Yorkshire canals for boating holidays with Shire Cruisers

  Yorkshire canals   Boating holidays with Shire Cruisers

  • Short breaks
  • Availability

Yorkshire Canals

Ratty may not have been a Yorkshire lad, but he was right: there's nothing to beat messing about on boats. And the joy of canal boating is that you don't have to learn complicated things like sailing or navigation - you can start enjoying yourself straight away.

Boating holiday on Yorkshire canals

Boating holidays

The Yorkshire canals were made for enjoyment - well of course they weren't, they were for carrying coal and grain and wool in barges - but folk two centuries ago knew how to build to last, and today's lot know a good thing when they see it. So all around more people are finding more ways to use the canals, and boating holidays are one of the best. Take your accommodation with you in a snug, cleverly planned narrow boat and in the words of Arthur Daley, the world is your lobster. 

Explore the Pennine canals

  • High above the roof tops or under the hills in tunnels; alongside tumbling streams or through buzzing city centres: there's always something new round every corner. The Pennine canals have an up and at 'em quality that's still reflected in the attitudes of Yorkshire people.
  • These days you can still see people working by the canal (the best holiday occupation!) but the grimy mills have long since been turned into sought-after flats and offices.
  • The best things about a Yorkshire boating holiday are the companionship of your crew, the friendly locals, the stunning scenery, your charming narrowboat (or barge), the amazing pubs and the sheer improbability of arriving in a new place by water - and not having to find somewhere to park the car.

Enjoy this site, and enjoy planning a fantastic Yorkshire canal holiday.  

canal boat cruise yorkshire

Hebden Bridge Cruises

Hebden Bridge Cruises

  •   07966 808717

Scenic Canal Boat Trips and Dining Cruises in the beautiful Calder Valley

Now offering a taste of Yorkshire platter served throughout the day and for evening dinner cruises at 5 and 7pm

We no longer offer Sunday lunches 

Welcome to Hebden Bridge Cruises

We are closed until the 16th September because we’re off on holidays. Any enquiries will be answered then.

  Stop  the world and get off and come onboard lovely Gracie, a traditional narrowboat.  

Treat yourself to a relaxing and scenic cruise along the Rochdale canal in the heart of the Calder Valley with our all female crew.

Book just for the cruise or enjoy a cream tea, afternoon tea or a taste of Yorkshire platter, as you relish in the tranquillity and beautiful scenery. Spot the multitude of wildlife whilst listening to informative commentary about the fascinating history of the canal, Hebden Bridge and surrounding areas

Everyone loves a party, and you can have yours onboard, from hen and stag parties, to birthdays, or anything else you want to celebrate. For groups over 8 people you have the boat to yourselves. Book in the evening for a 1.5hr cruise through a lock. Longer cruises can be arranged.

Our parties aren’t just for the adults, we do children’s parties too, so if you fancy something different we have various packages available. Please give me a ring or email with your inquiries.

As there’s so much history, wildlife and wonderful scenery we offer educational,  and informative cruises, so children can learn outside of the classroom.  We have a risk assessment in place and I’m also DBS checked.

Alternatively vouchers are available as a wonderful present for those special people in your life

Choose your cruise and book now or buy a voucher

Check us out on Facebook   for the latest reviews and images.

JUST THE CRUISE

 That’s it! No frills or whistles!

Taste of Yorkshire

Locally sourced charcuterie and cheeses, chutney, bread and crackers served on our evening cruises or throughout the day. Veg and vegan platters available

canal boat cruise yorkshire

TEA CRUISES

 Delicious home made scone with fresh cream and strawberry jam along with a pot of Yorkshire Tea served in our vintage china tea service or go for the full monty and have an afternoon tea

canal boat cruise yorkshire

CELEBRATION CRUISES

W hy not charter our narrowboat Gracie for that special celebration? Come on one of our scheduled trips or at a time that suits you. Different menus and cruise lengths available.  

canal boat cruise yorkshire

Roam&Roost Logo

Canal Boat Hire Routes

Misty moors, pretty mill towns and the Bronte Sisters - Yorkshire conjures up many different pictures. From the bustling city of Leeds, to trendy Hebden Bridge and classy York the Yorkshire waterways are also a great way to explore the versatile countryside, villages, towns and cities of “Gods own country”.

No matter if you are looking for a relaxed weekend away from the hustle and bustle of life, a more active route through lots of locks and swing bridges or spectacular views and plenty of pubs - Yorkshire is the perfect place to experience it all. Depending on how many nights you have available, there are a vast amount of routes you can choose from. On a short break you can visit the World Heritage Site of Saltaire and dwell among David Hockney’s world famous art. In one week, you can experience the Bingley 5-Rise first hand, visit pretty Skipton and have a ramble around the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park as part of your cruise. You can even spend longer on your holiday boat and sample Sowerby Bridge, Hebden Bridge or even York on a 10-14 night holiday. No matter how much time you have on hand or what you would like to do whilst being on your holiday boat - the options on a canal boat holiday in Yorkshire are plenty.

Please Note: We cannot guarantee that any specific route will be available during your canal boat holiday. Closures, for example due to maintenance or water-levels may mean certain routes are not possible.

Pictures along this route

Leeds to Sheffield and Return

Starting from leeds, yorkshire.

Pictures along this route

Leeds Horbury Bridge and Return

Another great option for a short break. A versatile cruise with a lock light river section and several electric locks, which takes a big chunk of the lockwheeling off your shoulders. You’ll leave the bustling centre of Leeds and cruise along the Aire and Calder Navigation towards Castlefield Junction. On the way, nature lovers will thoroughly enjoy the old coal mines, now turned into a thriving nature reserve . At Castlefield Junction, turn right onto the Wakefield branch.Soon, you’ll reach the turning point of your cruise, Horbury Bridge. There are plenty of pubs along the way to replenish your energy levels until you are back in Leeds once again.

Pictures along this route

Leeds to Hebden Bridge and Return

First, you’ll leave the bustling city centre of Leeds, where the Leeds and Liverpool canal turns into the Aire and Calder Navigation. Continue until Castleford Junction and turn right onto the Calder and Hebble Navigation. Soon you’ll reach Sowerby Bridge with its impressive Transshipment basins and Canal Warehouses. A climb up Wainhouse Tower with its 400 steps is rewarded with great views over the town and the surrounding hills. Once you have left Sowerby Bridge, the navigation turns into the Rochdale Canal. It’s a very pleasant cruise through open countryside, with only a few villages, pubs and plenty of wildlife on the way. After 5 miles, you’ll reach the turning point for your journey, Hebden Bridge. The town is renowned for its creative residents and, of course, pubs.

Pictures along this route

Leeds to Skipton and Return

A classic route around the Pennines. Once you have left the city centre, you’ll soon forget that you are cruising through an urban area. Look out for the remains of Kirkstall Abbey on your way out of Leeds. There are quite a few swing bridges and locks on this section of your cruise - so it never gets boring. After passing the impressive mills in Bingley, a couple of staircase locks await you, one of them the famous Bingley Five-Rise Locks . After tackling these, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view over the river valley. From here until Skipton are no more locks to tackle, which makes for a very relaxing cruise although a few swing bridges sprinkle in a bit of a workout every now and then. Soon, you’ll reach the bustling town of Skipton, which is also your turning point on this canal journey.

Pictures along this route

Leeds to Ripon and Return

Pictures along this route

Leeds to Saltaire and Return

A great option for a short break - especially for an active crew. The canal takes you out of Leeds city centre along the beautiful Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Industrial heritage, lots of greenery and a healthy amount of locks and swing bridges keep you busy on this cruise. Culture, greenery, lots of canal interest and city life - this short break from Leeds to the World Heritage Site of Saltaire is a true gem. The journey begins and leads out of Leeds and past the magnificent remains of Kirkstall Abbey. Plenty of staircase locks keep the whole crew entertained until the canal reaches the village of Rodley. Pubs and a very interesting nature reserve provides a nice change from this picturesque journey. Thickly wooded hills straddle the waterway until it reaches the world-famous village of Saltaire. Back in Leeds, a night in Granary Wharf is another highlight of this versatile route that is sure to please the whole crew.

Pictures along this route

Leeds to Wigan Pier and Return

Sign up to our newsletter..

Sign up to get details of the latest deals as-well as tips and updates from ourselves (as we travel around the waterways) or our Partner hire bases.

We wont spam you & you can unsubscribe at any time

Don't miss out on your next canal boat holiday

Sign up below and get price alerts and the latest deals., exclusive newsletter only offers..

10/11 nights Hebden Bridge

Leeds and liverpool canal & the calder and hebble navigation, the perfect destination for canal boat holidays in yorkshire.

Leeds to Hebden Bridge (return) can be completed in 10 days. This is based on between 7 and 9-hour days of summer light. The time scales here are just to show a guide of what can be found on the route.

1 day – Leaving Leeds

Leaving the mill in the distance heading south down the Leeds and Liverpool Canal you have 2 locks before you enter Granary Wharf (that those from Leeds would say is the START of the canal, the longest in the country). Granary Wharf has had some major yet sympathetic development and is now home to numerous restaurants, bars and pubs (all of which would have my recommendation) as well as being very literally a stone’s throw from the train station and the rest of the city.

Leaving Granary Wharf through River Lock you embark on a journey down the river Aire, the start of the still commercially active, Aire and Calder navigation. This takes you through the heart of the city, past Calls Landing and Brewery Wharf, to Clarence Dock (now Leeds Dock but once known as Tatty Basin due to potatoes being transported by barge) home of The Royal Armouries Museum.

Continuing downriver through Leeds Lock (automated as are future locks on the Aire and Calder) you start to leave the city and the river through Knostrop Lock and pass Thwaites Mill Industrial Museum, still home to a beautiful and operational steam-powered crane. Leaving the urban sprawl greenery starts to take over.

Once you’ve navigated under the M1 and passed through Fishpond Lock you enter the wonderful Woodlesford.   Surrounded by Greenery, the river to your left and the village on your right, it’s the perfect location for any kind of evening. The village is home to 2 supermarkets, 3 pubs, 1 restaurant, a hand full of takeaways, and a chippy that has never let me down.

Leaving Woodlesford through Woodlesford Lock it’s a short cruise to Lemonroyd Lock which is situated next to St Aidan’s Nature Reserve. As much as you have cruised for more minutes and will feel a little more out of the way, Woodlesford Village is only a 10-minute walk away so you still have access to its amenities.

Locking through Lemonroyd Lock can be exciting for experienced boaters let alone novices due to its sheer scale, being one of the deepest locks in the country (13.6 feet) and being built to accommodate the Aire and Calder barges. Once the vast gates have opened you are now back on the river, it’s easy to forget where you are when the trees are in full foliage and you navigate the river’s romantic natural bends.  

After about 45 minutes you will come to Allerton Bywater, historically important to the area’s waterway heritage as somewhere Tom Puddings would be loaded. Now it is a comforting village surrounded by nature reserves and open space. Home to a riverside pub and other amenities you might expect on your canal boat holiday in Yorkshire.

Holidays in Hebden Bridge

Day 2 – Disembarking from Allerton Bywater

Disembarking from Allerton Bywater heading down river you will shortly arrive at Castleford junction. For the Calder and Hebble Navigation, you want to take a sharp right at this junction heading up the river Calder. After around 40 minutes or so you should arrive at Woodnook Lock which will take you off the river and back onto the man-made navigation.

Once pend through Woodnook Lock it will take about an hour and a half, including 2 locks, to arrive at Stanley Ferry. The first thing you will pass through is the Stanley Ferry aqueduct built in 1836 to take the Aire and Calder Navigation over the River Calder.

As you pass you will also notice the lock workshop on your right, run by the Canal and River Trust, this is where the majority of the lock gates are made bespoke to each lock. With an array of boats to gongoozle (boat spot), Southern Washlands Nature Reserve and The Stanley Ferry pub canal side the visitor moorings here are definitely worth using.

