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Best family canal boat holiday escapes this summer

February 24, 2026/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Canal boat holidays on Britain’s beautiful inland waterways offer the chance to escape into the countryside for a nostalgic outdoor family adventure, connecting with nature and each other.

To help plan your next adventure afloat, we’ve published a guide to our best family canal boat holiday escapes this summer.

There are over 3,000 miles of historic navigable waterways to explore in Great Britain, passing through some of our best loved countryside.

Nigel Stevens of Drifters explains: “Families tend to arrive at our boat yards in a stressed and rushed state of mind. But once they’ve settled into the slower pace of life of a canal boat holiday, cruising slowly through the countryside, they unwind and become focused on the journey and each other.

“Parents often say how much they enjoyed seeing their children getting away from their screens and instead watching out for wildlife, noticing their surroundings and helping with the locks, steering and mooring up. They also enjoy playing cards and board games together in the evening, bringing back memories of their own family holidays when they were children.”

2026 summer holiday prices start at £910 for a short break (3 or 4 nights) on a boat for four people, £1,265 for a week.

Here’s a guide to our top 8 family canal boat holiday escapes this summer:

1. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ (28 miles, 4 locks, 12.5 hours)

From Chirk on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains can be reached on a short break. Along the way, you’ll cruise across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. In Llangollen, you can enjoy visiting the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as its Steam Railway and Horseshoe Falls. On the return journey, you’ll head back across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and can continue on past Chirk Marina to experience more of the 11-mile World Heritage site, going through Chirk Tunnel and over Chirk Aqueduct and on to Whittington. Canalside pubs to enjoy include the Bridge at Chirk Bank and the Sun at Trevor.

2. Cruise through the Staffordshire & Shropshire countryside to Market Drayton & back (68 miles, 14 locks, 30 hours)

On a week’s break from Gailey on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, you can cruise to Market Drayton, the historic market town famous for its gingerbread. The journey takes you through 34 miles of quiet countryside, and along sections of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire and Shropshire Union canals. Along the way, there’s a series of villages with canalside pubs to stop off at. These include the Anchor Inn at Cross Green, the Bridge Inn at Brewood and the Hartley at Wheaton Ashton.

3. Navigate to Bradford on Avon & back (20 miles, 14 locks, 11 hours)

On a short break from Devizes on the Kennet & Avon Canal you can navigate to the medieval market town of Bradford on Avon and back. The route takes you through the Wiltshire countryside, and a series of locks and swing bridges. Bradford on Avon on the edge of the Cotswolds, often described as a ‘mini Bath’, is the perfect destination for a family canal boat holiday escape this summer. The town has a great choice of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as riverside walks and historic buildings, including a stunning medieval Tithe Barn. Canalside pubs to enjoy include the Barge Inn at Seend and the Canal Tavern at Bradford on Avon.

4. Visit the old mill town of Hebden Bridge (14 miles, 20 locks, 11 hours)

On a short break from Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire, you can travel along the Rochdale Canal to the old mill town of Hebden Bridge and back. Climbing through woods, fields and small stone towns, the journey there and back covers 14 miles, passes through 20 locks (10 each way) and takes around 11 hours. Once at Hebden, you can enjoy a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, as well as stunning countryside walks with woods and crags to explore. Canalside pubs to visit include the Shoulder of Mutton at Mytholmroyd and the Stubbing Wharf at Hebden Bridge.

5. Travel along the peaceful Ashby Canal SSSI to Shakerstone and back (95 miles, 8 locks, 37 hours)

On a week’s holiday from Braunston on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire, you can explore the beautiful Ashby Canal. The route starts with navigating a section of the Oxford Canal and passing through three locks at Hillmorton. You’ll then transfer onto the Coventry Canal at Hawkesbury Junction and the Ashby Canal at Marston Junction. This peaceful 22-mile long waterway passes the historic town of Market Bosworth and the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field. A 6-mile stretch of the Ashby Canal from Snarestone to Carlton Bridge is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its aquatic plants and dragonflies, making it one of the best canals to spot wildlife. Canalside pubs to visit include the Admiral Nelson at Braunston, the Greyhound at Hawkesbury Junction and the Barley Mow at Newbold.

6. Cruise through Cannock Chase to Fradley & back (25 miles, 10 locks, 12 hours)

On a short break from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford, you can cruise to Fradley Junction and back. They journey passes through the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with over 6,800 acres of heath land and ancient woodland to explore. At Fradley you can follow the woodland trail at boardwalk at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve. Canalside pubs to visit include the Wolseley Arms at Wolseley Bridge, the Ash Tree at Rugeley and the Swan Inn at Fradley.

7. Boat to Gargrave Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales & back (23 miles, 6 locks, 12.5 hours)

On a short break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, you can cruise to Gargrave ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’ and back. The route takes you through the beautiful River Aire Valley and Skipton with its medieval castle and woods. At Gargrave you can moor up and walk into the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Pubs to enjoy include the White Lion at Kildwick, the Slaters Arms at Bradley and the Mason’s Arms at Gargrave.

