Anglo Welsh - The Narrowboat Holiday Company

10/09/2024

Best cosy pubs to cruise to this winter
Winter canal boat hire provides the opportunity to cruise gently through the quiet winter countryside and stop off at canalside pubs along the way.

You’ll be snug and warm on board as all our boats have central heating and hot water, and some also have multi-fuel stoves.

We offer narrowboat hire over Christmas and New Year, so you can celebrate the festive season afloat with family and friends. Or simply escape from it all with your nearest and dearest, aboard your very own floating holiday cottage.

Here’s a guide to some of the best pubs to cruise to this winter.

**Please note that winter maintenance on the canals may affect some routes for part of the winter, so do just check with us when you make your booking

1. The Dusty Miller at Wrenbury Mill, Cheshire
From Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal, it takes around seven hours to reach Wrenbury Mill and the Dusty Miller pub. The route travels through 10 miles of the Cheshire countryside, and passes through 11 locks.

2. The Swan Inn at Fradley Junction, Staffordshire
From Great Haywood it takes around five hours to reach Fradley Junction. The journey travels along the Trent & Mersey Canal for 12 miles, passing through five locks. At Fradley, you can moor up next to the historic Swan Inn, serving ‘home cooked honest meals’.

3. The Fleur De Lys at Lowsonford, Warwickshire
From Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal, it takes around three hours to cruise to the pretty canalside village of Lowsonford, home of the canalside Fleur De Lys pub famous for its pies.

4. The Corn Mill in Llangollen, Denbighshire
From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal, it takes around two-and-a-half hours to reach the pretty town of Llangollen, nestled in the Berwyn Mountains. Once there, you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and take a short walk to the popular Corn Mill pub, housed in a 14th century watermill on the banks of the River Dee.

5. The Black Bear at Whitchurch, Shropshire
Setting out from Whixall, it takes around two-and-a-half hours to reach the historic market town of Whitchurch, home of the award-winning Black Bear pub.

06/09/2024

Sadly we’ve had to take the decision to close our canal boat hire base on the River Thames near Oxford, from the end of September 2024.

Our holidays cannot go ahead when the River Thames is in flood and unfortunately we have been experiencing more and more flood events in recent years, making the business unviable with the number of cancellations. We’re sorry for any disappointment and inconvenience this causes our customers who had already booked holidays from our Oxford base in October and beyond.

We continue to offer over 150 canal boats for hire from nine locations across England and Wales, including our new base on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Bradford on Avon.

04/09/2024

Autumn is a great time to go boating and enjoy the beautiful colours in the trees along our amazing inland waterways.

Tuition is included as part of our boat hire. So whether you are beginner looking for an easy short break to test the waters. Or a seasoned boater looking for a longer more challenging route, why not book a narrowboat holiday break this autumn and choose from hundreds of destinations.

All our boats are equipped with the key comforts of home – central heating, hot water, TV, WiFi, well-stocked kitchens, showers and flushing toilets. And some have multi-fuel stoves on board too.

Here are some of our top destinations to enjoy this autumn:

Cruise through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey
On a week’s holiday from Monkton Combe, you can cruise along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Pewsey and back. Along the way, you’ll encounter the historic market town of Bradford on Avon and the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes. Once you’ve travelled up the flight of 29 locks, you’ll pass through the North West Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the beautiful Vale of Pewsey. You can moor up at Pewsey, where there’s a choice of pubs. The journey to Pewsey and back cruises 57 miles, passes through 74 locks (37 each way) and takes around 33.5 hours.

Enjoy panoramic views from Chester’s Roman walls
On a short break from Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal you can navigate to the Roman City of Chester and back. The journey through the Cheshire countryside takes around 14 hours (seven each way). And passes through 18 locks (nine each way). Once there, you can explore this great heritage city, home to the most complete City Walls in Britain, dating back 2,000 years to the Roman occupation. There’s a two-mile wall-walking trail, giving you the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers and enjoy panoramic views on both sides.

31/08/2024

⭐️WE'VE EXTENDED OUR SUPER EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT⭐
Book your 2025 holiday by 30th September and benefit from 2024 prices and our 10% super early bird discount - saving up to £297.
Don't delay, secure your 2025 holiday today!
Book online now or call the Booking Team on 0117 304 1122 and quote “Earlybird" by 30th September 2024 to receive this offer.
Terms and conditions apply.

28/08/2024

Our holidays take you through some of Britain's best loved countryside.

From the Llangollen Canal in the Welsh mountains and the Shropshire Lake District, to the Kennet & Avon Canal in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you can experience beautiful rural retreats afloat.

