Blog

Keep Your Narrowboat Running Smoothly All Year Round Whether you’re living aboard full-time or enjoying a relaxing boat holiday, one thing is certain: your engine is the heart of your narrowboat. With just a little care and attention, you can keep it running efficiently and avoid unexpected breakdowns on the cut. Here are 10 essential […]

Learn from Others and Cruise with Confidence Whether you’re on your first narrowboat holiday or you’ve been on the cut for years, everyone makes a few mistakes now and then. Narrowboating is full of charm — but it comes with a learning curve too. To help you cruise more smoothly, here are some of the […]

Forget the crowded restaurants and noisy pubs — this year, take the celebration somewhere unforgettable. Welcome to your private canal cruise party, where the venue floats, the views change, and every moment feels just a little more magical. Whether it’s a birthday, hen do, anniversary, retirement bash, or just a good old-fashioned get-together, the canals offer […]

If you’re looking for a peaceful day out in the heart of the Lancashire countryside, a canal cruise from Burscough to Parbold offers the perfect blend of heritage, nature, and village charm. Whether you’re onboard our skippered narrowboat or taking the tiller yourself, this 5-mile stretch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is one of the most relaxing and […]

Set in the heart of West Lancashire, the quiet town of Burscough is today best known for its canalside charm, towpath cafés, and peaceful boating holidays. But beneath its calm surface lies a fascinating industrial past — one built on the waterway that quite literally put Burscough on the map: the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. […]

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the British countryside from the water — without the stress of steering, reading maps, or opening locks — then a skippered canal cruise is your perfect escape. Sit back, relax, and let your captain guide you through one of the most peaceful and picturesque journeys you’ll ever experience. 🧭 What is […]

Explore These Relaxing Canal Holiday Routes on a Weekend Escape Looking for the perfect weekend getaway that combines peace, scenery, and a little adventure? Burscough Wharf, nestled on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Lancashire, is the ideal starting point for a canal holiday route you can enjoy in just a few days. Whether […]

How to Make the Most of Your Family Canal Holiday If you’re looking for a holiday that’s relaxing for parents, exciting for kids, and a little different from the usual beach break or theme park visit, a family canal holiday could be just the thing. Imagine cruising through the countryside, feeding ducks from the side […]

Your Guide to a Truly Unique Boat Holiday Experience Thinking about booking a boat holiday but not quite sure what to expect from life aboard a narrowboat? Spending a week on a canal boat is unlike any other getaway — it’s a slower, simpler, and surprisingly satisfying way to travel. Whether you’re planning your first […]

Making Sense of the Locks That Lift and Lower Your Narrowboat If you’re new to canal boating, the idea of steering a boat into a big chamber, closing gates behind you, and moving up or down in the water can sound a bit daunting. But don’t worry — canal locks are clever, simple pieces of […]

Everything You Need to Know to Cruise with Confidence Driving a canal boat (also called “steering” or “helming”) might seem daunting at first — especially if it’s your first time. But don’t worry — it’s much easier than it looks. With a little patience, some basic technique, and a steady hand, you’ll be confidently cruising […]

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started on the Water If you’ve never hired a canal boat before, one of the most common questions is:“What happens when we arrive — do we just get handed the keys and set off?” Absolutely not! A proper canal boat handover is a key part of the holiday — it […]

Why Life at 4mph Might Just Be Your Perfect Getaway Looking for a break that’s peaceful, picturesque, and a little out of the ordinary? A canal boat holiday could be just what you need. Whether you’re after slow travel, a family-friendly escape, or something a little different, cruising the UK’s waterways offers charm you just […]

Canal Boat Holiday Lingo Made Simple New to narrowboating? Welcome aboard! If you’re planning your first canal boat holiday, you may hear a few terms that leave you scratching your head. Don’t worry — canal folk are friendly, and you’ll be talking like a boater in no time. To help you get started, here’s a […]

A Week-Long Canal Boat Holiday on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal A 7-day canal boat holiday from Burscough gives you the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. With a full week to explore, you’ll have time to cruise through scenic countryside, moor in welcoming villages, tackle a few locks, and maybe even reach the historic […]

Discover the charm of Lancashire’s waterside communities One of the greatest joys of a canal boat holiday is mooring up in peaceful villages that you might otherwise never find. Lancashire is packed with beautiful canal-side stops that offer history, good food, and warm welcomes — all just steps from your mooring. Here are some of […]

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 […]

There’s something timeless and tranquil about gliding along a canal in a narrowboat. Whether you’re planning a weekend break or a longer adventure, traveling by canal boat offers a unique perspective on the countryside and a chance to unwind. But before you untie those mooring ropes, it’s important to be prepared. Here are 10 essential […]

Understanding Mooring Rules on UK Canals One of the great joys of canal boating is being able to stop and soak in the scenery whenever you like. But can you just moor your boat anywhere along the canal? The short answer is: not quite. Mooring a canal boat comes with rules designed to keep waterways safe, […]

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 […]