Blog

Cruising from the peaceful village of Burscough to the vibrant heart of Manchester offers a fantastic mix of countryside tranquillity, industrial heritage, and urban culture. Travelling along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and eventually joining the Bridgewater Canal, this route provides a truly memorable waterway adventure. Here’s a guide to the highlights and must-see stops […]

Getting stuck in a lock can feel stressful—especially if you’re new to boating—but it’s more common than you might think and usually easy to resolve with a calm approach and a bit of know-how. Whether you’re wedged, can’t get the gates open, or the water level isn’t behaving as expected, here’s what to do if […]

A rainy day on a canal holiday doesn’t have to put a damper on your trip! In fact, with a bit of planning and creativity, those grey skies can become part of your adventure. Whether you’re cruising or moored up, here are some fun and cozy ideas to enjoy a rainy day on the water. […]

For canal lovers seeking a blend of history, engineering brilliance, and beautiful cruising, the Wigan Flight on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is an unmissable destination. This iconic flight of locks, often hailed as one of the finest on the British canal network, offers an exciting and scenic challenge for boaters of all experience levels. […]

If you’re planning a canal holiday and want to discover a quieter, more peaceful route with plenty of charm, the Rufford Branch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is a perfect choice. Tucked away from busier waterways, this little-known stretch offers scenic cruising, historic landmarks, and a genuine escape from the crowds. Here’s everything you […]

In today’s always-connected world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by constant notifications, emails, and screen time. If you’re craving a break from the digital noise, a canal holiday offers the perfect chance to unplug, slow down, and reconnect—with nature, loved ones, and yourself. Here’s how to make the most of a digital detox while cruising […]

Spending Christmas or New Year on a canal boat is a magical way to enjoy the festive season—away from the usual hustle and bustle and surrounded by peaceful waterways and twinkling lights. Whether you’re cruising gently through winter landscapes or moored up snug in a quiet spot, a canal boat holiday at this time of […]

Hiring a canal boat for a relaxing cruise through the countryside is a truly unique experience. But while most of your trip will be spent soaking up the scenery, there’s one thing that deserves a little attention every day: the engine. Don’t worry—you’re not expected to be a mechanic. But basic engine checks are usually […]

If you’re about to embark on your first canal boat holiday, you’re probably wondering what happens when you arrive to collect your boat. The handover process is an essential part of your trip—it’s when you’ll learn how everything on your boat works, get safety briefings, and make sure you’re confident to set off. Whether you’re […]

A canal boat holiday offers a wonderfully peaceful way to explore the countryside—but like any kind of travel, safety should always come first. Whether you’re a first-time boater or a seasoned cruiser, it’s essential to understand how to stay safe while enjoying the canals. Canal boating is generally low-risk, but accidents can happen—especially if you’re […]

A canal boat holiday is a fantastic family adventure—peaceful, slow-paced, and packed with opportunities to explore nature and local history. But if you’re traveling with kids, especially younger ones, you might be wondering how to keep them entertained on long stretches of water. The good news? With a bit of creativity and planning, a canal […]

Cruising along peaceful canals is one of the most relaxing and rewarding ways to explore the countryside. But when you’re living in a compact space like a canal boat, the idea of cooking might seem a little intimidating. Limited counter space, smaller fridges, and fewer kitchen gadgets require a bit of planning—but it’s entirely doable. […]

Unlocking One of the Most Impressive Features of the Waterways If you’re new to canal cruising or planning a boat holiday, you’ve probably come across the term “lock flight” and wondered what it means. In simple terms, a lock flight is one of the most fascinating and impressive engineering features of the UK’s canal system […]

Sail Into the Heart of Culture, Coastline, and Canal Life Arriving in Liverpool by boat is a memorable experience — whether you’re navigating from the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, sailing up the Mersey, or mooring in the city’s iconic docks. With its rich maritime history, world-famous music legacy, and buzzing waterfront, Liverpool is a dream […]

Top Towpath Stops for a Pint, a Pie & a Mooring If you’re cruising the Leeds & Liverpool Canal from Liverpool to Appley Bridge, you’re in for more than just scenic countryside and historic waterways — this stretch also boasts some truly brilliant pubs. From traditional locals to trendy waterside venues, these spots are perfect […]

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. […]