8. Travel through the Scottish Lowlands to Edinburgh & back (64 miles, 6 locks, 22 hours)

On a week’s break from Falkirk you can cruise along the peaceful Union Canal to Edinburgh Quay and back. The journey begins with a passage through the Falkirk Wheel, and then passes through the lovely Scottish Lowland villages of Linlithgow, Broxburn and Ratho. Visitor moorings are available at Edinburgh Quay, just a 5-minute walk from Princes Street. From there, you can visit the City’s many attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and Mary King Close. Pubs to enjoy along the way include the Bridge Inn at Ratho and the West Port Hotel at Linlithgow.

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 waterside pubs to visit on a narrowboat holiday

June 24, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Waterside pubs are popular destinations for canal boat holiday-makers, and there are hundreds to choose from.

We’ve published a guide to some of the best waterside pubs to visit on a narrowboat holiday this summer.

It’s great to be beside water, especially in the summer. Canal and riverside pubs are popular destinations, and there are hundreds to choose from across Britain’s 3,000-mile network of navigable inland waterways.

With names like The Lock Inn, The Navigation Inn, The Narrowboat, The Tunnel and The Bridge, canalside pubs often date back to the days when canals were the transport network of the industrial revolution. Canalside inns provided refreshment for working boat families, their horses, and professional leggers who propelled boats through tunnels.

Today they are popular destinations for narrowboat holiday-makers, as well as people wanting to sit in a canalside pub garden, watching the boats go by.

1. The Bridge Inn, Chirk Bank in Shropshire

You can reach this popular watering hole on the Llangollen Canal on a short break from Chirk, Trevor or Blackwater Meadow. Also known as The Trap, the historic Bridge Inn is on the 11-mile stretch of the Llangollen Canal designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and has views of the magnificent Chirk Aqueduct.

2. The Hollybush Inn at Denford in Staffordshire

Housed in an old flour mill on the Caldon Canal, the Hollybush Inn is surrounded by Staffordshire Moorlands. The pub offers award winning ales and delicious homemade food. It has a large canalside beer garden and is both family and dog friendly. From Stoke on Trent it takes around 7 hours to reach The Hollybush.

3. The Stubbing Wharf at Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire

The Stubbing Wharf on the Rochdale Canal offers home cooked food, including Sunday lunch roasts. It has a choice of real ales and a canalside beer garden. The pub was built soon after the completion of the Rochdale Canal in 1789. It served travellers on both the canal and the turnpike road. Its curious name derives from the ancient settlement of Stubbing, an Anglo-Saxon word for clearing where the tree stumps have been left. From Sowerby Bridge it takes around 5.5 hours to reach Hebden Bridge.

4. The Swan at Fradley Junction in Staffordshire

At the junction of the Trent & Mersey and Coventry canals at Alrewas, the historic Swan pub is known locally as the ‘Mucky Duck’. The pub offers traditional home cooked meals and a choice of cask ales. The Swan’s bar area is decorated with Roses & Castles narrowboat art. The Swan at Fradley is a 1.5-hour cruise from Kings Orchard and a 6-hour cruise from Great Haywood.

5. The Blue Lias Inn at Stockton in Warwickshire

Located on the Grand Union Canal, this historic rural pub was named after the limestone and clay that is quarried locally. The clay is derived from material laid down in the early Jurassic seas, when dinosaurs roamed the earth. The Blue Lias is around 2.5 hours by boat from Stockton.

6. The Plume of Feathers at Barlaston in Staffordshire

This popular pub on the Trent & Mersey Canal is part owned by the actor Neil Morrissey. Visitors can sample some of Neil’s own beers and ales, and choose from a menu of homemade dishes made from fresh local ingredients. It takes just over 3 hours to reach Barlastan from Stoke on Trent, and 7 hours from Great Haywood.

7. The Crown Inn at Alvechurch in Worcestershire

This historic country pub next to the Worcester & Birmingham Canal has a rustic charm, a good selection of ales and lagers and great value food. Our nearest base is just 15 minutes away at Alvechurch.

8. The Olde Barbridge Inn at Nantwich in Cheshire

This historic pub on the Shropshire Union Canal near Nantwich sells a selection of local ales brewed at its own local brewery. The pub serves classic British food made with local produce. Our nearest bases are at Nantwich and Bunbury.

9. 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.

10. The Fleur De Lys at Lowsonford in Warwickshire

This pretty 17th century country pub on the banks of the Stratford Canal has a lovely beer garden. The Fleur De Lys has been famous for its pies since the 1950’s, all served with seasonal vegetables, chunky chips and gravy. Our nearest base is just 3 hours away at Wootton Wawen.

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

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in North Wales Top 10 canal boat holidays 2025

Top 10 canal boat holidays for 2025

August 8, 2024/in News/by Drifters

The best boating breaks on Britain’s inland waterways in 2025

To help plan your next boating adventure, we’ve published a guide to our top 10 canal boat holidays for 2025.

With boats travelling at a maximum speed of 4mph, and over 3,000 miles of navigable inland waterways to explore across Britain, canal boat holidays really are the fastest way to slow down.

You can use your canal boat as a floating holiday home to set off on an adventure afloat. From rural retreats to vibrant city centres, there are hundreds of routes and destinations to choose from.

Drifters’ offers over 550 boats for hire from 45 locations across England, Scotland and Wales.

2025 hire prices start at £630 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for four, £875 for a week. Tuition is included in our holiday hire price.

