Tag Archive for: Worcester & Birmingham Canal

Downie Live Travels by Boat series two

Downie Live Travels by Boat

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

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

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

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

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

  1. From Goytre on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGcGMcj2dWM
  2. Acton Bridge on the Trent & Mersey Canal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERH0zbSxL4g
  3. Trevor on the Llangollen Canal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evulu9dXzec
  4. Sowerby Bridge on the Rochdale Canal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmBBnaRHkik
New electric day boat launched at Alvechurch Marina

New electric day boat launched at Alvechurch

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New electric day boat launched at Alvechurch Marina, near Bromsgrove

We’ve launched a new 36ft long electrically powered narrowboat for day trips on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal in Worcestershire.

Electric engines are very quiet so you can hear more of the sounds of nature as you cruise slowly through the countryside.

‘Fun Day’ accommodates up to 10 people and 2024 hire prices start at £99.

The boat has a toilet, indoor and outdoor seating and a kitchen area with induction hob, sink and microwave.  So on a day out boating you can pack a picnic, or stop off at a canalside pub for lunch.

Popular day boat destinations on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal from Alvechurch include:

  1. Cruise through the Worcestershire countryside to King’s Norton Junction and back. The route passes the canalside Hopwood House Inn and the Bittell Reservoirs and the return journey takes about 4.5 hours. There are no locks along this route, but the journey includes passing through the 2,726-yard long Wast Hill Tunnel
  2. Navigate through the remains of the Forest of Arden to the top of the Tardebigge Flight of locks and back. There are no locks, but the journey takes boaters through two tunnels: the 613-yard long Shortwood Tunnel and the 518-yard long Tardebigge Tunnel.

    ‘Fun Day’ is the fifth electric day boat launched by Drifters’ member ABC Boat Hire.

    Other electric day boats operate at:

    • Hilperton Marina on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire;
    • Springwood Haven Marina on the Coventry Canal at Nuneaton in Warwickshire;
    • Kings Orchard Marina on the Coventry Canal near Lichfield in Staffordshire; and
    • New Mills Marina on the Peak Forest Canal in Derbyshire.

    ‘Fun Day’ uses products from ABC Boat Hire’s Onboard Energy Direct off-grid energy range, including lithium batteries and a Beta Marine 10Kw motor engine. For more information go to https://www.abcboathire.com/

    For more information about Drifters day boat hire click here

    Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in North Wales Top 10 canal boat holidays 2025

    Top 10 canal boat holidays for 2025

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    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.

    Enjoy a day out boating on the canals this summer

    Best summer days out canal boating

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    We offer canal boat day hire from 19 locations

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

    Full tuition is included, so if you’re new to narrow boating, you can get the hang of steering, mooring up and working the locks.

    All our day boats are equipped with cutlery, crockery and a kettle, and most also have a toilet, cooker and fridge. So you can plan a picnic afloat or stop-off for lunch at a canalside pub along the way.

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

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

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

    1. Navigate through the Staffordshire countryside to Hopwas

    From Kings Orchard Marina, on the Coventry Canal near Lichfield, you can cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Bonehill Bridge and back.  The route takes boaters through the villages Huddlesford, Whittington and Hopwas.  At Hopwas there are two pubs to choose from – the Tame Otter and the Red Lion.  The journey to Bonehill and back takes 5.5 hours and there are no locks.  *Electric day boat ‘Perfect Day’ and day boat ‘Happy Days’ can take up to 10 people.

    2. Glide along the leafy Worcester & Birmingham Canal

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

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

    Heading out for a day afloat from Goytre Wharf, day boaters can travel along the beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, enjoying incredible mountain views.  It takes around two-and-a-half-hours to cruise to moorings close to the popular Star pub at Mamhillad, a short walk from bridge 62.  *Day boats ‘Robin’ and Rooster’ at Goytre can carry up to eight people each. 

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

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

    5. Boat along the Shropshire Union Canal to Nantwich

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

    6. Cruise through Shakespeare country to Wilmcote

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

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

    From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal, day boaters can cruise across the UNESCO World Heritage status Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.  Standing at over 38 metres high above the Dee Valley, this incredible structure offers stunning views of the Dee Valley below.  After cruising over the Aqueduct, there are two tunnels and another aqueduct to cross, before reaching the Bridge Inn at Chirk. It takes around two-and-a-hours to reach Chirk. *Day boats ‘Jacob’, ‘Daniel’ and ‘Lotty’ at Trevor can carry up to 10 people each. 

