Best Canal Pubs on the Lancaster Canal | 10 Waterside Pubs to Visit

9th July 2026/in News/by Admin

One of the great pleasures of a canal boat holiday is mooring up and enjoying a meal or drink beside the water. The Lancaster Canal is home to a wonderful collection of traditional pubs, country inns and canalside restaurants, many of which are just a short walk from the towpath.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty Sunday roast, locally brewed real ales, family-friendly dining or simply a peaceful beer garden overlooking the canal, you’ll find plenty of excellent options along your journey.

Here are some of our favourite canal pubs to visit during your Lancaster Canal boat holiday.

1. The Canal Turn, Carnforth

Located close to the northern end of the navigable Lancaster Canal, The Canal Turn is one of the best-known waterside pubs on the route. It offers a large beer garden overlooking the canal, generous portions of traditional pub food and a relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal after a day’s cruising.

Its location makes it a popular stop for boaters, walkers and cyclists alike.

2. The Longlands Hotel, Tewitfield

Situated beside Tewitfield Marina, The Longlands Hotel is perfectly positioned for visitors beginning or ending their canal holiday. Expect classic British pub meals, local ales and comfortable surroundings, with outdoor seating available during the warmer months.

3. The County Lodge & Brasserie, Carnforth

Just a short distance from the canal, The County Lodge offers a varied menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for something slightly more contemporary while remaining close to your boat.

4. The Royal Hotel, Bolton-le-Sands

A welcoming traditional village pub serving homemade food and a good selection of drinks. It’s within easy reach of the canal and makes a pleasant stop when exploring this attractive Lancashire village.

5. The Plough at Galgate

Galgate is a favourite stopping point for many boaters, and The Plough offers a warm welcome, quality pub food and a friendly atmosphere. Its convenient location makes it an ideal lunch or evening stop.

6. The Stork Hotel, Conder Green

A slight detour from the canal but well worth the visit, The Stork overlooks the nearby estuary and is renowned for its excellent food, outdoor seating and beautiful countryside views.

7. The Borough, Lancaster

If your cruise includes Lancaster city, the Borough provides an excellent combination of traditional pub character and modern dining. It’s particularly popular for evening meals after spending the day exploring the city’s shops, museums and historic attractions.

8. The Sun Hotel, Lancaster

Dating back hundreds of years, The Sun Hotel combines historic charm with an excellent restaurant and carefully selected drinks menu. It’s an ideal stop for visitors wanting to experience one of Lancaster’s oldest coaching inns.

9. The George Washington, Warton

Just a short drive or taxi ride from the canal, this welcoming country pub is known for its quality food and relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.

10. The Royal Station Hotel, Carnforth

Located close to Carnforth Railway Station, this historic hotel and pub is perfect for visitors arriving by train before collecting their canal boat or enjoying a final meal after returning from their cruise.

Tips for Enjoying Canal Pubs

Many popular pubs get busy on weekends and during school holidays, so booking ahead is recommended.
Most canalside pubs welcome muddy boots and dogs, making them ideal after a towpath walk.
Always moor safely before enjoying alcoholic drinks.
Take time to explore the surrounding villages, many of which offer independent cafés and local shops alongside their traditional pubs.

Plan Your Lancaster Canal Boat Holiday

One of the greatest advantages of cruising the Lancaster Canal is the opportunity to combine peaceful boating with excellent food, welcoming pubs and beautiful countryside. Every stop offers something different, whether you’re looking for a quiet pint overlooking the water or a memorable evening meal after a day of exploring.

If you’re planning your next narrowboat adventure, browse our Lancaster Canal boat hire holidays and start discovering everything this beautiful waterway has to offer.

New Towpath Link Makes Exploring the Lancaster Canal Even Easier

15th June 2026/in News/by Admin

The Lancaster Canal continues to become an even better destination for boating holidays, thanks to the opening of a new footpath linking the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail with Natland’s Dairy Shed near Kendal.

The new route improves access for walkers and cyclists while creating another enjoyable stop for visitors exploring this beautiful stretch of canal. For anyone planning a canal boat holiday, it’s another example of the ongoing investment helping to make the Lancaster Canal one of the UK’s most attractive inland waterways.

A New Link for Walkers and Cyclists

The newly opened footpath creates a convenient connection between the Lancaster Canal Towpath Trail and Natland’s Dairy Shed, making it easier for visitors to leave the towpath and explore the surrounding countryside.

Alongside the new path, improvements have also been made to nearby access points, while the historic canal bridge at Natland Hall has been carefully restored using traditional techniques to preserve its heritage.

These improvements form part of wider efforts to enhance access along the Lancaster Canal while protecting its unique character and history.

What It Means for Canal Boat Holidaymakers

One of the great pleasures of a canal boating holiday is the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye. New walking routes like this make it even easier to step off the boat and discover local attractions, cafés, villages and countryside that may previously have been harder to reach.