We have dozens of routes and destinations to choose from. Here are a couple week-long holiday options:

1. Journey to Llangollen North Wales and visit the Horsehoe Falls
On a week’s break from Whixall Marina, on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, you can reach the historic town of Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains. Along the way, you’ll travel through the Shropshire countryside to Ellesmere, with its beautiful Mere and woodland walks. You’ll cruise across the magnificent Pontcysyllte and Chirk aqueducts, enjoying incredible views of the Welsh Mountains. At Llangollen, nestled in the Berwyn Mountains, you can visit the famous Horseshoe Falls. The journey from Whixall to Llangollen and back takes around 24 hours and passes through four locks (two each way).

2. Wend your way through the Wiltshire countryside to the Vale of Pewsey
On a week’s break from Monkton Combe on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Bath you can reach Pewsey Wharf. The journey takes you up the 29 locks of the Caen Hill Flight, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. And through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Places to visit along the way include the historic market towns of Bradford on Avon and Devizes. It takes around 38 hours to cruise from Monkton Combe to Pewsey and back, passing through 74 locks (37 each way).

26/08/2024

Our fleet of day boats offer the chance to enjoy a day out boating with family and friends.
They're also a great way of testing the waters to see if you'd like to go on a canal boat holiday.
Tuition is included as part of our hire fee. You can get the hang of steering, mooring up, working the locks, etc
Day boat hire prices start at £99 for a boat for up to 10 people.
You can check availability and book online on our website anglowelsh.co.uk or call us on 0117 304 1122.

22/08/2024

⭐️BOOK YOUR AUTUMN ADVENTURE NOW AND SAVE UP TO £454⭐️

Autumn is a great time to go boating, when the canals become quieter. You can travel at your own pace whilst watching out for wildlife and stopping off to enjoy canalside pubs and exploring historic villages, towns and cities along our amazing inland Waterways.

Your narrowboat adventure awaits... choose any short break or weekly holiday departing in September or October 2024 and save an awesome 20%

Book online now or call the Booking Team on 0117 304 1122 and quote “Autumn breaks" by 30th August 2024 to receive this offer.
Terms and conditions apply.

21/08/2024

August bank holiday boating last minute deals!
With discounts of 35% on all our holidays departing this August, why not book a last-minute break on the canals this August bank holiday.

Our boating holidays take you through some of Britain’s best-loved countryside, and into the heart of some our most famous waterside towns and cities.

Canal boat holidays are great for families, bringing everyone together for an adventure afloat. From steering the boat and working the locks, to planning the route and watching out for wildlife, there’s plenty to get involved in.

Pets are welcome aboard all our boats, so all the family can enjoy a relaxing staycation together. And there’s everything you need on board for a self-catering holiday afloat if you want to keep your costs down.

There are hundreds of waterside destinations in England and Wales to choose from, including:

Travel along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley
From Great Haywood, you can head south along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley Junction. The journey takes around five hours, travelling 12 miles through the Staffordshire countryside. There are just five locks to pass through, and you’ll pass canalside pubs at Wolseley and Rugeley. At Fradley, you can enjoy refreshments at the Canalside Café or The Swan Inn. And you can take a wildlife-spotting walk along the woodland trail and boardwalk at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve.

Glide along the Llangollen Canal to Chirk
On a weekend break from Whixall Marina in Shropshire, you can cruise through the countryside to Chirk, on the border between England and Wales. The journey takes around eight hours and passes through just two locks. Along the way, you’ll pass Whixall Moss nature reserve and the historic market town of Ellesmere. At Chirk, there’s a choice of canalside pubs and the National Trust’s medieval Chirk Castle to visit.

15/08/2024

Canal boat holidays on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, crossing the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Chirk Aqueduct

14/08/2024

Crossing the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on a canal boat holiday on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales - an awesome and exhilarating experience!

08/08/2024

The beautiful 41-mile long Llangollen Canal crosses the border between England and Wales. It links the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen in Denbighshire with the Shropshire Union Canal, just north of Nantwich in Cheshire.

The scenery varies from rural sheep pastures and ancient peat mosses, to tree-lined lakes and the dramatic foothills of Snowdonia.

In 2009, an 11-mile section of the waterway from Gledrid Bridge to the Horseshoe Falls in Llangollen was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. This includes the incredible 307-metre long Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and 220-metre long Chirk Aqueduct.

Soaring 35 metres above the rushing waters of the River Dee, which tumble out of Snowdonia, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is truly one of the wonders of the waterways. Built by the great canal engineers Thomas Telford and William Jessop, the aqueduct was completed in 1805. Supported by giant 18 pillars, it’s the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain, with an exhilarating sheer drop on one-side.

