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The 5 Best Boat Tours in Manchester

• Quality - We considered the type of vehicle used for each boat tour. This included assessing the size, style, and amenities of the boats.
• Range of Activities - We assessed the variety of activities offered by each boat tour. This included considering the diversity of tours available, the range of landmarks or attractions covered, and any additional experiences.
• Availability - We reviewed the availability of boat tours, taking into account factors such as operating hours, seasonal variations, and the frequency of tours.
• Customer Service - We assessed the level of customer service provided by each boat tour operator. Factors included the friendliness and knowledge of the staff, the efficiency of the booking process, and overall customer satisfaction.
• Pricing - We analysed the pricing structure of boat tours and compared it to other providers in the area.
• City Centre Cruises
• Manchester River Cruises
• Emerald Cruises
• Bridgewater Cruises
• The Liquorists

FAQs about Boat Tours in Manchester

Embark on a nautical adventure in the heart of Manchester with captivating boat tours that promise scenic views, rich history, and a unique perspective of the city.

Picture yourself cruising past iconic landmarks, historical tales, and the city’s modern skyline from a serene aquatic vantage point – it’s something that’ll surely stick to your memory!

So, join us as we set sail on a guide to the best boat tours in Manchester. Read on!

1. City Centre Cruises

Services: Boat rental, Cruise

Website: https://www.citycentrecruises.co.uk/

Address: Castlefield Events Arena, Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4JR, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 902 0222

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

• Luxurious boats
• 50-person capacity
• Wide range of activities
• Hospitable staff members
• Open everyday
• More expensive compared to other providers

City Centre Cruises is a seasoned operator of passenger boat cruises along Manchester’s canals. In fact, we’re impressed to learn that they have been operating for over 30 years already!

They also boast two luxurious purpose-built barges with a capacity of 50 each and have cruises available every day. 

Due to their popularity, though, we think it’s wise to book at least a month in advance to secure your preferred date.

Another thing we appreciate about City Centre Cruises is they can offer both public cruises and private events. According to our surveys, they’re most popular for events like corporate charters, family celebrations, or even hen parties.

When we took their cruise, we were amazed with their offerings. Here, guests can enjoy their bars, onboard chefs, waiter service, music, karaoke, and central heating.

Their customer service is equally impressive, given their hospitable staff members. During our trip, we noted the warm, polite, and attentive staff, creating an atmosphere as if you’re in a hotel while cruising the waters.

Sadly, booking a cruise with them is quite expensive compared to other boat tours in the area. 

We think that their price for a three-hour private hire cruise is £600, with a required deposit of £200 is pretty steep, especially for those on a budget. We think that’s a reasonable price to pay for a luxurious experience, though.

2. Manchester River Cruises

Services: Boat tours, Live music

Website: https://manchesterrivercruises.com/

Address: The Quays, Salford, Manchester M50 3AZ, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 960 0534

• Spacious vessels
• Available for public and private cruise
• In-house catering services
• Affordable tickets
• Accepts walk-in passengers
• Complaints about unenthusiastic crew

Manchester River Cruises stands out from the rest because of their spacious vessels. We’re impressed to find that they have boats that can accommodate up to 70 people – a significant capacity compared to other boat rentals in the area.

On top of this, we appreciate that they offer a variety of public tours with themes such as Sunday Sessions, which feature live music.

Another option is their City River Tour, which provides a sightseeing experience of Manchester’s top tourist destinations. We believe that this particular option will be ideal for tourists who want to explore the city by water.

During our trip, we received fantastic treatment from the tour guide and other crew members. We were sad to learn that our surveys revealed some complaints from previous customers who felt that the staff lacked enthusiasm, though.

On the bright side, many customers praise them for their affordability. We were happy to have paid only £12 each for a sweet, chilled canal tour lasting an hour.

Aside from public cruises, we want to highlight that Manchester River Cruises is also popular for private hires for various events. We give them props for providing in-house catering options, servers, and performers for all types of private functions.

Lastly, we like that they offer cruises every day, plus they also accept walk-in passengers as long as there are available slots on deck.

3. Emerald Cruises

Services: River cruise, Yacht cruise

Website: https://www.emeraldcruises.co.uk/

Address: 4 Piccadilly Pl, Manchester M1 3BN, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 808 115 0205

Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

• Sails around the world
• Comprehensive packages
• Online customer portal to track bookings
• Limited to public cruise
• Limited availability

Emerald Cruises is a popular travel company that sets sails around the world. Luckily, their boats also grace Manchester’s waters.

We think that they will be ideal for tourists who don’t like planning since Emerald Cruises offer comprehensive packages that include airport transfers, onboard and onshore gratuities, and all meals.

We must note, however, that the rates vary depending on the trip. And from what we’ve seen, they tend to charge higher than other boat tours.

Upon checking out their cruise, we were impressed by the abundance of crew on deck. This made it easy for us to make requests, all of which were quickly accommodated by pleasant staff members. 

Unfortunately, we learned that they solely focus on public cruises — much to the dismay of guests who want to hire the boats for private events.  Furthermore, we felt iffy about some reports of customers experiencing delayed refunds. 

Their cruise slots also vary depending on the availability of their boats. However, we appreciate that they provide a calendar on their website for prospective guests to check availability.

Speaking of their website, we’re also impressed that they boast an online portal where customers can track and make changes to their bookings — adding convenience and flexibility to the reservation process.

4. Bridgewater Cruises

Services: Boat cruise

Website: https://www.bridgewatercruises.co.uk/

Address: Marina, Boothstown, 14 Quayside Cl, Boothstown, Worsley, Manchester M28 1YB, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 1942 878606

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM–5:30 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

• Private and public cruises
• Themed cruises
• Available every day
• Attentie and personalised customer service
• Requires advanced booking

Bridgewater Cruise is a loved family-run company, and for us, this factor speaks a lot about their hospitality and truly local offerings. 

They also stood out to us as they focused on providing captivating cruises along the Historic Bridgewater Canal in Worsley, Manchester. We learned that they showcase the area’s rich heritage and scenic beauty with two boats at their disposal.

