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We all associate Skipton as a market town but not everyone is aware of the town’s central role in the busy waterways of the industrial revolution. Hop on a narrow boat to gain a deeper understanding of this rich heritage experience Skipton from the Leeds to Liverpool Canal.

From short skippered trips, day hire boats, afternoon tea on the water or evening dinners, stepping on board a boat is a lovely way to enhance your time in Skipton. You can also hire narrow boats out for holidays over night with full boat handling training given to complete novice boaters.

barge trips skipton

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Afternoon tea on a canal barge - Skipton Boat Trips

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Afternoon tea on a canal barge

Afternoon tea for 2 was brilliant and we got a 2 hour boat trip as well. Great value, great food and great staff will be back next year.

Thank you so much for joining us and for the kind review!

Lovely relaxing cruise along the Skipton canal towards Leeds very amusing but also very informative recorded commentary too enjoyed and would recommend. Seats allocated and numbered which was good. Very popular thing to do in Skipton all cruises were sold out the day I boarded so book ahead to be sure of your seats on the day.

Thanks for joining us!

We went on the fish and chip cruise with friends and had a wonderful time. All members of staff were pleasant, the boat was clean and the fish and chips were hot, tasty and plentiful. Ice cream and strawberries as dessert was a pleasant surprise. Nice relaxing two hour trip on the canal as the wonderful early evening sun gradually turned dark. Would definitely recommend it ... only negative point is there isn't a lot of room to sit for those of a larger figure.

Thank you so much!

Well organised and on time. Nice and relaxing trip. Food was good and staff excellent 👌 would recommend the trip.

barge trips skipton

Thank you for joining us!

Brilliant experience. Food boxes more than ample and great quality. They sought slim line tonic at very short notice for us, this was important as one of our group is diabetic. Always good to make dietary requests in advance.

Thanks so much and happy we were able to help! Pleasure to meet you all and have you on board!

If you like sandwiches and a cream tea to die for then this is the trip for you. First class service. Very friendly staff. Do not miss this one, well worth it. Great value for money too. Thanks Bev and Stuart

barge trips skipton

Thank you so much Bev and Stuart! Your kind words mean a lot to us!

Skipton Boat Trips

barge trips skipton

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barge trips skipton

1-Hour Public Cruise

barge trips skipton

Afternoon Tea Cruise in North Yorkshire

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Day Boat Hire

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Drinks Ahoy

barge trips skipton

Roast Dinner Cruise

barge trips skipton

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Stephen B

SKIPTON BOAT TRIPS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Pennine Cruisers of Skipton

Booking Line: 01756 795 478

Online booking & availability, special offers, view our best rate late availability and special offers, about pennine cruisers, canal holidays, narrow boat breaks and accompanied canal trips on the leeds & liverpool canal….

Pennine Cruisers, a family run company consisting of Ian Clarke, wife Pamela and daughter Zoe based in Skipton, North Yorkshire; “Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales,” and situated on the beautiful Leeds and Liverpool canal. Ian alone has over 35 years experience, so there is not a ripple on this stretch of waterway that they do not know.

Pennine Cruisers provides everything that is needed and whether you are an absolute beginner, or an experienced boater you will find it at Pennine Cruisers.

Pennine Cruisers also have 6 Day Boats for which no previous experience is required. Following your boat handling instruction, you will be able to head off on your day out with total confidence.

Canal life is addictive, so the next step is a short break, holiday or extended holiday on board a narrow boat . Once again no previous experience is required as the full boat handling instruction and lock instruction is provided by Pennine Cruisers.

Full lockside instruction is given to all our holiday boaters, to ensure that hirers are confident in the operation of locks and know how to operate them safely, so they can enjoy all aspects of their holiday.

What could be better than sailing slowly along this picturesque waterway. Stopping off at one of the many waterside inns, but knowing that you are never more than a few yards from dry land! So contact Pennine Cruisers for a range of hire options for narrow boating holidays … just perfect!

Here at Pennine Cruisers we cater for everyone, so if you own a boat yourself we can also offer you a wide selection of services, everything from a bottle of gas or bag of coal through to a new build narrow boat.

