There’s nothing more relaxing than exploring the region’s many beautiful waterways and canals, slowly drifting past picturesque towns and villages, meandering through stunning greenery and best of all – stopping off for a few pints in a cracking countryside pub.
Around Manchester though you’re pretty much limited to the Manchester Ship Canal or the Rochdale Canal, which, if we’re being honest, aren’t as picturesque as you’d expect.
No, you need to go a little bit further out to get the most out of your canal cruise, which is why a little trip up to Lancashire should be on the cards.
Starting things off in the tiny village of Riley Green, Canal Boat Cruises offer up leisurely canal cruises on their charming luxury narrowboat called ‘Romance’, who will take you down the picturesque 200 year old Leeds & Liverpool Canal, which offers up 127 miles of walking, boating, wildlife-watching and plenty more.
Canal Boat Cruises of Riley Green is enthusiastically run by the Yates family, who have created a range of brilliant food & drink packages to enjoy whilst exploring the canal, including an Afternoon Tea Cruise, Tapas Cruise and even one where you can tuck into a smashing Roast Dinner with all the trimmings…
Wine & Cheese Tasting Cruise
Join Barrica Wines for a ‘Round the World’ wine tasting cruise, where you’ll be guided through the mysteries of how to taste wine, (and why!) and what to look for when choosing your perfect bottle. You’ll tuck into six wines, some favourite grape varieties, plus a couple of surprises tucked in there. Informal, yet informative, and lots of fun.
2 hour cruise with wine, cheese: £31 per person
Afternoon Cream Tea Cruise
A picturesque two hour cruise down the 200 year old canal can only be made better with a delightful Afternoon Tea beside you, complete with all the trimmings you could ever desire. A selection of freshly made sandwiches, pork pies, quiche, homemade scones (with jam and cream) and a selection of cakes… brilliant.
2 hour cruise: £25 per person
Tapas Evening Cruise
Enjoy the delights of Spain with a 2.5 hour cruise with a selection of tapas dishes served on board. Kicking things off with some artisan bread, olives and oil and vinegar, you’ll then be treated to a range of tapas dishes, from patatas bravas to paella, chicken to garlic mushrooms. Add yourself in some wine or sangria and you’ll feel like you’re on your holidays abroad in no time.
2.5 hour cruise with tapas: £30 per person
Three Hour Cruise with Three Courses
The ultimate in gastronomic indulgence, this 3-course, 3-hour extravaganza will see you enjoy a range of culinary delights, including their Spout House Farm Roast Beef Dinner with Yorkshire Pudding and all the trimmings, or perhaps their Mushroom, Cranberry & Brie Wellington. Finish things off with a Farmhouse baked Apple Pie and tonnes of custard.
3 hour cruise with 3 courses: £29.50
There’s loads more trips and cruises available, including private full and half day charters where you and some of your mates can book out the entire boat and bring your own food and drink for the ultimate party!
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For more information and to book your Canal Boat Cruise, head to the Visit Lancashire site below…