The boat that caught our attention first is the luxurious ‘Francis Egerton’. Here, we discovered that guests can embark on memorable journeys aboard through their public cruises.

We like how their diverse calendar includes themed events like Easter Craft Cruises and Afternoon Tea Cruises. For us, this adds an extra layer of excitement to the canal experience.

Alternatively, guests can opt for the second boat called ‘Lady Harriet’. This is a smaller boat that we think is perfect for exclusive cruises for private celebrations.

We also give Bridgewater Cruise props for offering their cruises daily, but we must mention that they require guests to book in advance to secure a spot. We think this is prudent, though, given their popularity among locals and tourists alike.

Another plus in our books is their affordable pricing, with rates starting at just £14.83 per person only. Our experience couldn’t have been less luxurious with that price, though, since their attentive staff made sure we felt comfortable and engaged throughout the trip!

5. The Liquorists

Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-liquorists-15831022832

Address: Liverpool Rd, Bowl M3 4JR, United Kingdom

Operating Hours: Sunday to Saturday: 9:00 AM–10:00 PM

• Serves cocktail and food
• Lively crowd
• More expensive compared to other tours
• Crowded boats

The Liquorists has been operating since 2010 and has been adored by both locals and tourists alike. From our research, we found that they offer three-hour cruises along the River Irwell and around Media City while serving delicious cocktails and food.

What stood out to us about The Liquorists is that they host numerous themed cruises centred around specific drinks—they’re aptly named, yes?

We also appreciate the witty names such as Summer Wines, Spritz and Fizz Cruise, ‘Rum Runners Revenge Rum Cruise, and Cocktails You Love & Pop Queens Cocktail Cruise.

Their cruises are also available everyday, so that’s a plus for accessibility! However, we did notice that it can get a bit crowded on their boats.

With this in mind, we think that they will be ideal for those seeking a lively party atmosphere on a boat rather than a relaxing cruise.

Also, the average price for a cruise with The Liquorists is around £50 — positioning them on the pricier side when compared to other providers. 

However, we believe this is justified considering the unique experience of combining a cruise with a drinking session. Plus, we were pleased with the attentive and polite customer service we received when we tried their services. 

Overall, we love how The Liquorists offers a vibrant experience with an upbeat crowd, refreshing drinks, and the scenic backdrop of Manchester waters.

The Manchester Ship Canal starts at the Mersey Estuary at Eastham, near Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. It generally follows the original routes of the rivers Mersey and Irwell through the historic counties of Cheshire and Lancashire.

The average cruising time for a Thames sightseeing cruise from one pier to the other is 40 minutes.

It typically takes about 60 sailing days out of approximately 100 days on board to circumnavigate the UK.

To use a boat in the UK, you must adhere to safety regulations. On top of this, you also need to consider whether you need insurance if you own a boat. Additionally, you usually need to register your boat to use it on inland waterways, such as rivers and canals. It would be best to contact the navigation authority of the waterway you want to use for specific requirements.

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6+ Best Manchester Boat Trips to Book in 2024

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Are you looking for the best boat trips in Manchester? You’ve come to the right place!

Manchester is famous for many things like music, street art and nightlife but it’s also a great place to discover from a boat.

There are so many canals like the Manchester Ship Canal, Bridgewater Canal and Ashton canals but also many rivers (though River Irwell is the main one), making it a great place for a boat tour.

🕒 IN A RUSH?

The best boat tour in Manchester is this Canal & River Cruise . It lasts 70 minutes and can be boarded from the city centre or Salford.

See prices here.

Several companies offer boat tours in Manchester and you can opt for a sightseeing one as well as a dinner cruise in Manchester.

You can also privatise some boats for a team building or birthday party.

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the best Manchester boat trips.

Table of Contents

1. Canal & River Cruise by Manchester River Cruises

⏰ Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes | ⭐ Reviews: 4.4 out of 5 | Check Rates and Availability

The Manchester Ship Canal is 36 miles long that links Manchester with the Irish Sea. The canal was officially opened in 1894, so it plays a big part in Manchester’s industrial history. 

With this Manchester canal tour , you get to enjoy a scenic tour of not only the Ship Canal but also the River Irwell.

This 70 minute boat trip takes place on board the sightseeing boat the Princess Katherine.

From the boat you will get to see places like Media City, Manchester United’s Old Trafford, the Ship Canal locks, the old Pomona Docks and the Imperial War Museum. 

As well as seeing all these interesting sites, you will also learn about Manchester’s history by listening to the onboard commentary. 

You will discover the industries that used the Ship Canal and how they made the city one of the most economically powerful in Europe.

There are two options for boarding the Princess Katherine for this Manchester boat tour. 

You can meet from their city centre location at Ralli Quay on the other side of the river from the People’s History Museum. 

Alternatively, you can board from the Millennium Life bridge close to the Lowry Theatre in Salford Quays.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICES

2. Elvis-on-the-River Cruise

⏰ Duration: 2.5 hours | ⭐ Reviews: 4.8 out of 5 | Check Rates and Availability

For themed boat trips in Manchester look no further than this Elvis-on-the-River cruise on the Irwell.

Looking for an evening cruise that will have you singing and dancing, then search no longer. It will help if you also have a bit of Elvis fever.

This river boat cruise in Manchester is two and a half hours long and departs from Salford Quays boarding point under the Millennium Footbridge by the Lowry Theatre.

As you step on board Princess Katherine you will be welcomed with a glass of Prosecco.

There will also be light snacks and canapes served on the cruise. Music comes in the form of an Elvis Presley tribute artist who will perform all of the legend’s biggest tracks.

As you tap your feet and chatter away, you will get to see some of Manchester’s top sites from the boat, including the Old Trafford stadium and the beautifully lit Media City.

Previous guests on board the Elvis-on-the-River cruise wax lyrical about the Elvis impersonators voice.

There’s no half-hearted out of tune singing on this cruise boat, you might even feel though you’ve listened to the real deal.