Please telephone us on 01756 795478 or send use our enquiry form to request more detail.

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19 Coach Street , Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1LH

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Mooring in Skipton and luxury interiors of Blue Otter Skipton

Famous for being the Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, from your starting point in Skipton you can go east to Leeds or west to Liverpool and discover England’s canal heritage against a backdrop of rolling hills.

barge trips skipton

Explore Yorkshire and Lancashire from England’s longest water highway, at 128 miles the Leeds Liverpool Canal takes in some of the most beautiful countryside of all canals. Discover historic sites, award-winning pubs and restaurants, with the option to moor up and hop back on to dry land for a hike along well-known pathways such as the Pennine Way at Gargrave. Our short break canal holidays begin in the market town of Skipton, home to one of England’s best preserved medieval castles.

Alternatively to the west of Skipton in the direction of Liverpool. This stetch of the canal takes in stunning scenery, picturesque villages, through valleys and the unique double bridge at West Marten, as well as Foulridge Tunnel. Sections of this route were also used in the latest filming of All Creatures Great and Small.

Blue Otter Skipton comfortably accommodates 2 adults. Fitted out with a main bedroom (queen-sized bed with a king-sized duvet), bathroom with a hot-water shower and an open plan kitchen with two chairs in the lounge, you can meander along the canals in style. Within minutes on board you’ll enjoy a charming narrowboating experience. How far you go depends on how often and how long you wish to stop. You decide the route and the pace to go as far as Leeds or stay as near as you wish to Skipton during your time on board.

If you haven’t been boating before, on the first day we’ll go with you through the first swing bridges, locks, show you how to moor up and navigate the canals until you feel at ease to enjoy the rest of your time on board in full command.

Skipton is easily accessible by road and the train station is just 40 minutes from Leeds. Buses are also available to Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the filming home for the new series of All Creatures Great and Small.

Blue Otter Skipton [email protected] Tel: 07435 306950

50 ft | 1 bedroom with double bed | Suitable for 2 passengers

(Pets accepted on request, please email [email protected] before booking)

Full Week Routes

7 nights – Leeds and return: 60 miles, 58 locks The emergence of Leeds as an industrial powerhouse was one of the reasons for the creation of the Leeds-Liverpool canal. A week’s cruising will take you through tranquil woodlands and picturesque villages, such the 17th century village of Kildwick, past historic sights such as National Trust Riddlesden Hall, the UNESCO Heritage Site of Saltaire and down engineering masterpieces such as Bingley Five Rise Locks. The descent into Leeds is green and scenic, dispelling all preconceived notions of an industrialised landscape, to suddenly arrive in the centre of the city behind the main train station. The city centre visitor moorings at the wharf allow for 2 nights complimentary stay before making your way back to Skipton.

7 nights – Burnley and return: 74 miles, 60 locks  From the market town of Skipton cruise  across the Pennines and over the highest point of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal near Barnoldswick. Just past here, a cow named Buttercup is reported to have floated through Foulridge Tunnel in 1912 and was revived with rum at the other side. The scenery becomes more industrial with the town of Nelson being followed by Burnley and its old waterside buildings. The historic Weaver’s Triangle museum and mooring in the city centre has recently been renovated, as has much of Burnley’s pedestrian area. One hour cruising past Burnley is a beautiful countryside mooring spot for the night before turning around and cruising back to Skipton.

7 nights – Bingley and Foulridge: 68 miles, 52 locks This route takes in the two iconic parts of the canal with contrasting views of woodlands and wide open countryside, dotted with points of interest along the way. From the market town of Skipton in the direction of Leeds, the canals are flanked with woodlands taking you to the Bingley Five Rise, a staircase of five locks lowering you 60 feet down the Aire valley. Visit the model village of Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to it’s founder in Victorian times,  Sir Titus Salt, designed to improve the live of his mill workers. Today the mill is a gallery and art space, home to a permanent David Hockney exhibition. Return past Skipton and then cruise into the rural Yorkshire Dales countryside to Foulridge – perhaps venture through the tunnel

Short Break Routes

Travelling west from skipton direction liverpool .

