Blog

There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a solid fuel stove after a crisp autumn or winter day on the canal. The gentle crackle, comforting heat, and glow from the fire can turn your canal boat into a cosy home-from-home. But if you’ve never used one before, it’s important to know the basics to stay […]

What Every First-Time Buyer Needs to Know Buying a narrowboat is an exciting step — whether you’re planning weekend escapes, a full-time liveaboard lifestyle, or a floating holiday home. But it’s also a big investment, and with so many styles, sizes, and systems to consider, it pays to do your homework. Here are 10 essential […]

Slow down, soak up the sun, and explore Britain’s waterways your way Thinking about getting away this summer? A canal boat holiday offers something truly unique: the freedom to travel at your own pace, surrounded by nature, history, and adventure — all while bringing your home with you! Here are 10 irresistible reasons to book […]

A Beginner’s Guide to Navigating the UK’s Inland Waterways Setting off on a canal boat holiday or planning a longer journey on the inland waterways? While cruising the canals is famously slow and relaxing, knowing how to read a waterway map is an essential skill for boaters — especially if you’re new to the cut. […]

Getting stuck in a lock can feel stressful—especially if you’re new to boating—but it’s more common than you might think and usually easy to resolve with a calm approach and a bit of know-how. Whether you’re wedged, can’t get the gates open, or the water level isn’t behaving as expected, here’s what to do if […]

A rainy day on a canal holiday doesn’t have to put a damper on your trip! In fact, with a bit of planning and creativity, those grey skies can become part of your adventure. Whether you’re cruising or moored up, here are some fun and cozy ideas to enjoy a rainy day on the water. […]

For canal lovers seeking a blend of history, engineering brilliance, and beautiful cruising, the Wigan Flight on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is an unmissable destination. This iconic flight of locks, often hailed as one of the finest on the British canal network, offers an exciting and scenic challenge for boaters of all experience levels. […]

In today’s always-connected world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by constant notifications, emails, and screen time. If you’re craving a break from the digital noise, a canal holiday offers the perfect chance to unplug, slow down, and reconnect—with nature, loved ones, and yourself. Here’s how to make the most of a digital detox while cruising […]

Spending Christmas or New Year on a canal boat is a magical way to enjoy the festive season—away from the usual hustle and bustle and surrounded by peaceful waterways and twinkling lights. Whether you’re cruising gently through winter landscapes or moored up snug in a quiet spot, a canal boat holiday at this time of […]

Hiring a canal boat for a relaxing cruise through the countryside is a truly unique experience. But while most of your trip will be spent soaking up the scenery, there’s one thing that deserves a little attention every day: the engine. Don’t worry—you’re not expected to be a mechanic. But basic engine checks are usually […]

If you’re about to embark on your first canal boat holiday, you’re probably wondering what happens when you arrive to collect your boat. The handover process is an essential part of your trip—it’s when you’ll learn how everything on your boat works, get safety briefings, and make sure you’re confident to set off. Whether you’re […]

A canal boat holiday offers a wonderfully peaceful way to explore the countryside—but like any kind of travel, safety should always come first. Whether you’re a first-time boater or a seasoned cruiser, it’s essential to understand how to stay safe while enjoying the canals. Canal boating is generally low-risk, but accidents can happen—especially if you’re […]

A canal boat holiday is a fantastic family adventure—peaceful, slow-paced, and packed with opportunities to explore nature and local history. But if you’re traveling with kids, especially younger ones, you might be wondering how to keep them entertained on long stretches of water. The good news? With a bit of creativity and planning, a canal […]

Sail Into the Heart of Culture, Coastline, and Canal Life Arriving in Liverpool by boat is a memorable experience — whether you’re navigating from the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, sailing up the Mersey, or mooring in the city’s iconic docks. With its rich maritime history, world-famous music legacy, and buzzing waterfront, Liverpool is a dream […]

Top Towpath Stops for a Pint, a Pie & a Mooring If you’re cruising the Leeds & Liverpool Canal from Liverpool to Appley Bridge, you’re in for more than just scenic countryside and historic waterways — this stretch also boasts some truly brilliant pubs. From traditional locals to trendy waterside venues, these spots are perfect […]

Keep Your Narrowboat Running Smoothly All Year Round Whether you’re living aboard full-time or enjoying a relaxing boat holiday, one thing is certain: your engine is the heart of your narrowboat. With just a little care and attention, you can keep it running efficiently and avoid unexpected breakdowns on the cut. Here are 10 essential […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]