🚤 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. […]
🚤 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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]