Another hour cruise through Stanley Ferry flood lock (should be open and no need to operate) Back on the river you will come to Fall Ing Lock, be sure to open the paddles gradually penning uphill as the current on these paddles can be extremely aggressive. Once through and a couple of bends later you will arrive at Wakefield visitor moorings with the Ruddy Duck pub opposite. You are now in the heart of Wakefield city centre, a city that is renowned for its rhubarb, cathedral, and for its eclectic mix of watering holes due to its mining heritage. You are also now navigating the Calder and Hebble Navigation.

Leaving Wakefield on the Calder and Hebble Navigation you now have a pleasant and scenic hour-and-a-half cruise including only 2 locks to Calder Grove and the Navigation Inn. The first of these locks, Thorne Lock, is the first time you will encounter the need for a Hand Spike, a lock tool unique to the Calder and Hebble Navigation, a favourite Yorkshire canal boat holidays destination.

Once through Broad Cut Low Lock, you will find The Navigation Inn canal side pub, nestled between the beautiful metal work of Waller Bridge and red brick Broad Cut Railway Bridge. It would almost be rude not to make the 20 steps from boat to bar.

Heading another 50 minutes on, including 1 lock, you will head through one of my favourite stretches of canal, with steel and iron bridges reminiscent of Van Gogh’s ‘Water Lillies’ and open space with wide views. This will lead you to the Bingley Arms Inn, yet another canal-side pub house in the village of Horbury Bridge.

Another hour and 30 minutes, including 3 locks, have your handspike ready, and you will approach Dewsbury Arm Junction visitor moorings at the feet of Thornhill Double Locks. If wanting to venture up the Dewsbury arm, I would advise doing this by foot as moorings are limited in the basin and manoeuvring can be difficult. But The Leggers Inn pub in the basin is well worth the 10-minute walk and a further walk to explore Dewsbury Market and Sea Urchin fish and chips may be seen by some as a justified venture.

Canal Boat Holidays Yorkshire - Mirfield

Day 3 – The Calder and Hebble Navigation

Heading up Thornhill Double locks along the Calder and Hebble Navigation you have varied scenery as you leapfrog between river and navigation sections. Within 2 hours you will arrive at Shepley Bridge Lock. Once pend up the river you will pass Shepley Bridge Marina and services on your right.

If you continue another 20 minutes you will come to the heart of Mirfield and available mooring spots. The town has all the amenities including 3 supermarkets and yet another Navigation Inn that’s canal side with its own visitor mooring.

Leaving Mirfield past Mirfield Marina you will then join another section of the river. After a short cruise, you will be approaching Battyeford Lock which is the way to go to continue along the Calder and Hebble Navigation.

You will see signs directing all craft in that direction, but… if you fancy a very small detour and lesser-known mooring spot, continue upriver for a very short time and you will see The Pear Tree pub on your right with a jetty attached to the beer garden (take care on the jetty as it’s a little flood battered), enjoy some food or spend the evening and simple reverse or turn back to Battyeford Lock landing.

Passing though, out of Battyeford Lock, you will see South Pennine Boat Club, a fine spot for some gongoozling. Within 40mins you will be penning through Cooper Bridge lock and Cooper Bridge visitor moorings will be just around the bend. Immediately after these moorings you will find a junction in which you will be presented with a choice, turn sharp right for the Huddersfield broad and narrow canals (see Huddersfield section) or turn left to continue on your Yorkshire canal boat holidays on the Calder and Hebble Navigation towards the Rochdale canal.

Continuing along the Calder and Hebble Navigation you have just short of a 2hr cruise to Brighouse basin including 4 locks (1 of which will take you out of the lower basin, but visitor moorings are also located there). This is a very pretty little journey that takes you through the Kirklees lock where there is some lovely scenery. Certainly a nice overnight location or at least to stop for a brew.   Once at Brighouse you have entered Calderdale and have all the delight the town has to offer. The charity shops here are definitely worth a scan as I’ve left without a golden find.

Day 4 – Leaving Brighouse

Leaving Brighouse behind you have almost 5hrs, including 10 locks) till you arrive at Sowerby Bridge and the start of the Rochdale Canal. You pass through the picturesque Cromwell nature reserve and head on through Elland that’s home to a selection of ale houses. You will then approach Salterhebble locks, this is a ‘picture postcard’ set of locks, the first of which has and electric guillotine as its bottom gates. The water point after the second lock may be worth a visit.

The third lock leads to you Salterhebble Junction where you take a sharp left (right taking you for a very short trip up a dead end) to Sowerby for a lock-free cruise. Ideally once entering Sowerby Bridge turn left at the basin entrance to find visitor moorings and lock No1 of the Rochdale canal.

Holidays in Hebden Bridge

Day 5 – The Locks to Hebden Bridge

You now have a 3-and-a-half-hour journey including 7 locks to Hebden Bridge. Find out more about Hebden Bridge at Visit Calderdale. The third of which is Tuel Lane Lock, the deepest in the country 19’8” deep. To the most experienced boaters, this is still an exciting occasion to be pend through by the lock keepers manning the feat of engineering.

The cruise to Hebden Bridge is as scenic as you would imagine. Once arriving in Hebden Bridge try and moor up one of our beautiful boats on the park side before the entrance to the dry dock, as this may be where you will be turning around unless continuing the climb up and over the Pennines, to the highest lock in the country and the summit of the Rochdale canal. Hebden Bridge itself is a village full of art, music, crafts, culture, walks, waterfalls and beer.

Discount applied automatically when booking.

  • Boats / Availability
  • Training as part of holiday

Prices and Availability

Beginners welcome, one way cruising, pet friendly.

  • Leeds Liverpool Canal
  • Contact / Downloads

The premier training centre in the North of England. Located on the Leeds Liverpool Canal

View details

Training and Holidays on 

Little DUKE 10’ x 45’ widebeam

nemoNOO  10' x 58' widebeam

See the boat details here

That’s how jessicaBOO was described on the front page of Waterways World.

Read the article here

Check out the availabillity of our boats

Widebeam or Narrowboats all our barges offer unrivalled quality for the more discerning charter

All our boats are competitively priced even though they are superior to conventional hire boats

RYA Training

Standalone courses or part of your holiday on narrowboats or widebeams

Available on all our boats between Apperley Bridge and Barnoldswick

Pets are welcome. After all, our boats are named after our newfoundland dogs

Beginners can book in confidence by incorporating an RYA training course as part of your holiday

Welcome To bearBOATING

Luxury Canal Boat Holiday Hire in North East England based on the Leeds Liverpool Canal. 

If you've not considered becoming a “bearBOATER”, then you really should. Our luxurious canal boats are made with incredible attention to detail and with the finest decor and bespoke fittings. They are kitted out with the latest technology, including internet connection and wireless music speakers. If you are looking for a Luxury Canal Boat Holiday on widebeam or narrowboat then look no further. 

On one of our canal boat holidays you will cruise the most scenic section of the beautiful and tranquil Leeds Liverpool Canal as it winds its way through the Yorkshire Dales. Take in the delights of Saltaire UNESCO World Heritage village and the iconic Bingley Five Rise Locks. Visit Skipton and its wonderful Castle. We also offer the option of a one way cruise so you get to explore more of this beautiful british canal.

Thoroughly recommended

We spent 4 days on the mollyMoo and invested in the helmsman course for the first two, which was well worth it. Boat was luxurious and Andy's tuition was spot on. Thoroughly recommended!

A fabulous hire boat

A fabulous hire boat & the best handover ever from Andy & Mark on day one. The boat really is very special - beautifully finished & equipped with everything you need for a luxury holiday especially if, like us, you enjoy cooking a few meals for quiet nights on board

Luxury on the canal

We had an excellent time on jessicaBOO on the Leeds to Liverpool canal, cannot recommend this enough. Andy was brilliant teaching us all how to navigate her first... Luxury on the canal.

We will be back

We will be back... with our shiny, new RYA Helmsman Certificates for another fabulous holiday!

For Further Information Call 07969 901383

Bespoke English Narrowboat Holidays

  • Our Holidays
  • On the Canals
  • Wootton Wawen
  • Pricing & Booking
  • What’s on Board
  • Happy Packing
  • Journal & Events

Mooring in Skipton and luxury interiors of Blue Otter Skipton

Famous for being the Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, from your starting point in Skipton you can go east to Leeds or west to Liverpool and discover England’s canal heritage against a backdrop of rolling hills.

Explore Yorkshire and Lancashire from England’s longest water highway, at 128 miles the Leeds Liverpool Canal takes in some of the most beautiful countryside of all canals. Discover historic sites, award-winning pubs and restaurants, with the option to moor up and hop back on to dry land for a hike along well-known pathways such as the Pennine Way at Gargrave. Our short break canal holidays begin in the market town of Skipton, home to one of England’s best preserved medieval castles.

Alternatively to the west of Skipton in the direction of Liverpool. This stetch of the canal takes in stunning scenery, picturesque villages, through valleys and the unique double bridge at West Marten, as well as Foulridge Tunnel. Sections of this route were also used in the latest filming of All Creatures Great and Small.

Blue Otter Skipton comfortably accommodates 2 adults. Fitted out with a main bedroom (queen-sized bed with a king-sized duvet), bathroom with a hot-water shower and an open plan kitchen with two chairs in the lounge, you can meander along the canals in style. Within minutes on board you’ll enjoy a charming narrowboating experience. How far you go depends on how often and how long you wish to stop. You decide the route and the pace to go as far as Leeds or stay as near as you wish to Skipton during your time on board.

If you haven’t been boating before, on the first day we’ll go with you through the first swing bridges, locks, show you how to moor up and navigate the canals until you feel at ease to enjoy the rest of your time on board in full command.

Skipton is easily accessible by road and the train station is just 40 minutes from Leeds. Buses are also available to Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the filming home for the new series of All Creatures Great and Small.

Blue Otter Skipton [email protected] Tel: 07435 306950

50 ft | 1 bedroom with double bed | Suitable for 2 passengers

(Pets accepted on request, please email [email protected] before booking)

Full Week Routes

7 nights – Leeds and return: 60 miles, 58 locks The emergence of Leeds as an industrial powerhouse was one of the reasons for the creation of the Leeds-Liverpool canal. A week’s cruising will take you through tranquil woodlands and picturesque villages, such the 17th century village of Kildwick, past historic sights such as National Trust Riddlesden Hall, the UNESCO Heritage Site of Saltaire and down engineering masterpieces such as Bingley Five Rise Locks. The descent into Leeds is green and scenic, dispelling all preconceived notions of an industrialised landscape, to suddenly arrive in the centre of the city behind the main train station. The city centre visitor moorings at the wharf allow for 2 nights complimentary stay before making your way back to Skipton.

7 nights – Burnley and return: 74 miles, 60 locks  From the market town of Skipton cruise  across the Pennines and over the highest point of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal near Barnoldswick. Just past here, a cow named Buttercup is reported to have floated through Foulridge Tunnel in 1912 and was revived with rum at the other side. The scenery becomes more industrial with the town of Nelson being followed by Burnley and its old waterside buildings. The historic Weaver’s Triangle museum and mooring in the city centre has recently been renovated, as has much of Burnley’s pedestrian area. One hour cruising past Burnley is a beautiful countryside mooring spot for the night before turning around and cruising back to Skipton.

7 nights – Bingley and Foulridge: 68 miles, 52 locks This route takes in the two iconic parts of the canal with contrasting views of woodlands and wide open countryside, dotted with points of interest along the way. From the market town of Skipton in the direction of Leeds, the canals are flanked with woodlands taking you to the Bingley Five Rise, a staircase of five locks lowering you 60 feet down the Aire valley. Visit the model village of Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to it’s founder in Victorian times,  Sir Titus Salt, designed to improve the live of his mill workers. Today the mill is a gallery and art space, home to a permanent David Hockney exhibition. Return past Skipton and then cruise into the rural Yorkshire Dales countryside to Foulridge – perhaps venture through the tunnel

Short Break Routes

Travelling west from skipton direction liverpool .

