back travels 48 miles, passes through 10 locks (five each way) and takes around 22 cruising hours. Along the way you’ll pass through the Cannock Chase, Fradley Junction and Nature Reserve, and a series of villages with canalside pubs. You can moor up between Tolson’s Footbridge and Coleshill Road Bridge on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal and walk to Drayton Manor Park.

6. Step back in time in Mary King Close in Edinburgh

On a week long break from Falkirk you can travel through the Scottish Lowlands to Edinburgh and back. The journey starts with trip through the iconic Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first and only rotating boat lift, which lifts boats 100ft from the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal above. You’ll pass through Linlithgow and Ratho along the way. Once in Edinburgh, you can moor up in Edinburgh Quay to enjoy the City’s attractions, including a tour of Mary King Close frozen in time beneath the Royal Mile.

7. See the Zog Live Show at Warwick Castle

On a short break from Stockton, on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire, you can cruise to Warwick and back. Once there, you can moor up to explore Warwick Castle, said to be Britain’s greatest medieval experience. From 12 April to 28 September 2025 the daily Zog Live Show will bring this popular children’s book to life. The journey to Warwick and back travels 23 miles, passes through 44 locks (22 each way) and takes around 17 hours.

8. Star gaze in the Brecon Beacons

Isolated from the main canal network, the beautiful Monmouth & Brecon Canal runs through Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Stretching 35 miles from Brecon to Cwmbran, this peaceful waterway has very few locks so it’s great for beginners. It offers canal boat holiday-makers incredible mountain views. There’s a series of historic village pubs to visit along the way and dark skies perfect for star-gazing on clear nights. On a short break from our base at Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny, you can cruise lock-free to Llangynidr and back. You’ll pass the Lion Inn at Govilon and the Bridge End Inn at Llangattock. On a week’s break, you can travel on to Brecon, passing through Talybont-on-Usk with its popular Star Inn.

Downie Live Travels by Boat

September 30, 2024/in News/by Debbie Ludford

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:

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);
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
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:

From Goytre on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGcGMcj2dWM
Acton Bridge on the Trent & Mersey Canal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERH0zbSxL4g
Trevor on the Llangollen Canal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evulu9dXzec
Sowerby Bridge on the Rochdale Canal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmBBnaRHkik

Best family days out boating on the canals

April 13, 2024/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Drifters offers day boat hire from 20 places in England and Wales, offering the chance to enjoy a family day out boating on the canals.

Prices start at just £10 per person. Boats range in size and can accommodate between eight and 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 Drifters’ 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.

Here’s a guide to our best family days out boating on the canals:

1. Staffordshire: Navigate through the countryside to Hopwas

From Kings Orchard Marina, on the Coventry Canal near Lichfield, you can enjoy a family day out boating on the canals. You can cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Bonehill Bridge and back. The route takes you 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. *Day boats ‘Happy Days’ and electric boat ‘Perfect Day’ can take up to 10 people.

2. Worcestershire: Glide through the remains of the Forest of Arden

From Alvechurch on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove, you can enjoy a family day out boating on the canals. You can cruise north through the remains of the Forest of Arden to Kings Norton Junction and back. There’s a choice of pubs to moor at along the way, including the Hopwood House at Hopwood. The route is lock-free but there are two tunnels to pass through, including the 2.5km long Wast Hill Tunnel. *Day boat ‘Away Day’ can carry up to 10 people.

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

From Goytre Wharf near Abergavenny, you can enjoy a family day out boating on the canals with incredible mountain views. It takes around two-and-a-half-hours to cruise to cruise along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal 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.

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 pretty village of Wilmcote to enjoy lunch at 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.

5. Wrexham: 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 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. *Day boats ‘Jacob’, ‘Daniel’ and ‘Lotty’ can carry up to 10 people each.

6. Staffordshire: Navigate through Cannock Chase to the Wolseley Arms

You can enjoy a family day out boating on the canals from our day boat hire base Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford. From there, you can cruise four miles, passing through two locks, to the historic market town of Rugeley. The journey, which takes around two hours, passes the through the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It also passes the popular Wolseley Arms pub at Wolseley Bridge. *Day boats ‘Daphne’ and ‘Abi’ can carry up to 10 people each.

7. Wiltshire: Boat to Avoncliff Aqueduct and the Cross Guns pub

From Hilperton Marina on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Trowbridge, you can head west to the picturesque town of Bradford on Avon, home of the canalside Barge Inn. And on to Avoncliff Aqueduct for lunch at the Cross Guns. 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.

