Trip Boats
Get afloat and explore new waterways. Many waterway restoration groups and other organisations operate trip boats to enable you to get aboard a boat and explore new waterways, without having to charter the whole vessel. You might even be able to get to some of IWA’s Silver Propeller Challenge destinations. Here, we have listed passenger boat operations that we are aware of. There are probably many others – please drop us a line at [email protected] if you come across any not listed here, or if you have any corrections to the information listed.
Please check with the operators before travelling to any trip boat. Weather conditions and availability of volunteer skippers and crew may affect planned trips. [Page created and information believed to be up to date at November 2024].
Apollo – based at Leeds / Wakefield
Runs on selected days – see website for details
Operator: Best Yorkshire Boating
Details: www.yorkshireboating.com/boat-trips/ – book via website
Maximum Passengers: 12
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board.
Still Waters – based at Ashton-under-Lyne (OL7 0QA)
Passenger Trips on Saturdays and Sundays, Easter to September and some weekdays in school holidays
Operator: Tameside Canalboat Trust
Details: https://tamesidecanalboat.wordpress.com/
Maximum Passengers: 51
John Pinkerton II – based at Odiham
Runs on selected days Easter to October
Operator: John Pinkerton Canal Cruises Ltd (subsidiary of Basingstoke Canal Society)
Details: www.basingstokecanal.co.uk – Book via website
Maximum Passengers: 50
Kitty II – based at Woking
Runs most Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays Easter to October
Operator: John Pinkerton Canal Cruises Ltd (subsidiary of Basingstoke Canal Society)
Details: www.basingstokecanal.co.uk – Book via website
Maximum Passengers: 12
Both boats are also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board.
Saville – based at Brighouse
Runs on selected days – see website for details
Operator: Calder Navigation Society
Details: www.calderns.org.uk/boat-trips/ – Turn up and book on the day
Maximum Passengers: 12
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board.
Albert – based at Paper Mill Lock (CM3 4BS)
Runs from Easter to October, daily, most days except Mondays 11.00 am to 4.00 pm
Operator: Essex Waterways Ltd
Details: www.essexwaterways.com – Book Online via Bookeo
Maximum Passengers: 12
Blackwater Dawn – based at Heybridge Basin (CM9 4RY)
Runs from Easter to October, daily, most days except Mondays, 11.00 am to 4.00 pm
Operator: Essex Waterways Ltd
Details: www.essexwaterways.com – Book Online via Bookeo
Maximum Passengers: 12
Both boats are also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board.
John Varley II – based at Tapton Mill Lock
Runs from Selected dates, mostly Easter to September
Operator: Chesterfield Canal Trust
Details: www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk – Book Online via website
Maximum Passengers: 12
Madeline – based at Hollingwood Hub
Runs on Saturdays and selected school holiday dates April to October
Operator: Chesterfield Canal Trust
Details: www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk – Book Online via website
Maximum Passengers: 12
Hugh Henshall – based at Shireoaks Marina / Worksop
Runs on selected dates April to October
Operator: Chesterfield Canal Trust
Details: www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk – Book Online via website
Maximum Passengers: 12
Seth Ellis – based at Ranby (between Worksop and Retford)
Runs on selected dates April to October
Operator: Chesterfield Canal Trust
Details: www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk – Book Online via website
Maximum Passengers: 12
All four boats are also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board
Richmond – based at Chichester Canal Basin
Runs from Selected dates, mostly Easter to December
Operator: Chichester Ship Canal Trust
Details: www.chichestercanal.org.uk
Maximum Passengers: 32
Kingfisher – based at Chichester Canal Basin
Runs daily during the summer months
Operator: Chichester Ship Canal Trust
Details: www.chichestercanal.org.uk
Maximum Passengers: 22 including wheelchair
Both boats are also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board
Birdswood – based at Cromford (DE4 3RQ)
Passenger Trips on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, Easter to October
Operator: Friends of the Cromford Canal
Details: www.cromfordcanal.org – Book Online at dedicated website www.birdswood.org
Maximum Passengers: 45
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board
Outram – based at Causey Bridge, Derby City Centre
Passenger Trips on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, Easter to October
Operator: Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust
Details: www.derbycanal.org.uk– Book Online via LiveTickets
Maximum Passengers: 12
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board on Thursdays and Fridays.
