As featured in…
NEED HELP PLANNING YOUR ADVENTURE?
HAVE A QUESTION?
Call today on ++44 (0)1527 575 115 and a Black Prince team member will be happy to help!
Explore Wales onboard a Black Prince boat
Your narrowboat holiday in Wales will provide you with some breathtaking views and great photo opportunities. The Lllangollen canal in Wales, meandering its way alongside the Berwyn Mountains, takes you over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in this beautiful World Heritage Site, towards the ancient town of Llangollen.
You’ll access this amazing Welsh waterway from Chirk Marina, near the site of Chirk Castle, in Wrexham, North Wales.
Cruising Wales: My Local Guide
Welcome to our little slice of Wales! If you’re setting off from our Chirk base, you’ve got two brilliant options: head west towards the picturesque little town of Llangollen, or cruise east into England where you can wander around Ellesmere, pop into Whitchurch, and even make your way up towards Chester and Northwich.
No matter which way you point the boat, you’re in for gorgeous scenery, heaps of history, and plenty of great stops that suit everyone, from kids to grandparents.
Favourite local spot: Crossing the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct never gets less breathtaking.
This guide was written by Stacey in our Guest Services team at Black Prince Holidays in Chirk. Stacey has been welcoming Black Prince guests to Chirk for 5 years, helping them discover the best routes, moorings, and hidden gems along the Llangollen Canal.
Wales Narrowboat Holiday Special Offers
Narrowboats available to hire in Chirk, Wales
We offer a wide range of boats to suit all budgets and requirements, from small two-berth boats to spacious ten-berth boats and our boats are all fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including central heating, a kitchen, and a bathroom. We also provide comprehensive training on how to operate your boat, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday without any worries.
Top Towns to Visit in Wales
Llangollen
Nestled in the Welsh hills, the ancient small town of Llangollen has a fascinating history dating back to the 7th century when it was founded by its founding saint Collen. There are plenty of sights to see here on a Welsh canal holiday, from the famous Dee Bridge, which was built I345 , Crow Castle and the Valle Crucis Abbey. Llangollen became important in canal history because of its position on the main London to Holyhead coaching road built by Thomas Telford in 1815 and the canal was also constructed around this. Nowadays, Llangollen is perhaps best known for hosting the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod every July. It’s a short canal boat trip, approximately four hours to cruising to get to Llangollen, which makes Chirk an easy place to rent a canal boat to reach this pretty town.
Chirk
Chirk oozes fascinating history, from the Norman fortress that dates back to the early 12th Century and Chirk Castle which today still proudly guards the entrance to the Ceiriog Valley.
There’s plenty to see and do here – wander into town for a choice of shops, pubs and restaurants and see the sights including the famous Thomas Telford bridge constructed in around 1798. When you are renting a canal boat from Black Prince from our Chirk hire base, build in some time either before or after your trip to explore this historic small town.
Top Welsh Historical Attractions
Chirk Castle
Not far from Chirk Marina where your narrowboat hire will be moored up you can visit this magnificent medieval fortress which dates back to 1310. There’s plenty to explore including the medieval tower and dungeon, 17th-century Long Gallery, grand 18th-century state apartments, servants’ hall and historic laundry. There is also a lovely walk around the award-winning gardens and don’t miss out the garden terrace which offers stunning views the Cheshire and Salop plains.
Plas Newydd
This historic house, now open as a museum, holds much of its attraction in the fascinating story of the two ‘Ladies of Llangollen’. In the early nineteenth century these two upper-class women from Ireland developed a relationship that scandalised and fascinated their contemporaries and after a romantic elopement from their families in Ireland, they settled at Plas Newydd in Wales. The Ladies of Llangollen welcomed a host of society names to their house, including poets like Robert Southee and William Wordsworth, and statesmen like the Duke of Wellington. Potter Josiah Wedgwood visited, as did novelist Sir Walter Scott. Today it’s mock-medieval frontage has led to it being used in many television programmes and in film and it is one of Wales’ most popular tourist attractions. This museum is easy to visit on your Welsh canal boat holiday.
Castel Dinas Bran
In Llangollen, you can see the Castel Dinas Bran, a medieval castle that stands high above the town as its most famous landmark. Popular in literature, the castle can be accessed by a zigzagging path through the Welsh countryside from Llangollen. Moor up your hire boat in Llangollen, either on the canal or in the marina (small extra charge applies) and hike up to this attraction.