We offer from two places on the Llangollen Canal - Trevor in North Wales and Whixall and we are currently offering 35% off all our holidays departing in August 2024. T's & C's apply.

08/08/2024

We're offering 35% off* all our remaining August 2024 holiday hire boats!
You can check availability and book online at anglowelsh.co.uk or call us on 0117 304 1122.
*T's & C's apply.
*For new bookings only.
*Subject to availability.
*Cannot be used with any other offer.

07/08/2024

How was your hire boat holiday experience this year?

If you've been on a canal boat holiday this year, please do share your views in the Canal & River Trust's hire boat survey: https://canalrivertrust.welcomesyourfeedback.net/u35mk

The information collected will help the Trust take hire boaters into account when planning work to protect and revitalise the canal network.

06/08/2024

Take a boat trip across The Stream in the Sky!
Our Little Star trip boat offers the chance to experience a cruise across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in North Wales.
Our 45-minute trips depart five times a day from Trevor Basin.
Adults tickets are £10, children under 16 £6, family tickets are £25 (2 adults, 2 children)
You can buy tickets on the day or book in advance online anglowelsh.co.uk or call us on 0117 304 1122

04/08/2024

On a week's holiday from Whixall in Shropshire you can cruise along the Llangollen Canal to Llangollen can back.
The journey will take you through Ellesmere in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. And along the 11 miles of the Llangollen Canal designated a World Heritage Site. This includes the Chirk and Pontcysyllte aqueducts.
Once you reach Llangollen, you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and explore this historic town nestled in the Berwyn Mountains.

02/08/2024

On a short break from Wootton Wawen you can travel to Stratford-upon-Avon and back. The route takes you through the Warwickshire countryside and across the Edstone Aqueduct.
There are 17 locks to pass through and it takes around six hours to reach Bancroft Basin in the centre of Shakespeare's Stratford. There you can moor up and explore the town, including the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Shakespeare's Birthplace.

01/08/2024

Our Super Early booking discount gives you 10% off 2025 holidays at 2024 prices, if booked by 31 August 2024.
Book online or call us on 0117 304 1122 and quote "earlybird" .
T's & C's apply.

31/07/2024

Our best week-long autumn breaks
This autumn adventure afloat on a canal cruise through the countryside, enjoying the beautiful colours in the trees and hedgerows that line our canals and rivers.

1. Cruise through the Shropshire countryside to Whitchurch and back
From Trevor you can travel along the Llangollen Canal to Whitchurch and back. Along the way, you’ll cross the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, with amazing views of the Dee Valley. Then it’s on through the countryside to Ellesmere, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. Once at Whitchurch, you can moor up to explore the this historic market town. The journey takes 24 hours and passes through 4 locks (2 each way).

2. Navigate through the Yorkshire countryside to Barnoldswick
From Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, you can cruise to Barnoldswick and back. The journey takes you through a series of historic towns and villages, including Skipton, with its medieval castle. And East Marton with access to the Pennine Way National Trail. The return journey takes 22 hours and passes through 30 locks (15 each way).

3. Boat through the Cheshire countryside to Red Bull Wharf
From Bunbury, you can cruise through the Cheshire countryside to Red Bull Wharf and back. The route will take you along the rural Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal, running from Barbridge Junction to Middlewich. This peaceful 10-mile long waterway passes through the pretty village of Church Minshull, with its popular Badger Inn. The journey there and back travels 53 miles and passes through 70 locks (35 each way).

4. Wend your way through the Wiltshire countryside to the Vale of Pewsey
From Monkton Combe on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Bath you can reach Pewsey Wharf. The journey takes you up the 29 locks of the Caen Hill Flight, one of the 7 Wonders of the Waterways. And through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Places to visit include the historic market towns of Bradford on Avon and Devizes. It takes around 38 hours to cruise to Pewsey and back, passing through 74 locks (37 each way).

29/07/2024

Super early booking discount! We're offering 10% off 2024 prices for 2025 holidays if booked by the end of August 2024.
Book online or us on 0117 304 1122 quoting "earlybird". T's & C's apply.

Here are some of our best holiday destinations for 2025:

1. Visit Georgian Bath afloat
On a short break from Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire, you can cruise along the Kennet & Avon to Bath and back. The journey will take you through the Bath Valley and across the magnificent Bath stone aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas. You can moor up close to Sydney Gardens and take a 20-minute walk into Bath City Centre to explore all that this World Heritage City has to offer. The journey to Bath and back takes around 7 hours and passes through 1 lock each way.