3. Swing and Rat Pack River Cruise

⏰ Duration: 2.5 hours | ⭐ Reviews: 4.9 out of 5 | Check Rates and Availability

This Manchester boat tour is a fantastic evening activity to enjoy with friends or family.

The Rat Pack were an informal group of entertainers which included big names like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.

Swing music just evokes that feeling of peace and can only be described as feel-good music.

This two and a half hour swing and rat pack river cruise takes place aboard the Princess Katherine, the perfect sightseeing boat.

You will be welcomed with drinks and provided with snacks along the way. Cruising along the River Irwell, you’ll listen to some of the best Rat Pack and swing artists from the era.

As you listen, you will be able to appreciate the glittering lights of Manchester as you head from Salford Quays to the heart of Manchester.

Seating on the boat is arranged in booths of four and it might be that you will have to share booths with other rat pack cruise guests.

The cruise starts from under the Millennium Footbridge, otherwise known as the lift bridge, just outside the Lowry Theatre.

Guests onboard the Princess Katherine highly rate the music and extremely friendly and accommodating staff.

Whether you want to sit back and relax or dance the cruise away this is an enjoyable evening activity in Manchester.

4. Sunday Lunch Cruises

If you want to find a lunch spot with a twist head out on this Manchester city river tour.

This tour is run by City Centre Cruises and the cruise sets sail from Castlefield along the Bridgewater Canal Tow Path at 1pm.  

On their website they release the dates for Sunday lunch for the up-and-coming months.

Their lunch menu changes but you can expect to enjoy a homemade soup for starters with fresh hot rolls.

A classic British Sunday lunch for mains includes roast beef, Yorkshire puddings and roast potatoes. Desert often includes their melt in the mouth apple and blackberry crumble with custard.

Of course, you can’t have Sunday lunch without some tea and coffee. People rave about the food and it’s a great way to experience a class British meal if you are visiting from overseas.

There is also a bar on board where you can purchase drinks separately.

The boat you will dine on is a barge boat named after Manchester’s political activist Emmeline Pankhurst.

As you dine on this canal boat tour in Manchester your captain will provide you with informative insight into the local area and the Manchester canal network.

Your skipper, Alan, makes the experience all the more pleasurable with his wit, humour and friendly manner.

5. Cocktails Cruises

For a lively evening on the water why not try one of Cocktails Ahoy’s cocktail cruises .

Perhaps you’ve already been out in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and want to try something different for a night out? Well, this is a fun choice.

This cocktail cruise runs from Castlefield down the Bridgewater Canal.

The cruise takes place on their canal barge Bohemia. Bohemia has space for up to 60 guests, has a well-stocked cocktail bar and a dance floor.

As the boat can accommodate so many people, this is a great idea for a birthday or anniversary celebration as well.

This boat cruise is three hours long and you can enjoy seven freshly made cocktails.

There’s also a resident DJ on board who plays some classic tunes that will get you dancing.

As well as regular cocktail cruises Cocktails Ahoy also do themed cruises like the ‘Sex and the City’, Peaky Blinders and’ 80s themed night.

6. Bridgewater Cruises

Bridgewater Cruises offer two options for Manchester city river tours.

First up there’s the restaurant boat, the Francis Egerton. This boat is used for public cruises and private charters as well.

Their restaurant boat has a ton of different dining cruises to choose from. There’s the two-course lunch, afternoon tea, Sunday lunch, and the Worsley Gin cruises.

Alternatively, you can book a private charter canal boat tour in Manchester on the Lady Harriet.

This boat is suitable for up to 12 people and can be booked for an hour and 15 minutes, two hours or three-hour cruises.

People departing on the Francis Egerton should head to the towpath side of the Humpback Bridge in Worsley Village in Greater Manchester.

The Lady Harriet departs from the Bridgewater Marina which is around 15 minutes’ drive from the Trafford Centre.

Bridgewater Cruises is a family run company and you can really tell this in the details from booking to the trip itself.

It’s a truly unique experience and one that will allow you to create lasting memories whilst also seeing interesting spots along the Bridgewater Canal.

Whether you head there for dinner, a birthday celebration or a surprise party this barge boat is a unique thing to do in Manchester.

Best Boat Trips in Manchester: Frequently Asked Questions

Here we will answer all the most frequently asked questions about boat trips in Manchester.

What is the famous canal in Manchester?

There are a few well-known canals in Manchester but the most famous one is the Manchester Ship Canal. It’s 36-mile long and links Manchester to the Irish sea.

It was originally built so the cotton arriving in Liverpool could be transported straight to Manchester where it would be turned into textile. The Manchester ship canal was completed in 1893 and is still in use today.

Another very famous canal in Manchester is the Bridgewater canal. It is the oldest canal in England and particularly popular for canal walks , boating and SUP.

What canal runs through Manchester?

There are a few canals that run through Manchester but the main ones in the city centre are the Rochdale and Ashton canals.

Is the Manchester ship canal still used?

Yes it is still used to transport goods from the port of Liverpool to Manchester as well as for tourism purposes. There are a lot of Manchester ship canal cruises going between Liverpool and Manchester.

What are the best canals around Manchester?

The best canals for walking in Manchester are Rochdale, Ashton and Bridgewater canals.

Can you walk along Manchester canal?

Yes you can walk along all the canals in Manchester. They are also a great place for a bicycle ride.

Can you swim in Manchester canals?

No, you can not swim in any of the canals in Manchester. Even if you were allowed, it’s highly unlikely you’d want to. They are canals and therefore not the cleanest places for a swim. There are many wildlife swimming spots around Manchester that you can check out instead.

What is the longest canal in Manchester?

Manchester Ship Canal is the longest canal in Manchester. It’s 36-mile long and goes all the way to Liverpool and the Irish Sea. 

What is the oldest canal in Manchester?

The Bridgewater Canal was the first canal in Britain and therefore the oldest in Manchester as well. It was opened in 1761 which is over a 100 years before the Manchester Ship Canal.

