Birdswood Canal Boat
ENTRY
from £23
WHERE
Matlock
What it’s like
A canal boat trip with commentary out to the Leawood Pump House, at £23 a head for the premium heritage sailing.
The main event here is straightforward: you get on a canal boat, someone talks you through what you're passing, and you end up at Leawood Pump House and other bits of heritage along the water. It's a slower kind of day out, not a ride-based one, so it suits kids who'll sit still for a commentary rather than ones who need constant motion.
£23 for the premium heritage boat trip isn't pocket change for a family outing. Booking is required, which is a bit of a faff if you're the sort who likes to decide on the morning, but it does mean you're not turning up to find the boat's full. There's food and drink on board plus Wheatcroft's Wharf Cafe at the site.
It only runs Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm, so this isn't a spontaneous weekday-after-school trip unless you're free on a Wednesday. Parking is in a large pay and display car park next to the wharf, but the site is upfront that it gets very busy at weekends and in summer, which is exactly when most families will want to go.
If you fancy something different for a birthday, private boat charters are on offer with catering through partner organisations, which could be a nice change from the usual party venue if your child's into boats or trains.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- Large pay and display public car park adjacent to wharf, operated by Derbyshire County Council, busy at weekends and summer
- Food
- Drinks, snacks and food available on board
- Getting there by bus or train
- Cromford railway station 10 minute walk away
- Parties
- Private boat charters available for birthday parties with optional catering through partner organisations
- The trip runs Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday only, 10am to 5pm
- Book ahead, they don't seem to take walk-ons
- Cromford railway station is a 10 minute walk if you fancy arriving by train
- There are changing places facilities on site
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
The premium heritage boat trip is £23. There isn't a cheaper option listed, so budget for that per person.
Do we need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is required and there's a booking link on their site. Don't plan on just turning up.
What days does it run?
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm. No other days are listed, so it's not one for a random weekday visit.
Is there anywhere to eat?
There's food and drink available on board, and Wheatcroft's Wharf Cafe is on site too.
Can we do a birthday party there?
You can charter the boat privately for a birthday, with catering available through partner organisations.
What about parking?
There's a large pay and display car park right by the wharf, but it gets properly busy at weekends and in summer.
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