Best canal routes for families

“WE’RE BOOKING OUR FIRST BREAK. WHICH ARE THE BEST CANAL ROUTES FOR FAMILIES?”

You’re booking a narrowboat holiday for the first time but don’t know where to start. You want a break that keeps the kids entertained. Beautiful countryside. Attractions. Great places to eat. Views that stop you in your tracks. Plenty to keep the kids happy (we mentioned it twice, we know). But which are the best canal routes for family holidays?
Here are three holidays we think are among the best for families. Each comes with short break and longer holiday options, and once you’ve booked we’ll send you a detailed itinerary with daily ideas of where to stop, what to see and where to spend each evening.

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NEW! High Life

A WILD SHORT BREAK THROUGH THE DEE VALLEY

Have you got a head for heights? High Life takes you over two sky-high aqueducts as you cruise through the Dee Valley, leaving our Chirk base to head to Llangollen and then back to Ellesmere. This four-night route packs in plenty, and you’ll come away with incredible memories of crossing the famous Pontcysyllte and Chirk aqueducts, and have the chance to stop and enjoy attractions that include Chirk Castle and Ellesmere’s incredible Mere.

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Chocs Away

ATTRACTION-PACKED CRUISE IN WORCESTERSHIRE

Like chocolate? Adventure? Then your family will love Chocs Away. This cruise on the Stourport Ring starts at our Stoke Prior base in Worcestershire and takes you to Cadbury World (hence the name), the National Sealife Centre and Gas Basin in Birmingham city centre. Plus you get to tackle the UK’s longest flight of locks, visit gorgeous National Trust countryside and drift along the River Severn. There are four, seven and 10-night itineraries for you to choose from.

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Going Potty

STUNNING SHORT BREAK THROUGH THE POTTERIES

Going Potty is a great starter option for your family. This route combines the Potteries, one of the UK’s most beautiful canals, and a thrilling theme park if you opt for the longer itinerary. Your cruise starts at our Stoke-on-Trent base and follows the Caldon Canal through the Churnet Valley, with a diversion along the Leek Branch where you can stop to catch a bus or taxi to Alton Towers. Choose from our four and seven-night options.

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Canal & Castle

FUN-PACKED ADVENTURE ON THE WARWICKSHIRE RING

This cruise is a sure fire hit for your family. You can head to amazing Warwick Castle, complete a treasure trail in Birmingham and team up to complete the Stairway to Heaven run of locks. We’ve created short break, week-long and 14-night itineraries that combine countryside and city and lots of brilliant attractions. There are plenty of opportunities for you to stop and explore.

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YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS WITH A FREE COACHING SESSION

Choosing your first canal holiday can be daunting, so our three recommended routes are a great place to start. And to ensure you get the most from each route, we’ll give you and the family a free British Marine Federation accredited coaching session before you head off.

We’ll walk you through the controls on the boat. Show you how to steer and stop. How to cruise safely. How to operate locks and swing bridges and navigate tunnels.

You won’t leave until you’re a wiz on the narrowboat.

READY TO GO?

START BY CHOOSING YOUR ROUTE