Blog

If you’re dreaming of a slow-paced, scenic getaway, a canal boat hire might just be the perfect escape. But how comfortable is it really to live on the water for a few days—or even a week? Let’s break down what you can expect in terms of comfort, space, and onboard amenities when you hire a […]

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 […]

Discover the charm of Lancashire’s waterside communities One of the greatest joys of a canal boat holiday is mooring up in peaceful villages that you might otherwise never find. Lancashire is packed with beautiful canal-side stops that offer history, good food, and warm welcomes — all just steps from your mooring. Here are some of […]

Reconnect, explore, and create unforgettable memories on the water. Family holidays are meant to bring everyone closer—and what better way to do that than aboard a boat? Whether you’re gliding through peaceful canals, exploring coastal waters, or anchoring near a hidden beach, a family boat trip offers a truly unique experience. Here’s why you should […]

There’s something timeless and tranquil about gliding along a canal in a narrowboat. Whether you’re planning a weekend break or a longer adventure, traveling by canal boat offers a unique perspective on the countryside and a chance to unwind. But before you untie those mooring ropes, it’s important to be prepared. Here are 10 essential […]

Understanding Mooring Rules on UK Canals One of the great joys of canal boating is being able to stop and soak in the scenery whenever you like. But can you just moor your boat anywhere along the canal? The short answer is: not quite. Mooring a canal boat comes with rules designed to keep waterways safe, […]

Exploring Lancashire and Merseyside by canal offers a perfect mix of history, culture, nature, and local charm. Whether you’re cruising the iconic Leeds & Liverpool Canal or the picturesque waterways around Liverpool, there’s plenty to see and do. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your canal adventure in this vibrant part […]

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 […]

If you’ve ever taken a walk, paddle, or narrowboat cruise along a canal, you’ve likely noticed an array of signs peppered along the route. While some are self-explanatory, others may leave you guessing. These signs play a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation, environmental protection, and the smooth sharing of the space between boaters, walkers, […]

Canals are not just serene stretches of water winding through the countryside—they’re also home to some of the most fascinating infrastructure in the UK. Among these, canal bridges stand out for their blend of history, engineering, and charm. Whether you’re a boater navigating under them, a walker crossing them, or a history lover admiring them, understanding canal […]

Taking a narrowboat trip along the canals is a magical experience — peaceful waters, scenic views, and a slow pace that’s perfect for family bonding. But if you have a baby, you might wonder how to make the adventure safe, comfortable, and fun for everyone. Whether you’re new to boating or an experienced narrowboat lover […]

Planning a canal boat holiday is exciting—but packing for life on the water is a bit different from your typical getaway. Space is limited, the pace is relaxed, and you’ll be spending most of your time outdoors or cruising peacefully through the countryside. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned narrowboater, here’s a […]

A helpful guide to good manners on the cut Whether you’re hiring a narrowboat for the first time or you’re a seasoned cruiser, understanding canal etiquette is just as important as knowing how to steer. These unwritten (and sometimes written) rules help keep the canals safe, friendly, and enjoyable for everyone — boaters, walkers, anglers, […]

Planning your first canal holiday hire? You’re in for a truly unique break — a relaxing journey through the countryside at your own pace, with waterside pubs, wildlife, and picturesque villages along the way. But packing for life aboard a narrowboat is a little different from your usual hotel stay. Whether you’re cruising for a […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

When you sail with us our experienced skippers will try and include a little insight into the history of the Leeds and Liverpool canal whilst you enjoy a relaxing sail along one of the oldest and longest navigation canals in the UK. The concept of a series of navigation canals came as a result of […]

Afternoon Tea – A Brief History The quintessentially English habit of Afternoon Tea dates back to the 1840’s and was designed tostave off hunger between Lunch and the set Evening Meal. It was indulged in by the upperechelons of society who would declare ‘open at home for tea receptions’ for up to 200 guests toattend […]