Canal Boat Handover: What to Expect on Arrival
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 […]
Safety Tips for Your Canal Boat Holiday
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 […]
How to Keep Kids Entertained on a Canal Holiday
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 […]
🚪 What Is a Lock Flight? A Canal Boater’s Guide
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 […]
🚤 10 Must-Do Experiences When Visiting Liverpool by Boat
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 […]
🍻 Best Pubs on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Between Liverpool and Appley Bridge
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 […]
🔧 10 Essential Tips for Canal Boat Engine Maintenance
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 […]
🚤 The History of the Canal at Burscough: From Industry to Leisure
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. […]
Best Weekend Canal Holiday Routes from Burscough Wharf 🚤🌿
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 […]
Family Canal Holidays: Tips, Games & Routes for a Memorable Adventure 🚤👨👩👧👦
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 […]
🚤 What It’s Really Like Living on a Canal Boat for a Week
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 […]
🚤 10 Irresistible Reasons to Choose a Canal Boat Holiday
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-Based TV Programmes That Celebrate Life on the Waterways
Must-Watch Shows for Narrowboat Lovers and Armchair Cruisers There’s something irresistibly charming about Britain’s canals — the slow pace, the scenic beauty, the rich history — and it’s no wonder that this has translated so beautifully onto the small screen. Whether you’re planning your next canal boat holiday or simply dreaming of one from your […]
🌹🎨 Rose and Castles: The Iconic Art of Canal Boats
If you’ve ever strolled along the UK’s canals or cruised on a narrowboat, you might have noticed the bright, colorful decorations adorning the boats’ hulls, cabins, and interiors. This charming folk art style is known as Rose and Castles — a unique tradition that’s become synonymous with canal boating culture. But what exactly is Rose […]
🚤 The 7 Wonders of the Waterways: Must-See Marvels on the UK Canals
The UK’s inland waterways are full of hidden gems, breathtaking sights, and engineering marvels that have fascinated boaters and walkers alike for centuries. Whether you’re cruising on a narrowboat holiday or just love exploring the canals, these 7 Wonders of the Waterways are bucket-list-worthy destinations that showcase the rich history, beauty, and ingenuity of Britain’s […]
⛽ How Much Fuel Does a Narrowboat Use?
What to Expect When Cruising the Canals If you’re planning a canal boat holiday or thinking about buying or hiring a narrowboat, one question that often comes up is: how much fuel does a narrowboat use? Understanding fuel consumption helps with trip planning, budgeting, and knowing when and where to refuel. Let’s break down the […]
How Were Canals Built? 🚜💧
Discover how canals were built in the UK, from early engineering techniques to the hard work of navvies and the creation of locks, aqueducts, and tunnels that shaped the waterways.
🎩 The Waterways Chaplain: A Friend on the Towpath
Supporting Lives Along the UK’s Canals and Rivers If you’ve ever walked the towpath or moored your boat and been greeted by a friendly face in a flat cap and high-vis vest, you might just have met a Waterways Chaplain. But who are they, and what do they do? In a world where life on […]
🛥️ Narrowboats, Widebeams, and Barges: What’s the Difference?
Your Guide to the Types of Boats You’ll See on UK Canals If you’re planning a canal boat holiday or thinking about life on the water, you’ve probably come across the terms narrowboat, widebeam, and barge. While they’re often used interchangeably, these boats each have distinct features, functions, and personalities. Let’s break down the key […]
🎣 Can You Go Fishing on the UK Canals?
A Guide for Anglers and Curious Cruisers If you’ve ever cruised the UK’s canals and seen someone quietly casting a line on the towpath, you may have wondered: Can I go fishing on the canals too? The answer is yes — fishing on the UK canal network is not only allowed, it’s a much-loved pastime. […]