2. Cruise across the Pennines
On a week’s break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, you can cruise across the Pennines to Barnoldswick and back. The journey takes around 11 hours and passes through 15 locks. Along the way you’ll pass through Skipton, ‘the Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’, with its medieval stone castle. And a series of villages with places to eat, including The Abbots Harbour restaurant at East Marton.

3. Spot an otter on the Montgomery Canal
On a week’s break from Whixall, you can cruise a section of the Montgomery Canal. This beautiful canal, which runs for 38 miles between England and Wales, is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on both sides of the border. You can cruise a seven-mile section to Gronwyn Wharf and back, looking out for otters and water voles. From Whixall, the journey to Gronwyn Wharf and back takes around 20 hours, travelling through 34 miles of beautiful countryside and passing through 16 locks (8 each way).

26/07/2024

Our 25% off July and August holidays from Bradford on Avon offer ends tonight!
Book online at sallynarrowboats.co.uk or anglowelsh.co.uk or call our bookings team on 0117 304 1122 quoting 'Bradford on Avon'.
T's & C's apply

25/07/2024

Aqueducts offer some of the most incredible moments of any canal boat holiday. You can experience sweeping views across verdant countryside and admire these incredible feats of historic engineering. As your narrowboat crosses an aqueduct, you can calmly watch the world passing below, and feel transported in body and mind.

Here's a guide to the 3 most impressive aqueducts in England and Wales:

1. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Arguably the most awe-inspiring aqueduct in Britain, the Pontcysyllte carries the Llangollen canal a jaw-dropping 38 metres above the River Dee. It offers traversing canal boats and towpath walkers incredible views across the stunning river valley. Located at Trevor in North Wales, this Grade I* listed aqueduct achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2009. And it’s one of the Sevon Wonders of the Waterways.
Our nearest base is right next door at Trevor.

2. Avoncliff Aqueduct
Situated on a stunning stretch of the Kennet & Avon Canal between Bath and Bradford upon Avon, this beautiful stone structure was completed in 1810 by John Rennie. It carries narrowboats across the River Avon as well as Brunel’s Great Western Railway. It’s now designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Our nearest base is less than three miles away at Bradford on Avon.

3. Edstone Aqueduct
The longest cast iron aqueduct in England, the Edstone is one of three aqueducts on a four mile stretch of the Stratford Canal in Warwickshire. Stretching for 475-ft, the Edstone crosses a road, a busy railway line and the track of another former railway near Bearley. Opened in 1816, the aqueduct’s towpath is at the level of the canal bottom so walkers crossing it can watch the narrowboats motor past at waist height.
Our nearest base is less than two miles away at Wootton Wawen.

23/07/2024

Summer Holiday Saver at Bradford on Avon!
Climb aboard with Anglo Welsh and Sally Narrowboats this summer and save up to 25% on holidays departing in July or August 2024.
T's & C's apply
Book by Friday 26 July 2024

20/07/2024

For two weeks only, get a massive 25% off any weekly holiday or 20% off any short break departing in August, September or October 2024 - that's a saving of up to £743!

Book online or call the Booking Team on 0117 304 1122 and quote “payday bonanza” by 2nd August 2024 to receive this offer.
Terms and conditions apply.

19/07/2024

We offer canal boat holidays on the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal from three locations:
1. Bradford on Avon Marina in Wiltshire
2. Brassknocker Basin in Monkton Combe
3. Sydney Wharf in Bath

From the foothills of the Cotswolds to the North West Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Vale of Pewsey dotted with pre-historic features, this canal offers the chance to enjoy some of England’s most beautiful countryside.

Completed in 1810, the Kennet & Avon Canal links the Bristol Avon at Bath to the River Thames at Reading.

The waterway has 105 locks along its length, including 29 at the dramatic Caen Hill locks in Devizes. And two stunning Bath stone aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas, designed by the pioneering canal engineer John Rennie.

13/07/2024

Enjoy a great day out this summer with a cruise across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Over the summer our ‘Little Star’ trip boat is offering five skippered cruises a day across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Described by Sir Walter Scott as a ‘stream in the sky’ where ‘fish swim above birds’, the aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal 38 metres high across the Dee Valley.

This ‘bucket list’ journey give you the chance to experience amazing views across the Dee Valley in North Wales. And make some fantastic family memories over the school summer holidays.

You can also explore the Llangollen Canal and valley below the aqueduct by foot. You'll find information at the Canal & River Trust's Visitor Centre at Trevor Basin. And there are places to enjoy a meal, including The Pontcysyllte Chapel Tea Room at Trevor Basin and The Aqueduct Inn.