There are hundreds of routes and destinations to choose from. :

1. Visit the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax

From Sowerby Bridge, Salterhebble Basin on the Halifax Branch of the Calder & Hebble Navigation is a two mile cruise away. From there, it’s a two mile walk to Piece Hall, one of the most iconic heritage buildings in Britain. Once the centre of the global woollen trade, this monumental Georgian structure has an immense open air piazza. At Piece Hall you’ll find a mix of independent bars, shops and cafes, and a seasonal programme of events.

2. Travel round the Droitwich Ring

At just 21 miles long, the Droitwich Ring is the smallest canal circuit and can be done on a short break from Worcester. The restoration of the Droitwich Canals was completed in 2011, reconnecting them to the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and the River Severn. To complete the circuit, you’ll pass through 33 locks and it takes around 16 cruising hours.

3. Marvel at the Caen Hill Flight at Devizes

The spectacular 16 locks in a row climbing Caen Hill on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Devizes is one of the most impressive sights on the canal network. It’s part of a flight of 29 locks stretching for two miles and raising the canal up by 237ft. The Caen Hill Locks were the final section of the canal to be completed in 1810. And they were one of the final sections to be restored before the re-opening of the Kennet & Avon Canal in 1990. It takes around five hours to go up or down the flight. Canal & River Trust volunteer lock keepers are on hand to help and there are restricted opening hours. Our Devizes boat yard is at the base of the Caen Hill flight and you can also reach it on a short break from Hilperton, Bradford on Avon, Monkton Combe and Bath.

4. Follow the Lime Kiln Trail on the Mon & Brec

Isolated from the main canal network, the beautiful Monmouth & Brecon Canal runs through the Brecon Beacons National Park. The canal is home to a series of historic lime kilns. Stretching 35 miles from Brecon to Cwmbran, this peaceful waterway offers canal boat holiday-makers incredible mountain views. It also offers a fascinating insight into the history of lime production with historic lime kilns to visit Goytre, Gilwern and Llangattock. On a short break from Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny, you can cruise lock-free to Llangynidr and back. On a week’s break you can continue on the Brecon.

5. See the ancient topiary at Packwood House

From Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal, it’s a seven-mile, 31-lock and 10-hour journey through the Forest of Arden to Lapworth Lock No 6. From there it’s a half-mile walk to the National Trust’s beautiful Tudor manor house Packwood House. Here, according to legend, the famous 350-year old trees in Packwood’s iconic Yew Garden represent Christ’s ‘Sermon on the Mount’.

6. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’

From Chirk on the Llangollen Canal, the awesome World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct can be reached on a short break. Standing at 38 metres high above the Dee Valley, this incredible structure consists of a cast iron trough carried on 19 enormous hollow pillars. With not even a hand rail on the south side of the aqueduct, you’ll literally feel like they are floating above the earth!

7. Discover the story of the Staffordshire Hoard

From Alvechurch on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove, it takes five hours to reach Gas Street Basin in the centre of Birmingham. From there, it’s a short walk to the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. There you can see the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found and learn about its warrior history. Hundreds of pieces from the Hoard are on show, along with hands-on displays exploring how these intriguing items were used, before they were buried 1,400 years ago.

8. Cruise the Cheshire Ring for some stunning Pennine views

On a 10-day or two-week break from Anderton on the Trent & Mersey Canal, you can cruise the mighty Cheshire Ring. The journey travels 97 miles, passes through 92 locks and takes around 48 hours. You’ll travel along six different waterways. Highlights include: spectacular views of the Pennines from the Macclesfield Canal; gentle rolling Cheshire countryside on the Trent & Mersey Canal; and Manchester city centre on the Rochdale Canal.

9. Climb Edinburgh’s extinct volcano for stunning views of the city

From Falkirk, on a four-night or week-long break 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. The wheel lifts boats 100ft from the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal above. The 32-mile journey along the Union Canal to Edinburgh passes through three locks and takes around 11 hours. Once at there, you can moor up at Edinburgh Quay, and walk through Holyrood Park to the top of Arthur’s Seat for stunning views of the city below.

10. Pass through Blisworth Tunnel to reach the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne

On a week’s break Stockton on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire, you can cruise through the countryside to Stoke Bruerne. The journey will include passing through the 2,813-metre long Blisworth Tunnel, the third longest on the network. Once in Stoke Bruerne, you can enjoy a choice of canalside pubs and woodland walks. And browsing the intriguing waterway history collections at the Canal & River Trust’s Canal Museum. The journey to Stoke Bruerne and back travels 57 miles, passing through 32 locks and takes around 24 hours.

One-way canal boat holidays across the Pennines

Pennine one-way trips

June 9, 2024/in News/by Drifters

We offer one-way narrowboat holidays across the Pennines for experienced boaters

Explore Yorkshire’s inland waterways and cross the Pennines on a one-way canal boat holiday adventure with Drifters.

You’ll encounter some of the Wonders of the Waterways, including the Bingley Five Rise Locks at Bradford. And you’ll enjoy incredible views of the Pennines, Yorkshire Dales and Calder Valley.

We offer the choice of two Pennine one-way trips for crews with experience of locks. They are available for 10 or 11 day holiday hire, starting on a Friday or a Monday. Minibus transfers are included in the boat hire price.