8. Cheshire: Cruise along the Shropshire Union Canal to Bunbury

From our day boat hire base on the Shropshire Union Canal at Nantwich, you can cruise through the Cheshire countryside to Bunbury and back. The journey passes Hurleston Junction and Hurleston Reservoir, and later, the Barbridge Inn at Barbridge Junction. You can stop there for lunch, or continue on to Bunbury, home to the Dysart Arms and Nags Head pubs. The journey to Bunbury and back takes six hours and there are no locks. *Day boat ‘Jus-Today’ can carry up to 8 people.

9. Northamptonshire: Cruise to the picturesque village of Napton-on-the-Hill

From our day boat hire centre at Braunston on the Grand Union Canal, you can enjoy a family day out boating on the canals. You cruise to the historic village of Napton-on-the-Hill and back. The journey, which takes around three hours, takes you through the Northamptonshire countryside and into Warwickshire. Once at Napton, day you can moor up and walk into the village where there’s a choice of pubs, including the Kings Head. *Day boat ‘Ouzel II’ can carry up to 12 people.

10. Shropshire: Cruise through the Shropshire Lake District to Ellesmere

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

Best canal boat holidays for beginners

January 8, 2024/in News/by Drifters

With Britain’s inland waterways in better shape than ever and providing havens for wildlife, narrowboat holidays are becoming increasingly popular.

You don’t need a licence to steer a canal boat and all our operators provide tuition as part of their canal boat holiday hire.

Today’s narrowboats are fully equipped with essential home comforts, including central heating, hot water, TV, showers, microwaves, flushing toilets, and many now have WiFi too.

So if you’re planning to pack-up and ‘ship-out’ on an adventure afloat, take a look at our top 9 canal boat holidays for beginners to help you learn the ropes:

1. Cruise into Birmingham

Boasting more canals than Venice, Birmingham simply has to be visited by canal boat. And with no locks between our base at Alvechurch and Birmingham City Centre, it’s the perfect opportunity for novices to ‘dip their toe in the water’. Cruising along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, it takes just five hours to reach Birmingham. The first half of the journey passes through fields, woodlands and sleepy villages, and a series canal tunnels, before becoming increasingly urban. Once in the centre of Birmingham, you can find over-night moorings at Gas Street Basin. From there you can walk to Brindleyplace, the Mailbox and other city centre attractions.

2. Love the Llangollen

Passing through stunning North Wales landscapes, the Llangollen Canal is one of the most popular navigations on the network. The journey from our Trevor base to Ellesmere and back offers a fantastic short break holiday for beginners. There are just four locks between Trevor and the beautiful Meres, a journey which takes around seven hours. And the route includes the experience of travelling across the World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, with incredible views of the Dee Valley 38 metres below.

3. Glide through the Brecon Beacons

Isolated from the main canal network, the scenic Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal runs through the Brecon Beacons National Park. This quiet waterway, with very few locks, offers incredible mountain views and is nice and easy for beginners. On a week’s holiday from our base Goytre Wharf near Abergavenny, you can cruise to Brecon and back. Along the way, you’ll pass through Georgian Crickhowell, with its fascinating 13th century castle, and Talybont-on-Usk with walks to the waterfalls at Blaen y Glyn.

4. Visit Georgian Bath

From our base at Hilperton on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Trowbridge in Wiltshire, moorings close to Bath City Centre are a six-hour cruise away. The route passes through seven locks and crosses two stunning Bath stone aqueducts. You’ll also pass a series of popular historic canalside pubs, including The Cross Guns at Avoncliff and the Barge Inn at Seend. Once at Sydney Wharf on the edge of Bath City Centre, you can use your boat as a base to explore this World Heritage City, famous for its Roman Baths.

5. Take a rural route to Braunston

From our base at Stockton on the Grand Union Canal, the pretty canal village of Braunston is a peaceful three-hour cruise away. There are only three locks along the way so it’s an easy holiday for first time boaters on a short break. The journey meanders through the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire countryside. Pubs to enjoy include the Kings Head at Napton and the Admiral Nelson at Braunston.

6. Travel through the Scottish Lowlands to Edinburgh

From Falkirk, Edinburgh Quay is a sedate 11-hour journey along the lock-free Union Canal. This route is perfect for beginners on a week-long break. The journey starts with a trip through the iconic Falkirk Wheel – the world’s first and only rotating boat lift. Next you’ll pass through the lovely lowland villages of Linlithgow, Broxburn and Ratho. Visitor moorings are available at Edinburgh Quay, just a five-minute walk from Princes Street and city centre attractions.