5 nights – Skipton to Barrowford and return – 24 hours and 30 locks and 2 tunnels

Travelling East from Skipton direction  Leeds

5 nights – Skipton to Saltaire and return – 18 hours and 20 locks (including Bingley Five Rise)

Take a short video journey with our German guests on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal with Blue Otter Skipton.

blueotterboats

Blue Otter Boats

Social Media

Sign up for Blue Otter’s news, events & offers

Email address:

© Copyright 2024

  • Our Boats /
  • Pricing & Booking /
  • Privacy Policy /
  • Contact Us /

Narrowboat Nomad

Narrowboat Nomad

canal holidays in yorkshire

Canal Holidays in Yorkshire: A Guide to Exploring the Region’s Waterways

Canal holidays in Yorkshire offer a unique and relaxing way to explore the region’s stunning countryside. With over 200 miles of navigable waterways, visitors can travel through picturesque towns and villages, tranquil countryside, and historic landmarks.

The canals of Yorkshire are rich in history, with many dating back to the Industrial Revolution. They were once bustling trade routes, transporting goods such as coal, wool, and textiles. Today, they offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, with narrowboats providing a comfortable and cosy base for exploring the region.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, canal holidays in Yorkshire offer something for everyone. With plenty of opportunities for cycling, walking, and fishing, as well as visiting local pubs and restaurants, a canal holiday is the perfect way to experience the beauty and charm of Yorkshire at a leisurely pace.

Canal Holidays in Yorkshire

Boating experience.

Canal holidays in Yorkshire provide an unforgettable boating experience for all. Whether you are an experienced boater or a first-timer, the narrowboats offer a unique way to explore the waterways of Yorkshire. The boats are easy to handle and come with all the necessary amenities to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable. The crew will provide lock instruction and training to ensure you have a smooth and safe journey.

Routes and Navigation

Yorkshire has a variety of canal routes to choose from, each with its own unique sights and scenery. The Pennine canals offer a journey through the Yorkshire Dales and the Pennines , while the Leeds and Liverpool canal takes you through the heart of Lancashire. One-way trips are also available, allowing you to explore more of the northern waterways. Navigation is made easy with clear signposting and maps provided on board.

Availability and Booking

Canal holidays in Yorkshire are available throughout the year, with short breaks and longer trips available to suit your schedule. Boat hire is available from companies such as Pennine Cruisers and Shire Cruisers , with a range of narrowboats to choose from. Gift vouchers are also available, making it the perfect present for any occasion. To check availability and make a booking, simply visit the company’s website or contact them directly.

Overall, canal holidays in Yorkshire offer a unique way to explore the waterways of the north , with a rich history and stunning scenery to enjoy along the way.

canal holidays in yorkshire

Yorkshire Canals and Waterways

Yorkshire is home to a vast network of canals and waterways that offer scenic and peaceful canal holidays. The region’s waterways are perfect for narrowboat cruises, providing a unique way to explore the beautiful countryside and charming towns of Yorkshire.

Leeds-Liverpool Canal

The Leeds-Liverpool Canal is one of the longest canals in the UK, stretching over 127 miles from Leeds to Liverpool. The canal offers a mix of industrial heritage and stunning natural beauty, making it a popular choice for canal holidaymakers. The canal route passes through South Yorkshire, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Pennine Canals.

Pennine Canals

The Pennine Canals are a series of interconnected canals that traverse the Pennine Hills. The canals offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Yorkshire, with stunning views of the rolling countryside and charming towns along the way. The Pennine Canals include the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Rochdale Canal, and the Peak Forest Canal.

The River Aire is a beautiful waterway that runs through the heart of Yorkshire. The river offers a peaceful and scenic route for canal boats, with plenty of sights to see along the way. The river passes through the historic town of Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the picturesque village of Gargrave.

Navigating the locks along the canals is an enjoyable experience for both experienced boaters and first-time crews. One-way trips are available, allowing holidaymakers to explore different parts of Yorkshire without having to return to their starting point.

There are plenty of restaurants and pubs along the canal route, offering a chance to sample local cuisine and enjoy the local hospitality. One of the most popular sights along the route is the Bingley Five Rise Locks, a staircase of five locks that raise boats 18 meters in just a quarter of a mile. The Foulridge Tunnel is another notable landmark along the canal, measuring over 1.5 miles in length.

Overall, canal holidays in Yorkshire offer a unique and relaxing way to explore the region’s stunning scenery and historic landmarks. Reviews of the waterways are overwhelmingly positive, with many holidaymakers returning year after year to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the northern waterways.

Boating Holidays in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is a beautiful county in the north of England, and one of the best ways to explore its stunning scenery is by taking a boating holiday on its canals. Narrowboats are the ideal vessel for navigating the region’s waterways, and there are numerous routes to choose from.

Short Breaks

Short breaks are a popular option for those who want to experience canal holidays in Yorkshire without committing to a longer journey. These typically last for three or four nights and cover a distance of around 20-30 miles. Popular routes for short breaks include the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which takes in the stunning World Heritage Site of Saltaire, and the Rochdale Canal, which passes through the Pennines.

One Way Trips

For those who want to explore more of the region, one way trips are a great option. These allow you to travel along a canal route in one direction, before returning by train or taxi. Popular one way trips in Yorkshire include the journey from Skipton to Leeds along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which takes in the famous Bingley Five Rise Locks and the Foulridge Tunnel.

Canal Rings

Canal rings are circular routes that allow you to explore a variety of sights and scenery without retracing your steps. The Pennine Ring is one of the most popular canal rings in Yorkshire, taking in the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, the Rochdale Canal, and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. This route covers a distance of around 130 miles and takes approximately one week to complete.

When it comes to boat hire, there are a number of companies to choose from, including Pennine Cruisers and Shire Cruisers. Both offer a range of narrowboats to suit different group sizes and budgets, and experienced boaters will find navigating the canals straightforward thanks to the clear navigation and lock systems.

Availability can be limited during peak periods, so it’s advisable to book your canal holiday in advance. There are plenty of restaurants and pubs along the canal route where you can enjoy a meal or a drink, and the region’s northern waterways offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Reviews from previous canal boating enthusiasts often highlight the beauty of the scenery, the peacefulness of the journey, and the friendliness of the crew. Whether you’re looking for a short break or a longer journey, a canal holiday in Yorkshire is a unique and enjoyable way to explore this stunning part of England.

Yorkshire Villages and Pubs

Skipton and surrounding villages.

Yorkshire is known for its picturesque villages and stunning scenery, and Skipton is no exception. Located in South Yorkshire, Skipton is a popular starting point for canal holidays. From here, experienced boaters can navigate the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which winds its way through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

As you cruise through the countryside, you’ll come across a number of charming villages that are well worth a visit. One such village is Gargrave, which is just a short distance from Skipton. Here, you’ll find a number of traditional pubs and restaurants, serving up hearty Yorkshire fare.

Another village that’s worth a visit is Kildwick, which is home to the historic Fleece Inn. This traditional pub has been serving customers for over 300 years, and is a great place to stop for a pint and some food.

Pubs and Restaurants

When it comes to pubs and restaurants, Yorkshire has plenty to offer. Whether you’re looking for traditional pub grub or something a bit more sophisticated, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.

One popular pub in Skipton is The Woolly Sheep Inn , which is located just a short walk from the canal. This traditional pub serves up a range of real ales and classic pub dishes, such as fish and chips and steak and ale pie.

If you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket, The Devonshire Arms in Bolton Abbey is a great choice. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves up modern British cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients.

Overall, Yorkshire is a great destination for canal holidays. With its stunning scenery, charming villages, and great pubs and restaurants, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice among boaters.

Similar Posts

The Most Challenging Narrowboat Routes in the UK: Expert Guide

The Most Challenging Narrowboat Routes in the UK: Expert Guide

Narrowboating is a popular way to explore the UK’s waterways, offering a unique perspective on the country’s stunning scenery. However, not all narrowboat routes are created equal, and some can be particularly challenging for even the most experienced of boaters. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at some of the most…

Top Canal Boat Holidays in England – Best of the Best!

Top Canal Boat Holidays in England – Best of the Best!

Canal boat holidays in England, Wales & Scotland offer a unique way to explore the country’s waterways and countryside. Travelling at a leisurely pace, visitors can take in the stunning scenery, quaint towns and villages, and historic landmarks that line the canals. With a range of boats available for hire, from cosy narrowboats to luxurious…

Kayaking Trips in Wales: Discover the Best Routes and Scenery

Kayaking Trips in Wales: Discover the Best Routes and Scenery

Wales is a country known for its rugged coastline, beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes. For adventure seekers, taking kayaking trips in Wales is a great way to explore the hidden gems of Wales. With its abundance of rivers, lakes, and coastlines, Wales offers a range of kayaking and canoeing experiences suitable for all levels of…

Best Canal Holidays for Beginners: A Guide to the Top UK Destinations

Best Canal Holidays for Beginners: A Guide to the Top UK Destinations

Canal holidays can be a relaxing and unique way to explore the UK’s waterways, and they are becoming increasingly popular among beginners. A canal holiday is a great way to experience the beauty of the countryside while enjoying a slower pace of life. It’s also an opportunity to learn about the history of the canals…

Narrowboats Ireland: Exploring the Canals and Waterways of the Emerald Isle

Narrowboats Ireland: Exploring the Canals and Waterways of the Emerald Isle

Narrowboats are a popular way to explore the waterways of Ireland. These long, thin boats are designed to navigate narrow canals and rivers, making them perfect for exploring the country’s beautiful waterways. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an adventure-filled trip, a narrowboat is a great way to experience the natural beauty of…

The Best Narrowboat Routes for Autumn Foliage in the UK: Expert Recommendations

The Best Narrowboat Routes for Autumn Foliage in the UK: Expert Recommendations

Autumn is a beautiful season in the UK, with the changing colours of the leaves creating a stunning display of natural beauty. One of the best ways to experience this is by taking a narrowboat trip along one of the many scenic routes available. From the colourful countryside of Oxfordshire to the rugged hills of…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Pennine Cruisers of Skipton

Booking Line: 01756 795 478

Online booking & availability, special offers, view our best rate late availability and special offers.

Bingley Five Rise Locks on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

  • Cruise Guide

Cruise guide for your narrow boat trip on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal from Skipton…

A typical weekend break would take you from our base in Skipton either eastwards to Saltaire or westwards to Foulridge and back. A week’s hire could take you eastwards through Bingley Five Rise Locks to Leeds, or westwards through the lovely villages of Gargrave and Bank Newton, through the Foulridge tunnel at the highest section of the canal, and then down into Lancashire towards Wigan, or alternatively part distance in either direction.

A longer cruise can easily take you off the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and onto the Bridgewater, Trent and Mersey, Shropshire Union, Llangollen or the Cheshire Ring Canals, the Rochdale, Ashton, Peak Forest and Macclesfield.

Narrowboat Cruise Guide

Narrowboat Cruise Guide

Boat Holidays & Trips

  • Holiday Hire
  • Weekly Narrow Boat Hire
  • Short Break Narrow Boat Hire
  • Day Boat Hire
  • Day Boat Hire Tariff
  • Skippered Boat Trips
  • About Pennine Cruisers of Skipton
  • Privacy & Cookie Policy
  • Conditions Of Hire

The Experience

  • Our Holiday Narrow Boats
  • First Time Narrow Boaters
  • Training & Handover Procedure
  • Skipton & Local Area
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Testimonials & Reviews
  • Photo Gallery

Enquiries & Booking

[email protected]

01756 795 478

19 Coach Street , Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1LH

Online Booking & Avliability

TripAdvisor

  • Skippered Trips
  • Skipton & The Local Area
  • Our Location

header

Shire Cruisers logo

Canal boat hire in Yorkshire

Special offers.

