Celebrity 5 go barging

And they’re back! Returning to Channel 5, we can now enjoy a weekly watch of five national treasures (as referred to by Channel 5). Celebrity 5 Go Barging shows these celebrities navigating their way around a canal boat every Friday evening at 9pm.

Season 2 kicked off on our screens on Friday 19th July – and the journey continues each week with more insight into the celebrities’ experiences of narrowboat holidaying along the canals.

Who are the celebrities?

• Michael Buerk – BBC journalist.
• Anita Harris – English actor/singer/entertainer
• John Leslie Prescott, Baron Prescott – British politician
• Shaun Williamson – English actor, singer and media personality
• Amanda Barrie – English actress

What canal routes will they take?

Each week, our five celebrities will find themselves travelling along the waters to different locations in the UK.

Episode 1 shows the celebrities travelling to the Caldon canal – which is arguably one of the most picturesque canal locations in England. Nestled in the heart of Staffordshire in Churnett Valley, this 18-mile stretch runs from Etruria (Stoke on Trent) all the way to Froghall, Staffordshire. With 17 locks to navigate through and the 69-metre-long Froghall Tunnel to contend with, this route is perfect for experienced boaters who want variety on their cruise along the waters. Drifting along the waters of the Caldon Canal is the perfect break for a boating short break for all the family – find out more from ABC Boat Hire today.

As seen in Friday 9th August’s episode, the celebrity team head to Stratford to explore the magnificent Edstone Aqueduct – the longest aqueduct of the three of Stratford’s unusual aqueducts (the other two being Wootton Wawen Aqueduct and Yarningale). As well as these aqueducts, Stratford’s canal route offers many interesting exploration points, such as the Royal Shakespeare Company theatre in the heart of Stratford city centre, and back on the water, its famous split bridges – bridges that were built in two halves with a tiny rope allowing ropes to pass through it. Interested in boating on this canal route yourself? Find out more about our Stratford upon Avon canal routes now.

Need to catch up on the episodes? Find the whole of Season 1 and Season 2 (as it comes out) on Channel 5 On Demand.

Alternatively, if Celebrity 5 Go Barging has inspired you to get out on the water, find our canal boat routes and canal locations at ABC Boat Hire.