5 nights – Skipton to Barrowford and return – 24 hours and 30 locks and 2 tunnels

Travelling East from Skipton direction  Leeds

5 nights – Skipton to Saltaire and return – 18 hours and 20 locks (including Bingley Five Rise)

Take a short video journey with our German guests on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal with Blue Otter Skipton.

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Skipton Canal Trips: The Ultimate Guide For Visiting Skipton Canal

barge trips skipton

Stepping down onto a steep curved road from the busy Skipton Main Street, I dodge the other pedestrians and step over a couple of leashed dogs. In front of me, I can already see a line of brightly painted barges – the sought-after sight of the Skipton Canal boats, some of which are decades older than me. The little market town of Skipton is a renowned spot for Northern British culture, and best known as a launchpad for the Yorkshire Dales National Park (just 20 minutes away by car). But for those in the know, taking one of the Skipton Canal trips is one of the most memorable things to do in Skipton.

Introducing Skipton Canal: Skipton Canal’s Story

Skipton Canal is as historic as the market town’s 600 year old castle . The canal was opened back in 1816. However, it had a seriously lengthy construction process – taking over 46 years to complete. The Skipton Canal is part of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal and was an absolute backbone for the local economy during the 19 th century industrial revolution. Everything from stone to cotton and grain was shuttled up and down Skipton Canal. And the Skipton Canal boats were originally drawn by large barge horses.

The Skipton Canal snakes through the centre of Skipton, joining with a small river that passes through the Skipton Castle grounds. Its waterway passes disused and repurposed mill houses, and past typical Yorkshire agricultural scenery. Skipton Canal is far from a quiet waterway, and its pedestrian walkways are dotted with fishermen on upturned buckets, joggers and their little cockapoos, and farmers working their fields. On a lucky day, you can even spot otters diving to snag a catch of fish. Skipton Canal trips are a chance to submerse yourself in people watching, wildlife watching, and culture. You’ll see an entirely different side through Skipton Canal boat trips than you would on land at Skipton Market. It is one of the most immersive things to do in Skipton by far.

Which of the Skipton Canal Boat Trips to Choose

Skipton Canal by Skipton BID.

  • 30-minute tour

The 30-minute Skipton Canal tour whisks you on a short but sweet trip down the canal. It is perfect for those on a budget or time limit and provides you with snippets of insight into the area and its history. As of 2023, the cost is just £4 per person – which really is a complete steal. The affordability of this Skipton Canal cruise is one of the most wholesome aspects. The tours run everyday from 10:30 am in peak season and 11:30 am in low season. You don’t have to book and just queue before paying the skipper onboard.

  • 1 hour tour

The 1-hour tour is my personal favourite. It is the ideal amount of time to venture past all the disused and re-purposed mills and get a bit of agricultural scenery. These Skipton canal boats also offer a bar, where you can grab a vino, beer, or soft drink. Or boost yourself with a coffee or (Yorkshire) tea. There are snacks too, including crisps and a bar snack-style menu. With the 1-hour tour, nothing felt rushed, and you could really relax into the experience. Whereas, with the 30-minute tour, you get more of a whistle-stop introduction to the canal in Skipton.

The 1-hour Skipton Canal cruise is perfect for those wanting a more immersive, informative, and relaxing experience. Technically you don’t have to book, but I’d strongly recommend it. You can easily book online beforehand.

  • 3-hour Sunday Roast Cruise

A Sunday roast cruise is one of the most classic things to do in Skipton. We all know how much Britain loves a Sunday roast, and this way you can treat yourself to a hearty weekend meal while sightseeing this sought-after canal in Skipton. This is one of the longest canal trips Skipton offers, which allows for you to enjoy your meal really leisurely. You also get some commentary and introduction to Skipton Canal’s history.

  • 2-hour Fish and Chip Cruise

This Skipton Canal cruise combines history and Britain’s true love, fish and chips. If you’ve yet to sample fish and chips in England (or Yorkshire) then this is one of the best things to do in Skipton. The boat company partners with Bizzie Lizzie’s, a famous, award-winning local chippy, and combines a boat trip with an iconic dining experience.

