Take the Helm – Active holidays for Teens

Best known for its rollercoasters, Alton Towers also sits in surprisingly attractive gardens. If the rides aren’t for you, the grounds make a pleasant place for a walk or a picnic. It’s a full-day outing rather than a quick stop, best way to get there is to moor at Leek and catch a bus or taxi.

The Anderton Boat Lift was built in 1875 to move boats 50 feet between the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal. It’s one of the earliest examples of a working boat lift and is still in use today. The structure has been restored to its original hydraulic design, and the on-site visitor centre explains both its engineering and its history. There’s also a café and exhibition space, making it a stop that combines heritage with practical facilities.

Close to Stone on the Trent & Mersey Canal, Aston Marina is a handy stop for a decent meal. There’s No.26, an award-winning restaurant and bar plus mooring facilities.

Banbury sits right on the Oxford Canal, so moorings put you close to the town centre. The famous Banbury Cross is a short walk away, and the canal basin has been redeveloped with shops and cafés. The town’s museum and nearby castle remains add a touch of history, while the traditional Banbury cake is worth seeking out if only for the name. A couple of hours ashore gives you the flavour without straying far from your boat.

You can moor close enough to wander into one of Britain’s most elegant cities. Bath wears its Georgian architecture with style, and even a short stroll gives you a sense of its past glamour. The Roman Baths are the headline attraction, but simply walking the crescents and squares is a treat in itself. A couple of hours is plenty to admire the stonework, take a coffee in a pavement café, and feel just a little more refined before heading back to the water.

Set on the banks of the Thames near Pangbourne, Beale Park combines landscaped gardens with a collection of animals and birds. It’s family-friendly without being overwhelming, and the grounds make for a pleasant wander even if you’re not tracking down every enclosure. Moorings on the Thames give easy access, and a couple of hours is enough to enjoy the highlights before cruising on.

From the water you’re right in the thick of Britain’s second city, and it’s easier to dip into than you might think. The city centre canals take you close to museums, galleries and a lively food scene. If you prefer something gentler, the Botanical Gardens offer calm, while Cadbury World is there if a sweet tooth wins out. A few hours is plenty to get a flavour before retreating to quieter waters

A UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace offers a lovely day out. The palace grounds are ideal for picnics, and the Butterfly House, maze, and adventure playground will keep children entertained for hours.

Built in a valley on the edge of the Cotswolds, Bradford-on-Avon looks every inch the English market town. Stone cottages, narrow streets and riverside walks all add to the charm, with plenty of independent shops and cafés to dip into. The canal and the River Avon run side by side here, and the countryside around makes it a fine stop for walkers and cyclists.

Bristol grew on sea trade, and the harbourside is still the city’s most atmospheric area. The SS Great Britain, Brunel’s Victorian steamship, is the standout attraction, while the M Shed museum and harbourside market add variety. Beyond the docks, Bristol’s steep streets and historic corners make it one of the most rewarding cities to explore from the water.

From Birmingham’s canals it’s a short hop to Bournville, the village built by the Cadbury family, and the home of Cadbury World. It’s more polished attraction than working factory, but the story of chocolate-making, the model village and, naturally, a generous dose of samples make it a worthwhile detour. We recommend mooring at Gas Street Basin and catching the train to Cadbury World.

Approaching Devizes, the Caen Hill flight is one of the most famous lock runs in the country. Built at the end of the 18th century, the 29 locks lift boats dramatically up the hillside. It’s hard work, but the views from the top are worth the effort, and it’s a stretch every boater remembers.

Moorings along the river bring you within walking distance of Cambridge’s famous sights. The colleges and their courtyards are dotted through the city, and the River Cam is alive with students trying to master a punt. A short visit gives you time for a stroll through the historic centre before heading back to your own, rather more reliable, boat.

High above the town, the remains of this medieval castle dominate the skyline. The steep walk up is rewarded with wide views across the valley, and it’s easy to see why poets and painters were inspired by it. Moor in Llangollen and allow an hour or two for the climb.

The medieval bridge in St Ives is one of only a handful in England with a chapel built into it. Dating from the 1400s, it’s a striking feature of the town and a rare piece of medieval engineering you can still cruise beneath. A reminder that waterways have always been part of local life.

Visitor moorings by the walls put you straight into one of the country’s best-preserved historic centres. The medieval Rows are unique, these two-tiered shopping arcades are filled with quirky boutiques and up-market shops. The Roman amphitheatre and cathedral are close at hand, but so are some characterful pubs. However you spend your time, two or three hours is enough to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed.