See our famous Delivery Trips for 2022 - just one left . more

Water shortage

Sadly, the drought has caused Canal & River Trust to close all three Pennine crossings. But our Sowerby Bridge base has access to 125 miles of dependable river navigations, waiting to give you a great holiday.

We're good to go

We’ve worked very hard to reduce the risk of Coronavirus infection – both to you and our staff. We are doing extra cleaning, and will arrange social distancing for you on arrival, during the handover, and when you bring your boat back. We will still give you all the friendly personal service, and helpful handover, that we always have.

Who can go boating?

All restictions on party size and make-up have been removed.

Our coronavirus promise/ Peace of mind

We recognise that it’s hard for you to assess the risk of your holiday becoming impossible because of new restrictions, quarantine or Covid illness. So from the start we have offered everyone who can’t take their booked holiday, the choice between deferring to another date or a refund.

Leeds & Liverpool base

Availability, the search for one way trips on hereford is not working correctly - please go here for availability of hereford. delivery trips on cambridge, norfolk and somerset are working fine., how to book, the quickest way to get afloat.

Use this form to check availability. When you find the boat you want, click 'Book this holiday now' and you can pay your deposit or hold for 48 hours - or ring 01422 832712 .

The counties are the names of the boats, not where they start from! Click the map for routes, and the boat for details.

Explore the Pennine canals

Yorkshire's secret waterways offer a new discovery round every corner. Amazing scenery, friendly people, welcoming pubs, good shopping, history all around you, walks up into the hills - there's so much to enjoy.

Our skilled instructors will make you confident to handle your boat.

Narrow boats to be seen on

There's something magic about a narrow boat - small outside and roomy inside. Craftsman built and carefully maintained, your narrow boat has everything you need - comfortable beds, quality equipment, well-planned accommodation. Each night you can moor in a new and different place.

Boating holidays Get the inside story

canal boat cruise yorkshire

First time afloat? We'll look after you

All our boats are suitable for beginners, and we give exceptionally thorough instruction, so you can feel confident.

canal boat cruise yorkshire

Seasoned boater? Routes to die for

We have special routes for our experienced customers, including one way trips, rings and exotic trips.

canal boat cruise yorkshire

Canal pubs Relax and see the world go by

Wherever you go on the northern waterways, welcoming pubs beckon, on or close by the water.

canal boat cruise yorkshire

Things to do Discover Yorkshire

Country walks, historic buildings, museums and galleries, cinemas and swimming pools - there's loads to enjoy.

canal boat cruise yorkshire

The market leader in Yorkshire boating holidays

We cover the northern waterways more comprehensively than any other fleet.

Our skilled and dedicated team will do all we can to give you a wonderful holiday on some of the most attractive waterways in England.

Your holiday (13677)

Hi Susan: Now we’re all back in the US, we want to thank you and all the people involved at Shire Cruisers for your friendly services and flexibility during our trip. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on the Suffolk (a great boat, just the right size for us) and wish you all the best in the future. - Keep well, Dave

Holiday Booking 13600

just a big thank to Susan and Nigel, and all at Shire Cruisers, also to Sam at Barnoldswick for looking after us and seeing us on our way and helping us on our return. We really enjoyed our canal trip last week on the Cambridge.

Best wishes,

Philip and Tina Isle of Man

White Rose Awards

White Rose Awards

We're Highly Commended! Fantastic accolade for our staff.

Helen on her Holidays

21 best canal boat trips in the UK

Canal boat trips

Watching the world go by from a narrowboat or barge may not be the fastest way to travel, but it’s a wonderful way to discover some of the UK’s most beautiful and interesting landscapes. Rolling countryside, quaint market towns, historic mill villages and UNESCO-listed industrial heritage – along with some truly cutting-edge modern additions to the canal network; you can see it all when you take these canal boat trips on Britain’s amazing inland waterways.

  • Northern England
  • Central England
  • Southern England

Canal boat holidays

This post contains affiliate links – all that means is that if you buy something as a result of clicking on a link in the post, I’ll receive a small commission that helps me with the costs of running this site. Thanks!

Canal boat trips in northern England

Standedge tunnel, west yorkshire.

Let’s start this list of the best canal trips with something truly extraordinary. Standedge Tunnel, on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is the longest, highest, deepest canal tunnel in the UK, and you can take a guided canal boat trip inside its astonishing depths.

Boat trips into the Standedge Tunnel start from Tunnel End near the village of Marsden in West Yorkshire. They’re operated, like a few of the boat tours on this list, by the Canal and River Trust , a charity which looks after 2000 miles of inland waterways in England and Wales.

After your 30-minute journey into the tunnel, you can explore a small museum which describes the arduous building of the tunnel in the late 18th century, its decline when the railways came, how it was abandoned for decades and was finally brought back to life in 2001 thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers.

Read more about visiting Standedge Tunnel

Skipton, North Yorkshire

Skipton is a gorgeous market town at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. The Leeds and Liverpool canal arrived in Skipton in 1773, carrying coal, cloth and other cargo across the country from the ports at Liverpool and Hull (via the Aire and Calder Navigation).

Skipton is surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, and gliding through it on a canal boat trip is the perfect way to see it. From Skipton’s pretty marina in the centre of town, you can take a 1 hour trip to discover the canal, or 2 hour trips to enjoy an afternoon tea on the water.

If you’re thinking you might like to skipper your own boat for a canal boat holiday, a day cruise on the wide, lock-free stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool canal south of Skipton is a good place to perfect your skills. There’s even a handily-placed canalside pub for lunch.

The team at Skipton Boat Trips will give you all the tuition you need to take the helm of your hire boat with confidence, even if you’re a complete novice. If you love it, you can hire a boat for a short break canal holiday or a full week or more, depending on how many miles of waterways you want to explore.

Saltaire, West Yorkshire

15 miles south east of Skipton on the Leeds and Liverpool canal, you’ll find Saltaire. Saltaire is a picturesque model village built by Sir Titus Salt to house the workers from his enormous mill in hygienic, morally sound and intellectually improving surroundings.

Salts Mill and the village surrounding it are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of my favourite places to visit; the mill now holds an art gallery, interesting shops (including the most amazing bookshop) and cafes. Across the river, there’s a lovely park, and down on the canal you can buy ice creams from a barge and take 30-minute boat trips on the narrowboat Titus . Trips run from the end of March to the end of October.

Read more: visiting Salts Mill and Saltaire

Manchester owes a lot of its existence to canals. Canals allowed Manchester’s industrialists to bring raw materials into the city, along with coal to power the machines that would turn raw cotton into finished cloth.

At first, products were transported out of Manchester by barge on the Bridgewater Canal or later by rail, but this didn’t provide enough capacity for Manchester’s factories and mills.

This all changed when the Manchester Ship Canal opened in 1894, providing a wide channel all the way to the sea at Liverpool. Manchester became Britain’s 3rd busiest port, despite being 40 miles from the sea.

Taking a guided canal boat trip is a great way to understand the history of Manchester. Boat trips run along the Manchester Ship Canal and the navigable parts of the River Irwell, passing Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, Imperial War Museum North and the Lowry, plus the old Pomona docks. You can book your Manchester river and canal tour here .

Burscough, Lancashire

After the drama of the route across the Pennines, the Leeds and Liverpool canal spends its last few miles before arriving in Liverpool meandering across the west Lancashire landscape. This part of northern England is full of small towns and huge skies, and spending a couple of hours on the water is the perfect way to see it.

Lancashire Canal Cruises operate two cruises from Burscough, a small town near Ormskirk and Southport.

Ashton under Lyne, Greater Manchester

Ashton under Lyne is just to the east of Manchester, and the town’s Portland canal basin marks the point where the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the Peak Forest Canal meet and the Ashton Canal begins its journey to Manchester city centre.

The 1800s canal warehouse at Portland Basin has been turned into a lively family museum with recreations of a 1920s street and the interior of a normal family home. There are also exhibitions on the history of Ashton’s three canals. Outside the museum, the Tameside Canal Boat Trust operate seasonal trips on the Ashton Canal on their narrowboat Still Waters .

Northwich, Cheshire

Together with the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland, the Anderton Boat Lift is one of the most impressive sights on Britain’s canal network and is the world’s oldest working boat lift. The boat lift was built in 1875 to lift cargo boats 15 metres up in the air from the River Weaver to the Trent and Mersey Canal and is still operational today.

You can experience the “cathedral of the canals” for yourself with a canal boat trip on the Edwin Clark , named after the engineer who built this amazing structure. The Anderton Boat Lift is having some refurbishment work done at the moment but boat trips are expected to resume after Easter 2023.

Ellesmere Port, Cheshire

The transhipment dock at Ellesmere Port, where the River Mersey, Manchester Ship Canal and Shropshire Union Canal all meet, used to be a noisy, bustling spot at the height of the Industrial Revolution, but it’s now a peaceful spot for a family day out. The warehouse is now home to one of the Canal and River Trust’s three museums. The museum is a fascinating place to visit, with regularly-changing exhibitions, special events and themed “Canal Sundays” during the summer months.

Wirral Community Narrowboat Trust run occasional canal boat trips from the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port. If there’s a group of you, you might want to hire one of their barges and skippers for a longer trip – they have a range of full day and short day options from £125, some of which stop off at canalside pubs for lunch.

Canal boat trips in central England

Cromford, derbyshire.

Cromford is a village on the edge of the Peak District and home to one of the great wonders of the industrial revolution, the huge Cromford Mills complex. Built in 1771 by the inventor and industrialist Sir Richard Arkwright, Cromford Mills was the first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill.

Like Sir Titus Salt in Saltaire, Arkwright built a village to house his workers, and today Cromford is a lovely place to visit, with shops, cafes, a large mill pond and quaint streets. The UNESCO-listed mill has a museum about the mills, plus craft workshops and more shops and cafes.

The 14.5 mile long Cromford Canal was critical to the success of Arkwright’s mills, but it also carried people! An enterprising man named Nathaniel Wheatcroft started the first “fly” boat service from here, carrying passengers to Nottingham twice a week.

Boat trips from Cromford Basin run on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and take a 2 hour route from Cromford Wharf to Leawood Pumphouse and back on board the narrowboat Birdswood . There’s also an occasional option for a premium cruise which includes refreshments and a guided tour of the historic places to visit along the route, including Leawood Pumphouse and High Peak Junction, where you can see the oldest extant railway workshop in the world. You can book both the regular and the premium tour on the Friends of Cromford Canal’s website .

Lincoln, Lincolnshire

The oldest canal in Britain is the Fosse Dyke Canal, which was built by the Romans to link Lincoln to the River Trent, and from there to the North Sea. Lincoln is a beautiful cathedral city, and spending a relaxing hour on this historic canal is a lovely way to see the wider area.

You can take a guided boat trip along the Fosse Dyke on the Brayford Belle which operates between Easter and October each year. The Brayford Belle has two decks, the lower one with central heating and the upper one with outside seating and a fantastic view.

Birmingham famously has more miles of canals than Venice or Amsterdam – over 35 miles of them. The canals arrived in Birmingham in 1768, and grew to a peak of 160 miles of canal across the city. Canals were essential to fuel Birmingham’s growth during the industrial revolution, bringing in raw materials and coal, and sending out finished goods.

You can explore Birmingham’s history by taking a canal boat trip with Brindley Cruises or Sherborne Wharf . Routes cover part of the original James Brindley Canal, a section of Telford’s New Main Line (revolutionary for its time) and Gas Street Basin. If you’re visiting Birmingham at Christmas, you can even take a “Search for Santa” canal trip.

Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire

The Stratford-upon-Avon canal runs from the outskirts of Birmingham to the heart of historic Stratford, Shakespeare’s home town. The canal was built to transport coal from the Midlands down to Oxford and London, without needing to use the network through Birmingham. The route was near-derelict by the 1930s, but was rescued thanks to the efforts of the Inland Waterways Association, the National Trust and local volunteers.

Today, the 25 miles of the Stratford-upon-Avon canal is navigable again and visitors to Stratford can take 40 minute canal boat tours along the canal and the River Avon . Stratford’s resident swans often follow the boat, and there’s a good chance you’ll also see tufted ducks, herons, coots and perhaps a kingfisher too.

Dudley, West Midlands

Just as at Standedge, the main attraction for canal boat trips in Dudley is going underground. The Dudley Tunnel is the UK’s second-longest tunnel, but unlike Standedge, it isn’t continuous and instead emerges at points into canal basins.

The rock in this area is particularly rich in fossils and other geological features. The area was once heavily mined for its limestone, creating amazing caverns that the boat trip passes through. One of these, named the Singing Cavern, is even available for weddings!

Canal boat trips into Dudley Tunnel are run by the Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust . You can just turn up for the regular 45 minute trips or book online for longer trips. While you’re in the area, don’t miss a visit to the nearby Black Country Living Museum , which has a canal area featuring a collection of historic boats.

Banbury, Oxfordshire

The Oxford Canal meanders 78 miles from just north of Coventry, down through Rugby and Banbury and on until it meets the River Thames at Oxford.

While there are lots of river cruises on offer in Oxford itself, you’ll need to go to Banbury for canal boat trips on the Oxford Canal, unless you want a self-drive boat. Tooleys Boatyard Trust in Banbury offer regular, 40-minute canal boat trips on their day boat the Dancing Duck . Their Facebook page is the best place to check for boat trip times and dates.

Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

The Cotswolds are more famous these days for picturesque villages and trickling streams in a rolling, rural landscape, but there are canals here too. The Stroudwater Navigation opened in 1779 to link Stroud to the River Severn and from there to the sea. Ten years later, the Thames and Severn Canal opened, extending the route to the River Thames at Lechlade and providing a cross-country route.

The restored Ebley Wharf on the Stroudwater Navigation

Both the Stroudwater Navigation and the Thames and Severn Canal fell into decline, with sections being filled in, but the Cotswolds Canal Trust have worked tirelessly to bring parts back into use. It’s expected that the Stroudwater Navigation will join up with the national waterways network again in 2025.

The Cotswolds Canal Trust run canal boat trips on the navigable parts of the Stroudwater Navigation at the Saul visitor centre, Ebley Wharf and the Wallbridge Lock visitor centre. At Lechlade, you can take a boat trip on the River Thames from St John’s Lock to see the start of the old Thames and Severn Canal.

Canal boat trips in southern England

The Regent’s Canal in London is an 8.6-mile link between the Grand Union Canal near Paddington Station to the Limehouse Basin and River Thames near Canary Wharf.

The canal weaves its way prettily through some of North London’s most attractive and interesting areas, including Little Venice, Regent’s Park, Camden Town and the Coal Drops Yard area of Kings Cross.

Canal boat trips on the Regent’s Canal tend to run between Little Venice and Camden Town. On a tour with the London Waterbus Company you’ll be entertained by a commentary, which points out key sights along the route, including London Zoo, Maida Hill Tunnel and the homes of the rich and famous.

Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire

The Kennet and Avon Canal is one of the UK canal network’s most popular waterways. Stretching from the Bristol channel, through the beautiful city of Bath then on through Devizes, Hungerford, Newbury to the Thames at Reading, it’s an outstanding route, passing through quintessentially English countryside.

One of the most beautiful towns on the Kennet and Avon is Bradford-on-Avon. Bradford-on-Avon is 10 miles from Bath and the tow paths are a popular walk between the two. At Bradford-on-Avon you can take a canal boat trip on the impressively large Barbara McLellan , a 65ft wide-beam boat that seats 40 and is operated by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust.

From Bradford-on-Avon, the Barbara McLellan sails west to Avoncliff Aqueduct and east to Widbrook winding hole. There are also a range of themed cruises throughout the season.

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust have four other boats along the canal and also offer canal boat trips in Devizes , Hungerford , Newbury and Reading .

Canal boat trips in Wales

Llangollen, denbighshire.

The Llangollen Canal in North Wales is one of the most scenic canal trips in the UK, but you’ll need a good head for heights! The amazing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct soars over the valley of the River Dee and is the longest and highest canal aqueduct in the world. It was designed by the famous engineer Thomas Telford, who was also involved in building Standedge Tunnel.

You can walk along the tow path to see the view from the aqueduct, but for the full Pontcysyllte experience, complete with checking out the sheer drop from the side of the boat on the canal side, Llangollen Wharf offer both motor and horse-drawn canal trips over the aqueduct.

The 5 mile route can be done in either direction, starting at Llangollen or Froncysyllte (near the aqueduct). The journey takes two hours; for an extra cost you can enjoy afternoon tea onboard. At the end of the trip, a courtesy bus will take you back to where you started.

Brecon, Powys

The peaceful Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal (also known as the Mon and Brec) is one of the UK’s most scenic routes. 35 miles are currently navigable, and many of those are within the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Things weren’t always so quiet and serene around here though; the canal transported coal, stone and iron ore from the Welsh hillsides down to the iron works at Blaenavon (now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage site ) and other industrial sites in the area. Cruising along the canal today you can still see traces of its heritage including wharves and lime kilns.

If you’re visiting this lovely part of Wales, Dragonfly Cruises have public canal boat trips departing from Brecon canal basin and including a journey over the Brynich Aqueduct which takes the Mon and Brec over the River Usk. They can also provide a skipper and guide for a canal trip through the area’s picturesque villages.

Canal boat trips in Scotland

Inverness, highlands.

The Caledonian Canal runs for 60 miles across Scotland, from Inverness to Corpach near Fort William, connecting the lochs of the Great Glen; Loch Dochfour, Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. The man-made connections between the lochs were built by Thomas Telford and opened in the early 19th century.

You can take a combined cruise of the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness by joining a boat trip at Dochgarroch Lock. The trip will take you through the locks and on to Loch Douchfour, past the old Bona Lighthouse and into Loch Ness as far as Urquhart Castle. You can book online through online ticket seller Get Your Guide .

The Falkirk Wheel is one of the most impressive feats of engineering on the whole UK canal network. Opened in 2002, the Wheel is a rotating boat lift, the only one of its kind in the world. It connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.

The best way to see the Falkirk Wheel is to take a spin on it. Canal boat trips on the Falkirk Wheel take around 50 minutes. First you’ll go into the canal basin, then enter the Wheel’s gondola, ready to be lifted into the air as the Wheel rotates.

At the top, you’ll sail along the aqueduct, through the Roughcastle Tunnel and to the start of the Union Canal. The boat will turn round and take you back to the Wheel for another spin, this time back down to the canal basin.

If day trips aren’t enough for you, there are lots of companies offering canal boat hire, either to stay put and use the boat as a base, or to explore the UK’s miles of navigable waterways at your own pace on a narrow boat holiday.

VRBO has narrow boats, house boats and barges for rent with all the comforts of home, while specialist hire firms like Waterways Holidays have canal boat hire across the country. There are lots of local companies as well; if you’re interested in a particular starting point, you might like to talk to a local specialist who can advise you on canal routes and the best places of interest to see along the way.

Have you taken one of these canal boat trips, or have I missed out your favourite? Let me know in the comments.

Related posts

If you enjoyed this post, you might find these other posts interesting:

  • Visiting Jodrell Bank, the UNESCO-listed radio telescope near Manchester
  • 5 of my favourite heritage railways you can take a ride on
  • Things to do in Whitby, a historic fishing town on the Yorkshire coast
  • Visiting Thermae Bath Spa, the UK’s only naturally-heated thermal bath

Pin 21 best canal boat trips in the UK for later!

Save for later or share with a friend

2 thoughts on “21 best canal boat trips in the UK”

A Great shame you did not include The Horse-Drawn Barge in Tiverton Devon as it is now one of the last Horse-Drawn Barges in Great Britain and operates Trips along the very beautiful Grand Western Canal.

Thanks Philip, that sounds amazing, I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in the south west 🙂

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Photo of author

About Helen

9 fun things to do in Ischia (plus 5 amazing day trips)

7 of the best holidays in italy in september.

canal boat cruise yorkshire

Book Our Delicious Evening Fish And Chip Cruise!

Skipton Boat Trips

The Dalesman passenger boat is an iconic vessel that has been a fixture of Skipton Boat Trips since its construction in 1992. Built by Colecraft, and fitted out by Snaygill Boat Yard, the Dalesman has become a beloved part of the Skipton community, offering visitors and locals alike the opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Yorkshire Dales from the comfort of a boat.

The Dalesman is a 57-foot long narrowboat that was built specifically for passenger use. It can accommodate up to 46 passengers and is equipped with modern amenities such as a licensed bar, and a heating system, making it suitable for year-round use.

The boat travels along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, passing through picturesque towns and villages such as Gargrave, Bradley, and Kildwick. Along the way, passengers can see the rolling hills, verdant pastures, and quaint cottages that make the Yorkshire Dales so charming.

Skipton Boat Trips offers a range of different trips on the Dalesman, including day trips, evening cruises, and private hire for special events such as weddings and birthdays. The boat is also available for themed cruises, such as gin-tasting and fish & chips, adding an extra element of fun and entertainment to the experience.

The Dalesman is not just a popular attraction for tourists but also a significant contributor to the local economy. It has created jobs for Skipton residents and has helped to boost tourism in the area, bringing visitors from all over the world to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.

The Dalesman has received numerous upgrades and renovations to maintain its top-notch condition throughout the years. Its original engine, which has traveled a distance equivalent to twice around the world, without leaving Yorkshire, has been replaced with a new one. Furthermore, its interior has undergone a refurbishment to ensure that passengers can enjoy a comfortable and pleasant experience. The boat is regularly inspected and maintained to comply with safety standards, guaranteeing that passengers are in capable and secure hands.

In conclusion, the Dalesman passenger boat is an integral part of Skipton Boat Trips and the wider Skipton community. It offers visitors and locals alike the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales in a unique and memorable way. As the boat continues to be a popular attraction, it is likely that it will remain a fixture of Skipton’s tourism industry for many years to come.

canal boat cruise yorkshire

 CanalBoat Cruising

 short-break holidays, 3, 4, or 5 day cruises, please note that we are unable, to accept bookings for longer than 5 days, you choose..., stay in lovely skipton .., ...  or take a relaxing cruise along the, stunningly scenic,, leeds liverpool canal, aboard the lovely narrowboat  ,   * ellis belle *, our beautiful,  - pet-free, traditional style canalboat.

canal boat cruise yorkshire

Sorry...  No Pets

 on Board :(

No Experience Needed!

 Full Guidance and Instruction Available on Arrival

Your journey aboard the Ellis Belle will start from the ancient and

beautiful market town of Skipton.

You will cruise through the stunning rural scenery of the Yorkshire Dales

along the historic

Leeds-Liverpool Canal

- the longest canal in Britain! 

canal boat cruise yorkshire

Take a relaxing cruise along the magnificent Leeds & Liverpool Canal

  Choose the serene beauty of the Yorkshire Dales,

or the historic majesty of Lancashire's industrial heritage 

canal boat cruise yorkshire

Hotel Boat Holidays

Hotel Boat Holidays

Canal cruises yorkshire and lancashire, phone number: 07834 320 199.

