Marine Cruises (Narrowboat Holidays)

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Marine Cruises (Narrowboat Holidays) Marine Cruises offer luxury boating holidays in England Scotland and Wales. Photography provided by our lovely customers, Ali Holland and ReDi Fotografie.

Hiring a canal holiday narrowboat from Marine Cruises makes a great holiday or short break for families or for groups of friends. Families can enjoy a real holiday together, all ages can take part, and the family pet can come too! Kids can help with the locks and maybe steering the boat, under supervision of course. Everyone can enjoy the countryside, fresh air and wildlife, maybe relax with a boo

k or practicing a hobby such as drawing or photography. Groups of friends can get properly reunited, not just sending texts and emails but enjoying each other’s company, relaxing together from work pressures, taking long walks and visiting lots of canalside pubs! And even if it occasionally rains there’s warm and cosy shelter close at hand to continue the bonding and watch the occasional DVD! Canal holidays are also a great way to appreciate our wonderful British countryside and heritage, away from the motorways, hotels and organised campsites that normally involves. You can moor your comfortable floating home almost anywhere, in the middle of fields with only the hills for neighbours or in the middle of a city like Chester with shopping, restaurants and things to do on your doorstep. And canal holiday cruising is a hassle free holiday too. No need to worry about overnight flights, airport parking, exchange rates, foreign languages and strange continental food and plumbing! Your Marine Cruises canal boat comes with full size beds, central heating, hot and cold water, showers and toilets. You can do your shopping in your local supermarket before you come, or visit local shops while you are cruising and enjoy local produce. All normal cooking facilities are on board. Or just eat out in pubs and restaurants! photo credits - Alison Holland and Rene Schubert

Recharge your batteries, spend time with family and friends and discover the beautiful UK waterways and those connecting...
17/01/2025

Recharge your batteries, spend time with family and friends and discover the beautiful UK waterways and those connecting towns and cities, you can even cruise the world heritage aqueduct and ride the Falkirk Wheel amongst the clouds.

After a day on the water it’s all about finding that perfect mooring spot.Don’t forget in we can offer payment plans to ...
16/01/2025

After a day on the water it’s all about finding that perfect mooring spot.

Don’t forget in we can offer payment plans to help you book ahead.

From just £150pp*

Just a 25% deposit to secure your holiday dates*

Your boat comes fully dressed with a smile.

Full handover provided so no need to worry about previous experience.✅

Fully central heated.✅

Fantastic storage and great layouts.✅

Boats for all family and group sizes.✅

City or countryside escape or even a full blown adventure of the UK waterways.✅

Book a holiday that will create forever memories for family or friends.

* subject to availability and time of year booking.

Who’s team Scotland this year? Our team are excited for the season to start and meet you all, I know you travel far and ...
14/01/2025

Who’s team Scotland this year?

Our team are excited for the season to start and meet you all, I know you travel far and wide I wonder who is travelling the furthest to boat with us this year?

Welcome aboard, here is to many wonderful memories to be made for you all!

This was our boats in Scotland many years ago, anyone beat this ?
11/01/2025

This was our boats in Scotland many years ago, anyone beat this ?

No previous experience needed ✅Full planning and customer support ✅Lots of fantastic routes for short and longer Holiday...
10/01/2025

No previous experience needed ✅

Full planning and customer support ✅

Lots of fantastic routes for short and longer Holidays ✅

We have World Heritage Status routes available ✅

Our boats come fully central heated ✅

Aesthetically beautiful with a spacious layout ✅

Complimentary maps are provided ✅

Beds are made up ready to suit your requirements. ✅

Full and comprehensive handover, meaning you leave for your holiday feeling relaxed and confident ✅

All our fantastic January sales are available
online or over the phone. Head across to see our time limited offers and please be aware some of our months are already on limited availability.

Did you get an extra dumping of snow overnight and again this morning ? The boats are all frozen in place for now but it...
09/01/2025

Did you get an extra dumping of snow overnight and again this morning ? The boats are all frozen in place for now but it’s a beautiful view when you’re looking from inside your boat.

If so where abouts in the world or country are you ?

I do love the snow but even I’m feeling like it’s ground hog day now 😂

I know we can’t compete with you Canada 😂🥶 I bet it’s beautiful and you probaly wouldn’t even call our’s snow!

Thanks for the photo Stuart.

Explore the UK Canals – Your Dream Adventure Starts HereDid you know you can embark on a scenic canal tour of the UK fro...
09/01/2025

Explore the UK Canals – Your Dream Adventure Starts Here

Did you know you can embark on a scenic canal tour of the UK from our base in Cheshire? We offer a variety of beautiful routes, including Shropshire, North Wales, Staffordshire, Birmingham, Liverpool, the Peak District, London, and beyond….

Whether you’re looking to plan a family getaway, a trip with friends, or a romantic adventure for two, we can help you create your perfect bespoke journey. Simply give us a call or email, and we’ll guide you through the process.

