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Built during the industrial revolution, canals in the UK are steeped in history. Many of the canal routes built during this time cut through the land of wealthy landowners, meaning that many of the country’s most opulent palaces and stately homes are easily accessible via the waterways. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of our favourite stately homes you can visit from the canal. 5. West...

As one of Britain’s greatest heritage cities, Chester has plenty to discover and explore with something for everyone. Full of historic treasures, such as the oldest racecourse still in use, as well as home to the most complete City Walls in Britain that date back to the Roman occupation – Chester intertwines history and present day, with sights rich in culture and scenery. Things to do in Chester...

Cambridge is one of the most beautiful cities in England, well known for its University and colleges, it’s boat race with rival Oxford and the River Cam. In this guide we’ll explain some of the best things to do in Cambridge if you’re visiting via the waterways.  University Experiences Established in 1209, Cambridge is one of the oldest and most prestigious Universities in the world, and is ho...

Whether you’ve travelled by canal boat previously or not, you’ll have likely seen a canal lock as you pass the canal or walk along the towpath. You might be wondering what they’re used for and how they work, and this guide has you covered! What are canal locks used for? Canal locks are used to solve the problem of moving boats across different levels of elevation. You can’t move water uphill so...

Operating from Kings Orchard Marina on the Coventry Canal near Lichfield in Staffordshire from 3rd April, we are launching our new all electric day hire narrowboat, the first electric boat to join the fleet. ‘Perfect Day’ A 36-foot day boat that accommodates up to ten people, has been in development for 18 months. The boat is fitted with lithium batteries which power a 48 volt Beta Marine 10Kw m...

London’s canals date back to the early 19th century to bring goods into the city from other locations  like Birmingham and Manchester. The first waterways in London connected the River Lea, River Thames and connects to the Grand Union Canal. This canal network was the backbone of the industrial revolution. Nowadays, London’s canals offer an opportunity to explore the city at a more leisurely pace....

Castles are a tourist staple in the UK. Whether large and imposing or small and perfectly formed, Castles across the UK all have a unique story to tell. In this guide, we’ll list some of the best castles across the UK that are reachable by canal boat. Warwick Castle by canal First on our list is Warwick Castle. Originally a fort built by William the Conqueror in 1068, the castle has seen many...

Bridges are structures built for people to cross over bodies of water, like rivers and canals. In the past, bridges were made of logs and other natural materials, but as people learned more about engineering, they were able to build bigger and more impressive bridges. In this guide, you’ll learn about the history of canal bridges, we’ll highlight some of the most exciting canal bridges you can exp...

If you’re thinking about booking your next trip in the UK and want to experience some of the fantastic wildlife that the UK has to offer, then look no further. The waterways are one of the best ways to experience UK wildlife while cruising along and enjoying the atmosphere. Your journey may take you past some rarely seen creatures such as otters, stoats and even barn owls which you can read about...

Llangollen is a picturesque town located in the northwest of Wales. The town sits on the banks of the River Dee at the base of the Berwyn mountain range. As well as its status as a world heritage site, Llangollen has something for everyone. It offers the perfect mix of activities and entertainment for both thrill seekers and those interested in a slower pace of life. With central mooring and acces...