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

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

    9. Cruise the Peak Forest Canal to Marple Junction

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

    10. Glide through the Warwickshire countryside to Marston

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

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

    Visit the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford upon Avon on a canal boat holiday

    Culture on the canals

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    Enjoy culture on the canals on your next narrowboat holiday.

    There are dozens of fantastic art and historic centres on or very close to Britain’s 3,000 mile canal and river network.

    We’ve put together a list of our top seven cultural destinations:

    1. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford

    From Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal near Henley-in-Arden, it’s a six-hour cruise through the Warwickshire countryside to Stratford-on-Avon. There you can moor up at Bancroft Basin, a stone’s throw from the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

    2. The David Hockney Gallery at Saltaire

    You can reach UNESCO World Heritage Saltaire on a short break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Saltaire was founded on the banks of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal near Bradford in 1851 by Sir Titus Salt, a leading industrialist in the woollen industry.  Salts Mill has a number of galleries, including the David Hockney Gallery showing both permanent and temporary collections of the Bradford-born artist’s work.

    3. The Theatre Royal in Bath

    From Bradford on Avon it’s a six-hour cruise along the Kennet & Avon Canal to moorings at Sydney Wharf. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to UNESCO World Heritage Bath city centre.  Over 200 years old, Bath’s beautiful Georgian Theatre Royal is one of the country’s best-loved.  And it’s one of the best places to enjoy culture on the canals.

    4. The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford

    From our Oxford base on the River Thames at Eynsham, it’s a three-hour cruise to moorings in Oxford City Centre, close to the Ashmolean Museum.  Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean was Britain’s first public museum and is home to the University of Oxford’s world-class collections of art and archaeology.  It has a series of permanent exhibition galleries, including a fascinating and significant collection of Ancient Egyptian artefacts.

    5. Shugborough Hall in Staffordshire

    From Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford, it’s a short cruise or walk to the National Trust’s beautiful Shugborough Estate.  Set in 900 acres of stunning parkland and riverside gardens, it is a rare survival of a complete estate.  Major buildings include the Georgian Mansion House, servants’ quarters, model farm and walled garden. Visitors can explore the Mansion’s state rooms and private apartments of the Earls of Lichfield. And see costumed characters in the servant’s quarters and farmstead make cheese, beer and bread.

    6. The Hepworth Wakefield Museum

    On a week’s break from Sowerby Bridge, you can reach moorings alongside the Hepworth Wakefield museum. This modern gallery on the banks of the Calder & Hebble Navigation showcases the extraordinary work by the British sculptor Barbara Hepworth. There are also works on display by Henry Moore, Antony Gormley, David Hockney, Bridget Riley and Anthony Caro.

    7. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

    On a short break from Alvechurch, you can cruise along the Worcester & Birmingham into Birmingham City Centre. From Alvechurch it takes about five hours to reach moorings in Gas Street Basin. From there you can walk to the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, housed in a stunning Grade II* listed landmark building. The Museum opened in 1885 and is home to one of the biggest collections of Pre-Raphaelite art in the world.

    Summer holiday boating on the canals is great for families

    Summer holiday boating

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    Take to the water for some summer holiday boating fun with Drifters Waterway Holidays and choose from over 550 boats and 45 locations.

    From lazing on the Llangollen to bobbing through Bath, Britain’s 3,000 mile canal and river network offers the fastest way to slow down.

    And there are plenty of exciting family attractions to visit along the way, including the Sea Life Centre in Birmingham and the magnificent Tithe Barn at Bradford on Avon.

    Here’s a run-down of Drifters’ top 6 summer holiday boating destinations:

    1. Bath and Bristol on the Kennet & Avon Canal

    On a short break from our canal boat hire base on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Bath you can cruise to historic Bradford on Avon, with its stunning Tithe Barn.  On a week’s cruise you can cruise on to the base of the awesome Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes.

    2. Travel round the Droitwich Ring on a short break

    On a short break from the City of Worcester, where the River Severn meets the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, you can travel round the 21-mile Droitwich Ring.  It takes around 16 hours to cruise the ring, negotiating 33 locks. Highlights along the way include: Hanbury Hall; the ancient village of Salwarpe; and Diglis Basin.

