🚤 Things to Do in Lancashire & Merseyside by Canal

22 August 2025

Exploring Lancashire and Merseyside by canal offers a perfect mix of history, culture, nature, and local charm. Whether you’re cruising the iconic Leeds & Liverpool Canal or the picturesque waterways around Liverpool, there’s plenty to see and do. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your canal adventure in this vibrant part of North West England.

1. Discover Historic Liverpool Docks

Start or end your canal journey at Liverpool’s famous docks. The Liverpool Canal Link connects the Leeds & Liverpool Canal with the historic Albert Dock area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the Maritime Museum and Tate Liverpool art gallery.
Stroll the waterfront with stunning views of the Mersey River.
Grab a bite at one of the trendy cafes or restaurants along the dockside.

2. Cruise the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Stretching 127 miles from Leeds to Liverpool, this is the longest canal in Northern England. The section through Lancashire and Merseyside offers:

Peaceful rural stretches with rolling countryside views.
Charming towns like Wigan and Burscough, where you can moor and explore local markets and pubs.
The iconic Barton Swing Aqueduct, where the canal crosses the Manchester Ship Canal — a real engineering marvel.

3. Explore the Pennines’ Western Edge

On the Lancashire side, you can cruise near the foothills of the Pennines, enjoying:

Scenic views of moorlands and reservoirs.
Opportunities for walking or cycling along the towpaths.
Visit small villages like Rufford with historic abbeys and quaint shops.

4. Visit Local Attractions Along the Canals

Speke Hall (Merseyside): A stunning Tudor manor house surrounded by beautiful gardens, just a short ride from the docks.
Leigh Sports Village: If you moor near Leigh, check out the local sports and events calendar.
Witton Country Park (near Blackburn): Perfect for a family day out, with playgrounds and walking trails accessible from nearby canal moorings.

5. Sample the Local Food & Drink Scene

After a day on the water, enjoy some Lancashire and Merseyside culinary delights:

Traditional Lancashire hotpot or scouse (Liverpool stew).
Pubs serving real ales along the canal route — many with waterside patios.
Farmers’ markets and artisanal food shops in towns along the canal.

6. Wildlife Watching

The canals are great for spotting wildlife. Look out for kingfishers, herons, ducks, and sometimes even otters. Early morning or dusk are best for nature lovers wanting a peaceful moment on the water.

7. Join Canal Festivals and Events

Lancashire and Merseyside host several canal-related events throughout the year, like boat rallies, music festivals, and heritage open days. Check local listings to time your trip with one of these lively gatherings.

8. Photography & Art Inspiration

With historic bridges, tranquil waters, and urban landscapes blending with nature, the canals offer fantastic photography and sketching opportunities. Sunrise and sunset shots along the waterways are especially magical.

Final Thoughts

Cruising the canals of Lancashire and Merseyside is an enriching way to experience Northern England’s heritage and beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or just out for a day trip, the mix of urban culture and countryside tranquility means there’s something for everyone.

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