Britain · BOAT TOURS IN ENGLAND
The shortlist, priced: 8 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.”
Join Plymouth Boat Trips for a one-hour cruise from the Mayflower Steps. Your skipper or onboard commentary points out Plymouth Hoe, Drake’s Island, the Tamar and the naval dockyard, with warships and submarines often in view. You’ll find toilets, a licensed bar, indoor shelter and outdoor seating. Dogs and wheelchairs are welcome.
“it was a great cruise.the crew was lovely.we really enjoyed it”
Meet your skipper at Torquay Marina for a private one-hour RIB trip along the Devon coast. You’ll pass Berry Head, secluded bays, seal-hauling spots, and areas where dolphins and porpoises may appear. Max is one skipper named by past guests, and your group of up to four has the boat to itself.
“The caves The Dolphins The sea lions The whole journey was interesting and full of vibes from our Captain”
You captain a private day boat from Coach Street in Skipton, after a practical safety and handling lesson. Cruise the Leeds and Liverpool Canal through peaceful countryside, work the locks and swing bridges, bring a picnic, and return by 4:30 p.m. The boat has a cooker, sink, toilet, speakers, and seats for up to 10.
“A great day for all the family we all had a go at steering the boat, a bit tricky at first but you soon get the hang of it. The boat company were very good at explaining everything, we will be doing it again soon.”
Set out from Coach Street in Skipton at 11 a.m. for a roughly three-hour canal cruise aboard a traditional barge. You will pass historic canal buildings, Snaygill, and a wartime memorial while enjoying a roast dinner. Drinks, including alcohol, cost extra. The boat carries up to 46 people and returns to the starting point.
“Lovely roast dinner on a canal boat. The boat is nice and comfortable. Food is served quickly and tastes delicious. Drinks are offered several times throughout the journey with a good option of alcohol and non-alcoholic options. There is a toilet Read more”
Start with a city, a castle or a coastline.
