August bank holiday boating breaks

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.

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.

Looking to make a saving on your bank holiday break?

Merry Hill Floating Traders Market

When?

26th August 2016 to 29th August 2016
10:00am – 5:00pm

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 2016

When?

27th August 2016
1:00pm – 11:00pm

Where?

Cremorne Gardens, Ellesmere
The Mere,
Ellesmere

Click here for map >

What?

Ellesmere Rocks returns on the 27 August 2016, a great free day out for all the family. The day 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.

Get your kicks listening to Dave Mccabe from The Zutons, and The Ramifications headlining from 9pm. Free entry.

Nearest Black Prince base?

or

Canal Fest – Botany Bay

When?

28th August 2016 to 29th August 2016
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 Leeds & Liverpool Canal is 200 years old in 2016 and to celebrate this important year you should head over to Botany Bay in Chorley to visit the first Canal Fest on Sunday 28 and Monday 29 August 2016. Join in two fantastic days of festivities and entertainment for all ages on land and on the water.

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?

28th August 2016
10:00am – 4:00pm

Where?

Kennet & Avon Canal
Northbrook Street and Bartholomew Street
Newbury
RG14 1DJ

Click here for map >

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?

Saturday 27th August 2016

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. On Saturday 27th August 2016 you can enjoy a special cream tea journey, find out more here: www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk

Nearest Black Prince hire base?