August bank holidays are all about relishing those last few summer days and balmy evenings. Being an extra-long weekend, it’s the perfect opportunity to pack your bags and enjoy a short boating break before the kids are back at school and autumn sets in. Below, we’ve highlighted some August bank holiday events that take place on or near our UK canals.
Bank holiday are very social time on the waterways. Canal boaters from all continents and all walks of life happily cruise the canals, enjoying the camaraderie that’s to be found in this unique holiday experience.
You’ll find friendly waves, many helping hands and a community spirit on the waterways of England, Scotland and Wales. It can be a busy time on the more popular sections of canal over bank holidays, particularly in August, but if you are in the mind to enjoy a relaxed break and not challenge yourself to travel lots of miles then it can be a perfect time to cruise.
The warm, sunny evenings are particularly enjoyable, especially when relaxing in a canal side pub, swapping tales over a glass of the local brew with other narrowboaters. Black Prince Narrowboats have a great range of bank holiday breaks here to inspire you plus some details on some great events near our hire bases.
Merry Hill Floating Traders Market
When?
Last weekend in August
Where?
Along side The Embankment, adjacent to Merry Hill Shopping Centre
West Midlands
Dudley No 1 Canal
Brierley Hill,
West Midlands
DY5 1QX
Click here for map >
What?
A range of roving traders will be gathered together offering their wares.
Traders include laser cut crafts, wax goods, rosettes, crafts, doggie gifts, hand made cards, jewelry as well as home brew kits, plants, cafe boats, herbalists, wooden sculpture art, herbs and spices, antiques and collectibles, paintings, charity boats and lots more.
Nearest Black Prince base?
Ellesmere Rocks
When?
Last weekend in August
Where?
Cremorne Gardens, Ellesmere
The Mere,
Ellesmere
Click here for map >
What?
The day normally starts at 1pm with Ellesmere Carnival, which will be a parade through town. Then from 4pm until late Ellesmere Rocks gets underway. A bar and food is available on site to keep you sustained until the headliners appear.
Nearest Black Prince base?
or
Canal Fest – Botany Bay
When?
Last weekend in August
10:00am – 4:00pm
Where?
Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Botany Bay
Canal Mill
Botany Brow
Chorley
(Junction 8 M61)
Lancs PR6 9AF
Click here for map >
What?
The festival will feature boat rides, a narrow boat floatilla, a classic car display, swing boat rides, Punch and Judy, Lancashire hawks and owls, hook a duck and bumper boats.
Plus there will be local musicians and artists display their talent whilst various vendors sell their delicious food, drink and other wares. The Mayor of Chorley will also be there to perform the official cake cutting ceremony and judging the best dressed boat competition. There’s free entry and free parking, plus free entry for all narrow boats.
Nearest Black Prince base?
Newbury Artisan Market
When?
Last weekend in August
Where?
Kennet & Avon Canal
Northbrook Street and Bartholomew Street
Newbury
RG14 1DJ
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What?
Take time out to head to the Newbury Artisan Market whilst cruising down the Kennet and Avon Canal; it’s a great opportunity to browse a variety of the finest independent designer-makers, food producers, original arts and crafts, sizzling street food and more.
Nearest Black Prince base?
Cream Tea on the Churnet Valley Railway
When?
Last weekend in August
Where?
Kingsley & Froghall Station,
Froghall,
Staffordshire,
ST10 2HA
Click here for map >
What?
The Churnet Valley Railway takes you on a journey back to the classic days of railway travel on a rural line that passes through beautiful countryside known as Staffordshire’s “Little Switzerland”. There are several picturesque stations to visit along the 11-mile route. Head to the Kingsley & Froghall station, just a short walk from the historic lime kilns and Froghall Wharf on the Caldon Canal, to visit the station and enjoy a scenic ride through the Churnet Valley. Find out more here: www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk