Family Friendly Holidays
Family Friendly Canal Boat Holidays in Cheshire
Experience adventure, excitement, and relaxation on a family-friendly canal boat holiday. Our Middlewich base offers the perfect starting point for all ages.
This is a truly amazing style of holiday on which you can wake up somewhere new each day, see new things everyday and importantly you don't have to budget hundreds of pounds extra... it's all part of what you will have paid for!
You may travel through scenic countryside and past quaint villages on the Llangollen Canal - a UNESCO World Heritage Site with highlights including the 126ft high Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, known as the "stream in the sky" spanning the Dee Valley. The Llangollen Canal is one of the most popular UK canal holiday destinations, with a totally rural backdrop, brought to life by the magical and spectacular scenery, amazing aqueducts and of course the holiday town of Llangollen.
Other ideas are the Caldon Canal as one of the jewels of the waterways, combined with cruising through the history of the Potteries... the Roman city of Chester is a wonderful place to visit on the way to the fascinating Canal & River Trust Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port... the Anderton Boat Lift on the nearby Trent & Mersey Canal is perfect for a family adventure holiday, and children love it.
Top Tips for a Fun Filled Family Holiday
- Active family breaks! Navigating locks and steering a canal boat is all part of the experience. You'll receive full lock instruction on arrival and buoyancy aids will always be provided for both adults and children.
- Why not plan a trip? Cruising the Caldon Canal to Froghall puts you just a short taxi ride from Alton Towers. There is also Chester Zoo, the Anderton Boat Lift, and the Manchester Science and Industry Museum to explore.
- Get the kids involved! Assign them roles like 'Chief Wildlife Spotter' or 'First Mate.' Under your supervision, older children love helping to open the paddles at locks, making them feel like a vital part of the crew.
- Enjoy a digital detox. While our boats are well-equipped with modern comforts, a canal holiday is the perfect time to break out the board games, cards, and books. It is a rare opportunity to reconnect without screens.
- Pack for the towpath. Ensure everyone has comfortable walking shoes for exploring the trails and non-slip footwear for life on deck. Many canalside pubs have fantastic play areas and family-friendly gardens.
- Keep a nature diary. The waterways are teeming with life - from kingfishers and herons to the occasional otter. Encouraging children to identify different birds or wildflowers adds a wonderful educational layer.
- Remember: If you're planning to spend a day out and about off your boat at one of the local attractions, please make sure you factor this into your plans when working out the amount of cruising hours required to complete your holiday route.
Designed with Families in Mind
Our narrowboats are beautifully hand-crafted to ensure you have everything you need to keep the whole family safe, comfortable, and entertained.
Safety First
We can provide child gates and cot sides on request, plus perfectly sized buoyancy aids for children of all ages to ensure total peace of mind while out on deck.
Cozy Evenings In
After an active day exploring the outdoors, you can relax in the evening with our onboard LCD TVs (with Freeview), built-in DVD players, and stereo systems.
Home Conveniences
Our galleys are fully equipped for family cooking. Many of our modern boats also feature microwaves—perfect for quickly heating up milk or baby food.
Explore More Guides
Continue reading our essential boating information and holiday tips.
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