  • 2-hour Afternoon Tea Cruise

Afternoon tea is the most British thing you can possibly think of, so why not treat yourself? Lady Bedford is credited with the concept, and she used to mastermind delicious afternoon teas for Queen Victoria. The idea caught on, and in 1865 the hotel The Langham introduced afternoon tea as a formal meal service. It has been like wildlife ever since. And on this special Skipton Canal cruise, you can indulge in this British luxury while sightseeing one of the prettiest canals in Yorkshire.

What To Expect From the 1-hour Skipton Canal Boat Trips

The 1 hour Skipton Canal boat trips are one of the most leisurely options. You collect your tickets from the booking office along the canal bank and are given little boarding cards. Approximately 5 minutes before departure time, a wooden board is set to bridge the gap between the bank and boat, and you are ushered onboard to find your designated seat. The long wooden benches offer a traditional seating environment. And there is brief (rather comedic) safety briefing as your skipper pushes the boat away from the bank and the canal begins trundling along.

Onboard there is a bar with snacks, hot drinks, and alcoholic beverages. The 1-hour Skipton Canal boat trip is the ideal option if you want to have ample time to treat yourself to little bites to eat without committing to a meal – like on the afternoon tea Skipton Canal boa trips. You can head up and grab something as the guide begins an informative commentary. The commentary runs for approximately 75%, covering the Skipton Canal history, history of the Skipton Canal boats, and some fun facts about the region. There are some interesting anecdotes too, in true Yorkshire style, including that of a cow which ended up in a local pub as a celebration of it being pulled out from the canal after falling in.

The experience is low intensity and just informative enough without being overwhelming with dense facts and figures. You turn around at a passing point near some green fields, heading back to Skipton past disused mills and other moored boats.

What To Expect from Skipton Canal Boat Hire

Of course, you do have an alternative option to the Skipton Canal boat trips. You could hire your own boat and take to the waters in style. Skipton Canal boat hire is one of the best Skipton Canal trips you can take if you want independent exploration.

The 17-miles of canal that connects Skipton to Bingley is completely lock-free – meaning it is a complete breeze to navigate, even for total beginners. As of 2023, Skipton Canal boat hire costs £175 per day in the week and £200 per day at the weekend. Once you’ve paid, you get the boat for 6.5 hours (between 10 am and 4:30 pm). And you get a complimentary training session which covers how to drive the boat and general safety procedures and regulations.

Skipton Canal boats in the day hire fleet come with flushing toilets, speakers, luxury seating, and a kettle and basic cooking facilities. You can bring up to 10 people onboard too, so it is the ideal solution for a group wanting to experience Skipton together.

Steering a boat is quite the experience if you’ve never done it before. Be prepared for a bit of a giggle as you scramble to learn the ropes, but because you are sailing independently with no locks to navigate, there’s no pressure at all. It is a really fun activity and one of the best things to do in Skipton if you are feeling brave and up for a laugh.

Planning a Skipton Canal Walk

barge trips skipton

A Skipton Canal walk is a brilliant way to spend a few hours. The canal is a bit of a pedestrian motorway. In daylight hours, Skipton Canal has a constant stream of walkers flapping printed maps, joggers with fluffy dogs, and fishermen lugging buckets and drooping rods. Because of this activity, a Skipton Canal walk is a really safe thing to do in Skipton. It is always busy enough to see at least one person, and the steady schedule of passing boats provides an extra sense of security as well.

In terms of walking routes, you have a few different options. You can pick up a Skipton Canal map from any of the offices and visitor centres along Belmont Wharf – providing you with a bit more information. However, these are our top recommendations:

·         Skipton to Saltaire Canal Walk

Length: 16 miles one way

Time: 5 hours one way

The Skipton to Saltaire route is easily one of the best Skipton Canal walks. Why? Because you combine cultural attractions with the Bingley Five-Rise Locks and loads of beautiful scenery. Plus, you can complete it as a one-way hike and then just hop on the train in Saltaire to get back to Skipton. You pass through Bradley, Silsden, and Bingley, entering the section of Skipton Canal with locks, where you can watch barges navigate these (utterly confusing looking) contraptions. The Bingley Five-Rise Locks are particularly famous because they are the steepest flight of locks in the UK.