Chirk has been strategically important since Norman times, with its 12th-century fortress and later castle guarding the Ceiriog Valley. Today it’s a friendly little town in Wrexham County, with shops, pubs and Chirk Castle and Aqueduct nearby. If you’re starting or ending your holiday from the Chirk base, it’s worth building in time for a wander.

Built in 1310, Chirk Castle has everything you’d expect: towers, dungeons, state apartments and a long gallery. The gardens are as impressive as the interior, with sweeping views over Cheshire and Shropshire from the terrace. This National Trust site is only a short trip from the marina, making it an easy and worthwhile visit.

This famous college in Oxford is a popular tourist attraction as well as a seat of learning! It is that one that inspired the Great Hall in the Harry Potter films. It is open to the public for tours, and many visitors come to explore its stunning architecture, gardens, and historic rooms. While it’s not always open for general dining (it’s primarily used for college events), you can visit the hall as part of the college’s visitor tour.

At the end of the Caldon Canal, the preserved Churnet Valley Railway offers a nostalgic journey on a rural line. Steam locomotives take you through wooded valleys and alongside the River Churnet, in scenery that earned the area its alpine nickname. You can moor at Frogall and the Railway is a short walk in the centre of town.

Moor up and it’s a half-hour walk into the centre, where Coventry tells its story in two cathedrals: the haunting shell of the old one, bombed in the war, and the striking modern rebuild standing proudly next to it. Add in the Herbert Art Gallery or the Transport Museum if time allows, and you’ll see a city that’s defined by resilience rather than nostalgia.

Devizes has a strong historic core, with buildings dating back to the 16th century. The Wadworth Brewery is the star attraction for many visitors, with its visitor centre and a chance to sample the local brew. If you don’t wish to tackle the Caen Hill Flight, then moor at the bottom and enjoy a walk up to the town.

From moorings on the Union Canal, Edinburgh is an easy walk or short train ride or bus ride away. The Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace and the castle dominate the tourist trail, but there’s equal pleasure in wandering the closes and finding a café or pub tucked away. Allow a good half day at least — the city rewards time.

Perched high on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline and the Royal Mile below. It has been a royal residence, a military stronghold and is now home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. The views over the city are as impressive as the history within its walls. Allow a couple of hours at least, it’s the one attraction in Edinburgh not to rush.

At the junction of the Shropshire Union and the Manchester Ship Canal, this museum is well worth a detour. The site combines docks, warehouses and boats, with exhibitions that bring Britain’s waterways story to life. A fine way to put your own cruising into perspective.

From the river, Ely’s cathedral rises above the fens like a beacon. Moor up and it’s only a short walk into this small but impressive city. The cathedral, known locally as “the Ship of the Fens” is worth the visit alone, and the surrounding streets have a quiet charm. A leisurely wander and a stop for coffee will easily fill a couple of hours, ideal just before or just after your narrowboat cruise in Cambrideshire.

Ely’s cathedral dominates the skyline for miles around and is one of the most impressive in England. Founded as an abbey in 673 and rebuilt as a cathedral in 1083, it has been carefully restored over the centuries. Highlights include the octagonal lantern tower and the pavement labyrinth designed by George Gilbert Scott. A great place to visit before or after your holiday from Ely.

Right on the waterways in Stoke, the Emma Bridgewater Factory is a distinctive stop. You can tour the site or sit down to decorate your own mug or plate, a hands-on souvenir with a bit more character than the usual gift shop find. Moorings make it easy to pause here for a creative afternoon.

Glasgow has reinvented itself as a city of art, music and design, with free museums and galleries that rival any in the country. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery, the Riverside Museum and Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s architecture are standouts. From the canal, the city is a straightforward train ride, making it a practical and rewarding excursion.

Hampton Court Palace is a magnificent Tudor and Baroque royal palace on the banks of the River Thames, just outside London. Famous as the home of Henry VIII, it offers a fascinating glimpse into 500 years of royal life. You can buy day tickets and take the opportunity to see the Tudor kitchens, stroll the grand Baroque apartments built for William III and Mary II, and get lost in the world-famous Hampton Court Maze. The palace’s gardens are equally impressive, so take a picnic or enjoy a bite to eat at one of the cafes on site.