    3. Cruise the Four Counties Ring

    From our Stoke-on-Trent base, the Four Counties Ring is one of the most popular journeys.  Predominantly rural, it travels stretches of the Trent & Mersey, Staffs & Worcs and Shropshire Union canals.  Highlights include: the world famous 2,670-metre-long Harecastle Tunnel; Market Drayton; the World of Wedgewood; stunning views of the rolling Cheshire Plains; the Roman town of Middlewich; the National Trust’s Shugborough Hall; Tixall Wide; and the flight of 15 locks at Audlem.  The Four Counties Ring is best travelled on a 10-day or two-week break.

    4. Navigate to Happy Valley

    On a short break from Sowerby Bridge you can cruise along the leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation to Hebden Bridge and Todmorden, navigating 20 miles and 32 locks.  At Hebden Bridge there are excellent shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants and walks in ‘Happy Valley’ and on the moors.  Todmorden boasts fine Victorian buildings, a lively market and offers many places to eat and drink.

    5. Lock free cruising & the bright lights of Birmingham

    On a short break from Alvechurch you can travel along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal to Birmingham and back.  The journey there and back takes less than ten hours and there are no locks.  Stop off at Cadbury World and the historic village of Bournville. Then travel on to moorings in Gas Street Basin, close to the Sea Life Centre at Brindleyplace, city centre museums and the Bullring and Mailbox shopping centres.

    6. Glide across ‘The stream in the sky’

    From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal you can experience one of the UK’s most stunning stretches of waterway.  You can glide across the awesome UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – an incredible feat of engineering standing 38 metres high above the Dee Valley.  You may be travelling at just four miles an hour, but with not even a hand rail on the south side of the aqueduct to obscure your views, you feel like you are floating above the earth!

     

    Chirk Castle close to the Llangollen Canal in Wales

    National Trust properties to visit

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    There are dozens of National Trust properties within easy reach of our canals and rivers, making them great places to visit on a canal boat holiday.

    Here’s a guide to our top 10 National Trust properties to visit, and our nearest bases:

    1. The Rock Houses at Kinver Edge on the Staffs & Worcester Canal

    Kinver’s famous Holy Austin Rock Houses near Stourbridge were inhabited until the 1950’s and give an atmospheric glimpse into a bygone age.  The woodland sandstone ridge out of which the houses are built, offers dramatic views across surrounding counties.  You can reach Kinver on a week’s holiday from Gailey or Autherley.

    2. Knot Garden at Little Moreton Hall on the Macclesfield Canal

    This iconic Tudor Manor House in Congleton offers an insight into life in the 1600’s. Little Morton Hall‘s manicured Knot Garden grows herbs and vegetables used by the Tudors for their cooking and medicines.  You can reach Congleton on a short break from Stoke on Trent on the Trent & Mersey Canal.

    3. William Morris interiors at Wightwick Manor on the Staffs & Worcester Canal

    Described as ‘the haven of a romantic industrialist’, this beautiful timber-framed house in Wolverhampton has stunning interiors. They are decorated with the designs of William Morris and his Arts & Crafts contemporaries.  You can reach Wolverhampton on a short break from Autherley or Gailey.

    4. Timber-frames at Greyfriars House close to the River Severn

    This late medieval merchant’s house and walled garden in Worcester city centre was rescued from demolition after the Second World War.  It has now been carefully restored and refurbished and you can visit it on a short break from Worcester on the River Severn.

    5. 700 years of history at Chirk Castle on the Llangollen Canal

    This magnificent medieval fortress at Chirk was completed in 1310, and is the last Welsh castle from the reign of Edward I still lived in today.  Features from its 700 years include the medieval tower and dungeon, 17th century Long Gallery, grand 18th century state apartments, servants’ hall and laundry.  It also boasts award-winning gardens and incredible views over the Cheshire and Salop plains.  You can reach Chirk from our bases at Chirk, Trevor and Blackwater Meadow on the Llangollen Canal.

    6. Profumo Affair links at Cliveden on the River Thames at Maidenhead

    W country retreat on a grand scale, Cliveden’s magnificent gardens and breath-taking views have been admired for centuries.  Once the glittering hub of society and visited by virtually every British Monarch since George I, Cliveden was renowned for hosting exclusive parties and political gatherings.  In the 1960’s, Cliveden became infamously associated with the Profumo Affair.  Today visitors can explore the stunning gardens, peaceful woodlands and Thames riverbank.  You can reach Cliveden on a week’s break from Aldermaston on The Kennet & Avon Canal.