Once you’ve passed Bingley though, you reach the star attraction – Saltaire. Saltaire is an industrial town that was massively influenced by the local mill owner Sir Titus Salts. Sir Titus constructed much of the town to house his mill workers and the area is now a designated World Heritage Site. You can stop by Salts Mill, a massive arts centre with shopping outlets and the revered Hockey 1853 Gallery.

·         Skipton to Bradley Canal Walk

Length: 6.2 miles

Time: 2.5 hours

Skipton to Bradley is one of the most popular Skipton Canal walks. The 6.2-mile walk takes approximately 2.5 hours there and back, and it is a really easy route to complete. The Skipton to Bradley route is ideal for families with older children and you can actually start the walk at Skipton Castle, which is a nice touch. Once you reach the Bradley Swing Bridge, cross over and enter the town – perhaps stopping to grab food at the Slaters Arms before heading back to Skipton.

·         Skipton to Gargrave Canal Walk

Length: 10 miles

Time: 5-6 hours

Gargrave is a beautiful village just 5 miles along the canal from Skipton. You can hike to Gargrave one-way or complete a full 10-mile hike by treating it as an out-and-back trail. This section of Skipton Canal is particularly scenic, with aqueducts, bridges, and locks to pass by. You’ll also pass long lines of moored barges, where residents rent their spots on local land. It is lovely to experience the community side of Skipton’s Canal. And once you reach Gargrave, you have a massive selection of pubs and cafes to choose from for lunch. Make sure to check out the Gargrave Stepping Stones too.

·         Skipton to Leeds Canal Walk

Length: 29.2 miles one way

Time: 7-9 hours

Of course, the Skipton to Leeds Canal walk is the beast of all canal walks (unless you want to complete the entire Leeds to Liverpool section). This walk is a full-day hike. And unless you are ridiculously fit or slightly delirious, you’ll have to complete this as a one-way day hike. You can walk to Leeds and then just catch the train back to Skipton.

You’ll pass dozens of locks, bridges, and aqueducts. The entirety of the Leeds to Skipton Canal walk is lined with beautiful scenery – be it the cultural scenes of industrial mills or raw beauty of Yorkshire’s empty fields. You can also incorporate attractions en route if you plan it well enough, like the restored manor house East Riddlesden Hall or the Hockney 1853 Gallery in Salts Mill, Saltaire. Kirkstall Abbey is a nice stop-off too.

Skipton Canal Trips: FAQs

barge trips skipton

Now that we’ve covered everything you need to know about Skipton Canal trips, what about some common FAQs? Skipton Canal is full of interesting history and makes one of the best things to do in Skipton, so it makes sense that you still have questions. Whether you want to hear more about what makes Skipton Canal special (hint: stories of cows in pubs have a lot to do with it) or where you can walk to along the canal, this section is for you.

Are Skipton Canal trips still running?

Yes, Skipton Canal trips are still running. There was a brief pause during the pandemic but, as of 2023, the Skipton Canal boat trips are running and thriving.

Can I get from Marsden to Skipton by canal?

Yes, you can get from Marsden to Skipton by canal if you sail via Leeds. You’ll switch from the Huddersfield Canals to the Calder & Hebble Navigation, Air & Calder Navigation, and then join the Leeds & Liverpool Canal – which Skipton Canal sits on.

Can I get from Skipton to Earby on canal?

You can’t get directly from Skipton to Earby by canal, but you can get from Skipton to Barnoldswick by canal. From Barnoldswick you can easily take a scenic walk to Earby.

Has the Leeds Liverpool Canal ever flooded in Skipton?

Yes, the worst canal floods in Skipton were in 2000 and 2008. However, it regularly gets very high in wet months, and there’s ongoing regulations to safeguard and monitor flooding.

How close to Skipton does the Leeds Liverpool Canal run?

The Leeds Liverpool Canal runs directly through the middle of Skipton – so very close.