1. One-way trips across the Pennines via Leeds (79 miles, 79 locks, 45 hours)

This epic canal journey starts either on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Barnoldswick or the Calder & Hebble Navigation at Sowerby Bridge. You’ll travel stretches of the Calder & Hebble Navigation, the Aire & Calder Navigation and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Highlights along the way include: the Hepworth Wakefield gallery; Leeds Dock and Royal Armouries Museum; UNESCO World Heritage Saltaire; the Bingley Five Rise Locks; Skipton with its medieval castle; and incredible views of the Yorkshire Dales.

2. One-way trips across the Pennines via Wigan (103 miles, 136 locks, 65 hours)

This challenging narrowboat adventure appeals to very serious boaters committed to long days with lots of locks. You’ll travel sections of the Rochdale Canal, Bridgewater Canal and Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Highlights along the way include: the historic market towns of Hebden Bridge and Todmorden; the exhilarating Pennine Summit stretch and Summit Inn; Picadilly Village, Manchester City Centre and Castlefield Basin; the Trafford Centre on the Bridgewater Canal; the Barton Swing Aqueduct; spectacular views from the top of the Wigan Flight; views of the Lancashire Calder Valley; historic Blackburn; the Burnley Mile; the deep locks at Barrowford; and Foulridge Tunnel.

There’s information about the boats available for these one-way trips here

Top 5 Yorkshire canal boat holidays

April 25, 2024/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Yorkshire is home to some of the most picturesque canals in the UK, including the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and the Calder & Hebble Navigation. These waterways wind their way through diverse landscapes, from rolling countryside to bustling cities, offering breathtaking views at every turn.

To celebrate the beautiful waterways of Yorkshire, we’ve put together our Top 5 Yorkshire canal boat holidays:

1. Visit Skipton and its medieval castle

On a short break from Silsden, you can cruise along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to Skipton. The journey there and back travels 12 miles and takes around seven hours. There are no locks but there are a series of swing bridges to operate along the way. You’ll cruise along the beautiful River Aire Valley, passing through the village of Kildwick with its 17th century coaching inn, The White Lion. Once in Skipton, you can moor in the centre of the town to visit shops and restaurants. And explore the 900-year old Skipton Castle, one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England.

2. Sail to the historic market town Selby

On a week’s brea from Sowerby Bridge you can cruise to along the Calder & Hebble and the Aire & Calder navigations to Selby. The journey there and back travels 96 miles, passes through 68 locks (34 each way) and takes around 40 hours. The route passes through Wakefield, Stanley Ferry, Castleford and Knottingley. Scenery ranges from leafy cuttings on the Calder & Hebble and farmland along the Aire, to industrial hinterland on the Aire & Calder. At Selby, you can moor up to explore the ancient Abbey and market, and enjoy a choice of pubs and restaurants.

3. Toddle to Todmorden for some stunning Pennine scenery

On a short break from Sowerby Bridge you can travel along the Rochdale Canal to Todmorden. The journey there and back travels 20 miles, passes through 34 locks (17 each way) and takes around 16 hours. This historic town offers visitors fine Victorian architecture, plenty of pubs and restaurants, and a busy market. Along the way, you’ll pass through the village of Mytholmroyd, the birthplace of Ted Hughes. And the old mill town of Hebden Bridge, nestled in a fork in the hills, with an amazing variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. There are also a series of scenic waymarked walks to enjoy.

4. Cruise to Rishton for a trip through industrial history

On a week’s holiday from Barnoldswick, you can travel west along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to Rishton and back. The journey there and back travels 53 miles, passes through 14 locks (seven each way) and takes around 20 hours. The route begins on the summit before plunging into Foulridge Tunnel, then down to Barrowford Locks. After 20 miles on one level, you’ll sail above Burnley’s rooftops on its famous embankment, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. The Weavers Triangle visitor centre at Burnley is a good place to visit. Then carry on through largely open scenery and the historic town of Rishton, the first place calico cloth was woven on an industrial scale. The trip includes spectacular views of the Lancashire Calder Valley and Pendle Hill, famous for its witches.

5. Journey to the Hepworth Wakefield

On a mid-week break from Sowerby Bridge, you can travel to Wakefield and back to visit the fabulous Hepworth Wakefield Art Gallery. The journey travels 40 miles, passes through 52 locks (26 each way) and takes around 22 cruising hours. There are narrow boat moorings right outside the Hepworth Wakefield. The Gallery offers over 1,600 square metres of light-filled gallery spaces to explore. As well as works by the British artist and sculptor Barbara Hepworth, there are works on display by Henry Moore, Antony Gormley, David Hockney, Paul Nash, Bridget Riley and Anthony Caro.

To find out more about the canals of North East England, go to https://www.drifters.co.uk/canals-of-north-east-england/

Best canal boat holiday cruising rings

March 25, 2024/in News/by Drifters

Canal boat holiday cruising rings offer journeys along several different waterways, taking in a huge variety of urban and rural landscapes.

Some canal boat holiday rings are seriously challenging with steep flights of locks and long dark tunnels to negotiate.

