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 […]
🚤 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 […]
🚧 Common Narrowboater Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
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 […]
🚤 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 […]
🚧 How a Canal Lock Works: A Simple Guide for First-Time Boaters
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 […]
🚤 How to Drive a Canal Boat: A Beginner’s Guide to Taking the Tiller
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 […]
🛥️ What to Expect During Your Canal Boat Handover
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 […]
🚤 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 […]
🚤 First-Time Canal Boaters: 12 Things You Should Know Before You Set Off
Tips, Truths & Reassurances for Your First Canal Boat Holiday So, you’re about to take your first canal boat holiday — exciting! Life on the waterways is slow-paced, scenic, and utterly unique. But if you’ve never taken the tiller before, it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit nervous. Don’t worry — you don’t need to […]
🛥️ 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. […]
Winter Boat Hire: Cosy, Quiet & Magical ❄️🕯️🛥️
When most people think of a canal boat holiday, they picture summer sunshine, towpath picnics, and long evenings outside. But here’s a secret we love to share: winter boat hire might just be the most magical experience of all. Yes, it’s colder. Yes, the days are shorter. But winter brings a whole new kind of […]
Things to Do Around Burscough 🚶♀️🦆🍻
A Hidden Gem in the Heart of West Lancashire If you’re cruising the Leeds and Liverpool Canal or planning a countryside break, don’t miss the charming town of Burscough. Nestled between the bustling towns of Ormskirk and Southport, Burscough is packed with character, history, and hidden gems. Whether you’re moored nearby or visiting by car, […]
Why a Boat Stay is the Cosy Getaway You Didn’t Know You Needed 🌧️🛥️☕
When you think of a cosy getaway, your mind might jump to a cabin in the woods or a seaside cottage. But there’s a lesser-known escape that’s equally peaceful, refreshingly different, and surprisingly snug: a boat stay. Whether it’s for a long weekend or a slow cruise along a canal, a stay aboard a boat […]
Why We Love the Canals (And Think You Will Too) 🌿🚤
There’s something magical about the canals—something that keeps drawing people back to them year after year. Whether it’s the gentle rhythm of the water, the wildlife along the towpath, or the simple joy of slowing down, the canals have a unique charm that’s hard to match. We love the canals. And after just one trip, […]