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a navigable aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee in the Vale of Llangollen in northeast Wales. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Wales. The aqueduct is a 1,800-foot-long, 125-foot-high structure that consists of 18 arches. It was designed by Thomas Telford and built between 1795 and 1805. The aqueduct was built to allow boats to travel between Llangollen and the River Mersey. It is now a popular tourist destination and is used for both commercial and recreational boating. You’ll cross this amazing structure on your Welsh canal boat holiday on your way to Llangollen.
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a feat of engineering and a beautiful piece of architecture. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Wales. You can easily walk from Chirk Marina to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Llangollen Canal Attractions for Kids
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
The area around Llangollen is packed full of outdoor adventure, including rock-climbing, kayaking down the Dee, and white water-rafting. Visit the local tourist information for details on companies who can organise day trips and activities in this area, most of this equipment can be rentals as opposed to having to bring your own equipment.
LLANGOLLEN HERITAGE STEAM RAILWAY
Even big kids enjoy a steam railway, and the Llangollen Steam Railway needs to go down on your to do list whilst your are enjoying your canal boat holiday here. Located beside the historic Dee Bridge in Llangollen, the line follows the River Dee, classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), for its entire length. Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine will be pleased to know he visits at least once a year!
Top Llangollen Canal Holiday Attractions
PONTCYSYLLTE AQUEDUCT
If you’re looking for a stunning photo opportunity on your Welsh canal boat holiday, then this is the place to come. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Stream in the Sky’ the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is one of the first things you will cross on your narrowboat holiday as you head towards Llangollen.
Standing 126ft high over the River Dee, it has 19 arches each with a 45ft span and is the largest aqueduct in Britain. The brainchild of Thomas Telford, this elegant aqueduct holds 1.5 million litres of water and was completed in 1805. Be warned – it’s not one for the fainthearted! One side of the aqueduct is just sheer drop. If you are renting a canal boat then some narrow boaters (the ones that aren’t driving!) prefer to walk on the footpath that runs alongside it.
HORSESHOE FALLS
Horseshoe Falls in Llangollen is a distinctively shaped weir created by Thomas Telford that helps create a pool of water that can enter the Llangollen Canal. Since 2009, the weir has been part of a World Heritage Site, which covers 11 miles (18 km) of the Llangollen Canal from just above Horseshoe Falls to just below Chirk Aqueduct. The canal was awarded World Heritage status because of the amazing feat of civil engineering that meant this canal was constructed with no locks through such difficult terrain.
Top Festivals in Llangollen
LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL EISTEDDFOD
If you enjoy international music and a great party atmosphere then head over to Llangollen in July. This world-famous event sees people from across the globe flock to Llangollen to compete and soak up the atmosphere.
All Attractions
Castell Dinas Brân
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.
Chester
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
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.
Chirk Castle
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.
Horseshoe Falls
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.
Llangollen
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.
Llangollen Heritage Railway
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.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
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.
Wales Canal Boat Hire FAQs
WHAT IS THE BEST CANAL TRIP IN THE UK
Many would argue that a canal boat trip along the Llangollen Canal in Wales is the most scenic canal trip in the UK. The stunning views across the Unesco World Heritage Site makes for a stunning canal boat holiday.
WHICH CANAL IN WALES HAS THE LEAST LOCKS?
The Llangollen Canal in Wales has no locks to travel through, making it a very easy Welsh canal boat holiday, whilst the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is a more challenging route.
CAN YOU MOOR A CANAL BOAT ANYWHERE?
When you hire a canal / narrowboat from Black Prince, you are allowed to moor almost anywhere alongside canal towpaths. The only exceptions are near bridges, at water points and in private marinas.
CAN I HIRE A CANAL BOAT IN BRECON?
Canal boating in Brecon is a great way to explore the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, a 36-mile waterway that runs through the Brecon Beacons National Park. Black Prince do not offer a canal boat hire there, our alternative is the stunning Llangollen Canal in north Wales.
WHAT ATTRACTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR KIDS DURING THE CANAL BOAT HOLIDAY?
The great thing about a canal boat holiday in Wales is that you can hop on and off the boat at any time, visiting anything that looks interesting to you – you make your own itinerary! When you reach Llangollen, we recommend a ride on the Llangollen railway. Children will love riding the old fashioned steam train that runs for 10 miles through the stunning Dee Valley, following the River Dee from Llangollen to Corwen. There are five stations along the line, each with its own special charm and hidden gems.
IS A NARROWBOAT THE SAME AS A BARGE HOLIDAY IN WALES?