Is the Skipton Canal worth visiting?

The Skipton Canal is definitely a good place to spend a few hours. You can take one of the Skipton Canal boat trips or hike along the canal bank. The Skipton Canal is very scenic, with a mixture of historic mill buildings and fresh, green pastures.

What is special about the Skipton Canal?

The culture is the most special thing about Skipton Canal. The canal dates back to the industrial revolution and epitomizes that northern, Yorkshire culture. You can learn more about Skipton’s canal on one of the boat tours.

To Conclude: Skipton Canal Boat Trips

barge trips skipton

A personal take on Skipton Canal trips? I think that a Skipton Canal cruise is a wholesome way to immerse yourself in Yorkshire countryside and culture. The commentary is loveably rough-around-the-edges, with slapstick humour and tons of personable historic details – not just a dry rendition of a local history book. And with all the dining and themed canal trips available, you can really turn a visit to Skipton into a memorable experience.

Once you’ve visited Skipton Canal (and perhaps indulged in one of the Skipton Canal trips or boat hires), I’d definitely recommend dedicating time to take a day trip into the Yorkshire Dales National Park. As I mentioned, Skipton sits just on the outskirts of the national park. You technically enter the park boundaries in less than a 5 minute drive, although Grassington is the nearest major destination in the park, which is approximately 20 minutes from Skipton. The Yorkshire Dales National Park has tons of waterfalls , hiking trails , and tourist attractions. And, if you are travelling with a dog, you can check out one of these top dog-friendly pubs in the Yorkshire Dales . Have a wonderful time.

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Canal Holidays Guide to the Leeds-Liverpool Canal

The yorkshire dales.

The longest single canal in Britain and yet the least crowded, this canal is noted for its Yorkshire Dales scenery and famous canal landmarks such as the Bingley Five Rise locks. A one week holiday includes the best rural parts of the canal across the Pennines.

Cruising the Canal

Travel west from our Bases in the Skipton area and pass through the beautiful and dramatic scenery of the Dales countryside with its rugged moorland, limestone caves and gorges.

Turn at Foulridge and return past Skipton, with its 900 year old castle and ancient street market, towards the Bronte country around Keighley.

Take a steam train along the 'Railway Children' line to Haworth and its Parsonage, home of the Bronte sisters. Further east along the canal reach Bingley Five Rise, a staircase of 5 locks lifting the canal 60 feet from the Aire valley. If time permits, cruise to Saltaire, the Victorian village built by Sir Titus Salt for his workers, and visit the David Hockney exhibition in the former Salt's Mill.

In a more energetic week it may be possible to cruise as far as the thriving city of Leeds, mooring outside the new Royal Armouries attraction.

Leeds Liverpool Canal Location

Distance, Time, and Locks

  • A week allows ample time to cover the central section of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal around the historic market town of Skipton, 'Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales'.

Places of Interest

Skipton: Castle, market, shops

Gargrave village

East Marton double bridge

Foulridge Tunnel

East Riddlesden Hall

Worth Valley railway; Haworth; Bronte Parsonage

Bingley Five Rise Locks

Saltaire; Hockney exhibition

Leeds: Royal Armouries; Kirkstall Abbey; Art Gallery, Museum; arts, music, shops

Possible Holidays

One Week The central section of the canal described above is a good one week holiday.

Short Breaks Mid-week and weekend breaks are available from Bases 12 & 13(Silsden).

Longer Holidays In a two week trip it will be possible to extended the above route over the Pennines through Lancashire to Wigan Pier, or to Leeds, or if really energetic, possibly to both.

Narrowboat bases on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Click on a boat base below for more information and possible routes from that base.

Customer Comments

Read what some of our previous clients say about the Leeds - Liverpool Canal.

