The canalways are surrounded by beautiful and interesting sights that will entertain you on your journey along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. From country walks to industrial heritage sites, pubs and shopping villages you can experience them all from your floating hotel.
You’ll find 4 of the 7 wonders of the waterways on the Leeds and Liverpool canal and its surrounding waterways, while the Anderton Boat Lift on the Trent & Mersey Canal is also within reach.
Local Trips
The cruise from Reedley Marina to the market town of Skipton (approx 2 days sailing) is one of the most spectacular on the whole of the network. Stunning views and beautiful countryside is interspersed with marvellous, traditional pubs and historic mills. One of these, the famous Boundary Mill, is very near.
Alternatively, if you head West down the Wigan flight your journey takes you round the canal turn at Aintree racecourse and to the Albert Dock in the centre of Liverpool.
Cruising the Pennine Ring
Boaters looking for a longer break or a more adventurous experience might consider cruising the Pennine Ring. Incorporating the Aire & Calder River, the Calder & Hebble River and the Bridgewater Canal, and returning via the Rochdale Canal or the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. While this route is a little challenging for novice boaters, many sights make it a worthwhile and interesting holiday.
Aire & Calder River
Tropical World and Roundhay Park – One of Europe’s largest parks houses National Collections of gardens as well as acres of woodland and a boating lake. Tropical World features colourful butterflies, fish and exotic blooms.
Goole – This small market town has a long history as a shipbuilding area and long links with the canals. In 2001 a lottery grant enabled the town to update its local museum and art gallery which is worth a look.
Castleford – Castleford junction is a busy exchange for commercial crafts. Boating enthusiasts might enjoy mooring up at one of the waterside pubs for a drink while watching the boats go by. Historically the town was once the Roman settlement of Lagentium, and was also the birth place of the sculptor Henry Moore.
Temple Newsam House & Garden – This magnificent Tudor/Jacobean house is set in 900 acres of parkland offering lovely walks through the woods and gardens.
Calder & Hebble River
Wakefield – The city has a lovely 15th Century cathedral set on the hill which can be seen from miles around. The waterfront area has undergone considerable redevelopment, with the restoration of several listed buildings including the Navigation Warehouse, built in 1790. Wakefield is a bustling city with many shops, bars and cafe’s as well as an open air market.
Horbury Bridge – Close to the village is the National Coal Mining Museum for England, visitors go 450ft underground to see old and new-style coal faces.
Kirklees Park – Within the grounds are the ruins of a 12th century priory for Cistercian nuns, as well as the supposed burial place of Robin Hood, take a look around and see if you can find the tablet that marks his grave.
Halifax – The well known Halifax Building Society was founded here in 1853 and still has its ultra-modern offices nearby. The superbly restored Piece Hall is the last remaining manufacturers hall in the country where weavers traded their wares. Next door is the Calderdale Industrial Museum, with impressive examples of working machinery from the mills, including a steam engine, spinning jenny and a flying shuttle loom.
Sowerby Bridge – Sowerby Bridge and its associated waterway feature the deepest lock on the network at almost 19ft. Historically the village was heavily involved in the textiles industry and the area still boats many examples of 18th and 19th century industrial architecture.
Bridgewater Canal
Barton Swing Aqueduct – This engineering masterpiece was designed to replace a stone aqueduct when the River Irwell was canalised, to allow larger ships to pass below it. With doors at each end, a huge metal tank is created that can be swung containing 800 tonnes of water, and is still in daily operation – well worth a visit!
Dunham Massey – This beautiful Georgian house is set in acres of stunning gardens and a deer park dating back to 1362. Several areas of the house have been expertly restored offering visitors a look at Edwardian servant life as well as the opportunity to see examples of 18th century artwork and furniture.
Old Trafford – Home to Manchester United football club since 1910, daily tours of ‘The Theatre of Dreams’ are available, including the grounds, trophy rooms and training areas.
Higher Walton – This quiet village can be seen through the trees from the canalside, offering visitors a secluded rest area. The village is also home to Walton Hall, a lovely place to stop and wander through 20 acres of parkland.
Huddersfield Narrow Canal
Standedge Tunnel – At 3 and a half miles long, 645 feet above sea level and 638 feet under the Pennines Standedge Tunnel is the longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel in England.
Marsden Moor Estate – This National Trust site runs above the Standedge Tunnel and is inhabited by an array of wildlife. Guided walks are organised around the area to make the most of this beautiful countryside.
Golcar – A lovely northern village, full of steep streets and winding ginnels, Golcar is also home to the Colne Valley Museum, allowing visitors to experience life as an 19th century cottage weaver.
Portland Basin Museum – Close to the Duckinfield Junction, the centre tells the story of the industrial textile heritage of the local Tameside area. A 1920’s street is also recreated with a terraced house, pub and grocers from the period making an interesting day out for visitors.
Rochdale Canal
Castlefield – The end of the Rochdale Canal goes into the heart of Manchester City Centre, forming a part of the impressive bar circuit at Deansgate Locks. Many of the city’s local attractions including the Museum of Science & Industry and the Air & Space Museum are within reach, as is the newly developed Salford Quays, however, it’s just as pleasant to have a drink at one of the canalside bars.
Daisy Nook Country Park – Located in the Medwick Valley, this lovely park is known for its garden centre, but is also an ideal place to picnic, fish or go horse riding.
Coach House Heritage Centre – As well as a heritage centre dating back to the 19th century, Littleborough Coach House is also used to showcase works by local artists.
