Discover one of the best-kept secrets in the north of England with a weekend break in Cheshire. This beautiful county, offering tranquil countryside and traditional towns and villages is one of the UK’s most popular destinations and is guaranteed to refresh and inspire.
Mini Breaks to Remember in Cheshire
A weekend short break in Cheshire starts from our narrowboat hire base in Acton Bridge and from here you can explore various canals, including the Bridgewater Canal, the Trent and Mersey Canal as well as the canal rings such as the Cheshire Ring and the Four Counties Ring (if you’re looking for a longer canal boat holiday).
This type of holiday is always memorable and with the adventure of being captain of your own narrowboat, the experience just became more and more interesting!
For lovers of the outdoors, canal boat holidays in beautiful Cheshire offer not just stunning scenery, but also the opportunity for some lovely walks and cycling, with the miles of pretty towpaths through the rolling countryside.
Recommended Routes For Weekend Breaks
ACTON BRIDGE BASE, CHESHIRE
From our Acton Bridge base in northwest England near Cheshire, there are a variety of routes you can take. You don’t need to stick to the routes that we suggest here, you can cruise for as many hours as you fancy in a day or on your short break holidays. There are regular winding holes (turning points) along every route that allows you to turn and head back to base whenever you choose.
Acton Bridge short break to Lymm
Miles: 13 miles to Lymm, 26 miles return
Locks: 1 stop lock (2 locks in total return)
This route, perfect for both beginner and experienced boaters, offers 26 miles of easy cruising along the famous Bridgewater Canal in Cheshire. Cheshire’s countryside and picturesque villages ensure full relaxation and is ideal for romantic breaks and family holidays as you gently motor along at 4mph, with just the one lock to contend with on your route.
Lymm is pretty and offers a few shops, cafes and restaurants for a rest and a bite to eat before mooring up for the night. You can head back to base after turning at a winding hole just past Lymm.
Family Weekend Breaks in Cheshire
Look no further than Black Prince to experience a fun family weekend break in Cheshire. You can hire a narrowboat from either Friday afternoon or Saturday and be on your way, cruising through the Cheshire countryside after your initial coaching section and induction, which the whole family can take part in.
Particularly suited to older children and teenagers, canal boat breaks in Cheshire offer the opportunity to get fully involved in driving the boat and managing all the aspects of this type of holiday, from casting off in the morning to mooring up for the night.
Many of the weekend break routes offer cruises along the waterways and also managing the locks that you may come across. Opening and closing the lock gates and ensuring smooth passage is just one of the activities that the whole family can be involved in.
Black Prince also offer family activity packs that children can use to get fully immersed into their canal boat break. Find out more about hiring a boat from our base in Cheshire – there’s never been a better time to plan Cheshire family weekend breaks!
Spring, Summer and Autumn breaks in Cheshire
You can choose a weekend break throughout most of the year, from mid March to the end of October. This gives you the chance to appreciate the stunning Cheshire scenery whatever the season.
Spring and autumn weekend breaks tend to be popular for quieter waterways and lower prices, whilst the summer weekend breaks offer more lively canals with the opportunity to be more social on your holiday! We offer weekend short breaks throughout the main summer season, including July and August.
Dog-friendly Weekend Breaks
Of course, what would a quick weekend getaway be without the family pet? Black Prince welcomes up to two dogs on their dog-friendly boats, with the first pet travelling free of charge, so your pooch can be part of the crew!
You just need to remember to bring all your normal dog paraphernalia with you, such as the dog bed, lead, poop bags, toys etc.
You can read more about our pet-friendly boating holidays here.
Last-Minute Weekend Breaks in Cheshire
We quite frequently have last-minute availability for weekend breaks at our canal boat hire base in Cheshire.
It’s probably best to call our team directly on 01527 575115 if you would like to book five days before travel so that we can ensure you are booked in and receive all the relevant information that you’ll need before travelling for your Cheshire holidays.
Starting days for weekend breaks in Cheshire are Fridays and Saturdays, with departure times between 2pm and 5pm. Friday departures are for three nights and you are due back to base on Monday morning by 9.30am, Saturday departures are due back Tuesday morning by 9.30am.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go for a weekend break in Cheshire?
The beauty of a narrowboat holiday on the UK waterways is that you can wake up to a new view every morning! A typical holiday might take you to city centres such as the heart of Chester, but with Black Prince you’ll depart from our hire base at Acton Bridge near Northwich in Cheshire and then head north along the Bridgewater Canal towards Manchester or head south along the Trent and Mersey. You won’t travel many miles over a short weekend break as your maximum speed is 4 mph, but you’ll certainly see ever-changing views.
Do all your bases offer weekend breaks?
Yes, you can cruise over the weekend from any one of our nine canal boat hire bases across England, Scotland and Wales. Please note that we have both Friday and Saturday departure days.
How many nights is a weekend break?
A weekend break is 3 nights, departing either on a Friday or Saturday (please note that this is dependent on the boats we have available).
Can I travel for just two nights on a weekend?
No, I’m afraid our minimum hire duration is 3 nights.