Trips depart daily at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm from Canal Wharf, Trevor, Llangollen LL20 7TT. There’s a public car park nearby at LL14 3SG.

Adult tickets are priced at £10 each, children (aged under 16) are priced at £6. Family tickets for two adults and two children are priced at £25 each.
You can book in advance on our website.

12/07/2024

We offer members of the Armed Forces 15% off our holidays.
To celebrate, we've teamed up with Army & You, the magazine of the Army Families Federation to give away an Anglo Welsh holiday worth up to £1,140 - as part of their Summer Giveaways https://armyandyou.co.uk/enter-our-summer-2024-giveaways/

We have sourced some fabulous prizes for this summer’s Army&You. Take a look at what you could win for your Service family.

10/07/2024

Hire a for a great day out this summer

We offer day hire from 6 of our bases, from just £99 per day for up to 10 people.

Tuition is included and our day boats are equipped with all the things you need for a day afloat, including a kettle, cooker, fridge and toilet.

Here’s a guide to our top 6 day boat destinations this summer:

1. Glide across 'The Stream in the Sky'
On a day afloat from Trevor on the Llangollen Canal, you can cruise across to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to Chirk and back. You can stop at the Bridge Inn at Chirk Bank or the Poacher’s Pocket at Gledrid.

2. Potter through the Warwickshire countryside to Wilmcote
From Wootton Wawen you can cruise south along the Stratford Canal to the village of Wilmcote and back. The journey will take you across the Edstone Aqueduct, the longest aqueduct in England. You can visit the Mary Arden Inn in Wilmcote.

3. Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Rugeley
From Great Haywood, near Stafford, you can cruise to the historic market town of Rugeley and back. You can stop for a drink or a meal at the Wolseley Arms or at The Colliers pub in Rugeley.

4. Navigate through the Cheshire countryside to Nantwich
From Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley, you can cruise to Nantwich and back. The lock-free journey takes you past the canalside Barbridge Inn. And across the impressive Nantwich Aqueduct, with panoramic views across the town.

5. Travel slowly through the Shropshire countryside to Whitchurch
From Whixall on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal, you can reach the historic market town of Whitchurch. You’ll pass the Hadley Farm Café and there’s a choice of places to eat in Whitchurch, including the Black Bear pub.

6. Boat through the Bath Valley to Brassknocker Basin
From Bradford on Avon, on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, you can cruise to Brassknocker Basin and back. The route will take you over the magnificent Bath stone aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas. You can stop at the canalside Cross Guns pub next to Avoncliff Aqueduct or the Angelfish Restaurant at Brassknocker Basin.

09/07/2024

Climb aboard with Anglo Welsh & Sally Narrowboats in July or August and save 25% saving up to £743 with our Summer Holiday special.
Book online now or call the Booking Team on 0117 304 1122 and quote “Bradford on Avon" by 26th July 2024 to receive this offer.
Terms and conditions apply.

07/07/2024

From our Bradford on Avon canal boat hire base you can experience cruising through the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.
There's a great choice of destinations for beginners and experienced boaters.
On a short break, you can reach the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath or Foxhangers Wharf at the base of the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes.
On a week away, you can continue on east up Caen Hill locks and on through the stunning Vale of Pewsey.

04/07/2024

Book your 2025 canal holiday by 31 August 2024, and you can book at 2024 prices with a 10% discount. T’s & C’s apply. Our top destinations for 2025 include:

1. Fazeley and Drayton Manor Park
On a week’s holiday from Great Haywood you can travel slowly through the Staffordshire countryside to Fazeley and back. The journey there and back travels 48 miles, passes through 10 locks and takes around 22 hours. First head south along the Trent & Mersey Canal past Little Haywood, with Red Lion and Lamb & Flag pubs. Cruise on past the Wolseley Bridge, with canalside Wolseley Arms pub and access to the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Wolseley Centre. Continue on through Cannock Chase, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the historic town of Rugeley. At Fradley Junction transfer onto the Coventry Canal. You’ll pass through a series of villages, including Whittington, home of The Swan pub. At Fazeley Junction turn right and moor up between Tolson’s Footbridge and Coleshill Road Bridge. From there you can walk to Drayton Manor Park.

2. Cruise along the River Thames to the Cotswolds
On a mid-week break from our Oxford base you can cruise along the River Thames to Lechlade on the edge of the Cotswolds. The journey there and back takes 18 hours and passes through 14 locks. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the peaceful Oxfordshire countryside. You’ll pass through small villages along the way, including Radcot with its Swan Hotel. And Kelmscott with its picturesque Plough Inn and beautiful riverside Kelmscott Manor.