    7. Notable topiary at Packwood House on the Stratford Canal

    Originally built in the 16th century, the interiors of this timber-framed Tudor house at Lapworth were restored between the wars by Graham Baron Ash.  The restoration created a fascinating 20th century evocation of domestic Tudor architecture.  Its gardens have fine herbaceous borders and a famous collection of yews.  You can reach Lapworth on a short break from Alvechurch on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal or Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal.

    8. Exquisite embroideries at East Riddlesden Hall on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

    This 17th century manor house at Keighley was a hive of farming activity for generations.  It has a cosy lived-in feel with exquisite embroideries and blackwork, plus oak furniture and pewter on show.  You can reach Keighley on a short break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

    9. 18th century gardens at Hanbury Hall on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal

    Built in 1701 by Thomas, Vernon, a lawyer and whig MP for Worcester, Hanbury Hall near Droitwich Spa is a beautiful country house.  It’s surrounded by 20 acres of recreated early 18th century gardens and 400 acres of parkland.  You can reach Hanbury Hall on a short break from Stoke Prior on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal or Worcester on the River Severn.

    10. Holy Grail connections at Shugborough Hall on the Staffs & Worcester Canal

    Beautiful Shugborough Hall in Staffordshire, once the home of Lord Lichfield, is set in 900 acres of stunning parkland and riverside gardens.  It’s a rare survival of a complete estate, with all major buildings including the fine Georgian Mansion House, servants’ quarters, model farm and walled garden. And it’s rumoured to have connections to the Holy Grail.  Our nearest base is just five minutes away at Great Haywood.

    To check availability and book, go to https://www.drifters.co.uk/

     

    New electric day boat launched at Alvechurch Marina

    Best family days out boating on the canals

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    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

    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.  

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

    Best canal boat holiday cruising rings

    Best canal boat holiday cruising rings

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    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.

    Best bank holiday canal boat city breaks

    Best bank holiday canal boat city breaks

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    Britain’s beautiful 3,000-mile network of inland waterways weaves through the countryside into some of our best-loved towns and cities.

    To celebrate the forthcoming May bank holidays, we’ve published a guide to our most popular city breaks you can do on a short break:

    Worcester

    This beautiful Cathedral City on the River Severn is connected to the canal network at Diglis Junction.  Drifters offers canal boat holidays from Worcester Marina.  From there, you can complete the Droitwich Ring on a short break.  This 20-mile circuit takes you through Worcester along the River Severn, along the Droitwich Canals and a section of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.  There are 33 locks and it takes around 16 hours.

    Bath

    From Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal on the edge of the Cotswold Hills in Wiltshire, you can cruise to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath and back.  The six hour journey to Sydney Wharf on edge of the city centre travels nine miles through the Avon Valley, passing through three locks along the way.  You can moor up at Sydney Wharf and take a 15 minute into Bath City Centre to visit attractions including the Roman Baths and Royal Crescent.  You can also visit Bath on a short break from our bases at Devizes, Hilperton, Monkton Combe and Bath.

    Edinburgh

    On a four-night break from Falkirk where the Scottish Lowland canals meet, you can cruise to Edinburgh Quay and back.  The route starts at the site of the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift.  The journey along the Union Canal goes through the Falkirk Tunnel, across the magnificent Avon Aqueduct and through the villages of Linlithgow and Ratho.  Once in Edinburgh, you can moor up in Edinburgh Quay and walk into the City Centre to visit attractions including Holyrood Palace and Mary King Close.

    Oxford

    From our base on the River Thames, you can reach Oxford in around three and a half hours, passing through four locks along the way. There are places to moor up near Hythe Bridge, a short walk into the city centre.  Places to visit include Oxford Castle, the Bodleian Library and Ashmolean Museum.

    Cambridge

    On a short break from our base on the River Ouse at Ely, you can cruise to the historic university city of Cambridge and back.  There are moorings just below Jesus Green Lock on the River Cam. From there, you can explore Cambridge, including King’s College Chapel and quaint streets filled with antique shops, museums, art galleries, restaurants and tearooms. The journey from Ely to Cambridge and Wicken Fen and back travels 38 miles, passes through six locks (three each way) and takes around 13 hours.

    Click here to check availability and book, or call us on 0344 984 0322.