  • Canal Cruises
  • Canal Cruises 2
  • Canal Cruises 3

Hotel Boat Hire For Canal Cruises Skipton, Leeds, Chorley, Bridgewater, Liverpool

We welcome you on board our 5-star hotel boat for canal cruises through the beautiful waterways of Lancashire and Yorkshire. We have designed some amazing canal trips which offer the best of English waterways while you travel in comfort and luxury.

canal cruises

Panoramic Dales 

Reedley Marina Nr. Burnley to Skipton

With the Dales to Reedley Marina, this cruise has attractive trips of locks & scenic views for miles.Travelling through villages in the Dales we make our way as much as the top of the Leeds Liverpool with views worthy of the climb. We twist around with amazing separated scenery, with Oyster Catchers, Curlew & Kingfishers nearby.

 Cultural Wonders

Skipton to Leeds

Another remarkable canal cruise. All these waterways really are beautiful. There are several staircase locks consisting of the famous Bingley Five Rise. The eco-friendly corridor out of the City contrasts with the wide opens panoramas across Yorkshire. As with all Leeds and Liverpool cruises we are looking out over the exceptional scenery.

The Lancashire countryside is always a surprise with its rolling countryside, wildlife and lovely walks. 

Red & White Rose Glory

Skipton to Chorley

This cruise ship integrates the Panoramic Dales & Lancashire Gems cruises to reveal you the beauty of both regions.With history, wild animals & sights aplenty who might request for even more. From the gateway to the Dales to the top of Cheshire plain this cruise is a lot a journey via background as the countryside. This cruise inspires with its spectacular views & intrigues with its canal background. This really is not one to miss out on.

 Locks, History and Aqueducts

Chorley to Bridgewater Marina Nr. Manchester

Beginning near Chorley at the charming Johnson Hillock set of locks this cruise after that upright the Bridgewater canal. This cruise ship covers a great deal of history. This is an area of exactly what was going to be the Lancaster Canal and into the canal that started the canal marina period. The Lancashire countryside is always beautiful.  Enjoy its rolling countryside, wild animals and wonderful strolls. The cruise additionally has our most lock extensive day. We pass through the fantastic flight at Wigan, an additional surprise as it is a lovely flight, we also see Kingfishers there. After that its onto the Bridgewater Canal.

We travel the Northern canal and river system. This includes Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Bridgewater Canal, Selby Canal, River Aire, The Calder, Aire & Calder and South Yorkshire waterways. Destinations of our cruises include the following locations:

  • Bridgewater Marina
  • Preston Brook
  • New Springs
  • Reedley Marina

Are you looking for Hotel Boat Hire For Canal Cruises in Lancashire and Yorkshire? We offer luxurious 5-star hotel boat trips throughout the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and Northern canal and river system.

Contact us today on 07834 320 199 to book your hotel boat hire.

canal boat cruise yorkshire

  • Quick Facts
  • Sights & Attractions
  • Tsarskoe Selo
  • Oranienbaum
  • Foreign St. Petersburg
  • Restaurants & Bars
  • Accommodation Guide
  • St. Petersburg Hotels
  • Serviced Apartments
  • Bed and Breakfasts
  • Private & Group Transfers
  • Airport Transfers
  • Concierge Service
  • Russian Visa Guide
  • Request Visa Support
  • Walking Tours
  • River Entertainment
  • Public Transportation
  • Travel Cards
  • Essential Shopping Selection
  • Business Directory
  • Photo Gallery
  • Video Gallery
  • 360° Panoramas
  • Moscow Hotels
  • Moscow.Info
  • River Trips
  • Sightseeing Tours

Rivers Cruise and Canals Boat Tour 25 €

boat riding tour st petersburg

  • duration: 1.5 hours
  • price: 25 €
  • order: Book

What You Will See on the Rivers and Canals Boat Tour

Neva River Cruise or St Petersburg Canals Boat Tour is worth taking in summer on a sunny day. You will take a relaxing boat trip passing by Moika and Fontanka Canals to observe the Neva River:

  • a magnificent Summer Garden,
  • Michael’s Castle,
  • Mars Field ,
  • the Cathedral of the Savior on the Blood ,
  • Pushkin’s house,
  • the first permanent Circus in Russia,
  • the Summer Palace of Peter the Great,
  • the Spit of the Basil island ,
  • a symbol of October Revolution - Cruiser Aurora and so on

The Anichkov Bridge is famous for its sculptures of four bronze horses and their trainers. The widest bridge in St Petersburg is “The Blue Bridge” crosses the Moika Canal near St Isaac’s Square . The Lomonosov Bridge crossing The Fontanka River in St Petersburg is one of the oldest in the city. It is a severe stone drawbridge with four rectangular towers. The Bankovsky Bridge to cross the former Catherina Canal is one of the most attractive.

Boat Neva Tour and St Petersburg Canals

Boat Neva River & Canals Tour lasts 1.5 hour and during this time you will:

  • understand why St Petersburg is often called Northern Venice or Little Holland
  • learn why the city is still safe from numerous floods which used to threaten to St Petersburg
  • see St Petersburg as a mysterious place for all famous writers and poets living and working there and meet their cultural heritage on the River Neva banks
  • catch the spirit of the great city and realize why St Petersburg has never changed in spite of IT progress and global international innovations

Boat Neva Tour and St Petersburg Canals

History of Canals and Neva River in St Petersburg, Russia

St Petersburg is situated on the Neva Rive r which is the main waterway in the city. As a result of the Northern War between Russia and Sweden the Valley of the Neva River became a part of the Russian Empire. In 1703 the city of St Petersburg was founded in the mouth of the Neva River by Peter the Great.

During Peter’s reign, there were no bridges over the Neva River. The Emperor wanted the people of St Petersburg to share his passion for sailing so riverboats were the common transport. Later there were floating bridges over Neva River. Only in the mid - 19 th century they were finally replaced with permanent bridges made of metal. Each of St Petersburg’s bridges has its own distinctive structure and appearance. They can be plain and elegant, large and small, subtle and imposing. Their decorative iron railings coupled with granite embankments give the face of the city a charming look.

There are 332 bridges stretching St Petersburg waterways including 21 drawbridges.

The earliest bridges were known by the bright colors in which they were painted: “blue”, “green”, and “red.

Boat Neva Tour and St Petersburg Canals

All Tours in St Petersburg

Things to Do in St Petersburg

Testimonials from Our Clients

TripAdvisor Priora Tours

  • Latest News
  • What's New?
  • Why Visit the City
  • About the Airport
  • About the City
  • Getting Here
  • Getting Around
  • Russian Visa
  • Entertainment
  • Attractions
  • Restaurants & Cafes
  • Russian Cuisine
  • Russian Food
  • Private Transfers
  • Travel Planning Consultation
  • Hire a Car with Driver
  • Private Tours
  • Visa Support
  • Find us on Facebook
  • Your Travel Stories
  • Ask a Question
  • Have your Say
  • Share our Site
  • Meet with us
  • Buy us a Drink
  • Travel Resources
  • Travel Books
  • Travel Gifts

St Petersburg Cruises discover our russian venice of the north on the water!

Our St Petersburg cruises give you unforgettable views of our beautiful Venice of the North and its most famous historical sites. Find out more!

Taking a boat to cruise the rivers and canals of the imperial city and weave through the islands and districts that make up Saint Petersburg Russia can be a fun way to discover some of the main city's attractions and its famous landmarks.

St Petersburg Cruises

If, and when you take a riverboat trip you will be drifting on the banks of the Neva, Moika, and Fontanka River in the central part of the city, and pass by some of the main city's attractions such as the Winter Palace , Peter and Paul Fortress , St. Issac's Cathedral , The Summer Palace of Peter the Great, and the Old Stock Exchange on Vasilyevsky Island. Also, depending on which canal route you go, you'll be able to cruise through several magnificent small or large bridges, and for example, pass by the famous Yusupov Palace – location of Grigory Rasputin 's demise and home to the Rasputin exhibit - as well as other interesting palaces .

As you know there are lots of ways to see Russia's Northern Capital, but only with our range of St Petersburg cruises offered by our partner you can get a completely different view of the city, relax, and have fun without limits. Only when going by water you can understand why the city of St Petersburg is also called the Venice of the North. ☺

top ST PETERSBURG CRUISES you can book now

If you're looking for a unique way to discover St. Petersburg, then without any further due we recommend taking a look at our list of St Petersburg Cruises below . To get started just click on the links below or scroll down the page to learn more about each of them.

Quick Links:

City Boat Tour on the Neva

The Faberge Canal Boat Tour

City Evening Boat Tour

Midnight River Cruise

Cruise of the Northern Island of the Neva River

Cruise to Kronstadt

Peterhof Boat Trip by Hydrofoil

Private Boat Rentals & Tours

CITY boat tour on the Neva

Start your visit with a circular route along the central rivers and canals of St. Petersburg and get a closer view of the attractions of the city. Take this tour and sail along the bank of the central Neva River , Moika River , and Fontanka River and enjoy unique views of St. Petersburg's best landmarks. Admire an urban landscape of the 18th and 19th centuries, pass under countless charming bridges and take amazing photos. Definitely, this is one of the most comprehensive St Petersburg cruises nobody should miss.

St Petersburg Cruises

Itinerary: This is a popular boat excursion that lets you sail along the rivers and canals in the heart of the city with several stops at some of the main attractions of Saint Petersburg.

Sights covered on the boat tour:   The Fabergé Museum, St. Michael's Castle, The Anichkov Bridge, The Kazan Cathedral, The Moskovsky railway station; Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (the Kunstkamera), The Menshikov Palace, Quay with Sphinxes, Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art.;The cabin of Peter the Great, The State Museum of Political; History of Russia, Saint Petersburg Mosque; The Winter Palace, Palace Bridge, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, «The Bronze Horseman» monument, The Central Pier "Pier with the lions"; The Peter and Paul Fortress, The Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal Corps, The Leningrad Zoo.

Boat stops: Fabergé Museum; Museum Kunstkamera; Hermitage State Museum; Peter and Paul Fortress; Cruiser Aurora;

Ideal for: Family with kids, seniors, solo travelers, couples, friends or small and large groups of people.

Note: When taking this boat tour you will be joining other people unless you rent a boat independently. Excursion with possibility of access to any route’s stops throughout the day. The shipping company reserves the right to change the route due to the weather. Fix schedule and route apply for all our St Petersburg cruises.

See the map route!

TOUR DETAILS

Departure Location: Central Pier “Pier with lions” of the Palace Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Emabankment, 2; or Pier «Faberge Museum» Fontanka emb, 21.

Returning Location: Central Pier “Pier with lions” of the Palace Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Emabankment, 2; or Pier «Faberge Museum» Fontanka emb, 21.

Departure Time: From 11 am to 8 pm on daily basis and according to their schedule

Duration: 2 hours; or one or two days depending on what type of tickets you buy. Hope on/Hop off ticket service is available.

When: From the end of April till November

Seats Available: Up 50 People

Available Languages by Audio Guide : Russian, English, Chinese, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Korean and Japanese.

Inclusions:

  • Audio guide commentary;
  • A full day hop on/hop off ticket;
  • A city map for free;
  • There are umbrellas, plaids and other facilities on board.

Exclusions: Food and Drinks on board from the cafe.

Reservation Request: From 7 to 60 days in advance

INTERESTED?

Send a Request Today!

faberge canal boat tour

Book this tour after your visit to the famous Faberge Museum and enjoy a boat trip along the Neva river and some of its famous lowest bridges of St. Petersburg. This boat tour will take you through the heart of the city giving you a chance to admire the architectural beauty of the historical center of Russia's Northern Capital from a different angle.

St Petersburg Cruises

Itinerary: This excursion is similar to the city boat tour but without allowing you to stop somewhere for taking some photos. Plus, the boat tour starts from the Faberge Museum and goes to a different route in order to pass by additional places such as the Summer Palace of Peter I, Yusupov Palace, The Church on the Spilled Blood, or the Mariinsky theater.