7. Steer gently through the countryside to Stone

From Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal it takes around five hours to reach the historic Shropshire market town of Stone. Stone is renowned as the food and drink capital of Staffordshire, with regular markets, a good choice of restaurants and annual Food & Drink Festival. Along the way, there are four locks to pass through and plenty of pubs to enjoy, including The Saracen’s Head at Weston and The Holly Bush Inn at Salt.

8. Navigate to the Yorkshire Dales

The journey from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to the pretty North Yorkshire village of Gargrave and back takes around seven hours and passes through three locks. You’ll pass through Skipton with its striking medieval stone castle and extensive woodlands. Once at Gargrave, there are pubs to enjoy, including the popular Mason’s Arms. And from Gargrave you can visit the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

9. Boat to historic Brewood and back

The journey to Brewood and back from our base at Gailey on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal offers an excellent short break route for beginners. Travelling a total of 25 miles, and passing through just two locks (one each way), this gentle journey through the Shropshire countryside and past a series of canalside pubs, including the Anchor Inn at Cross Green. You’ll transfer onto the Shropshire Union Canal at Autherley Junction. On reaching the historic village of Brewood, there’s a choice of places to eat, including the canalside Bridge Inn.

Canal boat holidays in England, Wales and Scotland

Best canal boat holidays in 2024

November 15, 2023/in News/by Debbie Ludford

From rural retreats to vibrant city centres, narrowboat holiday-makers can explore Britain’s peaceful 3,000-mile network of inland waterways. There are hundreds of waterside destinations to choose from including dozens of historic canalside pubs.

We’ve published a guide to our Top 8 canal boat holidays for 2024:

1. Cruise through the Cheshire countryside to Middlewich

On a three-night weekend break from our new canal boat hire base on the Shropshire Union Canal at Nantwich, you can cruise to Middlewich and back. The route takes you past a series of pubs, including the Barbridge Inn at Barbridge Junction and the Badger Inn at Church Minshull. The journey to Middlewich and back travels 27 miles, passing through 14 locks (seven each way). And takes around 13 cruising hours.

2. Travel through the Scottish Lowlands to Edinburgh

On a four-night break from Falkirk, you can cruise along the Union Canal to Edinburgh and back. The trip starts with a passage through the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. Pubs to visit along the way include The Bridge Inn at Linlithgow and The Bridge Inn at Ratho. Visitor moorings are available at Edinburgh Quay, just a five-minute walk from Princes Street. The journey to Edinburgh Quay and back travels 64 miles, passes through six locks (three each way) and takes around 22 hours.

3. Navigate to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath

On a four-night break from Devizes in Wiltshire, you can travel along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Sydney Wharf, on the edge of Bath. On the way, the route passes through the village of Seend with its popular canalside Barge Inn. And the historic town of Bradford on Avon, with a choice of independent shops and restaurants. Once at Sydney Wharf, you can moor up and take a 15-minute walk into Bath City Centre. The journey to Sydney Wharf and back travels 38 miles, passes through 16 locks (eight each way) and takes around 18 hours.

4. Glide through the Calder Valley to Hebden Bridge

On a short break from Drifters’ base at Sowerby Bridge, canal boat holiday-makers can travel to Hebden Bridge and back. There’s a great choice of independent shops and places to eat and drink at Hebden, as well as woodland walks at the National Trust’s Hardcastle Crags. Pubs to visit include the Dusty Miller at Mytholmroyd and the Fox & Goose at Hebden Bridge. The journey to Hebden Bridge and back travels 14 miles, passes through 20 locks (10 each way) and takes around 11 hours.

5. Travel round the Black Country Ring

On a week’s holiday from Kings Orchard in Staffordshire, you can complete the Black Country Ring. The journey takes in a mixture of urban and rural scenery. It travels sections of the Coventry, Trent & Mersey, Staffordshire & Worcestershire, New Birmingham Main Line and Birmingham & Fazeley canals. Pubs to enjoy along the way include The Red Lion at Hopwas, The Swan at Fradley Junction and All Bar One at Brindleyplace in Birmingham City Centre. Travelling 75 miles, and passing through 79 locks, the route takes around 43 cruising hours.

6. Cruise across The Stream in the Sky to Whitchurch

On a week’s break from Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, you can cruise to the historic town of Whitchurch and back. You’ll cross over the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct along the way. Pubs to visit include The Bridge Inn at Chirk, The Boathouse at Ellesmere and The Black Bear at Whitchurch. The journey to Whitchurch and back travels 52 miles, passes through four locks (two each way) and takes around 25 hours.