If your cruise takes you towards the northern section of the Lancaster Canal, the new connection provides another opportunity to enjoy a leisurely walk or cycle ride before continuing your journey.

Many visitors enjoy combining time on the water with gentle exercise along the towpath, and improved accessibility means more people can experience everything the canal has to offer.

The Lancaster Canal Continues to Improve

The Lancaster Canal has become increasingly popular in recent years, not only with boaters but also with walkers, cyclists and wildlife enthusiasts. Projects like this demonstrate the continued commitment to improving visitor access while preserving the canal’s rich heritage.

Better towpaths, restored bridges, and improved visitor facilities all contribute to making canal holidays more enjoyable for everyone.

Planning Your Lancaster Canal Holiday

Whether you’re booking your first narrowboat holiday or returning for another relaxing cruise, every improvement along the canal adds to the experience. From peaceful countryside and historic villages to waterside cafés and scenic walking routes, there’s always something new to discover.

As more investment continues along the Lancaster Canal, visitors can look forward to even more opportunities to explore both on and off the water.

Book Your Next Canal Boat Holiday

If you’re looking for a relaxing escape surrounded by beautiful countryside, the Lancaster Canal offers one of England’s most peaceful cruising experiences. Enjoy quiet waterways, welcoming villages, excellent walking routes and a growing range of visitor attractions as you explore this unique canal at your own pace.

Browse our available canal boat hire holidays and start planning your next adventure on the Lancaster Canal.

First-Time Canal Boat Holiday Guide: What to Expect on the Lancaster Canal

1st March 2026/in News/by Admin

Thinking about booking your first canal boat holiday? You’re not alone. Many people are surprised to discover just how relaxing, enjoyable and easy a narrowboat holiday can be.

If you’ve never stepped aboard a canal boat before, it’s natural to wonder whether you’ll be able to steer it, moor it safely or even find your way around. The good news is that thousands of first-time boaters enjoy successful holidays every year, and the peaceful Lancaster Canal is one of the best places in Britain to begin your adventure.

In this guide, we’ll answer the most common questions and explain exactly what you can expect from your first canal boat holiday.

Why Choose the Lancaster Canal?

The Lancaster Canal is often recommended for first-time boaters because it’s one of the calmest and most relaxing canals in the country. Unlike many waterways, the main navigable section has no locks, meaning you can simply enjoy cruising through beautiful Lancashire and Cumbria countryside without the extra work of operating lock gates.

The canal passes charming villages, historic bridges, peaceful countryside and welcoming waterside pubs, making it ideal for couples, families and anyone looking to unwind at a slower pace.

Is It Difficult to Steer a Canal Boat?

Not at all. Although a narrowboat may appear large at first, it’s surprisingly easy to handle once you’re underway. Before you set off, you’ll receive a full handover explaining how everything works, including steering, stopping, mooring and using the onboard equipment.

Most people feel comfortable within their first hour on the water. Canal boats travel at a gentle pace of around 4mph, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery while building your confidence.

What Happens When You Arrive?

When you collect your boat, you’ll be welcomed by the hire team and shown around your floating holiday home. The handover normally includes:

How to steer and control the boat
How to safely moor up
Using the kitchen and bathroom facilities
Operating the heating, lighting and water systems
Basic safety information
Your suggested cruising route

You’ll also have plenty of opportunity to ask questions before setting off.

What Facilities Are On Board?

Modern canal boats offer many of the comforts of home. Depending on your chosen boat, you’ll usually find:

Comfortable bedrooms
A fully equipped kitchen
Bathroom with shower and toilet
Central heating
Hot and cold running water
Dining and seating area
Electricity and lighting
Storage for luggage and supplies

Many visitors are pleasantly surprised by how spacious and well-equipped a canal boat can be.

What Should You Pack?

You don’t need any specialist clothing or equipment. Comfortable, casual clothes are perfect for life on the canal.

We recommend bringing:

Comfortable walking shoes
Waterproof jacket
Warm jumper for evenings
Sun cream and sunglasses during summer
Food and drinks for your trip
Camera or binoculars for wildlife spotting

Where Can You Stop?

One of the joys of canal boating is the freedom to stop and explore whenever you wish. Along the Lancaster Canal, you’ll find welcoming villages, traditional pubs, cafés, nature reserves and scenic walking routes just a short distance from your mooring.

Many visitors spend part of the day cruising before tying up for lunch or enjoying an afternoon walk along the towpath.

Is a Canal Boat Holiday Suitable for Families?

Absolutely. Canal boat holidays are a wonderful way for families to spend quality time together away from busy roads and crowded tourist attractions. Children often enjoy helping to steer the boat under supervision, spotting wildlife and exploring the countryside.

