Canal Trips & Days Out and canalside attractions

• A wide range of canalside attractions, visitor centres and museums for a family day out.
• Self drive day hire canal boats for a day out with friends and a taste of canal boat hire.
• Skippered trip boats offer short scheduled cruises or chartered cruises for a whole party.
• Restaurant boats usually combine a canal cruise with an onboard meal.
• Canal pubs are a great place to relax with friends, whether you have been boating or not!

How Can We Enjoy Canals Without Hiring A Boat For A Week?

You don’t need to have a week spare and lots of sunshine to enjoy our canals. Self drive day-boats are a great way to get some fresh air with friend or family and sample what a longer canal holiday would be like – lots of people get hooked this way!
Skippered trip boats offer scheduled cruises that you can turn up and join, or chartered cruises for a whole party. They often provide onboard food & refreshments.
Restaurant boats usually combine good food with a canal cruise.
There are a large number of canalside visitor attractions and visitor centres for all the family to enjoy for a few hours, many of which are open even during the winter months.

How Do We Hire A Boat For A Canal Day Out?

Many people get hooked on the waterways when they first step onto a canalboat and cast off because the sense of romance and relaxation is so immediate. For those who aren’t ready to dive into a full week, hiring a boat for a day or just a few hours is a great way to indulge in some fresh country air, to get a taster of what a longer canal holiday might be like and to see how deep the hook catches.
Canal Junction has comprehensive listings of hire companies that offer or specialise in day hire canal boats. Click here to see canal day boat hire companies.

Can We Go For A Short Trip On A Canalboat?

There are trip boats operating on many sections of the canals. Most cruises known as public canal trips last for an hour or two and operate at set times. Usually there is no need to book, just turn up in time and pay on the boat.
Alternatively you can charter the boat just for you own party, wedding reception or friends get together. Many serve refreshments, some have bars. Click here to see a listing of trip boats and other day attractions.