Pamela May 2 – based at Droitwich
Passenger Trips on selected days – the vessel is mostly used for skipper charter
Operator: Droitwich Canal (Pamela May) Trust
Details: www.pamelamay.co.uk – bookings via website
Maximum Passengers: 12
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board throughout the year
St Magdalene – based at Linlithgow (EH49 6AJ)
Passenger Trips on Saturdays and Sundays, late March to September
Operator: Linlithgow Union Canal Society
Details: www.lucs.org.uk – Book online from webpage.
Maximum Passengers: 40
St Michael – based at Linlithgow (EH49 6AJ)
Passenger Trips on Saturdays and Sundays, late March to September
Operator: Linlithgow Union Canal Society
Details: www.lucs.org.uk – Book online from webpage.
Maximum Passengers: 40
Victoria – based at Linlithgow (EH49 6AJ)
Passenger Trips on Saturdays and Sundays, late March to September and weekdays July to mid-August
Operator: Linlithgow Union Canal Society
Details: www.lucs.org.uk – No prior bookings taken
Maximum Passengers: 12
All three boats are also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board
Adventure – based at Saul Junction
Runs from Selected dates, mostly Easter to September
Operator: Cotswold Canals Trust
Details: www.cotswoldcanals.org – Booking details on webpage
Maximum Passengers: 12
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board.
Electra – based at Campbell Park, Milton Keynes (MK9 4BG)
Runs mid-April to mid-December, six days a week, wide range of cruises available.
Operator: Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust
Details: www.bmkwaterway.org – Booking details on separate webpage
Maximum Passengers: 12. All-electric boat with access lift and toilet.
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board.
Pride of Batchworth – based at Batchworth Locks, Rickmansworth (WD3 1JJ)
Runs on most dates throughout the year from 10.15 am
Operator: Rickmansworth Waterways Trust
Details: www.rwt.org.uk – Booking details on web page
Maximum Passengers: 12
The Trust has a sister boat, Spirit of Batchworth, for charter bookings.
The Tivertonian – based at Tiverton (EX16 4HX)
Horse Drawn boat runs daily from 1st April to 31st October
Operator: Tiverton Canal Company
Details: www.tivertoncanal.co.uk – Booking details on webpage – also tickets available on site
Maximum Passengers: 75
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board
Three Shires – based at Woolsthorpe (NG32 1NY)
Runs from Selected dates, March to October
Operator: Grantham Canal Society
Details: www.granthamcanal.org – Booking details on webpage
Maximum Passengers: 10
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board
John Bunyan – based at Bedford (MK40 1NY and other locations)
Runs on most dates April to October
Operator: Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust
Details: www.bmkwaterway.org – Book online on the webpage
Maximum Passengers: 50
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board
Mr Maysey – based at Over Basin, Gloucester (GL2 8DB)
Runs on selected dates, mostly in the summer
Operator: Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust
Details: www.h-g-canal.org.uk – book online or on site
Maximum Passengers: 8
Sir Charles Morrison – based at Over Basin, Gloucester (GL2 8DB)
Runs on selected dates, mostly in the summer
Operator: Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust
Details: www.h-g-canal.org.uk – book online or on site
Maximum Passengers: 7 (including wheelchairs)
Marsden E-shuttle – based at Marsden
Runs from Weekends, March to October, and daily in summer holidays
Operator: Huddersfield Canal Society
Details: www.hudderfieldcanal.com – No booking – turn up and go
Maximum Passengers: 12 including a wheelchair
Marsden Shuttle – based at Uppermill (Saddleworth Museum & Gallery)
Runs from Weekends, March to October, and daily in summer holidays
Operator: Huddersfield Canal Society
Details: www.hudderfieldcanal.com – No booking – turn up and go
Maximum Passengers: 12
Discovery Boat – based at Standedge Tunnel
Runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, March to October, and extra days in summer
Operator: Canal & River Trust
Details: www.canalruvertrust.org.uk – Book online at Digitickets
Maximum Passengers: 12
Barbara McLellan – based at Bradford-on-Avon
Runs from Easter to October most Wednesdays and Saturdays; 2.5 hour trips from 2.30 p.m.