Sights covered on the cruise: Winter Canal; Petrovskaya Aquatoria; Peter and Paul fortress Marble palace; The Summer Palace; The cruiser Aurora; St. Michael's Castle, and much more.

Ideal for: Families with kids, seniors, solo travelers, couples, friends or small and large groups of people.

Note: When taking this boat tour you will be joining other people unless you rent a boat independently. The shipping company reserves the right to change the route due to the weather. Fix schedule and route apply for all our St Petersburg cruises.

Departure Location: Pier in front of Faberge Museum, Fontanka river emb., 21

Returning Location: Pier in front of Faberge Museum , Fontanka river emb., 21

Departure Time: Everyday from 10:30 am to 20:00 pm.

Duration: 1.15 hours

Available Languages by Audio Guide: English, Chinese, Spanish, and German.

  • Boat Tickets.

Reservation Request: From 7 to 60 days in advance.

city evening boat tour

Start your evening with a romantic dinner on an evening boat tour. Taste a delicious four-course buffet dinner and enjoy live music while sailing along the city's rivers and canals. Admire the beautiful cityscape draped in warm colors by the setting sun. Step aboard one of the best boat restaurants in St. Petersburg, and fall into the unique atmosphere of the evening promenade of St. Petersburg.

St Petersburg Cruises

Itinerary: During this evening excursion you can relax onboard the ship and see all the main attractions of the city without the need to walking somewhere. You'll sail along the famous Neva River and drawbridges while enjoying European cuisine ( not included in the cost of boat tickets ) and listen to wonderful live music such as jazz or piano. This is a cruise for those who want to see the main sights of St. Petersburg by night.

Sights covered on the cruise: St. Isaac Cathedral; the Bronze Horseman; Summer Garden; the Peter and Paul Fortress; Winter Palace; Smolny Cathedral; Palace Bridge; Troitsky Bridge; Liteyny Bridge; Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge; Alexander Nevsky Bridge; Sampsonievsky Bridge; Blagoveschensky Bridge; The Egyptian Sphinx.

Ideal for: Seniors, couples, friends or small and large groups of people interested in experiencing a dinner with music on board a boat while cruising around the city.

Note: No audio commentary available. You can choose between a VIP table or a standard table. Cruise crew with restaurant and cafe on the board. The shipping company reserves the right to change the route due to the weather. Fix schedule and route apply for all our St Petersburg cruises.

Departure Location: Central Pier “Pier with lions” of the Palace Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Emabankment, 2

Returning Location: Central Pier “Pier with lions” of the Palace Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Emabankment, 2

Departure Time: Everyday from 6 pm ;

Duration: 1.45 hours

When:  From the end of April till November

Seats Available: Up to 150 people

  • Boat Tickets for the evening program.

Exclusions: Food and Drinks on board (a-la carte menu).

Please Note: If you wish to have your dinner included on your tickets you can buy a dinner package standard or premium or order a-la-carte and join the Dinner Cruise across the Northern Islands starting at 7 pm every day; duration 2hrs; live music jazz onboard. Ask for more info!

MIDNIGHT river cruise

Step aboard our popular midnight river cruise , sit back, and enjoy breath-taking night city views. See our Russian city when it is all lit up, and watch the famous seven bridges across the Neva River raise up late at night to let the cargo ships get through from the Gulf of Finland. St. Petersburg drawbridges’ opening and closing is a magnificent show, spectacular and captivating. Experience the magic atmosphere of St. Petersburg after midnight and feel the romance and festivity of our city with this tour.

St Petersburg Cruises

Itinerary: During this night excursion, you can watch all the main drawbridges on the Big Neva River opening from the water. Among these drawbridges, there are Palace Bridge, Trinity Bridge, Liteiny Bridge, Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge, Alexander Nevsky Bridge, Sampsonievsky Bridge and Annunciation (Lieutenant Schmidt) Bridge. This tour is for those who would like to experience this popular local show of the drawbridges on board of a comfortable boat. Definitely, this is one the most unique St Petersburg cruises, which nobody should miss.

Sights covered on the cruise: Admiralty Building; Winter Palace; Peter and Paul Fortress;  Cruiser Aurora; St. Petersburg TV tower; Cathedral Mosque; Nakhimov School; Palace Bridge; Troitsky Bridge; Liteyny Bridge; Bolsheokhtinsky Bridge; Alexander Nevsky Bridge; Sampsonievsky Bridge; Blagoveschensky Bridge.

Ideal for: Families with kids, seniors, solo travelers, couples, friends or small and large groups.

Note: Please note that this is not a tourist attraction, but a purely technological procedure, the fact which adds flavor to the experience. The shipping company reserves the right to change the route due to the weather. Fix schedule and route apply for all our St Petersburg cruises.

Departure Location: Palmira - Central Pier “Pier with lions” of the Palace Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Emabankment, 2

Departure Time: Everyday from 00:50 am

Duration: 1.5 hours

When: From end of April till November

Seats Available: Up to 50 People; up to 100 People; up to 130 People; up to 150 People.

Available Languages by Audio Guide: English, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Bulgarian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Russian.

Exclusions: Food and Drinks on board (a-la Carte menu).

RETURN TO TOP

Cruise of the Northern Islands of the Neva River

Jump on board this unique boat tour and start cruising through the largest stretches of the Neva River to see the most popular sights. Cruise around the largest Vasilievskiy island and Petrograd side, and see Saint-Petersburg Stadium – Gazprom Arena that was built to resemble a space ship or Europe's tallest skyscraper – Lakhta Centre, including the longest footbridge. Watch out for Krestovsky island or the famous Cruiser Aurora and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

St Petersburg Cruises

Itinerary: During this excursion you'll be sailing through the Bolshaya Neva (Big Neva) and the Malaya Neva (Small Neva), as well as a small part of the Gulf of Finland. You'll see several cultural highlights of the modern part of the city some of which are considered off the beaten path such as Kamenny Island, Krestovsky Island and Yelagin Island. A photo stop at the famous Cruiser Aurora is included.

Sights covered on the cruise: Winter Palace; Peter and Paul Fortress; Palace Bridge; Blagoveshenskiy Bridge; several monuments of naval glory of St Petersburg; Ice Breaker " Krasin "; monument to Admiral Krusenstern; modern and old Russian ice breakers; Lakhta Centre; Cruiser Aurora; Krestovsky island; Saint-Petersburg  Stadium; Marine Facade Sea Port; Petrovsky Stadium; Yelagin Island; Kamenny Island.

Boat stops: Cruiser Aurora;

Departure Time: Everyday from; four times a day starting at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm.

Seats Available: Up to 130 People

Available Languages by Audio Guide:  English, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Bulgarian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Russian.

  • 1 stop according to the boats schedule at the Cruiser Aurora;
  • Boat tickets.

cruise to KRONSTADT

Take this tour and cruise to Kronstadt , a Russian town situated on the small Kotlin Island. Sail across the Gulf of Finland and spend a day out from Saint Petersburg visiting rusting warships, naval symbols, the Byzantine style St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral , the military stone fortresses, as well as other remains of the imperial and Soviet naval glory. Wander around the village, take photos and enjoy a fascinating tour of the Gulf of Finland including the views of the fort. Definitely this is one of the most interesting and off the beaten track St Petersburg cruises!

St Petersburg Cruises

Itinerary: During this excursion, you'll be traveling to Kronstadt aboard a high-speed hydrofoil on the Gulf of Finland near the ancient water trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks. Upon your arrival, you can choose to tour the city on your own or join a walking tour of Kronstadt. The final goal of the cruise will be a guided walking tour of Kronstadt to the main attractions and a visit to the Naval Nikolsky Cathedral!

Sights covered on the cruise: Neva River; St. Isaac Cathedral; the Bronze Horseman; Hermitage, Palace Bridge; Anchor square; Blagoveshenskiy Bridge; Gulf of Finland; St Nicholas Naval Cathedral; Wooden lighthouse at the Petrovsky Canal (19th century); Smelt monument; the Kronstadt Tide Gauge (On the area of former USSR people measure absolute heights from its zero mark); the Military Fortress.

Note: Depending on the type of your ticket, you can walk around the city on your own or go on an exciting two-hour tour of Kronstadt accompanied by a professional guide. After the walking guided tour, you will have some free time before the departure of the hydrofoil. On the ship you can watch an introduction video about the city of Kronstadt, get some snacks and drinks, and enjoy a panoramic view in the bow. Fix schedule and route apply for all our St Petersburg cruises.

Departure Location: Kunstkamera Pier: Universitetskaya emb., 3

Returning Location: Kunstkamera Pier: Universitetskaya emb., 3

Departure Time:   From Thursday to Sunday at 12:30 pm; returning time 18:00 pm.

Duration: 5 hours (Variable)

Seats Categories:

  • Standard class: comfortable seats in the central of middle saloon and stern.
  • Comfort class: comfortable seats in the central saloon of hydrofoil by the window.
  • Business class:  located in the bow of hydrofoil and it has panoramic windows.

Available Languages by Audio Guide: Video brief information about Kronstadt and forts in Russian language only; Walking Tour guide upon arrival available in English and Russian.

  • English or Russian Speaking Guide for the walking tour (Depending on the ticket you buy and the price vary);

Exclusions: Tips to the Guide; Food and Drinks; Entrance Tickets to the sites (The majority are free of charge).

PETERHOF BOAT TRIP BY HYDROFOIL

Get to Peterhof faster and spend a day out immersed in the most beautiful and popular Tsar residence of Saint Petersburg. Ride one of these high-speed hydrofoils and cruise across the water of the beautiful Gulf of Finland. Stop for a visit at the Grand Palace, take photos, and enjoy a pleasant stroll in the nearby park, well known for its trick fountains, pyramid fountains, marble sculptures, and other impressive sights.

St Petersburg Cruises.

Itinerary:  If you are planning to go to Peterhof to see the Grand Palace and its famous parks and gardens, then we recommend taking this popular high-speed hydrofoil. It will be faster and fun! You can choose to go on your own or hire a tour guide, up to you. At the end of your visit, you can return to the city the same way.

Sights covered on the cruise: the Neva River; the Gulf of Finland; Peterhof Grand Palace and Parks with its monuments, buildings, and museums on site.

Note: When taking the hydrofoil you will be joining other people. Also, if you hire a local tour guide the ticket for the guide is on you. Please also note that when taking the hydrofoil you must comply with the time schedule given. Entrance tickets to Peterhof parks and gardens are not included. Fix schedule and route apply for all our St Petersburg cruises.

Departure Location: Your Hotel (We can pick you up at your hotel if you hire a tour guide); or you can take the hydrofoil from the Central Pier “Pier with lions” of the Palace Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Emabankment, 2

Departure Time: Every 30 minutes - from 9:30 am till 6 am on a daily basis;

Duration: 30 minutes for traveling from St Peterburg to Peterhof by boat. The same travel time to return.

Seats Available: Up to 30 People

On Board Services: Comfortable panoramic lounges; Soft and warming drinks; VIP ticket price includes snacks; Souvenirs with symbols of the company; Maps and guides.

Available Languages: English, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Bulgarian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Russian (If you don't book a private tour but book only the tickets, multi language audio guides will be provided).

  • Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off (If you hire a tour guide - Minimum time required for a guided tour to Peterhof is 4hrs);
  • Entrance Tickets to Grand Palace and Park (If you hire a tour guide);
  • Hydrofoil Tickets;
  • Headphones for large groups only.

Exclusions: Tips to the Guide; Food and Drinks;

Reservation Request: From 3 to 60 days in advance

PRIVATE BOAT RENTALS & TOURS

Rent a medium or large modern boat for yourself and enjoy a day sailing along the rivers and canals of the city with your family, friends, or your loved one. Learn about the history of the city and its landmarks with a local tour guide. Cruise, relax, and have fun with our customizable boat tours. Together we can design a unique boat tour to make your St. Petersburg sightseeing experience on the water comfortable and memorable.