7. Boat through the Staffordshire countryside to Market Drayton

On a week’s break from Autherley, you can cruise along the Shropshire Union Canal to the historic town of Market Drayton. Pubs to visit include the Bridge Inn at Brewood and the Hartley Arms at Wheaton Ashton. The journey to Market Drayton and back travels 53 miles, passes through 14 locks (seven each way) and takes around 24 hours.

8. Chug through the Brecon Beacons by boat

On a week’s holiday from Goytre near Abergavenny, you can cruise along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal to the historic market town of Brecon. Pubs to visit include The Bluebell Country Inn at Crickhowell, The Horseshoe Inn at Llangattock and The Star Inn at Talybont-on-Usk. The journey to Brecon and back travels 51 miles, passes through 12 locks (six each way) and takes around 25 hours.

Top 8 canal boat holidays for wellbeing this summer

May 25, 2023/in News/by Debbie Ludford

It’s well known that spending time in green space connecting with nature is good for our mental health and wellbeing. Recent research by the Canal & River Trust confirms the combination of green and blue space with wildlife experienced by visitors to the inland waterways gives an extra wellbeing boost*.

Britain’s 3,000-mile network of inland waterways flow through some of our most beautiful and unspoilt countryside, including National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).

Here’s a guide to Drifters’ Top 8 wellbeing destinations for narrowboat holidays in Summer 2023:

1. Navigate the Peak Forest Canal to Whaley Bridge

On a week’s holiday from our narrowboat hire base at Stoke on Trent, you can travel along the Trent & Mersey and Macclesfield canals to connect to the Peak Forest Canal and Whaley Bridge. The Peak Forest Canal is said to be one of Britain’s most scenic waterways, running through beautiful countryside on the edge of the Peak District National Park. The journey to Whaley Bridge travels 39 miles, passes through the Harecastle Tunnel and 13 locks, and takes around 20 cruising hours.

2. Explore the Staffordshire countryside & Cannock Chase

On a short break from Kings Orchard on the Coventry Canal in Staffordshire, you can cruise to the beautiful waters at Tixall Wide and back, passing through the Cannock Chase AONB along the way. The journey there and back travels 32 miles, passes through 10 locks (five each way) and takes around 16 hours.

3. Drift through the prehistoric Vale of Pewsey to Hungerford

On a week away from our base on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Devizes, you can cruise to the historic town of Hungerford, passing through the Vale of Pewsey, in the North Wessex Downs AONB. The journey there and back takes around 40 hours, travelling 54 miles through 106 locks.

4. Glide around the Breacon Beacons

The beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal runs through the Brecon Beacons National Park. Stretching 35 miles from Brecon to Cwmbran, this peaceful waterway offers canal boat holiday-makers incredible mountain views. On a week’s break from our base at Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny, you can cruise to Brecon and back. The journey takes you through Georgian Crickhowell, with its fascinating 13th century castle. And Talybont-on-Usk, with wonderful walks to the waterfalls at Blaen y Glyn. Brecon is home to a cathedral, theatre, cinema, castle ruins and stunning Georgian architecture. And you can enjoy some of the best views of the Brecon Beacons from Pen y Fan, the highest point in Southern Britain at 886 metres.

5. Cruise to the Aylesbury Vale

On a week’s break from Gayton Marina you can travel south to the Aylesbury Arm and into the Vale of Aylesbury, part of the Chilterns AONB. The journey to Aylesbury passes through a series of canalside towns and villages, including Stoke Bruerne with its Canal Museum. And Marsworth next to Tring Reservoirs, a nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The route travels 44 miles, passes through 41 locks and takes around 22 hours.

6. Float through the Dee Valley in North Wales

On a short break from Chirk on the Llangollen Canal, you can float through the Dee Valley AONB to the pretty Eisteddfod town of Llangollen. You’ll pass over the UNESCO World Heritage Status Pontcysyllte Aqueduct along the way. And you’ll cruise across the Chirk Aqueduct and through Whitehouses Tunnel. The journey to Llangollen and back takes around eight hours, travelling 14 miles, with no locks.

7. Take a Thames boating holiday to the edge of the Cotswolds

On a four-night mid-week break from Oxford, you can travel west along the River Thames to the pretty market town of Lechlade, in an AONG on the edge of the Cotswolds. The route passes through 22 miles of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire countryside. You’ll pass close-by to Kelmscott Manor, once the Cotswold retreat of William Morris. It takes around 17 hours to cruise there and back, passing through seven locks each way.

