Britain · BOAT TOURS IN ENGLAND
The shortlist, priced: 4 boat tours in England that are worth the money, what each one includes, and the thing worth knowing before you pay for it.
Spend one hour on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal with commentary by comedian Dave Spikey of Phoenix Nights fame. You’ll hear local stories, canal history, and Northern humor while passing countryside and wildlife. The boat has a bar serving drinks and snacks, allocated seats, toilets, and welcomes dogs for a voluntary RNLI donation.
“Great trip and very relaxing with an amusing commentary. Excellent value”
Settle into a comfortable canal boat at Coach Street in Skipton for about two hours of sandwiches, scones, cakes, tea, and countryside views. You get your own table, indoor seating, and a fully licensed bar. The crew is not named in the booking details, but service is friendly and attentive. Book ahead, and allow time to park.
“Booked this trip for my mum’s birthday. Called Viator to request Gluten Free food as my mum is Coeliac. This was confirmed with the booking agent that he’d made a note on the booking. Unfortunately, on arrival Skipton River Cruises weren’t aware of the dietary requirements as it wasn’t on our booking. The staff there told us that they would do their best to rectify it. The staff were absolutely incredible and picked up Gluten Free food along the way. There was hardly any delay to us getting our food, despite having to make a whole new afternoon tea for my mum. Thank you to the staff at Skipton River…”
Cruise the Leeds and Liverpool Canal near Skipton for about an hour with English commentary, countryside views, an onboard bar and toilet. The boat carries up to 56 people and returns to the Skipton meeting point. It suits families, couples, and anyone short on time, though seating can be tight and a lock crossing is not guaranteed.
“Family trip with kids aged 8 and 12 during Easter hols. All families were seated on benches with consecutive numbers but were diagonally opposite due to the way row numbers worked. Frustrating! The commentary by some famous guy was not very engaging and you had to have that sense of humour to get it. The kids were bored so for £30+, it would have been more enjoyable to walk, even in the rain. Wouldn't really recommend, sorry!”
Spend about five and a half hours aboard a luxury Jeanneau yacht from Lymington Yacht Haven. Your skipper and crew handle the sailing, or teach you at the helm, while you cruise the Solent toward Isle of Wight views. Champagne, a hot two-course meal, tea, coffee, safety gear, blankets, and dietary options are included. Some sailings have been crewed by Gary and Paul.
“If you’re in Southampton before or after a cruise, this experience is a great alternative to touring castles, churches or old towns. Incredible value for a 5+ hour adventure activity which includes fabulous lunch or dinner.”
Start with a city, a castle or a coastline.
