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🚤 Canal Cruise : Burscough to Liverpool on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

If you’re looking for a slow-paced, scenic adventure that winds its way through countryside, villages, and into one of the UK’s most vibrant cities — a canal cruise from Burscough to Liverpool is the perfect journey.

Whether you’re a first-time boater or a seasoned narrowboat fan, this route offers a fantastic mix of nature, heritage, and modern city life. Here’s what to expect on this unforgettable trip.

đź“Ť Starting Point: Burscough Wharf

Begin your journey in the charming town of Burscough, a popular starting point on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. The Wharf is home to quirky shops, cafés, and traditional pubs — the perfect place to stock up on supplies and enjoy a pre-canal cruise bite to eat.

🛶 The Journey: What’s the Route Like?

  • Distance: Approx. 27 miles (one way)
  • Locks: 8
  • Travel Time: Around 12–14 hours cruising, best split over 2–3 days
  • Boat Type: Suitable for standard narrowboats (no special license needed)

You’ll head west, cruising through peaceful countryside, quiet villages, and increasingly urban areas as Liverpool comes into view.

🏞️ Highlights Along the Way

🔹 Lathom & Burscough Bridge

Within the first hour, you’ll pass through open fields and quiet moorings. This stretch is great for spotting wildlife — herons, swans, and the occasional kingfisher.

🔹 Lydiate & Maghull

These village stops offer a chance to moor up and stretch your legs. Enjoy a waterside drink at The Running Horses or take a stroll to nearby shops. The cruise here is flat and lock-free — ideal for beginners.

🔹 Aintree

As you near Liverpool, you’ll pass close to Aintree Racecourse, home of the Grand National. Keep your eyes open — the canal flows right behind the track!

🔹 Stanley Dock Locks

This 4-lock staircase brings you down into the city proper — a fun and rewarding challenge for boaters. After this point, it’s pure urban canal cruising with stunning dockland views.

🌆 Arrival: Liverpool’s Historic Docks

Cruise into Salthouse Dock — a truly impressive place to moor. You’re now in the heart of Liverpool’s historic waterfront, just steps from:

  • The Royal Albert Dock
  • The Beatles Story museum
  • Tate Liverpool
  • Incredible shops, restaurants, and nightlife

It’s one of the only places in the UK where you can go from countryside to city centre by canal, arriving right in the thick of the action!

🍴 Mooring & Eating Out in Liverpool

Moorings at Salthouse Dock are pre-bookable and offer basic facilities. Once moored, explore the waterfront or grab dinner at one of the many waterside restaurants and pubs.

Recommended spots:

🔄 Return Journey

Many boaters enjoy a night or two in the city before slowly heading back to Burscough — giving them the chance to revisit favourite stops or discover new moorings along the way.

đź“ť Top Tips for This Cruise

  • Book Liverpool moorings in advance through Canal & River Trust
  • Take it slow — spread the journey over a few days to enjoy it fully
  • Prepare for city centre navigation: it’s safe but busy
  • Watch for swing bridges (some manual) and give yourself time
  • Bring a windlass, ropes, and waterproofs — just in case!

🌊 Final Thoughts

Cruising from Burscough to Liverpool is one of the most rewarding trips on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. It offers a unique blend of peaceful rural cruising and vibrant city energy — a journey that perfectly captures the magic of the UK’s waterways.

Ready to set sail? Pack a windlass, bring your sense of adventure, and book your canal cruise online! 🚤✨

11 of us had a wonderful cruise on Alfie Bhouy. Plentiful afternoon tea. Lots of interesting facts learned. And so much laughter as the "captain" and our 7 year old granddaughter shared jokes. Such a bonus to be given the opportunity to steer. Thank you for happy memories.

Heather B
Trustpilot

Always five stars from us for this lovely company! Another great trip; this time a Sunday Lunch cruise for a friend’s big birthday! Piping hot, top quality lunch and rose wine included. We added a bottle of very reasonable Merlot too. All while experiencing a lovely sail along the canal. Once again the very knowledgeable, interesting and capable Marc was our captain. Great experience - and always a great company to deal with. We will be back (yet again)!

Jan H
Trustpilot

We had a lovely afternoon tea cruise! Mark was a great host, including letting our 5 year old skipper for some of the journey - a memory he will treasure. Would highly recommend!

Darren S
Trustpilot

SUPERB FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE

We were not disappointed the Service was 5 stars. Guests were interacted with and we were allowed to join in with activities. The host was all you could ask for. Ourselves and others had requests for some changes on the menu and theses were adhered to very well. I shall be booking for the whole family. Thank you for such a lovely day me and my friend both needed it.

Dee D
Trustpilot

A thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience. Mark (our skipper) was extremely knowledgeable of the area and canals, and also other canals. He was very interesting and hospitable to us. He invited our grandson to steer the boat and was very welcoming.
On a separate note, we were late arriving for the cruise and Mark did not rush us, and was very friendly.
Highly recommended!

Carol E
Trustpilot

Just had our first canal cruise with a Xmas dinner hot from the pub and I have to say the whole experience was brilliant. The captain was excellent and very knowledgeable throughout the trip and as a bonus I was able to drive with the captain which was a lovely touch. I would highly recommend this trip.

Stephen S
Trustpilot

It helped that it was a beautiful sunny day. The skipper, Mark was very insightful giving us a talk on the local history of the canal as we made our way to Burscough Wharf and back again.

Tony Houston
Trustpilot

Nice way too spend a few hours took my mother for a mothers day treat great food fantastic host wish it hadn't been raining thanks very much

Gary Chadbond
Trustpilot

Just got back from an amazing cruise with afternoon tea with this company. The food was lovely and fresh!
The skipper, Mark was lovely and professional! He was so naturally friendly and explained everything about the history of barges and the area. He was so knowledgeable. The cruise itself was beautiful and relaxing.

Leah Johnson
Trustpilot

What a wonderful experience! Mark was such a great host, very kind and helpful. We miss our trip because of car crash on the road, he not only accommodate us on the next trip but he make us fresh afternoon tea and he place us in the best part of the boat! I can’t explain what a wonderful people and what a experience we had ! Truly amazing! Definitely try for yourself !!! Thank you Mark! See you soon!

Plamena Dimitrova
Trustpilot