Operator: Kennet and Avon Canal Trust
Details: www.katrust.org.uk – book from the web page
Maximum Passengers: 40 including two wheelchairs
Rose of Hungerford – based at Hungerford
Runs from Easter from October most Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays
Operator: Kennet and Avon Canal Trust
Details: www.katrust.org.uk – book from the web page
Maximum Passengers: 50 including two wheelchairs
Kenavon Venture – based at Devizes
Runs from Easter from October most Saturdays and Sundays plus special trips on other days
Operator: Kennet and Avon Canal Trust
Details: www.katrust.org.uk – book from the web page
Maximum Passengers: 38
Jubilee – based at Newbury
Runs from Easter from October most Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays
Operator: Kennet and Avon Canal Trust
Details: www.katrust.org.uk – book from the web page
Maximum Passengers: 25
Matilda Too – based at Reading
Runs from Easter from October most Fridays (school holidays only), Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays
Operator: Kennet and Avon Canal Trust
Details: www.katrust.org.uk – book from the web page
Maximum Passengers: 12
All the boats are also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board
Waterwitch – based at Crooklands
Runs on Sundays and Bank Holidays May to September
Operator: Lancaster Canal Trust
Details: www.lctrust.co.uk – booking details on webpage
Maximum Passengers: 12
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board.
Leo, Sam and Tom – based at Skipton
Runs 30 minute trips every day, subject to weather conditions, and some longer trips
Operator: Pennine Cruisers – details of trips running frequently updated
Details: – 30 min trips turn up and pay – longer trips pre-bookable by calling their shop – 01756 795478
Maximum Passengers: 12
Tom is also available for charter bookings with skipper on board.
James Brindley – based at Llangollen (LL20 8TA)
Runs on selected days from February until end of October
Operator: Llangollen Wharf Ltd
Details: www.horsedrawnboats.co.uk – booking details on webpage – horse drawn boat
Maximum Passengers: 52
Thomas Telford – based at Llangollen (LL20 8TA)
Runs on selected days from March until end of October
Operator: Llangollen Wharf Ltd
Details: www.horsedrawnboats.co.uk – booking details on webpage – motor boat trips across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Maximum Passengers: 52
The boats are also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board.
Lord Raglan – based at Goytre Wharf, Llanover (NP7 9EW)
Runs on weekend days, spring to autumn 11.00 am to 3.00 pm
Operator: Monmouthshire Brecon & Abergavenny Canals Trust
Details: www.mbact.org.uk – no advance booking – turn up and go
Maximum Passengers: 25 (runs maximum 12 for some trips) including two wheelchairs
Edith-Elizabeth – based at Goytre Wharf, Llanover (NP7 9EW)
Runs on weekend days, spring to autumn 11.00 am to 3.00 pm
Operator: Monmouthshire Brecon & Abergavenny Canals Trust
Details: www.mbact.org.uk – no advance booking – turn up and go
Maximum Passengers: 10
Lord Raglan is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board (max 20 passengers).
George Watson Buck – based at Llanymynech
Runs: Weekends and Bank Holidays from Good Friday to end of September, from 1.30 pm to 4 pm
Operator: Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust
Details: https://themontgomerycanal.org.uk – no advance booking
Maximum Passengers: 12
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board.
Ella II – based at Ebridge Lock, North Walsham (NR28 9QJ)
Selected days spring to autumn
Operator: North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust
Details: www.nwdct.org – booking info on web page
Maximum Passengers: 10
Dancing Duck – based at Banbury (OX16 2PQ)
Runs: Saturdays from mid April to October
Operator: Tooley’s Boatyard Trust
Details: https://tooleysboatyardtrust.org.uk – no advance booking
Maximum Passengers: 12
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board, on other days.
New Horizons – based at Melbourne Basin (YO42 4QJ)
Runs on Sundays and Bank Holidays from Easter to end of October
Operator: Pocklington Canal Amenity Society
Details: www.pocklingtoncanalsociety.org – no advance booking – turn up and go
Maximum Passengers: 12
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board, Mondays to Saturdays.
Long Tom – based at London Canal Museum (N1 9RT)
Runs on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays (and some Wednesdays) from Easter to end of October
Operator: London Canal Museum in association with Angel Community Narrowboat Trust
Details: www.canalmuseum.org.uk – there is a separate page for booking online.
Maximum Passengers: 12
Charter bookings are available via Angel Community Narrowboat Trust.