Couples also love the peaceful atmosphere, while groups of friends appreciate the relaxed pace and opportunity to visit waterside pubs and attractions together.

Can I Bring My Dog?

Many canal boat holidays are dog-friendly, making them ideal if you don’t want to leave your four-legged companion behind. The towpaths provide miles of excellent walking opportunities, and many pubs and cafés along the Lancaster Canal welcome well-behaved dogs.

Helpful Tips for First-Time Boaters

Take your time—there’s no need to rush.
Cruise at a steady pace and enjoy the scenery.
Be courteous to other canal users.
Plan your overnight moorings before it gets late.
Don’t be afraid to ask other boaters for advice—they’re usually happy to help.
Relax and enjoy the slower pace of life.

Ready to Experience Your First Canal Boat Holiday?

A canal boat holiday is unlike any other type of break. Instead of rushing from place to place, you’ll enjoy peaceful cruising, beautiful countryside, welcoming villages and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

The Lancaster Canal is one of the best waterways in Britain for beginners, offering lock-free cruising, stunning scenery and plenty of places to stop along the way.

If you’re ready to experience your first canal boating adventure, browse our canal boats for hire and start planning your perfect holiday on the Lancaster Canal.

The Perfect Socially Distanced UK Staycation

16th August 2020/in News/by Admin

The Perfect Socially Distanced UK Staycation

2020 hasn’t been your typical year, and if you had been looking forward to a summer holiday, the chances are you’ll have been disappointed. This has left a lot of people looking for their coronavirus holiday – a break from the pandemic that’s safe, affordable and unlikely to be the victim of the next quarantine or lockdown.

The word ‘staycation’ might be awful on the ears, but there are a lot of people looking for staycation ideas in the UK right now and it’s understandable – the continental holiday in the sun is something we’ve all come to look forward to so much that the UK can be overlooked as a destination for British holidaymakers.

It turns out, however, that we might just have the perfect solution – in fact, if there were ever a getaway better suited to the current global situation, we can’t think of one. Whether you’re the gregarious type, looking to take in as many different bars and pubs as possible, looking for beautiful scenery, or simply want to get away from the constant news cycle with your partner or family, a canal boat holiday offers tremendous variety and potential.

Whether you’re looking for a short break or a week-long cruise through the glorious Lancashire countryside, you can be sure of serenity, wildlife and beautiful natural and architectural sights as you wind your way along the fantastically maintained Lancaster Canal.

You can be as far from the madding crowd as you like – socially distancing as you enjoy the comfort of the boat – or greet friendly locals at one of the amazing pubs and restaurants that are dotted along the picturesque route, all the while you can look forward to taking walks through an English countryside teeming with birds and wildlife, or simply enjoy the sensation of journeying along the historic waterway which was completed in 1826.

While we’re obviously biased, we feel our four wonderful boats offer the best way to enjoy the English countryside, the joy of boating and a series of delightful towns and villages all while retaining the comfort and convenience of a boutique hotel.

Whether you’re looking to squeeze in a getaway before the end of the year, or looking to avoid the risks of holiday cancellations and the nervous anticipation of another travel company going out of business by taking a holiday in the UK in 2021, the chances are we’ll have the perfect boat on which you can have a perfect time.

So stop looking for staycation ideas – you’ve had the best one yet! So get in touch before we’re all booked up and start looking forward to the highlight of your year – whatever year that might be.

Our Australian Friends on Forget-Me-Not

12th September 2018/in News/by Admin

Warren and Merle visited Lancashire from Yamba in Australia, taking Forget-Me-Not out for a holiday cruise. This is what they had to say…

Just touching base as we have now returned back home to Yamba from our great UK and beyond trip. Just want to thank you for the fantastic time we spent on Forget Me Not cruising the Lancaster Canal in July. The scenery was stunning and reaching the Lune Aqueduct gave us a real thrill as we never thought we would do anything like this in our travels. Your patience and training were great and we will certainly recommend your company to any friends or relatives who are heading over that way in the future to do a canal trip and should we ever return one day we know at least one thing we will be doing, only this time we will make it a week or longer.

We have attached just a few of the hundreds of beautiful snaps we took on our 4 day adventure.

Thank you once again and warm regards

Warren & Merle

It’s a Dog’s Life on The Lancaster Canal

1st June 2018/in News/by Admin

Holly and Maisie were treated to a trip on our beautiful Poppy in May by their kind owner Vicky. To say that these pooches enjoyed their trip is an understatement! Now seasoned seadogs, they are waiting for their next trip.

The Canal is an ideal environment for dogs and their owners, with plenty to see and lots of walks. We’re always happy to welcome well-behaved dogs (and owners) onto our 3 boats.

For owners who enjoy holidaying with their pets, one of our Canal Boats is an ideal solution. As well as lots of dogs, we have also welcomed birds, hamsters and even the occasional cat!