What are the 3 rivers in Manchester?

There are three rivers in Manchester: the Irk, the Medlock and the Mersey but it’s important to note that the Irk flows into River Irwell which is at the limit between Manchester and Salford.

Now that you know everything there is to know about the best boat trips in Manchester, have fun!

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Founder of Manchester Pocket Guide. Pauline has been living in Manchester for 6 years and loves exploring the city. As a travel writer, she always had passion for discovering cities but Manchester is the place she truly fell in love with. From cute food spots to famous landmarks, she knows Manchester like the back of her hand.

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River Cruise in Salford

Salford quays river cruise (1 hour).

Manchester Sightseeing Cruises - Princess Katherine

Book Tickets Now   

Relax with a River and Canal Cruise between Salford Quays and Manchester City Centre.

Enjoy a relaxing boat trip as you cruise the historic ship canal and river irwell from the former manchester docks, now known as salford quays, to manchester city centre and return..

Board the Princess Katherine and listen to the onboard commentary as you enjoy this Manchester boat trip between Salford Quays and the city centre for a 60-minute boat trip. There are refreshments available to purchase onboard.

Cruise highlights En route, see the Victoria & Albert Hotel, formerly a 19th-century riverside warehouse, George Stephenson’s 1830 Railway bridge and the striking new 2017 Ordsall Chord Bridge. Look out for the former Pomona Docks and Old Trafford football stadium, home to the world-famous Manchester United. At Salford Quays, admire the impressive glass and steel buildings of Media City including the ITV Studios which produce the long-running TV series ‘Coronation Street’. Don’t miss the BBC Studios, the Imperial War Museum North, Lowry Theatre and Gallery, the Millennium Bridge and striking new stylish apartment blocks.

Timings  Regular* departures from Pier 8, which is next to The Lowry Theatre. Boarding is from the Lowry side of the Quays, beneath the Millennium footbridge. Look out for the Manchester River Cruise flags on the riverside path that mark the boarding point.

The Salford Quays boarding point is at Pier 8, which is beneath the Millennium footbridge, behind The Lowry theatre.

Pier 8 The Quays Salford M50 3AZ

The nearest car park to the boarding point is the Lowry Outlet multi-storey car park, M50 3AH.

The boat docks at in Manchester city centre at Ralli Quay, opposite the People’s History Museum and the Dockyard Pub.

* check river cruise website for latest sailing timetables, availability and latest information.

Discover more Sightseeing tours

Child (2-15 years)

DEPARTURE AND BOARDING POINTS

Boarding is from Pier 8, beneath the Millennium footbridge, behind The Lowry theatre.

Departure from Salford Quays: 11:30 12:45 14:00 15:15

Optional drop off  in Manchester city centre: 12:15 13:30 14:45 16:00

Cruise ends Salford Quays: 12:45 14:00 15:15 16:00

Please ensure you arrive at least five minutes before stated departure time; the Princess Katherine cannot return to the quay once departed.

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Click on the button below to visit our booking website and book tickets.

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THE 5 BEST Manchester Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in manchester.

• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Shark Diving
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• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. City Centre Cruises

2. Freediving school - Apneists UK

3. Off The Scale Outdoor Education

4. Debdale Outdoor Activity Club

5. Travel 1st

6. Manchester Tours

7. Sailfunk Yachting

What travellers are saying.

• Manchester Tours
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• Freediving school - Apneists UK
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THE 5 BEST Manchester Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in manchester.

• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Shark Diving
• Swim with Dolphins
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. City Centre Cruises

2. Freediving school - Apneists UK

3. Off The Scale Outdoor Education

4. Debdale Outdoor Activity Club

5. Travel 1st

6. Manchester Tours

7. Sailfunk Yachting

What travellers are saying.

• Manchester Tours
• City Centre Cruises
• Freediving school - Apneists UK
• Sailfunk Yachting

Set sail on a canal boat trip in the heart of Manchester

Manchester, greater manchester.

Whether you are looking for a short break or week-long trip, enjoy historic hands-on canal tours in Manchester.

On board the Wandering Duck, travel on a vast network of canals on this multi-day canal boat tour. During this unique hands-on experience, guests will learn how to steer the boat and work the locks. There will also be plenty of time for relaxing on board with real ale from a local micro-brewery. During the trip, the boat will sail past some of the hidden treasures of Manchester as well as going into the heart of countryside and national parks.

For those interested in the history of Manchester’s canal network, Manchester Ship Canal Cruises is the place to go, with lively commentaries bringing history to life on one of the country’s major waterways. The Manchester Youth Hostel overlooks the Bridgewater Canal in Castlefield and is the perfect place to stay for a canal adventure, with plenty of other city centre attractions only a short walk away.

Content provided by Visit Manchester

• Find out more about the Wandering Duck and plan your visit
• Find more rural breaks in Manchester

For more local tourist information:

• Manchester Visitor Information Centre Tic
• Email Address [email protected]
• Contact Details 0871 222 8223

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THE 10 BEST Greater Manchester Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in greater manchester.

• Boat Rentals
• Kayaking & Canoeing
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• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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1. Bridgewater Cruises

2. City Centre Cruises

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19. Manchester Tours

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22. all aboard, what travelers are saying.

• Manchester Tours
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• New Horizons Canal Boat
• Venture Out
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• Bridgewater Cruises
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City Centre Cruises

The original party boat, restaurant and canal barge tour company in manchester, operating passenger boat cruises on the canals of manchester for over 30 years, based in castlefield, manchester with two luxury purpose-built barges.

We offer restaurant, buffet, tour, party boat, corporate and water taxi services  

Licensed Bars | Onboard Chefs | Waiter Service | Music |  Karaoke | Central Heating

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• Salford Quays

We pick up from just underneath the Millennium lift footbridge at Salford Quays

Map Links –

https://w3w.co/words.spin.last

https://bit.ly/3slfoe3

Salford Quays is our main point for picking up for our sightseeing trips around the surrounding area. There is a lot going on at the Quays with the Lowry art centre and theatre hosting shows and events, the Imperial war museum and the BBC, as well a host of bars and hotels.

