There’s plenty to see and do along our canals and rivers, even if you hire a canal boat for just one day.
Whether you’re a first-time skipper or a seasoned waterway cruiser, there’s no better way to spend the day than afloat.
The maximum speed a narrowboat can cruise along our canals and rivers is 4mph, which will offer you up to 7 hours of travelling (around 6-10 miles) in one day.
You can look up a hire boat company in the vicinity of your preferred destination, who will be able to provide more information on nearby routes.
As the charity that cares for over 2,000 miles of canals and rivers across England and Wales, here are some of our suggestions as to where you can go, or what you can do, on a one-day boat hire.
Cruise lock-free along the Lancaster Canal
If you're keen to avoid locks, spend some time meandering along the Lancaster Canal.
Stretching from Preston all the way to Kendal, the ‘Lanky' gives you a full 41 miles of lock-free cruising – the longest stretch in the country.
This coastal canal also offers superb views of the Silverdale Coast, the Forest of Bowland and the Wyre countryside. You can also cross the Grade I listed Lune Aqueduct and experience the feeling of boating 16 metres above the River Lune.
Boating across the Lune Aqueduct on the Lancaster Canal.
Combine urban and rural cruising in Birmingham
You don't have to travel far to experience both city and countryside cruising. The Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) consist of over 100 miles of historic waterways and are the perfect way to tick off lots in a little amount of time.
From the bustling Gas Street Basin in the heart of Birmingham to the more peaceful (and lock-free) waters of the Wyrley & Essington, enjoy the change of pace and marvel at a few attractions along the way, from waterside pubs to canalside nature reserves – and even discover filming locations used in the Peaky Blinders movie.
Cruising through Birmingham City centre.
Tackle a flight of locks at Foxton
If you fancy the challenge of a lock (or ten), our canal network is home to various lock flights, including Foxton – the longest staircase in Britain.
This Grade II listed site is well-supported by our volunteer lock keepers, who are regularly on hand to help boats through.
Ascending or descending Foxton Locks is a unique experience.
Cruise an entire canal
Some of our canals span hundreds of miles, some not even hundreds of metres.
In its heyday, this small yet mighty stretch was heavily involved in the industrial transport of salt and pottery. Today, it remains a crucial connection on the Cheshire Ring for leisure boats.
To complete its length, you must travel through Wardle lock – also affectionately known as 'Maureen's lock', named in memory after a boatwoman who lived in the lock keeper's cottage and assisted passing boaters for many years.
The Wardle Lock Branch is small but steeped in history.
