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The charity making life better by water

Harecastle Tunnel Winter Opening Times

Type: Advice

Waterway(s): Trent & Mersey Canal

From: 1 November 2025, midnight

To: 28 February 2026, 11:59pm inclusive

Region: West Midlands

Reason: Information

Location

Closest waterwayTrent & Mersey Canal
Starts atHarecastle Tunnel
Ends atHarecastle Tunnel

Description

Original 7 November 2025, 9am

During the winter season 2025/26 booking will be required for all passages through the Harecastle Tunnel.

From 1st November 2025 to 28th February 2026, booking slots are available between 9am to 12noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only:

  • North to South – 9am & 11am
  • South to North – 10am & 12pm

Booking is required 48 hours prior to passage, and we will be unable to accommodate late arrivals.

During the Christmas and New Year Period, the tunnel will be closed on 24th, 25th & 26th December reopening on Saturday 27th December. The tunnel will close again on Wednesday 31st December and reopen for passage on Saturday 3rd January 2025.

Customers must book before 12pm on Saturday 20th December to guarantee a passage during the Christmas and New Year period. Unbooked passages will not be permitted.

For direct tunnel enquiries please email [email protected]

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