🚪 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 […]
🚤 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 […]
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 […]
🎬 Films Set on UK Canals: A Cinematic Journey Through Britain’s Waterways
The canals of the UK are steeped in history, mystery, and charm — making them the perfect backdrop for captivating films. From nostalgic dramas to thrilling mysteries, several movies have captured the unique atmosphere of life on or near the canals. If you’re fascinated by Britain’s waterways, here are some notable films set on UK […]
🚤 A Day in the Life of a Canal Boat Holiday Hirer
What It’s Really Like to Spend a Day on the Water Ever wondered what a typical day looks like on a canal boat holiday? Whether you’re picturing peaceful cruising, pub lunches, or duck-filled mornings, you’re not far off. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at a relaxed day in the life of a canal boat holiday hirer […]
🛏️ Static Boat Hire at Burscough Wharf
Your Floating Retreat in the Heart of Lancashire Looking for a unique place to stay that combines comfort, charm, and waterside tranquillity? Our Static Boat Hire at Burscough Wharf offers a truly memorable getaway — all the atmosphere of canal life, with none of the steering required! Moored securely in the picturesque setting of Burscough […]
🚤 3-Day Canal Boat Holiday from Burscough (Westbound): A Relaxed Waterside Escape
Looking for a peaceful break full of waterside pubs, countryside charm, and easy cruising? A 3-day canal boat holiday from Burscough heading westbound offers just that — no locks, no rush, just the freedom of the water and the beauty of Lancashire’s rural canal landscape. Perfect for beginners, couples, or families, this short itinerary along […]
🚤 3-Day Canal Boat Holiday from Burscough (Eastbound): The Perfect Weekend Escape
If you’re short on time but craving a relaxing getaway, a 3-day canal boat holiday from Burscough is the ideal escape. Nestled on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Lancashire, Burscough offers easy access to scenic cruising, charming villages, and peaceful moorings — all at a gentle, slow-travel pace. Whether you’re new to boating […]
🚤 Canal Boat Holiday: Cruise from Burscough to Manchester
If you’re dreaming of a unique getaway filled with scenic cruising, heritage canal routes, and a mix of countryside and urban charm, a canal boat holiday from Burscough to Manchester might be just the trip you’re looking for. This route along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal (and connecting waterways) is a brilliant mix of peaceful […]
🚤 Canal Cruise : Burscough to Liverpool on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal
If you’re looking for a slow-paced, scenic adventure that winds its way through countryside, villages, and into one of the UK’s most vibrant cities — a canal cruise from Burscough to Liverpool is the perfect journey. Whether you’re a first-time boater or a seasoned narrowboat fan, this route offers a fantastic mix of nature, heritage, […]
Ainscough Mill – A Steam Powered Flour Mill
If you have ever sailed with us it is highly likely you will have noticed the very imposing ‘Ainscough Mill’ as we travel east after passing through ‘The Wharf’. It’s been the home of luxury apartments for the last ten years but it has an interesting history with strong links to the Leeds and Liverpool […]
Pillboxes on the Leeds/Liverpool Canal
Following the British Expeditionary Force’s chaotic evacuation from the Dunkirk beaches in 1940 there was a very real threat of invasion by the rampant German military. Their plan for invasion was code named ‘Operation Sea Lion’ and they planned to sail by August 15th. The aptly named General Sir Edmund Ironside was tasked by Sir […]
Ice and the impact on the UK Canal Network
This spell of very cold weather has led to stretches of the canal network icing up and has us remembering the devastating winter of 1962/3 which effectively killed the canal network as a commercial proposition. From December 1962 through to March 1963 the canal network was completely frozen and unpassable despite the efforts of icebreaker […]
Building the Leeds & Liverpool Canal
It’s easy to take our local canal for granted if you are a frequent walker or a cyclist. We have some beautiful countryside alongside the canal including the 7 mile Rufford Branch which boaters can use to access The Ribble Linkand onto the Lancaster Canal and 42 miles of lock free cruising. This post looks […]