Exclusive Discounts

Take advantage of our multiple-week discounts and current offers available until the end of January. Don’t miss out on the chance to make unforgettable memories on the water!

Time away with family and friends is everything! Forever memories and wonderful quality time together.
08/01/2025

Time away with family and friends is everything! Forever memories and wonderful quality time together.

Cruising from our Falkirk base offers a variety of scenic and fascinating options, whether you’re heading to the heart o...
07/01/2025

Cruising from our Falkirk base offers a variety of scenic and fascinating options, whether you’re heading to the heart of Glasgow or the seaside at Bowling on the River Clyde. The Forth and Clyde Canal, stretching from Falkirk to Kirkintilloch, is often hailed as one of the most beautiful sections of Scotland’s Lowland Canals.

For those seeking a Falkirk wheel adventure, Edinburgh is approximately 12 hours away. After navigating the Falkirk Wheel and mooring in Linlithgow on your first evening, you’ll continue your voyage into Edinburgh the next day, where you can cruise leisurely above a motorway at just 4 mph. Edinburgh is renowned for its historic sites, including the Castle, beautiful parks, vibrant shows, city tours, and diverse shopping options.

Alternatively, Glasgow, a dynamic port city on the River Clyde, is just 12 hours from Falkirk. Known for its Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, Glasgow boasts a rich history shaped by shipbuilding and trade. Today, it’s a cultural hotspot with world-class institutions like the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, and National Theatre of Scotland. Visitors can also enjoy acclaimed museums and a bustling music scene. The journey to Glasgow covers 48 miles, passing through 8 locks and 8 swing or lift bridges—making it an exciting and scenic route.

Whether you’re seeking a relaxing short break to Glasgow or planning a more adventurous week-long trip to explore both Glasgow and Edinburgh, this route offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historic landmarks.

Spring forward to days like this………Last day of our Christmas sale savings today!
06/01/2025

Spring forward to days like this………

Last day of our Christmas sale savings today!

Boating life is sunsets & sunrises together with so much family time Inbetween from learning the locks to finding that p...
03/01/2025

Boating life is sunsets & sunrises together with so much family time Inbetween from learning the locks to finding that perfect mooring spot or exploring castles & towpaths.

Have you checked out our website offers, running with current savings until 6th January when our offices reopen.We have ...
02/01/2025

Have you checked out our website offers, running with current savings until 6th January when our offices reopen.

We have wonderful holidays in Scotland, England and Wales. World heritage sites, beautiful countryside & city breaks and of course adventures exploring larger areas of our waterways canals.

We will help you with all the planning if you need us. Being a small family business we can give you those extra touches and our experience to ensure you get the most from your holiday, one to remember forever.

Boats from 2 -8 berth and for multi bookings we offer discounts.

Booking update: May, June, July & September are booking up particularly quickly, we can’t hold dates I’m afraid and our ...
31/12/2024

Booking update:

May, June, July & September are booking up particularly quickly, we can’t hold dates I’m afraid and our offices are closed until the 6th January, but all online booking availability and discounts are live via our secure website.

We are checking emails occasionally, to try and answer any pre booking queries. But if you haven’t heard back and you want specific dates and discounts especially for the above months I recommend you book to secure your dates.

You will get an auto confirmation upon booking.

We will retro apply discounts to customers that have cruised with us before (Please email us your booking reference when you’ve booked and previous booking details) so we have the details for when our offices reopen. If you paid in full we refund the amount applicable from the week of the 6th January 2025 back to the card you have paid on.

Thank you again for all your bookings

Hayley, Dave & Oscar ###

We are having a lovely quiet one in tonight, how about you, any plans? We hope whatever you are doing your night is fill...
31/12/2024

We are having a lovely quiet one in tonight, how about you, any plans?

We hope whatever you are doing your night is filled with joy and laughter and we will see you on the other side in 2025.

Happy New Year to you all, I hope it’s filled with Happiness and good health!

Our offices are closed til 6th Jan, are offers all online until then, dates are filling fast so if you need specific dates and a brilliant discount then hit our website and get your dates booked for just a 25% deposit.

It’s last chance for our pay in full discounts too, discounts where applicable at checkout!

I thought as we approach the new year, I would share my story with our new followers. This is me ………..I am fourty someth...
30/12/2024

I thought as we approach the new year, I would share my story with our new followers.

This is me ………..

I am fourty something (okay now on the fast approach towards the next decade) with three children and my stepdaughter, now proud grandparents, husband and two dogs and a naughty cat. I really enjoy concerts with friends , walks, books and a workout not forgetting coffee and sometimes a little cake too, in moderation of course.

I took over the business fifteen years ago and it wasn’t something I had on the cards at all it was always what I considered my Dad’s work………
18 years ago Dad suddenly passed away after not returning home from a walk with his dog at just 57 years old, he had a massive and sudden heart attack, I was & always will be heart broken and so were my sisters, I felt like my world had stopped.

