🚤 Why Choose a Family Boat Trip?

5 September 2025

Reconnect, explore, and create unforgettable memories on the water.

Family holidays are meant to bring everyone closer—and what better way to do that than aboard a boat? Whether you’re gliding through peaceful canals, exploring coastal waters, or anchoring near a hidden beach, a family boat trip offers a truly unique experience. Here’s why you should consider trading hotel rooms for hatches and highways for waterways on your next family adventure.

1. Unplug and Reconnect

Life on a boat naturally encourages you to slow down. With limited screen time and no rush to be anywhere, families spend more time together—playing games, sharing meals on deck, or simply watching the sunset. It’s a chance to disconnect from devices and reconnect with each other.

2. Adventure Every Day

From navigating locks and spotting wildlife to mooring in new towns each night, no two days are the same. Kids (and adults!) love the hands-on nature of boating. It turns travel into an experience, not just a way to get from A to B.

3. A Floating Home Away from Home

Modern hire boats are cozy, self-contained, and surprisingly well-equipped. With a kitchen, beds, bathroom, and lounging area, you can enjoy all the comforts of home—plus the freedom to wake up in a new place every day.

4. Affordable and Flexible

Boat trips can be great value, especially compared to hotel stays and theme park passes. You can self-cater, travel at your own pace, and tailor the trip to suit toddlers, teens, or grandparents.

5. Learn Together

Boating teaches valuable life skills—navigation, teamwork, patience, even knot-tying! For children, it’s an exciting way to learn responsibility and decision-making. For adults, it’s a fun challenge and a break from the everyday.

6. Explore Hidden Gems

Boating lets you discover places you’d never see from a car or train. Think secret moorings, sleepy canal villages, and off-the-beaten-path attractions. Some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes are best viewed from the water.

7. Safe and Stress-Free Travel

When you’re cruising at walking speed, there’s no need to rush. Canal and river boating is generally safe, and boat hire companies offer training for beginners. With everyone on board, there’s no packing, repacking, or dragging luggage between hotels.

8. Create Unforgettable Memories

From fishing off the back deck to stargazing at night, the moments you share on a boat are often the ones that stick with you forever. It’s the kind of holiday kids talk about for years—and often want to repeat.

🚢 Final Thoughts

A family boat trip is more than a vacation—it’s an adventure. It brings fun, learning, and quality time together in a way that’s hard to match on land. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, cruising together is a bonding experience that floats above the rest.

Ready to set sail with your crew? Let the waterways be your playground, and let the journey bring your family even closer.

Myself and my nanna had the best time on the canal boat, the food was absolutely delicious and we couldn’t have asked for a better day the weather was perfect. The gentleman doing the tour (didn’t catch his name sorry) was so knowledgeable and was very funny. He was really accommodating for my nanna as well as she isn’t the most steady on her feet, he helped her on and off the boat and helped her up and down the stairs which I can’t thank him enough for. Would highly recommend doing this tour and it’s in such a beautiful area. Will definitely be doing it again!

Li L

Experienced a wonderful autumn cruise along the canal here with Skipper Mark who shared all his amazing experiences and knowledge of the area and canal along the way. Highly recommend this if you’re in the area.

Steven H

Our family of four hired a 6-berth boat and cruised from Burscough to Wigan and back. The boat was great, the route was lovely, and the service from Lancashire Canal Cruises was superb—special thanks to Marc, who was incredibly helpful. Five stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ben M

Amazing experience!
As first-time canal boaters, we were a bit nervous, but Richard made the whole process easy and enjoyable. He spent a couple of hours with us on the water, guiding us through everything until we felt completely comfortable handling the boat, mooring, and using all the onboard features. We spent two nights aboard and had an absolutely brilliant time—cruising between pubs for meals, spotting a kingfisher, and taking in the beautiful Lancashire countryside. The boat was spotless and had everything we needed.
10/10 – highly recommend! Thanks again to Lancashire Canal Cruises!

Matthew S

What a fantastic afternoon with the fabulous Marc as our skipper. This trip is worth every penny so if you've not done it or are considering booking on one of the experiences then do it! you will have a great time. Marc is brilliant sharing all the history and stories of canal life and the surrounding areas. Thank you Marc for making our trip truly special! 🤗

Pamela W

Really Enjoyed today's canal ride. Was made to feel at ease when I was nervous on the water. Amazing views & a lovely Afternoon tea. Got to steer the boat and wear the captains hat 😁. And the guy even made time to rescue someone's Memorial bench after it had been blown into the water 💙

Debbie H

We chartered a private hire cruise for 3hrs for my Mums 80th birthday and it was just perfect. Our Skipper Tori was fantastic, she really played along with the kids and kept them involved. The weather was rubbish but we didn't let it ruin the experience, all having a go at steering the boat and helping with the swing bridge.
We took our own food, drink and decorations and nothing was any bother. Would definitely recommend this trip.

Amy K

Everything was perfect from booking to the trip. Great communication.
Lovely afternoon tea.
The gentleman was friendly & had a great knowledge of the canal & surroundings.
Perfect start to my friends 40th Birthday celebrations.

Annmaria S

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 J

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 D