Here’s a guide to our top 9 canal boat holiday rings and circuits:

1. The Droitwich Ring (21 miles, 33 locks, 16 hours)

Starting from Worcester or Stoke Prior, this canal boat holiday ring is the only one that can be completed on a short break. It re-opened in 2011 following the £13million restoration of the Droitwich Canals. This reconnected the River Severn and the Worcester & Birmingham Canal at Worcester. Highlights include: the historic Spa town of Droitwich; the Hanbury flight of locks; and Worcester cathedral.

2. The Outer Pennine Ring (192 miles, 248 locks, 130 hours)

Not for the faint-hearted nor inexperienced, this epic three-week journey can be undertaken from Sowerby Bridge or Silsden. It crosses the Pennines twice and includes Britain’s longest canal tunnel. It takes in the Calder & Hebble Navigation, the Huddersfield Narrow, Ashton, Rochdale, Bridgewater, Leeds & Liverpool canals. And the Aire & Calder Navigation with electric locks. Highlights include: dramatic Pennine views; Tuel Lane Deep Lock; and Manchester City Centre. Also the three-and-a-quarter-mile long Standedge Tunnel which cuts through the Pennies to link Marsden and Diggle; Bingley Five Rise locks; Skipton with its medieval castle; Leeds City Centre and waterside Royal Armouries Museum.

3. The Stourport Ring (74 miles, 118 locks, 44 hours)

Starting from Autherley, Stoke Prior, Gailey or Alvechurch, this offers an exhilarating and hugely popular week. The route takes in the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, the Worcester & Birmingham Canal Navigation, the upper section of the River Severn, Birmingham & Fazeley Canal, Birmingham Canal Main Line and the Birmingham Canal Old Main Line. The Stourport Ring visits three cities: Wolverhampton; Birmingham; and the ancient City of Worcester. Highlights include: Wolverhampton 21 locks; Brindleyplace and Gas Street Basin in Birmingham; open countryside on the River Severn; Stourport Basins; Bratch Locks at Wombourne; the pretty village of Kinver with National Trust rock houses; the Black Country Living Museum; and Cadbury World.

4. The Cheshire Ring (97 miles, 92 locks, 55 hours)

Starting from Bunbury, Wrenbury, Whitchurch, Anderton or Acton Bridge, this superb canal boat holiday ring goes through the heart of Manchester and the Peak District via the Ashton, Macclesfield, Peak Forest, Rochdale, Trent & Mersey and Bridgewater canals. Highlights include: Anderton Boat Lift (also known as ‘The Cathedral of the Canals’); Preston Brook Tunnel; Dunham Massey Hall; Castlefield Basin; Manchester’s China Town; the Rochdale 9 locks; Buxworth Basin, Whaley Bridge and the glorious Top Lock at Marple on the Peak Forest Canal; the Cheshire Plain; and heavily locked ‘Heartbreak Hill’.

5. The Warwickshire Ring (101 miles, 94 locks, 48 hours)

Starting from Napton, Stockton, Springwood Haven, Kings Orchard or Braunston the Warwickshire Ring is easily navigated in 10 days or two weeks. It takes in the Grand Union, Oxford, Coventry and Birmingham & Fazeley canals. Highlights include: the flight of 11 locks into Atherstone; Hillmorton locks (three pairs); the Knowle Flight of five locks; the canal village of Braunston; Napton Junction; Newbold and Shrewley tunnels; the awesome Hatton Flight of 21 locks; Warwick Castle; Leamington Spa; and Birmingham’s Gas Street Basin.

6. Avon Ring (108 miles, 130 locks, 58 hours)

Starting from Napton, Autherley, Stoke Prior or Wootton Wawen, this canal boat holiday ring has 130 locks. Most people do this trip in 10 days or two weeks. The Avon Ring navigates sections of the Stratford Canal, River Avon, River Severn and Worcester & Birmingham Canal. Highlights include: Stratford-Upon-Avon and its famous Swan Theatre; the Lapworth flight of 25 locks; the Wilmcote flight of 11 locks; the River Avon and its panoramic views across the Cotswolds; historic Evesham and Tewskesbury; Worcester and its magnificent cathedral; the tidal River Severn double river-lock at Diglis, the 30 locks at Tardebigge; and the 2,495-metre long Wast Hills Tunnel.

7. The Four Counties Ring (110 miles, 94 locks, 55 hours)

Departing from Autherley, Acton Bridge, Brewood, Great Haywood, Stoke-on-Trent, Whitchurch, Wrenbury, Nantwich or Gailey, this canal boat holiday ring is best done on a 10-day or two-week holiday. The four counties are Staffordshire, the West Midlands, Cheshire and Shropshire. The route includes the Trent & Mersey, Staffs & Worcs and Shropshire Union canals. Predominantly rural, this ring’s highlights include: the 2,670-metre long Harecastle Tunnel; deep cuttings on the Shropshire Union; Market Drayton home of gingerbread; Wedgewood Pottery Visitor Centre; views of the rolling Cheshire Plains; the Roman town of Middlewich; Waterworld at Etruria; Shugborough Hall; the waters at Tixall Wide; and the flight of 15 locks at Audlem.

