Blog

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

Canal Boat Holiday Lingo Made Simple New to narrowboating? Welcome aboard! If you’re planning your first canal boat holiday, you may hear a few terms that leave you scratching your head. Don’t worry — canal folk are friendly, and you’ll be talking like a boater in no time. To help you get started, here’s a […]

If you’re an older couple looking for a relaxing, scenic, and leisurely holiday, a canal boat trip might be just what you need. Canal boating offers a gentle pace, beautiful surroundings, and plenty of opportunities to unwind—making it an ideal choice for those wanting a stress-free escape. Here’s why canal boat holidays are perfect for […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Why a Boat Holiday Might Be Your Next Favourite Escape If you’ve ever dreamed of a relaxing break on the water, you might be wondering:“Are canal boat holidays suitable for first-timers?” The short answer? Absolutely.A boat holiday on the UK’s canals is one of the most beginner-friendly travel experiences you can enjoy — no previous […]

There are over 100,000 boats registered on the inland waterways of England, Scotland and Wales, and in 2016 more than 672,000 people enjoyed the pastime of inland boating. IWA’s aim is to see those boats and people spread out across all of our wonderful canals and rivers. Most parts of our waterways are vibrant, busy […]

A lot of you will have seen the faces of our skippers cruising up and down the Leeds / Liverpool canal on our daily trips or possibly recognise them from a boat trip you’ve been on. Combined our skippers have a vast knowledge of the canal and local area that we are keen to share […]