Known as the ‘Stairway to Heaven’, this flight of locks on the Grand Union Canal climbs 146 ft in under 2 miles. The views at the top are an earned reward and there’s even a café if you’re in need of a sit-down after your exertions.

Designed by Thomas Telford, the curved weir diverts water from the River Dee into the canal system. It marks the start of the World Heritage stretch from Llangollen to Chirk. A short walk from the town, it’s a peaceful spot with fine views of the river.

Overlooking the canal in Devizes Wharf, this small museum explains the history of the Kennet & Avon Canal, from construction through decline to restoration. It’s a compact but informative stop, perfect for understanding the route you’re cruising.

Close to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, Kinver Edge offers one of the more unusual stop-offs. The views from the ridge are striking, and the National Trust-managed rock houses, once home to families until the 1960s, are well worth a look. It’s a short detour from the water, but a memorable one.

Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, still towers over its loch, and it’s just a short stroll from the Union Canal. The town has a market square, historic streets and a handful of pubs and cafés. Moorings are close to the action, making this one of the most convenient and characterful stops.

Just outside Congleton, this moated timber-framed house is as photogenic as they come. Guided tours explain the quirks of its architecture and history, while the atmosphere has more than a touch of storybook about it. Well worth the short trip from the canal.

Liverpool grew rich on trade, and the Albert Dock remains its most famous landmark. Today it’s home to the Merseyside Maritime Museum, Tate Liverpool and The Beatles Story, while the wider city offers everything from Georgian terraces to modern galleries. Moorings at Albert Dock and Stanley Dock bring you right into the heart of the waterfront.

Arrive by canal and you’ll be rewarded with views as striking as the journey in. Llangollen is set against dramatic hills and has a lively little town centre. The steam railway and riverside walks are close by, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of a place that feels both tucked away and full of character. Two hours ashore gives you the highlights before you retreat back along the water.

The preserved railway runs for ten miles through the Dee Valley, offering a leisurely way to enjoy the scenery. Special events – including visits from a certain blue engine made famous on children’s TV – make it popular with families, but even without them, the combination of vintage locomotives and riverside views is hard to beat.

Mow Cop Castle is a striking 18th-century folly perched high on a ridge, and the climb up is rewarded with wide views across two counties. It’s a good leg-stretch from the Macclesfield Canal, and an even better run-around if you’ve brought the dog. A memorable landmark that’s as much about the scenery as the structure.

Dating back to the 13th century, Newbridge is one of the two oldest surviving bridges across the Thames. It was built to carry packhorses, and the stone arches still give the crossing a medieval feel. There’s a riverside pub right by the bridge, making it an easy and pleasant stop for boaters. Moorings are available close by, so it’s a convenient pause whether for a quick look or a leisurely lunch.

Visitor moorings bring you within easy reach of one of England’s most famous cities. Oxford is all spires, quads and libraries, and even a short wander gives you the sense that half the country’s history was written here. The colleges are the real stars — some open their doors for a look around — while the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera are worth a pause, even if just for the photo. Two or three hours ashore lets you dip into the city’s atmosphere before retreating to the quieter pace of the canal.

The kids will love this attraction in the centre of Oxford! You can go underground to explore the crypt, step inside 18th century prison cells and climb the 101 steps of St Georges Tower. Take a guided tour and learn the history of this original 11th century motte-and-bailey fortress that has been a royal palace, a prison, and a military barracks over the centuries.

Crossing the Dee valley at 126 feet, this 19-arch aqueduct is the longest and highest in Britain. Completed in 1805, it still carries boats across its narrow trough. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a highlight of any Welsh canal holiday, and walkable from Chirk base if you prefer to admire it from the towpath.

Located just a short walk from Henley Bridge, the River & Rowing Museum combines modern architecture with a broad mix of exhibitions. As you’d expect, rowing and the Henley Regatta feature strongly, but there are also displays on the River Thames, the town’s history, and even a family-friendly Wind in the Willows gallery. Visitor moorings in Henley make it an easy stop, and a couple of hours is enough to explore before heading back to the boat.

Visitor moorings either side of bridge 40 mean you can moor up and walk straight into what many call “the best bits of London, all in a ten-minute walk.” The Royal Pump Rooms and Jephson Gardens are ideal for a gentler kind of sightseeing. A few hours ashore gives you time for a stroll, a coffee, and maybe a side of genteel pampering — however unofficial.