Start Point - Silsden "Well equipped boat; beautiful and interesting scenery; relaxing (yet active!) way to travel; great pub at Kildwick; beautiful moorings at Greenberfield top lock. DO visit the Bingley five-rise lock if you have time; DO traverse the canal between Silsden and Foulridge for its beauty; DO visit the White Lion pub in Kildwick; DO spend a day in Skipton (Venice in Yorkshire??); DO visit the Lock Stock & Barrel pub in Skipton, but DO NOT bother with the Black Horse; and if you want a night ashore in a lovely hotel with a very nice restaurant, stop over at Steeton Hall in Steeton (near Silsden)." JL, USA

Silsden - Foulridge "The boat was excellent, very clean and tidy and had everything we needed. We headed right from the boatyard (standing in the boat yard looking towards the canal) and then came back passed the yard and continued on towards the Bingley five rise. I think this was an excellent choice. From Silsden to the mile long tunnel is lovely scenery and just enough locks!! Back the other way towards Bingley is slightly better scenery but not far before you reach the five and three rises and they would be particularly hard work. Make sure you stop for a curry in Skipton and don't forget to try a pint of Timothy Taylor's Landlord bitter. Saltair is worth walking to and Morrisons do a good breakfast!" SLW, UK

"This was a fantastic holiday - a week was too short. Where else can you literally 'push the boat out', 'rock the boat' and touch people with barge poles (or not)!!! Things we learned during the week: plan your route before you go and allow plenty time for locks. Buy a guide book! We didn't and regretted it." MC, USA

"Staff were friendly & helpful and gave good instruction for beginners. Scenery is beautiful & varied. So who needs good weather?!" CH, UK

"Fellow holiday makers and walkers were really friendly and to be able to moor and go to the supermarket or a pub was a pleasant novelty! The countryside was delightful and we saw a great deal of wildlife - some rather tame ducks made for an entertaining morning!" MP, USA

Canal Holidays, Bowers Wharf, Skipton, BD23 2PD, United Kingdom

IMAGES

  1. Barges on the Canal at Skipton, Yorkshire, United Kingdom Editorial

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  2. Barges on the Canal at Skipton, Yorkshire, United Kingdom Editorial

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  3. Things to do in Skipton, North Yorkshire

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  4. Barges on the Canal at Skipton, Yorkshire, United Kingdom Editorial

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  5. Canal Barge on the Canal at Skipton, Yorkshire, United Kingdom

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  6. Barges on the Canal at Skipton, Yorkshire, United Kingdom Editorial

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COMMENTS

  1. Canal Cruises on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

    It's not hard to see why Skipton is such a popular tourist destination, with the superbly preserved 900-year old medieval Skipton Castle, famous open-air Skipton market, spectacular limestone cliffs at Malham to the west, celebrated beauty of Bolton Abbey to the east, and of course the Leeds and Liverpool Canal passing right through the centre.

  2. Skipton Boat Trips

    Skipton boat trips provides a distinguished experience for those eager to navigate the peaceful waterways of the Leeds to Liverpool canal. Known for excellence, the company offers a variety of options, including educational guided tours and the freedom of self-hired day boats. Each journey is an invitation to experience the harmonious blend of ...

  3. Canal Trips

    01756 790829. Attractions. +3. Open. We all associate Skipton as a market town but not everyone is aware of the town's central role in the busy waterways of the industrial revolution. Hop on a narrow boat to gain a deeper understanding of this rich heritage experience Skipton from the Leeds to Liverpool Canal.

  4. Afternoon tea on a canal barge

    Skipton Boat Trips: Afternoon tea on a canal barge - See 1,126 traveler reviews, 472 candid photos, and great deals for Skipton, UK, at Tripadvisor.

  5. 2024 1-Hour Public Cruise provided by Skipton Boat Trips

    Skipton Tours. See all things to do. 1-Hour Public Cruise. 4.5. 1-Hour Public Cruise. By Skipton Boat Trips. 225 reviews. See all photos. About. from . £9.50. per adult. ... Excellent One Hour Barge Trip cost £9.00 per person well worth it, went up canal very peaceful, a lovely Saturday afternoon and the weather was a great bonus. ...

  6. Narrow Boat Holidays

    Pennine Cruisers of Skipton - Boating Holidays, Narrow Boat Short Breaks, Canal Boat Holidays and Accompanied Canal Trips on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal ... Skippered narrow boat trips from Skipton - sit back and enjoy a 30 minute boat trip along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal that leads up to Skipton Castle. Just £5.00 per person! More Details.

