Canal boat holidays

1399steve

I'm looking at going for a weeks canal boat holiday in June, probably the Cheshire Ring - just wondering if anyone has done this and got any recommendations.

Obviously I've googled this and there are plenty of companies to choose from but not sure which is the best!

cherrub

It depends on what your budget is - you very much get what you pay for with canal boats. The quality of the finish on the boat, along with the level of extras is heavily linked to the price.

I can definitely recommend Alvechurch who have a base at Anderton. We've had two boats from them over the last couple of years - a Grebe and a Bunting. Both have been lovely boats, in excellent condition, with all the extras including 240volt supply, toaster, microwave, hairdryer etc. You also get carpets through most of the boat. At the start/end of the holiday, their staff at the yards have always been very efficient and nice to deal with.

Their website also has good virtual tours which can help you visualise what you are getting. However, they are not cheap!

We've also had very good boats from Black Prince in the past (bases at Acton Bridge and Stoke-on-Trent), although we haven't used them for a few years.

ellay864

I can't make any recommendations about which company etc but from living locally be careful if you're planning on travelling on the Trent & Mersey or Shroppy Union through Middlewich in the middle of June. We have a Folk & Boat festival which is great fun and the boats make for an amzing sight, but the downside is that mooring sites are very restricted as it gets busy. The festival itself is 17-19 June but it generally picks up a few days beforehand.
The area round here is lovely and if you wanted to add something a little different to your holiday it might be really good fun for you...just check on where you could tie your boat up in advance though!