Set in historic railway buildings, the Science and Industry Museum tells Manchester’s story as a city of innovation. Exhibits range from steam locomotives and textile machinery to the world’s first commercially available computer. Interactive galleries and daily demonstrations make it engaging for all ages.

Close to the junction of the Trent & Mersey and Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canals, Shugborough Hall is a National Trust property with grand state rooms, servant quarters and extensive grounds. The estate has been used in film and television, and its parkland and follies make for an unhurried afternoon visit.

St Ives sits on the River Great Ouse and is best known for its long-running markets. The Monday market takes over the town centre, while smaller ones run throughout the week. The town itself has riverside walks, a lovely town centre and, of course, the medieval bridge. You can moor easily in the town including overnight to make the most of the range of restaurants and pubs.

This is the meeting point of the Staffordshire and Worcester canal and the River Severn, and a fascinating spot for anyone with a soft spot for boats. Moor up to admire a jumble of craft against a backdrop of historic warehouses. The Heritage Room explains the story, and guided tours add context, though it’s equally pleasant just to soak up the scene.

A convenient mooring brings you into the heart of Shakespeare’s home town. A walk along the timber-framed streets and a glance at his Birthplace are enough to set the scene. If theatre doesn’t tempt you, the riverside gardens make a fine spot for a leg stretch. An afternoon here is just long enough to take in the atmosphere, then escape back to the calm of the canal.

The Tardebigge Flight, on the Birmingham and Worcester Canal, is the longest in the country, with 30 locks in just over two miles. It’s a challenge for the crew, but the reward is spectacular views over Worcestershire’s countryside.

Built in 1595, the Ancient High House is one of the finest Tudor buildings in the country. Over the centuries it has hosted figures from King Charles I to the Duke of Cumberland. Today it’s a museum, with exhibitions covering local history and period rooms furnished to reflect its past.

The Falkirk Wheel lifts boats 115 feet between the Union and Forth & Clyde Canals — the only rotating boat lift of its kind in the world. Opened in 2002, it’s both practical and spectacular, and there’s a visitor centre explaining how it works. Even if you’re not travelling through, it’s worth watching in action.

Cruising through the Fens offers a very different landscape – flat, open and full of wildlife. Marsh harriers, herons and swans are regular sights on the rivers and it’s a place for unhurried boating and photography rather than rushing ashore.

Standing 30 metres tall, these steel sculptures by Andy Scott are a striking tribute to the working horses of Scotland’s canals. They sit in The Helix park, right beside the Forth & Clyde Canal, and are even more impressive up close than from the road. Illuminated at night, they’re one of the most photographed sights in Scotland.

Stoke-on-Trent owes its identity to the pottery industry, and the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canals played a huge part in that story. Wedgwood, Spode, and many other household names were born here. A cruise through the area offers glimpses of historic works, museums and factory shops, giving real insight into how canals powered industry.

Thorpe Park is one of the UK’s major theme parks, with rollercoasters and rides aimed squarely at thrill-seekers. It’s a very different day out from the heritage stops along the canals, but for those who enjoy speed and spectacle, it delivers. The nearest moorings are around Chertsey or Staines-upon-Thames. From either, it’s about a 10–15 minute taxi ride to the park entrance.

Right in the centre of Banbury, Tooley’s Boatyard is one of the oldest continuously working dry docks on the canal system. Established in 1790, it’s now part museum, part working yard, with guided tours showing the forge, workshops and dry dock still in use today. It’s a rare chance to see the craft and tools that kept Britain’s waterways moving. Moorings in Banbury Basin make it an easy and worthwhile stop.

Moorings by the town give easy access to Warwick’s historic centre. The castle is the main highlight of the town, and we recommend at least half a day to make the most of a visit here, as there are live medieval displays and evening shows during the height of the season. But the town itself has a quieter charm, with narrow streets, a market square and plenty of independent cafés.

Visiting Windsor Castle is a journey through nearly 1,000 years of royal history. As the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it has been home to 40 monarchs and remains an official residence of His Majesty The King. Highlights include the grand State Apartments filled with treasures from the Royal Collection, the beautiful St George’s Chapel, and the lively Changing of the Guard. You can visit all year round, the castle being open five days a week between Thursday and Monday.

Moor along the Worcester and Birmingham Canal and you’re a short walk into the city. The cathedral dominates, a fine mix of Norman and Gothic that rewards a visit. Royal Worcester’s factory shops are worth a visit, while the Tudor House museum offers a glimpse of everyday life in centuries past.