The closest parking is at the Quayside Mall – https://www.quaysidemediacityuk.co.uk/car-parking/

21 best canal boat trips in the UK

Watching the world go by from a narrowboat or barge may not be the fastest way to travel, but it’s a wonderful way to discover some of the UK’s most beautiful and interesting landscapes. Rolling countryside, quaint market towns, historic mill villages and UNESCO-listed industrial heritage – along with some truly cutting-edge modern additions to the canal network; you can see it all when you take these canal boat trips on Britain’s amazing inland waterways.

• Northern England
• Central England
• Southern England

Canal boat holidays

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Canal boat trips in northern England

Standedge tunnel, west yorkshire.

Let’s start this list of the best canal trips with something truly extraordinary. Standedge Tunnel, on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is the longest, highest, deepest canal tunnel in the UK, and you can take a guided canal boat trip inside its astonishing depths.

Boat trips into the Standedge Tunnel start from Tunnel End near the village of Marsden in West Yorkshire. They’re operated, like a few of the boat tours on this list, by the Canal and River Trust , a charity which looks after 2000 miles of inland waterways in England and Wales.

After your 30-minute journey into the tunnel, you can explore a small museum which describes the arduous building of the tunnel in the late 18th century, its decline when the railways came, how it was abandoned for decades and was finally brought back to life in 2001 thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers.

Read more about visiting Standedge Tunnel

Skipton, North Yorkshire

Skipton is a gorgeous market town at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. The Leeds and Liverpool canal arrived in Skipton in 1773, carrying coal, cloth and other cargo across the country from the ports at Liverpool and Hull (via the Aire and Calder Navigation).

Skipton is surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, and gliding through it on a canal boat trip is the perfect way to see it. From Skipton’s pretty marina in the centre of town, you can take a 1 hour trip to discover the canal, or 2 hour trips to enjoy an afternoon tea on the water.

If you’re thinking you might like to skipper your own boat for a canal boat holiday, a day cruise on the wide, lock-free stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool canal south of Skipton is a good place to perfect your skills. There’s even a handily-placed canalside pub for lunch.

The team at Skipton Boat Trips will give you all the tuition you need to take the helm of your hire boat with confidence, even if you’re a complete novice. If you love it, you can hire a boat for a short break canal holiday or a full week or more, depending on how many miles of waterways you want to explore.

Saltaire, West Yorkshire

15 miles south east of Skipton on the Leeds and Liverpool canal, you’ll find Saltaire. Saltaire is a picturesque model village built by Sir Titus Salt to house the workers from his enormous mill in hygienic, morally sound and intellectually improving surroundings.

Salts Mill and the village surrounding it are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of my favourite places to visit; the mill now holds an art gallery, interesting shops (including the most amazing bookshop) and cafes. Across the river, there’s a lovely park, and down on the canal you can buy ice creams from a barge and take 30-minute boat trips on the narrowboat Titus . Trips run from the end of March to the end of October.

Read more: visiting Salts Mill and Saltaire

Manchester owes a lot of its existence to canals. Canals allowed Manchester’s industrialists to bring raw materials into the city, along with coal to power the machines that would turn raw cotton into finished cloth.

At first, products were transported out of Manchester by barge on the Bridgewater Canal or later by rail, but this didn’t provide enough capacity for Manchester’s factories and mills.

This all changed when the Manchester Ship Canal opened in 1894, providing a wide channel all the way to the sea at Liverpool. Manchester became Britain’s 3rd busiest port, despite being 40 miles from the sea.

Taking a guided canal boat trip is a great way to understand the history of Manchester. Boat trips run along the Manchester Ship Canal and the navigable parts of the River Irwell, passing Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, Imperial War Museum North and the Lowry, plus the old Pomona docks. You can book your Manchester river and canal tour here .

Burscough, Lancashire

After the drama of the route across the Pennines, the Leeds and Liverpool canal spends its last few miles before arriving in Liverpool meandering across the west Lancashire landscape. This part of northern England is full of small towns and huge skies, and spending a couple of hours on the water is the perfect way to see it.

Lancashire Canal Cruises operate two cruises from Burscough, a small town near Ormskirk and Southport.

Ashton under Lyne, Greater Manchester

Ashton under Lyne is just to the east of Manchester, and the town’s Portland canal basin marks the point where the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and the Peak Forest Canal meet and the Ashton Canal begins its journey to Manchester city centre.

The 1800s canal warehouse at Portland Basin has been turned into a lively family museum with recreations of a 1920s street and the interior of a normal family home. There are also exhibitions on the history of Ashton’s three canals. Outside the museum, the Tameside Canal Boat Trust operate seasonal trips on the Ashton Canal on their narrowboat Still Waters .

Northwich, Cheshire

Together with the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland, the Anderton Boat Lift is one of the most impressive sights on Britain’s canal network and is the world’s oldest working boat lift. The boat lift was built in 1875 to lift cargo boats 15 metres up in the air from the River Weaver to the Trent and Mersey Canal and is still operational today.

You can experience the “cathedral of the canals” for yourself with a canal boat trip on the Edwin Clark , named after the engineer who built this amazing structure. The Anderton Boat Lift is having some refurbishment work done at the moment but boat trips are expected to resume after Easter 2023.

Ellesmere Port, Cheshire

The transhipment dock at Ellesmere Port, where the River Mersey, Manchester Ship Canal and Shropshire Union Canal all meet, used to be a noisy, bustling spot at the height of the Industrial Revolution, but it’s now a peaceful spot for a family day out. The warehouse is now home to one of the Canal and River Trust’s three museums. The museum is a fascinating place to visit, with regularly-changing exhibitions, special events and themed “Canal Sundays” during the summer months.

Wirral Community Narrowboat Trust run occasional canal boat trips from the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port. If there’s a group of you, you might want to hire one of their barges and skippers for a longer trip – they have a range of full day and short day options from £125, some of which stop off at canalside pubs for lunch.