This London Canal Museum webpage also details several commercial trip boats operating from Little Venice and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Rosette, Francis J Batten, Edwardian Lady and John Constable – all 4 boats based at Sudbury (CO10 2AN)
Run on weekends April to October, and selected days in August
Operator: The River Stour Trust
Details: www.riverstourtrust.org – Booking details on the web page
Maximum Passengers: 12 or 8 (Rosette and Francis J Batten)
Trusty, Kathleen and Maria Constable – all 3 boats based at Dedham Lock (CO7 6UL)
Run on most days April to October, and selected days in August
Operator: The River Stour Trust
Details: www.riverstourtrust.org – Booking details on the web page
Maximum Passengers: 8 or 9
The boats are also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board.
The Black Country Man – based at Stourbridge (DY8 4LU)
Runs April to October
Operator: Fellows, Morton & Clayton Ltd (subsidiary of Stourbridge Navigation Trust)
Details: www.thebondedwarehousestourbridge.co.uk – booking details on website
Maximum Passengers: 50
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board.
Endeavour – based at Ebley Wharf, Stroud
Runs on selected dates, mostly in the summer
Operator: Cotswold Canals Trust
Details: www.cotswoldcanals.org – booking details on web page
Maximum Passengers: 10
Perseverance – based at Wallbridge Lock Visitor Centre, Stroud
Runs on selected dates, mostly in the summer
Operator: Cotswold Canals Trust
Details: www.cotswoldcanals.org – booking details on web page
Maximum Passengers: 12
Both boats are also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board throughout the year.
Inglesham – based at Lechlade
Runs on selected dates, mostly in the summer
Operator: Cotswold Canals Trust
Details: www.cotswoldcanals.org – booking details on web page
Maximum Passengers: 12
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board, Spring to Autumn.
There are also a wide variety of commercial operators on the Thames from Oxford downstream to the Thames Estuary.
Mille and Onion – based at Bishop Monkton and Newby Hall, near Ripon
Runs most days from beginning of April to end of September
Operator: Yoredale Scenic Cruises
Details: www.yoredalesceniccruises.com – turn up and go – no need to book tickets
Maximum Passengers: 12
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board.
Edwin Clark – based at Anderton Boat Lift (CW9 6FW)
Runs most days, spring to autumn
Operator: Canal & River Trust
Details: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk – booking online via web page
Maximum Passengers: 56 including 2 wheelchairs
The Daniel Adamson (‘The Danny’)
Runs a range of cruises from various points on the River Weaver, Mersey Estuary and Manchester Ship Canal on set days from May to late Summer.
Operator: The Daniel Adamson Preservation Society
Details: www.thedanny.co.uk – booking via website
Maximum Passengers: 75
Both boats are also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board.
Wiggonholt – based at Loxwood
Runs on selected dates, Easter to December
Operator: The Wey and Arun Canal Trust
Details: www.weyarun.org.uk – booking details on web page
Maximum Passengers: 50
Zachariah Keppel – based at Loxwood
Runs on selected dates, Easter to October
Operator: The Wey and Arun Canal Trust
Details: www.weyarun.org.uk – booking details on web page
Maximum Passengers: 27
Walter Grove – based at Loxwood
Runs on selected dates, Easter to October
Operator: The Wey and Arun Canal Trust
Details: www.weyarun.org.uk – booking details on web page
Maximum Passengers: 12
All three boats are also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board throughout the year, subject to water levels.
Dragonfly – based at Wichelstowe, Swindon (SN1 7BX)
Runs on weekends in spring and summer, and Wednesdays in school holidays
Operator: Wilts and Berks Canal Trust
Details: www.wbct.org.uk – booking details on website
Maximum Passengers: 12
The Mary Archard – based at Pewsham
Runs on 2nd Saturday April to September
Operator: Wilts and Berks Canal Trust
Details: www.wbct.org.uk – booking details on website
Maximum Passengers: 8 including wheelchair
Nonsuch – based at Royal Wootton Bassett (SN4 7SE)
Runs on selected weekend days in spring and summer
Operator: Wilts and Berks Canal Trust
Details: www.wbct.org.uk – booking details on website
Maximum Passengers: 8
Patricia – based at Dunhampstead, Droitwich (WR9 7JX)
Runs most of the year; trips at 1 pm and 3 pm
Operator: Forge Studio (a canalside shop with café boat)
Details: www.forgestudio.co.uk – booking details on website
Maximum Passengers: 12
The boat is also available for charter bookings with skipper and crew on board.
Britain's waterways are vital; together we can campaign for them now and for the future.
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