8. The Black Country Ring (125 miles, 79 locks, 60 hours)

From Autherley, Great Haywood, Kings Orchard or Gailey this exhilarating canal boat holiday ring is achievable in a week. The Ring takes in the Birmingham & Fazeley, Birmingham Main Line, Coventry, Staffordshire & Worcestershire and Trent & Mersey canals. Highlights include: Birmingham’s Gas Street Basin; 21 locks at Wolverhampton; the Black Country Living Museum; Dudley Zoo & Castle; Drayton Manor Park at Fazeley; the Staffs & Worcs Roundhouses; the waters at Tixhall Wide; Fradley Pool Nature Reserve at Fradley Junction; 11 locks at Ashton; and 13 at Farmer’s Bridge.

9. The Leicester/East Midlands Ring (157 miles, 102 locks, 75 hours)

Departing from Napton, Braunston, Kings Orchard, Springwood Haven or Gayton this epic canal boat holiday ring is achievable in two weeks. The route cruises a mixture of non-tidal, broad and narrow canals, including the Birmingham & Fazeley, Coventry, Oxford, Trent & Mersey canals, the Grand Union Leicester Line and the rivers Soar and Trent. Highlights include: Saddlington Tunnel; the Foxton Staircase of Locks; the pretty canal village of Stoke Bruerne with its Canal Museum; Blisworth Tunnel; Braunston canal village; Hillmorton Locks; 11 locks at Atherstone; Coventry and views of its magnificent cathedral; and the 18th century canal village of Shardlow.

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.

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.

Holiday hire boats cruising along canal in Yorkshire

Top 5 Easter 2023 Canal Boat Holidays

February 14, 2023/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Canal boat holidays are great for families, offering the chance to set off on an adventure together out in the open air, learning how to work the locks and speak the boating lingo, as well as spotting wildlife, exploring traffic-free towpaths and visiting waterside attractions along the way.

To celebrate the coming Easter holidays, we’ve published our top five narrowboat holiday destinations for Easter 2023:

1. Join the annual Easter Boat Gathering at Ellesmere Port

Over the Easter Weekend (7-10 April), the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire celebrates the start of the Summer boating season with a large boat gathering, live music, workshop tours, historic boats and museum activities. From our canal boat hire base at Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal in Cheshire, it takes 10 hours to reach Ellesmere Port – perfect for a week afloat. The journey, which takes you through the Ancient City of Chester, travels 21 miles and passes through 12 locks.

2. Navigate to the old mill town of Hebden Bridge, home of ‘Happy Valley’

On a short break from Sowerby Bridge, you can travel along the Rochdale Canal to Hebden Bridge, made famous by the hit BBC drama ‘Happy Valley’. The journey to Hebden travels seven miles, passes through 10 locks and takes around 5.5 hours. On the way, the route passes through Mytholmroyd, birthplace of Ted Hughes. Once at Hebden Bridge, yous can choose from a series of scenic waymarked walks, and a great variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

3. See the Tiger Who Came To Tea at Theatre Royal Bath

From our narrowboat hire base at Hilperton in Wiltshire, you can travel gently along the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal to the edge of Bath. The journey there and back travels 25 miles, passing through six locks (three each way) and takes around 13 cruising hours. Along the way, the route passes through the historic town of Bradford on Avon with its fascinating 14^th century Tithe Barn. And over the beautiful Avoncliff and Dundas Bath stone aqueducts. At Sydney Wharf, boaters can moor up and take a 15-minute walk into Bath City Centre to visit a choice of attractions, including the The Tiger Who Came To Tea at Theatre Royal Bath, 9-10 April.

4. Stop off at the World’s biggest Cadbury shop

You can travel lock-free to Birmingham in just five hours from our Tardebigge base on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, stopping off along the way for handmade Easter eggs at Cadbury World. With more canals than Venice, you can travel right into the heart of the City of Birmingham, where there are over-night moorings at Gas Street Basin. There’s plenty for families to see and do, including a visit to the National Sea Life Centre at Brindleyplace or the Planetarium at Birmingham’s Science Museum Thinktank.

5. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ to Llangollen

From our base at Chirk on the Llangollen Canal, the pretty town of Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains can be reached on a short break. Along the way, you’ll cross the UNESCO World Heritage Status Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, towering 38 metres above the Dee Valley. On reaching Llangollen, you can enjoy visiting the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as its Steam Railway and Horseshoe Falls.

DownieLive Travels by Boat

December 19, 2022/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Canadian Youtuber Michael Downie has made a series of films about the canals and canal boat holidays.

In the first episode, he sets off from our canal boat hire base at Goytre Wharf and travels along the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.

In episode two, he leaves from our Acton Bridge base in Cheshire and navigates through the Anderton Boat Lift.

In the third episode, he sets off from our Trevor base in North Wales and travels across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

In episode four he departs from our Sowerby Bridge base in West Yorkshire, and travels through the deepest lock in the country.

In the final episode, he travels through the Standedge Tunnel, the longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel on the network.