It’s funny when your younger you sometimes almost think you are untouchable, until something so life changing like this happens, within two years we also lost our stepmum again very suddenly what seemed to show up as a sickness bug but sadly it was the big C and from being what she thought was a virus to passing away, it was just 6.5 weeks, only 3.5 weeks after she was diagnosed, a truly horrendous time of our lives, my sisters had there own problems from all this grief and they just weren’t in a position to take over the helm of what was our Dad’s business, my Dad was always a workaholic and for many many years I would visit him at the boats, he loved what he did, sadly he never managed to perfect that balance of work and life….but I guess it’s work in progress for most of us, something I’m more conscious of now than ever & something I am keen to push myself for.
As a family we discussed what to do because watching Dad build his success just for us to let it all go seemed so meaningless? It felt like all those years of love and graft were all for nothing so after my sisters decided it wasn’t for them due to their own personal circumstances, I agreed that I would give it ago with their full support.

So I did and 15 years on I have learnt everything from engine rooms, plumbing right through to the in’s & outs of the boats and I have managed to build a wonderfully skilled team around me who absolutely rock and are all part of the bigger picture and without them we undoubtedly wouldn’t have our success.
About 5 years after I took over when I found my feet a little more we started to build new boats for the fleet again utilising a skilled team to do this for us.
I am so proud of the modern and beautiful boats we have created for amazing holidays creating special memories for families, friends, couples, their children and fur family.

When I hear someone ask me along the canal if they are “Arthur’s boats” it just makes me smile ear to ear and my heart fills again, I know that technically they are not his original boats but always his concept and what he built from the heart and all the trademarks you recognise about it today and I hope he is proud, it’s not been easy it’s been full of learning curbs but wonderful memories too and for me and my family to be able too enjoy the canals, creating wonderful holidays for customers to remember fondly many years later and being able to pass on the memories with my children that my dad gave me.

What makes me happy is the continued success of the footings my dad put in and the beautiful routes we have and most of all you wonderful people , our customers, our family, your awesome and especially with all the recent support over the last few years.
We love seeing you return year after year and sometimes several times a year it let’s us know we are getting things right.

A huge thank you to my family, husband, Mum & stepdad for their unwavering support over the past 15 + years, I couldn’t have done it without you all.

With love from all of us to all of you

Hayley, Dave, Oscar & The Marine Cruises Team ###

Start the new year with a memorable adventure alongside family or friends, cruising through some of the UK’s most scenic...
29/12/2024

Start the new year with a memorable adventure alongside family or friends, cruising through some of the UK’s most scenic waterways.

Imagine a week-long journey along the stunning Welsh Llangollen Canal, crossing the iconic World Heritage-listed Pontcysyllte Aqueduct—an unforgettable experience. Add on three extra days to explore the peaceful Montgomery Canal, currently being restored, but still brimming with wildlife and scenic mooring spots.

For those seeking a longer trip, consider a two-week ring route such as the Four Counties or Cheshire Ring, offering a mix of landscapes, history, and charming villages.

Alternatively, if you’re craving a lock-free boating experience or the breathtaking beauty of Scotland, why not explore Edinburgh and Glasgow? You can do a short break to visit one city, but combining both offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and stunning landscapes. For the best experience, take at least 10 days to cruise between these iconic cities, with plenty of time to explore both and discover hidden gems along the way.

To complete your journey, stop at a few fantastic canalside pubs for delicious meals and relaxation. In the evenings, unwind back on the boat with family games or quiet downtime, creating the ideal recipe for recharging your batteries and making lasting memories.

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Opening Hours

Tuesday 09:30 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:30 - 17:00
Thursday 09:30 - 17:00

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+441244373911

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Autumn boating is just special, vivid colours of nature, cosy nights under the stars in big soft fleece blankets, canalside meals all snug in our beautifully heated boats. We still have a few slots available in October with some late availability discounts for 2024 and some brilliant early booking discounts for 2025 too! Check us out on TrustPilot.

Boating in Autumn, this is what it looks like………

We may have the prettiest boats and shiniest engine bays but we also, with so many longer hires have got all the routes you need! #endless

Autumn boating, no filters.
Autumn boating, no filters.

No filters required late autumn boating.

Golden hour in late October
Golden hour in late October

No filters required.

Cruise with us across the Pontcysyllte aqueduct

Take a look round our Narrowboats.
Take a look round our Narrowboats.

Which boat would you like to see? This is Kimberley class 4-6 berth.

Did you spot us?
Did you spot us?

It was a suprise to us too, spotting ourselves on National Geographic Channel. How fabulous and to see the wheel in all its working glory with brilliant explanations of how it works for anyone unfamiliar. Ps Happy Bank Holiday don’t forget we won’t be open today due to family time but you can book online still and pay balances. We will be intouch for anything else tomorrow when we reopen. Wowzers National Geographic totally geeked out 💙

I never get fed up of this view! #Debbieclass #marinecruises #Scotland #england #wales #llangollencanal #boatingholidays

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