St Petersburg Cruises.

Itinerary: By renting a boat for your self you can cruise the city's rivers and canals at your own pace of life, and see all the city's attraction and famous landmarks from the comfort of the boat. Among all our St Petersburg cruises presented on this page, we believe this option is the best one to add on a city guided tour.

Sights covered on the cruise: All the attractions of the historic center of the city;

Options:   You can rent a boat from 10 am until 9 pm.

Note: If you need, you can ask us to arrange a car transfer from your Hotel to the departure point of the boat tour, and the way around. Fix schedule and route apply for all our St Petersburg cruises.

Departure Location: To be given upon the booking

Returning Location:   Same place as of your departure

Departure Time: To be agreed

Duration: 1 hour

When: From May till November on a daily basis

Group Size: From 8 to 50 People (We have boats of any size).

Available Languages: English, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Bulgarian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Russian.

  • Modern small or large boat with captain;
  • Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off (upon request only);
  • Tour Guide (upon request only).

Exclusions: Food and drink, Tips to the guide; any extras.

Reservation Request: From 14 to 60 days in advance

Note: No audio guide commentary is provided on our boat tours. Also, no stops are available with our boat tours as we provide a general sightseeing canal boat trip across the main city's rivers and canals. We usually recommend combining a canal boat tour with a guided tour of the city. Ask for more info!

canal boat cruise yorkshire

From St Petersburg Cruises return to St Petersburg Sightseeing Tours or go to the Homepage

You might like these

Need help planning a trip to St Petersburg Russia? If so, ask for our help here and avoid any frustration or time loss.

Trip to St Petersburg Russia | Plan Your Trip With Two Locals

Need help planning a trip to St Petersburg Russia? If so, ask for our help here and avoid any frustration or time loss.

Discover the cultural capital of Russia with the best St Petersburg Tours. Tour the city's top attractions & landmarks!

Best St Petersburg Tours | 11 Top Private Tours Worth Booking

Discover the cultural capital of Russia with the best St Petersburg Tours. Tour the city's top attractions & landmarks!

Planning a trip to Saint Petersburg Russia? If so, tour St Petersburg with us and get the most out of your visit.

Tour St Petersburg Russia | Hire a Local Tour Guide

Planning a trip to Saint Petersburg Russia? If so, tour St Petersburg with us and get the most out of your visit.

Need a car in St Petersburg Russia? See our St Petersburg Car Rental service & tour around the city easily & swiftly.

St Petersburg Car Rental | Rent a Car in Russia

Need a car in St Petersburg Russia? See our St Petersburg Car Rental service & tour around the city easily & swiftly.

DO YOU LIKE ST PETERSBURG ESSENTIAL GUIDE? HAVE YOU FOUND THIS PAGE HELPFUL?

If you do, please help others to find out about it. If you have a blog or website, or know someone who does, consider linking to us. Share the link on Facebook, Tweet it... you get the idea. Every link helps!

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  • Click on the HTML link code below.
  • Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Return to Top

Home | About us | Contact us | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms of Use | Site Map | Advertise

IMAGES

  1. £10

    canal boat cruise yorkshire

  2. Narrow Boating on the Leeds Liverpool Canal in Yorkshire

    canal boat cruise yorkshire

  3. Canal Boat Hire Yorkshire| Bearboating: A Review

    canal boat cruise yorkshire

  4. Carefree Canal Boat Holidays in the UK

    canal boat cruise yorkshire

  5. Canal Boat: Yorkshire Dales Canal Boat Hire

    canal boat cruise yorkshire

  6. Canal Boat Holidays, a couples' retreat with the best views in

    canal boat cruise yorkshire

VIDEO

  1. Canal Boat Tour in Copenhagen, Nyhavn

  2. Canal Boat Cruise

  3. Boat 2

  4. CANAL BOAT CRUISE, AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS #canalcruise #boating #Amsterdam

  5. Staying On A Canal Narrowboat In Central London

COMMENTS

  1. Canal Cruises on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

    What makes our boat trips the best? Some people say it's how peaceful they feel as we drift by the lush green Yorkshire Dales on our gentle canal cruises. But everyone agrees it's the efforts of our thoughtful crew that bring them back. With over 30 years of running boat trips, we've helped put the fun back into planning the perfect day out.

  2. Yorkshire canals

    Details of our canal holidays for experienced boaters, including our celebrated one way trips and rings, are on our main site. Check availability here. Narrowboat holidays on Yorkshire canals. Explore the Pennine canals on a beautifully appointed narrow boat or barge.

  3. Skipton Boat Trips

    Skipton boat trips offers a captivating journey along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, presenting an award-winning canal cruise experience through a variety of customized excursions. The selection of cruises is diverse, with detailed planning support, outstanding onboard amenities, and scenic routes, making the company a standout in the domain of ...

  4. Hebden Bridge Cruises

    Scenic Canal Boat Trips and Dining Cruises in the beautiful Calder Valley. Now offering a taste of Yorkshire platter served throughout the day and for evening dinner cruises at 5 and 7pm. ... Book just for the cruise or enjoy a cream tea, afternoon tea or a taste of Yorkshire platter, as you relish in the tranquillity and beautiful scenery. ...

  5. Canal Boat Hire Yorkshire

    Leeds to Hebden Bridge and Return. Starting from Leeds, Yorkshire. Active for a 10 night hire Relaxed for a 14 night hire. First, you'll leave the bustling city centre of Leeds, where the Leeds and Liverpool canal turns into the Aire and Calder Navigation. Continue until Castleford Junction and turn right onto the Calder and Hebble Navigation.

  6. Narrow Boat Holidays

    N arrow boat holidays and short breaks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal starting from Skipton, the Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales…. Pennine Cruisers, a family run company consisting of Ian Clarke, wife Pamela and daughter Zoe is based in Skipton, North Yorkshire; "Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales," and situated on the beautiful Leeds and Liverpool canal.

  7. Wonderful Canal Boat Holidays to Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire

    The village is nestled at the feet of the Rochdale climb over the Pennines and is perfect destination for Boat Co North canal boat holidays in Yorkshire. 10% off 2023 holidays if booked before Christmas. Call us on 07710 863124 for more info. ... Another hour cruise through Stanley Ferry flood lock (should be open and no need to operate) Back ...

  8. Luxury Canal boat holidays in the UK on the Leeds Liverpool canal

    On one of our canal boat holidays you will cruise the most scenic section of the beautiful and tranquil Leeds Liverpool Canal as it winds its way through the Yorkshire Dales. Take in the delights of Saltaire UNESCO World Heritage village and the iconic Bingley Five Rise Locks. Visit Skipton and its wonderful Castle.

  9. Yorkshire and Lancashire Canal Cruises

    Call 07834 320 199 today to book your Hotel Boat Holidays in Yorkshire and Lancashire. Cruise price consists of: On board WiFi. Soft drinks. Breakfast. Homemade cakes and cookies. Chauffeur transfers to/from your vehicle or local public transport. Hot beverages. Open bar.

  10. Skipton

    Buses are also available to Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the filming home for the new series of All Creatures Great and Small. Blue Otter Skipton. [email protected]. Tel: 07435 306950. 50 ft | 1 bedroom with double bed | Suitable for 2 passengers.

  11. Canal Holidays in Yorkshire: A Guide to Exploring the Region's

    Canal holidays in Yorkshire provide an unforgettable boating experience for all. Whether you are an experienced boater or a first-timer, the narrowboats offer a unique way to explore the waterways of Yorkshire. The boats are easy to handle and come with all the necessary amenities to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable.

  12. Canal Holiday Cruise Guide

    Cruise guide for your narrow boat trip on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal from Skipton. Go east to Bingley Five Rise Locks or west through Yorkshire Dales villages ... Yorkshire Dales Narrow Boating Holidays, Narrow Boat Breaks, Canal Holidays and Accompanied Canal Trips on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Booking Line: 01756 795 478

  13. Canal Narrowboat holidays on Yorkshire waterways

    The market leader in Yorkshire boating holidays. We cover the northern waterways more comprehensively than any other fleet. Our skilled and dedicated team will do all we can to give you a wonderful holiday on some of the most attractive waterways in England. Explore the Pennine waterways, canals and rivers in a charming, well-appointed narrow ...

  14. 21 best canal boat trips in the UK

    Standedge Tunnel, West Yorkshire. Let's start this list of the best canal trips with something truly extraordinary. Standedge Tunnel, on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is the longest, highest, deepest canal tunnel in the UK, and you can take a guided canal boat trip inside its astonishing depths. Taking a canal boat trip into Standedge Tunnel ...

  15. Take a Cruise Along the Yorkshire Waterways with Dalesman

    The Dalesman is a 57-foot long narrowboat that was built specifically for passenger use. It can accommodate up to 46 passengers and is equipped with modern amenities such as a licensed bar, and a heating system, making it suitable for year-round use. The boat travels along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, passing through picturesque towns and ...

  16. Waterways, Canals and Boating Holidays

    Yorkshire's waterways, including the 127 mile long Leeds & Liverpool Canal and large freight ways of the River Aire, combine rural appeal with historic purpose. Get out and enjoy our wonderful canals and rivers. The canals and rivers provide countless opportunities for walking, cycling, wildlife spotting, picnicking, angling canoeing or canal ...

  17. Skipton: 1-Hour Canal Cruise

    15 Bournemouth. 16 Blackpool. 17 Canterbury. 18 Windermere. 19 Chester. 20 Skipton. Enjoy this 1-hour guided tour on part of England's longest canal in Skipton. Soak up the finest countryside views you can get without moving your feet. Delight in the fun and informative onboard commentary from award-winning comedian, Dave Spikey.

  18. Home Page [www.canalcruiseholidays.com]

    Your journey aboard the Ellis Belle will start from the ancient and. beautiful market town of Skipton. You will cruise through the stunning rural scenery of the Yorkshire Dales. - the longest canal in Britain! Take a relaxing cruise along the magnificent Leeds & Liverpool Canal. or the historic majesty of Lancashire's industrial heritage.

  19. Hotel Boat Canal Cruise

    Leeds. Goole. Are you looking for Hotel Boat Hire For Canal Cruises in Lancashire and Yorkshire? We offer luxurious 5-star hotel boat trips throughout the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and Northern canal and river system. Contact us today on 07834 320 199 to book your hotel boat hire.

  20. Sightseeing tours of St. Petersburg's rivers and canals

    Nearly all boats, however, follow one of a few tried and tested routes along St. Petersburg's rivers and canals, as well as some longer routes out to the city's suburban visitor attractions. Inner-city tours start from around 400 rubles for adults (half-price for children under 12, and free for children under seven).

  21. Canals Boat Tour of St Petersburg

    Neva River Cruise or St Petersburg Canals Boat Tour is worth taking in summer on a sunny day. You will take a relaxing boat trip passing by Moika and Fontanka Canals to observe the Neva River: The Anichkov Bridge is famous for its sculptures of four bronze horses and their trainers. The widest bridge in St Petersburg is "The Blue Bridge ...

  22. St Petersburg Cruises in Russia

    St Petersburg Cruises: City Boat Tour. Itinerary: This is a popular boat excursion that lets you sail along the rivers and canals in the heart of the city with several stops at some of the main attractions of Saint Petersburg. Sights covered on the boat tour: The Fabergé Museum, St. Michael's Castle, The Anichkov Bridge, The Kazan Cathedral ...

  23. Classic St Petersburg City Tour with Canal Boat Ride

    Discover the highlights of St. Petersburg efficiently and comfortably on a 5-hour sightseeing tour. Beginning with port pickup, included transportation takes your group to each stop on the itinerary. Groups larger than six enjoy complimentary headsets, so you don't miss a word of your guide's immersive commentary. Your well-rounded experience ends with a cruise along the canal, which ...