Canal boat trips in central England

Cromford, derbyshire.

Cromford is a village on the edge of the Peak District and home to one of the great wonders of the industrial revolution, the huge Cromford Mills complex. Built in 1771 by the inventor and industrialist Sir Richard Arkwright, Cromford Mills was the first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill.

Like Sir Titus Salt in Saltaire, Arkwright built a village to house his workers, and today Cromford is a lovely place to visit, with shops, cafes, a large mill pond and quaint streets. The UNESCO-listed mill has a museum about the mills, plus craft workshops and more shops and cafes.

The 14.5 mile long Cromford Canal was critical to the success of Arkwright’s mills, but it also carried people! An enterprising man named Nathaniel Wheatcroft started the first “fly” boat service from here, carrying passengers to Nottingham twice a week.

Boat trips from Cromford Basin run on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and take a 2 hour route from Cromford Wharf to Leawood Pumphouse and back on board the narrowboat Birdswood . There’s also an occasional option for a premium cruise which includes refreshments and a guided tour of the historic places to visit along the route, including Leawood Pumphouse and High Peak Junction, where you can see the oldest extant railway workshop in the world. You can book both the regular and the premium tour on the Friends of Cromford Canal’s website .

Lincoln, Lincolnshire

The oldest canal in Britain is the Fosse Dyke Canal, which was built by the Romans to link Lincoln to the River Trent, and from there to the North Sea. Lincoln is a beautiful cathedral city, and spending a relaxing hour on this historic canal is a lovely way to see the wider area.

You can take a guided boat trip along the Fosse Dyke on the Brayford Belle which operates between Easter and October each year. The Brayford Belle has two decks, the lower one with central heating and the upper one with outside seating and a fantastic view.

Birmingham famously has more miles of canals than Venice or Amsterdam – over 35 miles of them. The canals arrived in Birmingham in 1768, and grew to a peak of 160 miles of canal across the city. Canals were essential to fuel Birmingham’s growth during the industrial revolution, bringing in raw materials and coal, and sending out finished goods.

You can explore Birmingham’s history by taking a canal boat trip with Brindley Cruises or Sherborne Wharf . Routes cover part of the original James Brindley Canal, a section of Telford’s New Main Line (revolutionary for its time) and Gas Street Basin. If you’re visiting Birmingham at Christmas, you can even take a “Search for Santa” canal trip.

Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire

The Stratford-upon-Avon canal runs from the outskirts of Birmingham to the heart of historic Stratford, Shakespeare’s home town. The canal was built to transport coal from the Midlands down to Oxford and London, without needing to use the network through Birmingham. The route was near-derelict by the 1930s, but was rescued thanks to the efforts of the Inland Waterways Association, the National Trust and local volunteers.

Today, the 25 miles of the Stratford-upon-Avon canal is navigable again and visitors to Stratford can take 40 minute canal boat tours along the canal and the River Avon . Stratford’s resident swans often follow the boat, and there’s a good chance you’ll also see tufted ducks, herons, coots and perhaps a kingfisher too.

Dudley, West Midlands

Just as at Standedge, the main attraction for canal boat trips in Dudley is going underground. The Dudley Tunnel is the UK’s second-longest tunnel, but unlike Standedge, it isn’t continuous and instead emerges at points into canal basins.

The rock in this area is particularly rich in fossils and other geological features. The area was once heavily mined for its limestone, creating amazing caverns that the boat trip passes through. One of these, named the Singing Cavern, is even available for weddings!

Canal boat trips into Dudley Tunnel are run by the Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust . You can just turn up for the regular 45 minute trips or book online for longer trips. While you’re in the area, don’t miss a visit to the nearby Black Country Living Museum , which has a canal area featuring a collection of historic boats.

Banbury, Oxfordshire

The Oxford Canal meanders 78 miles from just north of Coventry, down through Rugby and Banbury and on until it meets the River Thames at Oxford.

While there are lots of river cruises on offer in Oxford itself, you’ll need to go to Banbury for canal boat trips on the Oxford Canal, unless you want a self-drive boat. Tooleys Boatyard Trust in Banbury offer regular, 40-minute canal boat trips on their day boat the Dancing Duck . Their Facebook page is the best place to check for boat trip times and dates.

Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

The Cotswolds are more famous these days for picturesque villages and trickling streams in a rolling, rural landscape, but there are canals here too. The Stroudwater Navigation opened in 1779 to link Stroud to the River Severn and from there to the sea. Ten years later, the Thames and Severn Canal opened, extending the route to the River Thames at Lechlade and providing a cross-country route.

Both the Stroudwater Navigation and the Thames and Severn Canal fell into decline, with sections being filled in, but the Cotswolds Canal Trust have worked tirelessly to bring parts back into use. It’s expected that the Stroudwater Navigation will join up with the national waterways network again in 2025.

The Cotswolds Canal Trust run canal boat trips on the navigable parts of the Stroudwater Navigation at the Saul visitor centre, Ebley Wharf and the Wallbridge Lock visitor centre. At Lechlade, you can take a boat trip on the River Thames from St John’s Lock to see the start of the old Thames and Severn Canal.

Canal boat trips in southern England

The Regent’s Canal in London is an 8.6-mile link between the Grand Union Canal near Paddington Station to the Limehouse Basin and River Thames near Canary Wharf.

The canal weaves its way prettily through some of North London’s most attractive and interesting areas, including Little Venice, Regent’s Park, Camden Town and the Coal Drops Yard area of Kings Cross.

Canal boat trips on the Regent’s Canal tend to run between Little Venice and Camden Town. On a tour with the London Waterbus Company you’ll be entertained by a commentary, which points out key sights along the route, including London Zoo, Maida Hill Tunnel and the homes of the rich and famous.

Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire

The Kennet and Avon Canal is one of the UK canal network’s most popular waterways. Stretching from the Bristol channel, through the beautiful city of Bath then on through Devizes, Hungerford, Newbury to the Thames at Reading, it’s an outstanding route, passing through quintessentially English countryside.