The primary differences between barges and narrowboats lie in their size, design, and intended use. Barges are typically larger, broader, and heavier vessels with a flat-bottomed hull. They are designed for carrying heavy cargo, and their size allows them to transport substantial loads. Narrowboats, as the name suggests, are narrower and more streamlined than barges. They have a distinctive long, narrow shape and a deeper draft relative to their size. Due to the width of the canals in Wales, Black Prince offers narrowboat holidays as opposed to barge holidays in this area.
Latest Wales news
Black Prince wins Best Self Catering Award
Black Prince wins an award from Cheshire Tourism board, recognising our high level of holiday accommodation in the area.
Read post British Travel Awards Win!
Black Prince Narrowboat Holidays recently won the Silver Award in the "Best UK Short Break" category at the British Travel Awards.
Read post Canal Holidays in September: Routes, Tips, and Hidden Gems
September breaks on the waterways
Read post Narrowboating with Kids on the Llangollen Canal
Narrowboating with children on the Llangollen
Read post Top 5 Must-See Sights on the Llangollen Canal
The Llangollen Canal runs for 35 miles through the Vale of Llangollen in northeast Wales. It is one of the most popular…
Read post Top Llangollen Canal Walks
The Llangollen Canal is a great destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and impressive scenery. Take a look at our three…
Read post 15 great ideas for autumn breaks
Enjoy an autumn canal narrowboat break in the UK with Black Prince Holidays. Snug, well-equipped boats will keep you cosy whilst you…
Read post Barging Around Britain with John Sergeant – The Interview
It was a great pleasure to meet John Sergeant whilst he was on location cruising the Trent & Mersey Canal.
Read post Canal guides
Birmingham and Fazeley Canal
The Birmingham & Fazeley Canal is relatively short, at just under 15 miles in length, but its importance lay in the vital inland waterways connections it provided between larger West Midlands canal networks.
Canal Guide
Bridgewater Canal
The Bridgewater is famous for being England's first canal - or perhaps more accurately, Britain's first industrial canal. 39 miles in length, stretches from Runcorn to Leigh in the north west of England.
Canal Guide
Caldon Canal
The Caldon Canal (or the Caldon Branch of the Trent and Mersey Canal which is the proper title) was built at the end of the 18th century to serve the burgeoning industry of the Midlands.
Canal Guide
Coventry Canal
One of the UK's shorter waterways, the Coventry Canal starts in Coventry Canal Basin and heads north west for 38 miles through the Midlands’ countryside up to Fradley Junction, just north of Lichfield.
Canal Guide
Forth and Clyde Canal
The Forth & Clyde Canal was the first canal to be built in Scotland in the eighteenth century, crossing central Scotland east to west from the Bowling Basin on the River Clyde to the Forth estuary at the River Carron.
Canal Guide
Grand Union Canal Guide
The Grand Union Canal is the longest canal in the UK spanning across several counties and linking the major cities of Birmingham and London.
Canal Guide
Kennet & Avon Canal Guide
Whether you're looking for holidays on the Kennet or canal routes in Bristol and Bath, the Kennet and Avon canal is a wonderful location for a canal boat holiday.
Canal Guide
Leeds Liverpool Canal
Taking almost 50 years to complete, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is the longest canal in Britain built as a single waterway by one company, at 127 miles.
Canal Guide
Llangollen Canal Guide
The Llangollen Canal has been described as the most beautiful canal for boat trips in the UK. This scenic waterway and canal system crosses the border between England and Wales
Canal Guide
Macclesfield Canal
This rural canal in Cheshire was one of the last narrow canals to be built before the advent of the railways. The famous canal surveyor Thomas Telford was involved in the planning of the canal and this 26 mile stretch was opened in 1832.
Canal Guide
North and South Oxford Canal
Built in the late eighteenth century and quickly becoming the main transport route from the midlands to the south of England, this meandering canal cuts through some of the prettiest countrysides in England.
Canal Guide
Shropshire Union Canal
The Shropshire Union Canal, known affectionately as the 'Shroppie', links the canal system of the West Midlands, at Wolverhampton, with the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal at Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
Canal Guide
Trent and Mersey Canal
This cross-country canal runs across the north midlands of England, from Runcorn in Cheshire to Shardlow in Derbyshire. It's a great canal holiday route for narrow boat and canal cruising on of the most famous UK canals.
Canal GuideOther locations
Narrowboat holidays in Oxfordshire
View
Narrowboat Holidays in Scotland
View
Narrowboat Holidays in Worcestershire
View
Narrowboat Holidays in Staffordshire
View
Narrowboat Holidays in Warwickshire
View
Narrowboat Holidays in Cheshire
View
Narrowboat Holidays in Cambridgeshire
View
Narrowboat Holidays in Wiltshire
View