What to See on a Canal Cruise from Burscough to Manchester
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 […]
Exploring the Rufford Branch: A Hidden Gem on the Cut
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 […]
🚪 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 […]
🎉 Celebrate on the Water: A Private Party Canal Cruise to Remember
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 […]
🚤 Day Cruising the Leeds & Liverpool Canal: Burscough to Parbold
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 […]
🚤 Drift, Don’t Drive: The Magic of a Skippered Canal Cruise
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 […]
📺 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 […]
Why the Canals Still Matter Today 🚤🌿
A Living Legacy with Modern Meaning For many people, the word “canal” conjures up images of the Industrial Revolution: smoke, coal barges, and horse-drawn boats winding through soot-covered towns. And it’s true—the canal network helped power Britain’s transformation into a global economic force. But the story didn’t end when the factories fell silent. Today, centuries […]
Stanley Lock Flight: A Portal to Liverpool’s Past ⚓🏙️
Where Industry, Engineering, and History Flow Together Tucked away in the northern part of Liverpool, not far from the city’s vibrant docks, lies a fascinating and often overlooked piece of canal heritage: the Stanley Lock Flight. Comprising four imposing locks on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, this stretch of water isn’t just a passageway—it’s a […]
The History of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal 🚢🏛️
A Journey Through Time Along Britain’s Longest Canal Today, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is a haven for peaceful cruises, towpath walks, and waterside wildlife. But behind its quiet charm lies a remarkable history—one of ambition, engineering, and the industrial revolution. Spanning over 127 miles and linking the cities of Leeds in West Yorkshire to […]
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 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, […]
👻 Ghosts on the Cut: Eerie Canal Tales from the UK Waterways
Canal Ghost Stories That Will Send a Chill Down the Towpath The UK’s canal network is more than just tranquil waters and scenic villages — it’s also a living museum of the past. Built during the Industrial Revolution, many canals have seen centuries of human toil, tragedy, and untold tales. So it’s no surprise that […]
🚤 7-Day Cruise from Burscough: Where You Can Get To
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 […]
📚 Books Set on UK Canals: Stories That Bring the Waterways to Life
UK canals have inspired countless tales of adventure, mystery, history, and everyday life. From classic novels to modern memoirs, books set on or around canals offer a unique glimpse into the culture and charm of Britain’s inland waterways. If you love canals or are curious about life on the water, here are some wonderful books […]