One of the most beautiful towns on the Kennet and Avon is Bradford-on-Avon. Bradford-on-Avon is 10 miles from Bath and the tow paths are a popular walk between the two. At Bradford-on-Avon you can take a canal boat trip on the impressively large Barbara McLellan , a 65ft wide-beam boat that seats 40 and is operated by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust.

From Bradford-on-Avon, the Barbara McLellan sails west to Avoncliff Aqueduct and east to Widbrook winding hole. There are also a range of themed cruises throughout the season.

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust have four other boats along the canal and also offer canal boat trips in Devizes , Hungerford , Newbury and Reading .

Canal boat trips in Wales

Llangollen, denbighshire.

The Llangollen Canal in North Wales is one of the most scenic canal trips in the UK, but you’ll need a good head for heights! The amazing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct soars over the valley of the River Dee and is the longest and highest canal aqueduct in the world. It was designed by the famous engineer Thomas Telford, who was also involved in building Standedge Tunnel.

You can walk along the tow path to see the view from the aqueduct, but for the full Pontcysyllte experience, complete with checking out the sheer drop from the side of the boat on the canal side, Llangollen Wharf offer both motor and horse-drawn canal trips over the aqueduct.

The 5 mile route can be done in either direction, starting at Llangollen or Froncysyllte (near the aqueduct). The journey takes two hours; for an extra cost you can enjoy afternoon tea onboard. At the end of the trip, a courtesy bus will take you back to where you started.

Brecon, Powys

The peaceful Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal (also known as the Mon and Brec) is one of the UK’s most scenic routes. 35 miles are currently navigable, and many of those are within the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Things weren’t always so quiet and serene around here though; the canal transported coal, stone and iron ore from the Welsh hillsides down to the iron works at Blaenavon (now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage site ) and other industrial sites in the area. Cruising along the canal today you can still see traces of its heritage including wharves and lime kilns.

If you’re visiting this lovely part of Wales, Dragonfly Cruises have public canal boat trips departing from Brecon canal basin and including a journey over the Brynich Aqueduct which takes the Mon and Brec over the River Usk. They can also provide a skipper and guide for a canal trip through the area’s picturesque villages.

Canal boat trips in Scotland

Inverness, highlands.

The Caledonian Canal runs for 60 miles across Scotland, from Inverness to Corpach near Fort William, connecting the lochs of the Great Glen; Loch Dochfour, Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. The man-made connections between the lochs were built by Thomas Telford and opened in the early 19th century.

You can take a combined cruise of the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness by joining a boat trip at Dochgarroch Lock. The trip will take you through the locks and on to Loch Douchfour, past the old Bona Lighthouse and into Loch Ness as far as Urquhart Castle. You can book online through online ticket seller Get Your Guide .

The Falkirk Wheel is one of the most impressive feats of engineering on the whole UK canal network. Opened in 2002, the Wheel is a rotating boat lift, the only one of its kind in the world. It connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.

The best way to see the Falkirk Wheel is to take a spin on it. Canal boat trips on the Falkirk Wheel take around 50 minutes. First you’ll go into the canal basin, then enter the Wheel’s gondola, ready to be lifted into the air as the Wheel rotates.

At the top, you’ll sail along the aqueduct, through the Roughcastle Tunnel and to the start of the Union Canal. The boat will turn round and take you back to the Wheel for another spin, this time back down to the canal basin.

If day trips aren’t enough for you, there are lots of companies offering canal boat hire, either to stay put and use the boat as a base, or to explore the UK’s miles of navigable waterways at your own pace on a narrow boat holiday.

VRBO has narrow boats, house boats and barges for rent with all the comforts of home, while specialist hire firms like Waterways Holidays have canal boat hire across the country. There are lots of local companies as well; if you’re interested in a particular starting point, you might like to talk to a local specialist who can advise you on canal routes and the best places of interest to see along the way.

Have you taken one of these canal boat trips, or have I missed out your favourite? Let me know in the comments.

Related posts

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• Visiting Jodrell Bank, the UNESCO-listed radio telescope near Manchester
• 5 of my favourite heritage railways you can take a ride on
• Things to do in Whitby, a historic fishing town on the Yorkshire coast
• Visiting Thermae Bath Spa, the UK’s only naturally-heated thermal bath

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2 thoughts on “21 best canal boat trips in the UK”

A Great shame you did not include The Horse-Drawn Barge in Tiverton Devon as it is now one of the last Horse-Drawn Barges in Great Britain and operates Trips along the very beautiful Grand Western Canal.

Thanks Philip, that sounds amazing, I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in the south west 🙂

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9 fun things to do in Ischia (plus 5 amazing day trips)

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Politics latest: Crunch week for Rwanda bill after MPs reject Lords' amendments

The Rwanda bill cameback to the Commons as a new daily record is set for small boat crossings. Earlier, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appears in front of MPs on their return from the Easter break to discuss the UK's involvement after the drone and missile attack by Iran.

Monday 15 April 2024 22:29, UK

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• Commons rejects all Lords amendments to Rwanda bill in government victory
• Record set today for daily small boat crossings
• Sunak urges all sides to 'show restraint' as he condemns actions of Iran in Israel
• Labour offers support as Starmer says attack 'left world a more dangerous place
• 'We are not prepared for war,' says former UK military chief
• Serena Barker-Singh: Growing calls from Tory backbenchers to proscribe Iran's Revolutionary Guard  
• Live reporting by Ben Bloch  and (earlier)  Guy Birchall and   Faith Ridler

A series of votes have taken place in the House of Commons on amendments to the legislation to rescue the embattled Rwanda scheme.

The bill passed the House of Commons earlier this year, but the House of Lords passed a series of amendments, which MPs voted this evening to approve or reject.

All the Lords amendments were rejected, and the bill now returns to them, where they could accept the bill without them, or insist on more amendments.