The canalways are surrounded by beautiful and interesting sights that will entertain you on your journey along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. From country walks to industrial heritage sites, pubs and shopping villages you can experience them all from your floating hotel.
You’ll find 4 of the 7 wonders of the waterways on the Leeds and Liverpool canal and its surrounding waterways, while the Anderton Boat Lift on the Trent & Mersey Canal is also within reach.
Local Trips
The cruise from Reedley Marina to the market town of Skipton (approx 2 days sailing) is one of the most spectacular on the whole of the network. Stunning views and beautiful countryside is interspersed with marvellous, traditional pubs and historic mills. One of these, the famous Boundary Mill, is very near.
Alternatively, if you head West down the Wigan flight your journey takes you round the canal turn at Aintree racecourse and to the Albert Dock in the centre of Liverpool.
Cruising the Pennine Ring
Boaters looking for a longer break or a more adventurous experience might consider cruising the Pennine Ring. Incorporating the Aire & Calder River, the Calder & Hebble River and the Bridgewater Canal, and returning via the Rochdale Canal or the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. While this route is a little challenging for novice boaters, many sights make it a worthwhile and interesting holiday.
Aire & Calder River
Tropical World and Roundhay Park – One of Europe’s largest parks houses National Collections of gardens as well as acres of woodland and a boating lake. Tropical World features colourful butterflies, fish and exotic blooms.
Goole – This small market town has a long history as a shipbuilding area and long links with the canals. In 2001 a lottery grant enabled the town to update its local museum and art gallery which is worth a look.
Castleford – Castleford junction is a busy exchange for commercial crafts. Boating enthusiasts might enjoy mooring up at one of the waterside pubs for a drink while watching the boats go by. Historically the town was once the Roman settlement of Lagentium, and was also the birth place of the sculptor Henry Moore.
Temple Newsam House & Garden – This magnificent Tudor/Jacobean house is set in 900 acres of parkland offering lovely walks through the woods and gardens.
Calder & Hebble River
Wakefield – The city has a lovely 15th Century cathedral set on the hill which can be seen from miles around. The waterfront area has undergone considerable redevelopment, with the restoration of several listed buildings including the Navigation Warehouse, built in 1790. Wakefield is a bustling city with many shops, bars and cafe’s as well as an open air market.
Horbury Bridge – Close to the village is the National Coal Mining Museum for England, visitors go 450ft underground to see old and new-style coal faces.
Kirklees Park – Within the grounds are the ruins of a 12th century priory for Cistercian nuns, as well as the supposed burial place of Robin Hood, take a look around and see if you can find the tablet that marks his grave.
Halifax – The well known Halifax Building Society was founded here in 1853 and still has its ultra-modern offices nearby. The superbly restored Piece Hall is the last remaining manufacturers hall in the country where weavers traded their wares. Next door is the Calderdale Industrial Museum, with impressive examples of working machinery from the mills, including a steam engine, spinning jenny and a flying shuttle loom.
Sowerby Bridge – Sowerby Bridge and its associated waterway feature the deepest lock on the network at almost 19ft. Historically the village was heavily involved in the textiles industry and the area still boats many examples of 18th and 19th century industrial architecture.
Bridgewater Canal
Barton Swing Aqueduct – This engineering masterpiece was designed to replace a stone aqueduct when the River Irwell was canalised, to allow larger ships to pass below it. With doors at each end, a huge metal tank is created that can be swung containing 800 tonnes of water, and is still in daily operation – well worth a visit!
Dunham Massey – This beautiful Georgian house is set in acres of stunning gardens and a deer park dating back to 1362. Several areas of the house have been expertly restored offering visitors a look at Edwardian servant life as well as the opportunity to see examples of 18th century artwork and furniture.
Old Trafford – Home to Manchester United football club since 1910, daily tours of ‘The Theatre of Dreams’ are available, including the grounds, trophy rooms and training areas.
Higher Walton – This quiet village can be seen through the trees from the canalside, offering visitors a secluded rest area. The village is also home to Walton Hall, a lovely place to stop and wander through 20 acres of parkland.
Huddersfield Narrow Canal
Standedge Tunnel – At 3 and a half miles long, 645 feet above sea level and 638 feet under the Pennines Standedge Tunnel is the longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel in England.
Marsden Moor Estate – This National Trust site runs above the Standedge Tunnel and is inhabited by an array of wildlife. Guided walks are organised around the area to make the most of this beautiful countryside.
Golcar – A lovely northern village, full of steep streets and winding ginnels, Golcar is also home to the Colne Valley Museum, allowing visitors to experience life as an 19th century cottage weaver.
Portland Basin Museum – Close to the Duckinfield Junction, the centre tells the story of the industrial textile heritage of the local Tameside area. A 1920’s street is also recreated with a terraced house, pub and grocers from the period making an interesting day out for visitors.
Rochdale Canal
Castlefield – The end of the Rochdale Canal goes into the heart of Manchester City Centre, forming a part of the impressive bar circuit at Deansgate Locks. Many of the city’s local attractions including the Museum of Science & Industry and the Air & Space Museum are within reach, as is the newly developed Salford Quays, however, it’s just as pleasant to have a drink at one of the canalside bars.
Daisy Nook Country Park – Located in the Medwick Valley, this lovely park is known for its garden centre, but is also an ideal place to picnic, fish or go horse riding.
Coach House Heritage Centre – As well as a heritage centre dating back to the 19th century, Littleborough Coach House is also used to showcase works by local artists.