Our Holiday Hire Boats

Two luxury self-drive narrowboats available for hire

Conveniently located in Burscough (L40 5UU) — ideal for exploring canals between Liverpool and Manchester, or further afield

Each boat is fully equipped with furnishings, essential equipment, and utensils for a comfortable trip

Boats are clean, well-maintained, and ready to go.

Full operating instructions provided — perfect for both beginners and experienced boaters

Facilities: Include details like a shower, toilet, heating, fridge, cooker/oven, hot water

On-site parking is available and free.

Check-in / check-out : 15:00 & 10:00

Dog Friendly

Designed to ensure a relaxing, enjoyable canal adventure

Cray - 2 to 4 Berth - Cruiser Style - 47ft Narrowboat

Spacious rear kitchen and living area that converts into a comfortable double bed

Two fixed berths — configurable as: Two double beds, or One double and two singles

Bathroom with flushing toilet, wash basin, shower over a 4ft bath

Central heating throughout the boat

Solid fuel stove for added warmth and cosy atmosphere

Eshton - 4 to 6 Berth - Cruiser Style - 57ft Narrowboat

Central kitchen and living area with seating that converts into a double bed

Four fixed berths — flexible layout options:, Three double beds, Two doubles and two singles, One double and four singles

Two shower rooms, each with a toilet and wash basin, located at either end of the boat

Fully equipped with central heating for comfort in all seasons

Why Choose A Boating Holiday

Short Breaks & Weekly Narrowboat Hire
We offer a variety of affordable narrowboat holidays, including weekend rentals (Friday to Monday), mid-week breaks (Monday to Friday), full-week hires, and longer options (starting on either Monday or Friday). During the winter season, we also provide 1- or 2-night static canal boat hires. Browse our prices and book online today with just a 25% deposit.

Great Family Boating Holidays (including your dog!)
A canal boat holiday is a fantastic way for the whole family to get involved. From steering the narrowboat to planning the route and working the locks, it’s an excellent opportunity to work as a team, learn new skills, and explore new destinations together. We provide life jackets and full instruction, ensuring that even the youngest members can enjoy a safe and fun holiday on the UK canals. Check out some of our customer reviews here.

Self-Drive and Static Boat Hire
From March to mid-November, we offer self-drive, giving you the chance to experience life on the water. During the winter (mid-November to February), our narrowboats are available for static hire, staying moored at the wharf as unique self-catering accommodation while you explore the local area by car or public transport.

Great Value Canal Holidays
Hire one of our luxury canal boats for a short break, full week, 10 days, or two weeks to explore the Leeds Liverpool Canal at your own pace. We also offer static boat hires for 1- or 2-night stays. The prices listed on our website include the full hire of the narrowboat, with essentials like parking, bed linen, and gas included. 

Outstanding Countryside Location
Experience the beauty of the Lancashire and explore historic landmarks, stroll through the countryside, or moor up in a town to enjoy boutique shops and delicious restaurants. .

Luxury Canal Boat Rental in England
Our canal boats provide private accommodation for 2 to 6 people and are designed to feel like a home away from home. Whether you opt for the larger family boat, Eshton, or the smaller Cray, each boat is unique and fully equipped to ensure your canal boat holiday is comfortable and enjoyable.

No Experience Necessary!
We offer a personalized introduction to canal boat operation at the start of your hire, so you’ll feel confident handling the boat and locks before you set off. If you prefer, contact us about private skippered canal boat holidays, where you can relax and enjoy the ride while we take care of the navigation.

Simple Online Availability and Booking System
Check the availability of our luxury canal boats online and book your holiday in just five simple steps. We require only a 25% deposit at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due eight weeks before your narrowboat holiday begins. an

Myself and my nanna had the best time on the canal boat, the food was absolutely delicious and we couldn’t have asked for a better day the weather was perfect. The gentleman doing the tour (didn’t catch his name sorry) was so knowledgeable and was very funny. He was really accommodating for my nanna as well as she isn’t the most steady on her feet, he helped her on and off the boat and helped her up and down the stairs which I can’t thank him enough for. Would highly recommend doing this tour and it’s in such a beautiful area. Will definitely be doing it again!

Li L
Trustpilot

Experienced a wonderful autumn cruise along the canal here with Skipper Mark who shared all his amazing experiences and knowledge of the area and canal along the way. Highly recommend this if you’re in the area.

Steven H
Trustpilot

Our family of four hired a 6-berth boat and cruised from Burscough to Wigan and back. The boat was great, the route was lovely, and the service from Lancashire Canal Cruises was superb—special thanks to Marc, who was incredibly helpful. Five stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ben M
Trustpilot

Amazing experience!
As first-time canal boaters, we were a bit nervous, but Richard made the whole process easy and enjoyable. He spent a couple of hours with us on the water, guiding us through everything until we felt completely comfortable handling the boat, mooring, and using all the onboard features. We spent two nights aboard and had an absolutely brilliant time—cruising between pubs for meals, spotting a kingfisher, and taking in the beautiful Lancashire countryside. The boat was spotless and had everything we needed.
10/10 – highly recommend! Thanks again to Lancashire Canal Cruises!

Matthew S
Trustpilot

What a fantastic afternoon with the fabulous Marc as our skipper. This trip is worth every penny so if you've not done it or are considering booking on one of the experiences then do it! you will have a great time. Marc is brilliant sharing all the history and stories of canal life and the surrounding areas. Thank you Marc for making our trip truly special! 🤗

Pamela W
Trustpilot

Really Enjoyed today's canal ride. Was made to feel at ease when I was nervous on the water. Amazing views & a lovely Afternoon tea. Got to steer the boat and wear the captains hat 😁. And the guy even made time to rescue someone's Memorial bench after it had been blown into the water 💙

Debbie H
Trustpilot

We chartered a private hire cruise for 3hrs for my Mums 80th birthday and it was just perfect. Our Skipper Tori was fantastic, she really played along with the kids and kept them involved. The weather was rubbish but we didn't let it ruin the experience, all having a go at steering the boat and helping with the swing bridge.
We took our own food, drink and decorations and nothing was any bother. Would definitely recommend this trip.

Amy K
Trustpilot

Everything was perfect from booking to the trip. Great communication.
Lovely afternoon tea.
The gentleman was friendly & had a great knowledge of the canal & surroundings.
Perfect start to my friends 40th Birthday celebrations.

Annmaria S
Trustpilot

Just got back from an amazing cruise with afternoon tea with this company. The food was lovely and fresh!
The skipper, Mark was lovely and professional! He was so naturally friendly and explained everything about the history of barges and the area. He was so knowledgeable. The cruise itself was beautiful and relaxing.

Leah J
Trustpilot

What a wonderful experience! Mark was such a great host, very kind and helpful. We miss our trip because of car crash on the road, he not only accommodate us on the next trip but he make us fresh afternoon tea and he place us in the best part of the boat! I can’t explain what a wonderful people and what a experience we had ! Truly amazing! Definitely try for yourself !!! Thank you Mark! See you soon!

Plamena D
Trustpilot