  7. Skipton: 1-Hour Canal Cruise

    18 Windermere. 19 Chester. 20 Newcastle. Enjoy this 1-hour guided tour on part of England's longest canal in Skipton. Soak up the finest countryside views you can get without moving your feet. Delight in the fun and informative onboard commentary from award-winning comedian, Dave Spikey.

  8. PENNINE CRUISERS OF SKIPTON

    259 reviews. #3 of 3 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Skipton. Boat ToursBoat HireDay Trips. Closed now. 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Write a review. See all photos. About. Pennine Cruisers provides everything that is needed and whether you are an absolute beginner or an experienced boater you will find it at Pennine Cruisers.

  9. Sunday lunch on a canal barge

    Skipton Boat Trips: Sunday lunch on a canal barge - See 1,132 traveller reviews, 472 candid photos, and great deals for Skipton, UK, at Tripadvisor. ... Great barge trip. It was lovely and the weather was great. The only down side was, I wish the boat trip was longer it wasn't long enough for an hour. Friendly staff.

  10. Day Hire Boat Excursions

    Pennine Cruisers of Skipton - Enjoy a single day hire on one of our narrow boats. ... Yorkshire Dales Narrow Boating Holidays, Narrow Boat Breaks, Canal Holidays and Accompanied Canal Trips on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Booking Line: 01756 795 478 Online Booking & Availability. Special Offers View our best rate late availability and special ...

  11. SKIPTON BOAT TRIPS

    Skipton Boat Trips. 1,133 reviews. #2 of 3 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Skipton. Boat Tours. Open now. 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Write a review. See all photos. About.

  12. Enjoy an Unforgettable Sunday Roast Dinner Cruise

    Skipton Boat Trips has teamed up with Bizzie Lizzie's, known as local Fish and Chips Kings, to offer an unforgettable experience on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Book Fish & Chip Cruise Learn More Canal Boat Trips Sunday Roast Dinner / Christmas Dinner Cruise Skipton Boat Trips. 01756 790 829 ...

  13. Canal Holidays UK

    Book 2024 and 2025 holidays now with amazing savings! We offer the widest range of canal narrow boats in the UK. Search over 2000 canal holiday options and book online at best prices any time. Cruise the canals around London, moor in historic Bath, Oxford or Chester. Travel from Edinburgh via the stunning Falkirk Wheel.

  14. Short Break Narrow Boat Hire

    Pennine Cruisers of Skipton Pennine Cruisers of Skipton - Yorkshire Dales Narrow Boating Holidays, Narrow Boat Breaks, Canal Holidays and Accompanied Canal Trips on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Booking Line: 01756 795 478 Online Booking & Availability. Special Offers View our best rate late availability and special offers.

  15. About Us

    Here at Pennine Cruisers we cater for everyone, so if you own a boat yourself we can also offer you a wide selection of services, everything from a bottle of gas or bag of coal through to a new build narrow boat. Please telephone us on 01756 795478 or send use our enquiry form to request more detail. Pennine Cruisers of Skipton - A family run ...

  16. Skipton

    Blue Otter Skipton is a 50ft narrowboat for couples. We provide full boat handling training and accompany you through the first locks. Entering the boat from the stern you are in the living room area of the boat. There is seating for 3 people, with a square table and two matching foldable chairs for an alfresco dining option.

  17. Skipton Canal Trips: The Ultimate Guide For Visiting Skipton Canal

    The 30-minute Skipton Canal tour whisks you on a short but sweet trip down the canal. It is perfect for those on a budget or time limit and provides you with snippets of insight into the area and its history. As of 2023, the cost is just £4 per person - which really is a complete steal.

  18. Leeds Liverpool Canal Boat Hire

    One Week. The central section of the canal described above is a good one week holiday. Short Breaks. Mid-week and weekend breaks are available from Bases 12 & 13 (Silsden). Longer Holidays. In a two week trip it will be possible to extended the above route over the Pennines through Lancashire to Wigan Pier, or to Leeds, or if really energetic ...