8. Travel through the Yorkshire Dales to Skipton

On a short break from Barnoldswick, you can head north-east along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to historic Skipton. The journey travels 13 miles through the Yorkshire Dales, passing through 15 locks in around 10 hours. This breath-taking route winds along the contours of the side of Airedale, with extensive views of the Yorkshire Dales. You see sheep, farmhouses, barns, stone walls and the occasional village or town. Once in Skipton, you can moor up 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.

*The Canal & River Trust’s research was carried out by King’s College London, Nomad Projects and J&L Gibbons using Urban Mind, a smartphone based app to collect thousands of real time audits about participants’ location and mental wellbeing. Proof that time by water helps boost your mood | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)

Travel over the Dundas Aqueduct on your narrowboat holiday

Top 7 summer canal boat holidays in 2023

March 29, 2023/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Travelling through the countryside at just four-miles-an-hour, canal boat holidays are the fastest way to slow down this summer.

Drifters offers 550 narrowboats for hire from 45 bases across England, Scotland and Wales. Our summer holiday prices for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for four people start at £835, and at £1,145 for a week.

We’ve published a guide to our Top 7 Summer Canal Boat Holidays for 2023:

1. Yorkshire: Toddle to Todmorden for some stunning Pennine scenery

On a short break from Sowerby Bridge, you can travel along the Rochdale Canal to Todmorden. 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, where the BBC’s popular ‘Happy Valley’ drama is set. The journey to Todmorden and back travels 20 miles, passes through 34 locks (17 each way) and takes around 16 hours.

2. South Wales: Glide through the Usk Valley to Brecon and back

On a week’s holiday from Goytre Wharf near Abergavenny, you can navigate through the Usk Valley on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. You can reach the pretty market town of Brecon, in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Brecon offers theatre, cinema, cafes and restaurants and access to the National Park, with walking routes, cycle hire and pony trekking. Along the way, you can stop off at Llanfoist to take the old tramway into the Black Mountains. You could visit the 13^th century caste at Crickhowell or walk to the Blaen y Glyn waterfalls at Talybont-on-Usk. The journey there and back travels 51 miles, passing through 12 locks (six each way) and takes around 25 hours.

3. Scotland: Travel through the Scottish Lowlands to Edinburgh

On a four-night mid-week break from Falkirk, you can cruise along the Union Canal to Edinburgh Quay. The journey starts with a trip through the world’s first rotating boat lift, the Falkirk Wheel. You’ll then pass through two tunnels and soon after across the magnificent Avon Aqueduct. Then it’s on through the lovely lowland villages of Linlithgow, Broxburn and Ratho. The journey to Edinburgh Quay and back travels 64 miles, passes through four locks (two each way) and takes around 22 hours.

4. Wiltshire: Visit Georgian Bath afloat

On a short break from Devizes you can navigate along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Georgian Bath. Along the way, the route passes a series of canalside pubs and the historic market town of Bradford on Avon. You’ll also travel across the beautiful Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts. There are moorings at Sydney Wharf, a 15-minute walk from Bath City centre. The journey to Bath and back travels 39 miles, passes through 20 locks (10 each way) and takes around 19 cruising hours.

5. North Wales: Glide across the awesome Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Passing through stunning North Wales landscapes, the Llangollen Canal is one of the most popular waterways on the network. On a short break from Chirk, you can travel to the pretty Eisteddfod town of Llangollen and back. The route cruises the 11 miles of the Llangollen Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the awesome Chirk and Pontcysyllte aqueducts. The journey from Chirk to Llangollen Basin and back travels 14 miles and takes around four hours.

6. Northamptonshire: Travel along the peaceful Ashby Canal to Shakerstone

On a week’s holiday from Braunston base on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire, you can explore the beautiful Ashby Canal. There no locks along this peaceful 22-mile waterway. Just mile-upon-mile of countryside to enjoy, as well as the pretty town of Market Bosworth and the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field. The journey to Shakerstone and back, travels 95 miles, passes through eight locks (four each way) and takes around 37 hours.

7. Shropshire: Cruise through the Shropshire countryside to Market Drayton

On a four night mid-week break from Brewood on the Shropshire Union Canal, you can reach the historic market town of Market Drayton. The route passes through a series of villages with canalside pubs, including the Junction Inn at Norbury and the Royal Oak at Gnosnall. And through tunnels of trees in a series of deep canal cuttings. The total journey Market Drayton and back travels 42 miles, passes through 12 locks and takes around 19 hours.