Easter Canal Boat Holidays

TIME TO GET BACK ON THE WATERWAYS THIS EASTER

If you’re looking for a break after the long winter months then an April canal boat break is perfect for providing a good dose of fresh air and activity!

Our cosy narrowboats complete with central heating offer a great outdoor adventure whilst offering a level of comfort needed for spring holidays in the UK.   Enjoy the days cruising past lovely countryside and enjoy warm evenings in the comfort of your own boat or at one of the many pubs on the waterways.

BOOK NOW AND SAVE UP TO 25%

Save 15% on holidays up to 12 nights, save 25% on holidays of 14 nights.

Route ideas for 3 and 4-night short Easter breaks

Pottery on the canals

GREAT HAYWOOD & RETURN

Activity suggestion: paint your own plate at the Potteries

38 miles
36 locks
24 hours cruising total

BOOK FROM OUR STOKE ON TRENT, STAFFORDSHIRE BASE

River Severn, Worcester

WORCESTER & RETURN

Activity suggestion: visit the Commandery Museum for Easter activities

46 Locks
3 or 4-night cruise
14 hours cruising time

BOOK FROM OUR STOKE PRIOR, WORCESTERSHIRE BASE

Easter on River Cam

CAMBRIDGE RETURN

Activity idea: wildlife spotting in the Wicken Fens

36 Miles
4 Locks
3 or 4 Night cruise
4 hours per day

BOOK FROM OUR ELY, CAMBRIDGESHIRE BASE

Route ideas for 7-night Easter breaks

Oxford spires

OXFORD, LECHLADE & RETURN

Activity idea: take part in the Easter Egg hunt at Blenheim Palace over Easter weekend

76 Miles
36 Locks
1 Week Cruise
5 hours per day

BOOK FROM OUR LOWER HEYFORD, OXFORDSHIRE BASE

Pontsycyllte Aqueduct

LLANGOLLEN CANAL

Activity suggestion: film yourself crossing the impressive Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

4 Locks
1 Week Cruise
4 hours per day

BOOK FROM OUR CHIRK, WALES BASE

Black Prince family holidays

CALDON & LEEK RETURN

Activity suggestion: Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on the Churnett Valley Railway

42 Miles
32 Locks
4-night short break or 1 week cruse

BOOK FROM OUR STOKE ON TRENT, STAFFORDSHIRE BASE

When are the Easter Holidays in 2024?

The date for Easter changes every year, here are the Easter dates for 2024:

Good Friday 29th March

Easter Monday 1st April

School holiday dates differ across the UK, but these are an indication of dates:

Easter school holidays: Friday 29th March – Friday 12th April 2024.

Black Prince Easter holidays

Family Easter Holidays

Canal boating at Easter is a great way to rediscover open air and reconnect with the environment after a long winter spent indoors.  The whole family can be encouraged to have active fun with this type of holiday, from working the locks to exploring the different villages and towns on your chosen route.

Easter holidays on the UK canals

Last Minute Easter Holidays

Looking for a last minute Easter canal boat holiday?  Call us on +44 (0)1527 575115 for last-minute availability across our nine UK locations.  We will look to find a narrow boat hire base to suit you so that we can get you out on short notice.  We generally need around twenty-four hours notice but we have been known to be able to arrange same day boating (subject to availability of course!).

START YOUR EASTER BREAK FROM ONE OF THESE HIRE BASES

Stoke Prior Base, Worcestershire
From our Stoke Prior base in central England, there are a variety of routes you can take.  You don’t need to stick the routes that we suggest, bear in mind that you can travel as far as time allows, before turning and heading back to base again.  There are regular winding holes (turning points) along every route that allows you to turn and head back to base whenever you choose.

Peak District Base, Staffordshire
There are plenty of options for short breaks and longer holidays from our Peak District base in Stoke-on-Trent, in central England.  This popular starting point is perfect for giving you an insight into the original pottery heritage of the area, including Wedgwood and Royal Doulton, plus there are options to visit Alton Towers if the children are looking for more excitement!

Acton Bridge Base, Cheshire
Located in the north-west of England, our Cheshire Acton Bridge base offers a multitude of breaks, both three and four night, or seven nights and longer.  From this base you can access the Bridgewater canal, which takes you lock-free all the way to Manchester.  This makes for a great route for beginners or those worried about handling the locks!

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be warm enough on a boat at Easter?

Our boats offer central heating with radiators and double glazed front windows to ensure that evenings are cosy and warm.  The beds are fully sprung, with duvets for a good night’s sleep and of course there is hot water for showers and washing.  Of course, days may get chilly if you are outside, so we always recommend warm clothes with waterproofs for those occasional wet days – Black Prince umbrellas are provided!

Will all the waterways be open at Easter?

Normally, all the waterways across the UK will be fully operational for Easter. However there may be occasions when maintenance and repairs of waterways and locks are necessary, we will keep you updated on our website of any disruptions which may affect your cruising.

Do all your bases offer Easter breaks?

Yes, you can choose to cruise from any one of our nine canal boat hire bases across England, Scotland and Wales.

Can I just book a short break for Easter?

Yes, all our bases offer three or four-night breaks for Easter and other times of the year.  Boats are generally available after 2.30pm on the chosen departure day.  Please note that the bases can have different departure days.  Read more about our midweek breaks and our weekend breaks here.

couples-canal-shot

Couples Easter Getaways

As a couple, our Easter breaks make it possible for you to take some time out for yourselves, away from the pressures of everyday life.  Enjoy a peaceful break at a time when the waterways are slowly breaking into life, with the emergence of spring flowers and the towpath trees showing the first signs of emerging buds. It’s tranquil and relaxing, a great time to be out and glimpsing the first signs of spring in all its glory.

Pet-friendly-holiday

Dog-friendly Easter Holidays

Of course, what would a holiday be without the family pet?  Black Prince welcomes up to two dogs on their dog-friendly boats, so your pooch can be part of the crew!
You just need to remember to bring all your normal doggy gear with you, such as the dog bed, lead, poop bags, toys etc., plus we recommend a special harness which has a handle on the top in case your pet likes the water too much and likes to jump in.   The handle is very useful for hauling pets out of waterways where the embankments may be too steep for them to jump out to.
You can read more about our pet-friendly boating holidays here.