You’ll find DownieLive Travels by Boat here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGcGMcj2dWM

Top 5 Easter Canal Boat Holiday Breaks

February 25, 2022/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Drifters offers the choice of 550 boats from 45 bases across the country. All our operators provide hirers with life jackets and boat steering tuition. To celebrate the Spring and the start of the main boating season, we’ve published our top five destinations for Easter 2022:

1. Cruise through the beautiful Churnet Valley

From our narrow boat hire base at Stoke on Trent at the junction of the Caldon and Trent & Mersey canals in Staffordshire, on a short break canal boat holiday-makers can cruise along the Caldon Canal to Flint Mill and back. Often described as ‘one of the finest canals in Britain’, the peaceful 17-mile long Caldon Canal runs from the Trent & Mersey Canal at Etruria in Stoke-on-Trent, to Froghall Wharf in the Staffordshire Moorlands. The route to Flint Mill takes boaters through moorlands close to Denford, water meadows at Cheddleton and the beautiful wooded Churnet Valley. There and back, the journey travels 23 miles, through 24 locks (12 each way) and takes around 15 cruising hours.

2. Visit the Tudors exhibition at The Holbourne Museum in Bath

On a short break from Drifters’ base at Hilperton in Wiltshire, boaters can travel gently along the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal to reach moorings at Sydney Wharf on the edge of Bath City Centre. The journey there and back travels 25 miles, passing through six locks (three each way) and takes around 13 cruising hours. Along the way, the route passes through the historic town of Bradford on Avon with its fascinating 14^th century Tithe Barn, and over the beautiful Avoncliff and Dundas Bath stone aqueducts. Once at Sydney Wharf, boaters can moor up and take a 15-minute walk into Bath City Centre to visit a choice of attractions, including the The Holbourne Museum’s The Tudors exhibition.

3. Stop off at the World’s biggest Cadbury shop

Perfect for beginners, boaters can travel lock-free to Birmingham in just five hours from our Tardebigge base on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, stopping off along the way for handmade Easter eggs at Cadbury World. With more canals than Venice, boaters can travel right into the heart of the City of Birmingham, where over-night moorings are available at Gas Street Basin, close to Brindleyplace. There’s plenty for families to see and do, including penguin feeding at the National Sea Life Centre and star gazing in the Planetarium at Birmingham’s Science Museum Thinktank.

4. Navigate to the old mill town of Hebden Bridge

On a short break from our narrow boat rental base at Sowerby Bridge, canal boat holiday-makers can travel along the Rochdale Canal to Hebden Bridge and back. The journey there and back travels 14 miles, passes through 20 locks (10 each way) and takes around 11 hours. The route takes boaters through Mytholmroyd, birthplace of Ted Hughes and Fallingroyd Tunnel. Once at Hebden Bridge, visitors can choose from a series of scenic waymarked walks and a great variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

5. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’

From our boat yard at 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. Along the route, boaters cross the UNESCO World Heritage Status Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, towering 38 metres above the Dee Valley. On reaching Llangollen, boaters can moor up and enjoy visiting the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as its Steam Railway and Horseshoe Falls. On a week’s break, narrow boat holiday-makers can also travel east to Ellesmere, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District.

Top 9 Canal Boat Holidays for 2022

January 10, 2022/in News, Uncategorized/by Debbie Ludford

From rural retreats to vibrant city centres, narrowboat holiday-makers can explore Britain’s beautiful 3,000-mile network of inland waterways. And there’s a choice of hundreds of waterside destinations and historic canalside pubs to visit along the way.

Drifters offers over 550 boats for hire from 45 locations across England, Scotland and Wales. 2022 hire prices start at £550 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for four, £760 for a week. Tuition is included in all Drifters holiday packages.

Here are Drifters’ Top 9 canal boat holidays for 2022:

1. Cruise to historic Shardlow

In Spring 2022, Drifters will open a new narrowboat hire base at Springwood Haven Marina on the Coventry Canal in Nuneaton. On a week’s break from Springwood Haven, you can travel to the historic inland port of Shardlow and back. The journey passes through Atherstone, across the Tame Aqueduct, through Fradley Junction, Alrewas, Branston and Burton-on-Trent, home of the National Brewery Centre. At Shardlow there are over 50 listed buildings, including the Salt Warehouse, housing Shardlow Heritage Centre. The journey there and back passes through 58 locks and takes around 49 cruising hours.

2. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath

On a short break from our base at Devizes in Wiltshire, you can travel along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Sydney Wharf, on the edge of Bath. The journey travels 19 miles, passing through eight locks and takes around nine hours. Along the way, the route passes through the village of Seend with its canalside Barge Inn. And the historic town of Bradford on Avon, with a choice of independent shops and restaurants. The route also takes boaters over the beautiful Avoncliff and Dundas Bath stone aqueducts. Once at Sydney Wharf, boaters can moor up and take a 15-minute walk into Bath City Centre.

3. Navigate to Manchester and back

On a week’s break from our canal boat hire base at Acton Bridge, you can cruise to Manchester and back. The journey allows you to enjoy time in the countryside as well as well as the City. The route, which travels a total of 68 miles of waterway (34 each way) passes through just one lock. Places to stop off at include Stockton Heath, with a choice of shops and eateries, and the historic village of Lymm. On arrival in Manchester, there are places to moor at Castlefield Basin, within easy reach of City Centre attractions. To visit the Trafford Centre, boaters can return via Worsley on the Bridgewater Canal.

4. Visit Warwick Castle afloat

From our boat yard at Stockton, on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire, you can cruise to Warwick and back. The journey there and back takes around 14 hours, and passes through 40 locks (20 each way). Overnight moorings are available close to Warwick Castle on the banks of the River Avon.

5. Potter through the Shropshire countryside to Market Drayton

From oure base at Brewood on the Shropshire Union Canal, it takes around 10 hours to reach the historic market town of Market Drayton. Along the way, you’ll pass through just six locks and a series of villages with canalside pubs. These include the Junction Inn at Norbury and the Royal Oak at Gnosnall.

6. Cruise along the Shropshire Union Canal to Norbury

From our base at Autherley, on a short break you can cruise along the Shropshire Union Canal to Autherley and back. This rural route, which is perfect for beginners, takes boaters through 15 miles of peaceful countryside. It passes through just two locks and a series of pretty villages with canalside pubs. These include the Bridge Inn at Brewood and the Hartley Arms at Wheaton Ashton.

7. Spot wildlife on the Ashby Canal

On a week’s holiday from our Braunston base, you can cruise to the pretty village of Snarestone and back. You will travel a total of 47 miles, passing through just eight locks (four each way) in around 32 hours. This largely rural route goes up the North Oxford Canal to Rugby and on to Hawkesbury Junction to join the Coventry Canal. Five miles later, the route transfers onto the lock-free Ashbury Canal, which winds gently through countryside for 22 miles. From Carlton Bridge to Snarestone, the canal is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This recognises the diversity of the waterway’s plant, insect and animal life, including nine species of dragonfly, and rare native white-clawed crayfish.

8. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’

Our base at Trevor on the beautiful Llangollen Canal in North Wales, is next to the awesome UNESCO World Heritage Status Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. From there, you can reach historic Ellesmere in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District on a short break. Standing 38 metres high above the Dee Valley, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct carries the canal in a cast iron trough, supported by 19 enormous hollow pillars. With not even a hand rail on the south side of the aqueduct to obscure the stunning views of the valley below, you feel like you are floating above the earth!

9. Cruise to Todmorden for stunning Pennine scenery

On a short break from our Sowerby Bridge base in West Yorkshire, you can travel to Todmorden and back along the Rochdale Canal. The journey, which travels a total of 20 miles, passes through 34 locks and takes around 16 hours. The historic town of Todmorden offers visitors fine Victorian architecture, plenty of pubs and restaurants, and a busy market. Along the way, you’ll pass through the beautiful Calder Valley village of Mytholmroyd, the birthplace of Ted Hughes. And the old mill town of Hebden Bridge, with a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs and a series of scenic waymarked walks.

Top 5 places to watch the sunset on a narrowboat holiday

April 20, 2021/in News/by Debbie Ludford

From rural retreats to vibrant city centres, narrowboat holiday-makers can use their boat as a floating holiday home.

You can explore Britain’s beautiful 3,000-mile network of inland waterways, with the choice of hundreds of waterside destinations to visit along the way.

It’s free to moor almost anywhere on the network, so you can plan your journey around your chosen mooring sites. These can include canalside pubs, beauty spots and places to relax and enjoy a sundowner on deck.

To help you plan your next narrowboat holiday adventure, we’ve listed the top five places to watch the sunset afloat:

1. Tixall Wide in Staffordshire

From our canal boat holiday hire base at Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire, it takes just half an hour to cruise to Tixall Wide. This beautiful lake on the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal was created at the time of the construction of the canal. It was designed to mitigate objections of the residents of Tixall Hall, who didn’t want the new canal to spoil their view. Today it’s a peaceful haven for wildlife and the perfect place to watch the sun go down.

2. Lock 37 on the Rochdale Canal in Lancashire

From our narrowboat yard at Sowerby Bridge is at the junction of the Calder & Hebble Navigation and the Rochdale Canal. From there, it takes around 13 hours (travelling 13 miles and passing through 35 locks) to reach West Summit Lock 37 on the Rochdale Canal. This takes you high up in the Pennines. Here you can moor up before the lock to watch the sun go down. And then take a short walk to the village of Summit and The Summit Inn.

3. Calcutt Locks in Warwickshire

From our narrowboat hire base at Stockton Top Marina on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire, it takes just half an hour to reach the bottom of Calcutt Locks. This is a great place to view the sunset over Stockton. From there, on a short break you can continue on to the pretty canal village of Braunston with a choice of pubs. On a week away, you can continue on up the North Oxford Canal and on to the Ashby Canal. From there, you can enjoy 23 miles of lock free cruising through the countryside.

4. Chirk Aqueduct in North Wales

From our narrowboat hire base at Chirk on the Llangollen Canal, it takes half an hour to reach Chirk Aqueduct. This carries boaters 21 metres high across the River Ceiriog and the English/Welsh border. There are moorings on the north side, perfect for looking out across the valley beyond. On a short break from Chirk, you can continue on to cross the World Heritage Status Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. It stands 38 metres high across the Dee Valley. Then you can cruise on to the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen, on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains.

5. Castleford Flood Lock in West Yorkshire

From Sowerby Bridge, it takes around 15 hours to reach Castleford Flood Lock No.9 on the Aire & Calder Navigation. The journey travels 29 miles and passes through 31 locks. Along the way, you’ll travel along the Calder & Hebble Navigation through Elland, Brighouse, Mirfield and Wakefield. Then you cane transferg onto the Wakefield section of the Aire & Calder Navigation. Then cruise on to Castleford, the birthplace of the sculptor Henry Moore.