The amendments voted on by MPs this evening were:

• An amendment to make sure the legislation has "due regard" for international law (rejected);
• An amendment that states it is only safe in Rwanda while the provision in the treaty with the UK is in place (rejected);
• An amendment to check whether Rwanda complies with its treaty obligations (rejected);
• An amendment allowing individual appeals based on safety in Rwanda (rejected);
• An amendment requiring age assessments for those being deported to be carried out by the local authority (rejected);
• An amendment preventing those who say they are victims of modern slavery from being deported (rejected);
• An amendment to prevent the deportation of those who have served with or for the UK's armed forces (rejected).

Despite Rishi Sunak's woes and battles with his pesky party and peers, the government still wins important votes in the Commons with hefty majorities of around 70.

In six votes on government moves to throw out Lords amendments to the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, the majorities were 65, 71, 70, 70, 74 and 59.

So the bill now goes back to the House of Lords for another bout of ping pong - round 3, where the outcome of votes on further amendments is less predictable.

The word from the Lords while MPs were trooping through the lobbies in the Commons was that peers will vote another three or four times on Tuesday, setting up another round of ping pong on Wednesday.

One Lords insider told Sky News: "Some will fall into line tomorrow, clothes peg on the nose and all that, but if the crossbenchers hold firm it's unlikely to be enough to defeat anything pressed to a vote.

"Round 3 on Wednesday is likely to be different, though, as the crossbenchers might then fade a bit and more Tories might be ready to start voting with the government. We'll see."

We will indeed. Opening the two-hour debate in the Commons, illegal migration minister Michael Tomlinson was uncompromising - "The entire passage of the bill should prevail."

"We simply cannot allow amendments that provide for loopholes which would perpetuate the current cycle of delays and late legal challenges to removal."

Veteran Tory MP Sir Bill Cash, a serial rebel on Europe for more than 30 years, said the Lords amendments were "ridiculous" and pleaded: "Let's get the House of Lords to calm down a bit."

Good luck, as they say, with that.

So what happens after the bill, as we expect, finally receives Royal Assent and limps on to the statute book later this week?

The parliamentary battle over the bill will be over. But Mr Sunak's battle to get planes in the air and illegal migrants deported to Rwanda almost certainly won't be.

Cabinet minister Victoria Atkins more or less admitted on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips on Sky News that the government still doesn't appear to have found an airline to take the migrants to Africa.

In other words, the government may win votes in the Commons with hefty majorities, but many of the details of the Rwanda policy are still unclear and opponents are unlikely to give up their fight to keep the deportation flights grounded.

By  Faye Brown , political reporter

Liz Truss has refused to rule out running to be Tory leader again, saying she has "unfinished business" with the Conservative party.

The country's shortest serving prime minister also said the governor of the Bank of England should resign over his response to her catastrophic 2022 mini budget, and that opponents were attempting to "smear" her by blaming the event on the UK's subsequent economic woes.

The Lib Dems branded her a "national embarrassment" following the comments, while Labour said the prospect of her returning to office "will send shivers down the spine of working people".

Ms Truss's tenure in Downing Street lasted just 49 days after her £45bn package of unfunded tax cuts triggered mass market turmoil.

The former prime minister has since doubled down on what she was trying to achieve , and is touring the media ahead of the publication of her book: Ten Years to Save the West.

Read the full story here:

The government has won the final vote of the evening and rejected a seventh Lords amendment.

This one would have prevented the deportation to Rwanda of those who have served with or for the UK's armed forces.

The result is:

• Reject: 312
• Approve: 253

The government has won another vote in the Commons over Rwanda bill amendments.

This one is slightly more complex.

The House of Lords passed an amendment to the bill aiming to stop suspected victims of modern slavery, trafficked to the UK, from being deported to Rwanda.

The Commons rejected that last month - but the Lords insisted on the amendment and sent it back to the Commons.

If the Commons rejected it directly a second time, the entire bill would have failed, which obviously the government does not want.

Therefore, Home Secretary James Cleverly proposed another amendment mandating that he or the person in his job produce a report each year on how the bill is operating in relation to modern slavery laws.

MPs voted, and rejected the Lords amendment and therefore accepted the home secretary's modification.

• Reject: 320
• Approve: 246

A total of 534 people were detected crossing the English Chanel on Sunday - the highest number in a single day so far this year, according to Home Office figures.

The cumulative number of arrivals by small boats in 2024 now stands at a provisional total of 6,265.

This is 28% higher than the total at the equivalent point last year and 7% higher than the total at this stage in 2022.

Some 10 boats were detected on Sunday, which suggests an average of around 53 people per boat.

Downing Street said the numbers were "unacceptable" and demonstrated the need for the Rwanda deportation scheme to get off the ground.

Read more from our political reporter Faye Brown here:

Another vote, another government win.

MPs have rejected a Lords amendment to the Rwanda bill that would require local authorities to conduct age assessments for those being deported to Rwanda.

The result:

• Reject: 319
• Approve: 249

The government has just defeated another amendment passed by the House of Lords.

This amendment would have allowed individuals to appeal to the courts to stop their deportation to Rwanda on the basis of safety - something the government does not want to be possible.

And in good news for the PM, it has been rejected by the House of Commons.

MPs have just voted on two amendments to the Rwanda legislation, proposed by the House of Lords.

The two being voted on are:

• To mandate that Rwanda is deemed only a safe country once the provisions in the treaty have been fully implemented;
• A mechanism to check Rwanda is complying fully with the treaty - and suspend the treaty if the Independent Monitoring Committee deems it is not.

The government won the vote comfortably, and both amendments have been rejected.

The result of the vote is:

• Reject: 317

As expected, the government has won the first of a series of votes on the government's flagship Rwanda legislation.

MPs are voting on amendments passed by the House of Lords.

This amendment would have required the government to make sure the Rwanda scheme has "due regard for domestic and international law".

It was passed by the Lords by 271 votes to 228.

But it has been rejected by the Commons.

The result of the vote was:

• To reject: 315
• To approve: 250

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