Lancashire Canal Cruises
WHERE
Ormskirk
What it’s like
Kids get to steer the boat, wear the captain's hat and work the swing bridges on a canal holiday you book as a family group.
This isn't a quick trip round the marina, it's a proper canal boat holiday, with your kids taking turns at the wheel and getting a go at the swing bridges while the skipper talks them through it. There's full tuition at the start for anyone who has never touched a tiller, so nobody needs experience going in. Between the locks and bridges there's the slower stuff too, spotting herons and whatever else is nosing about on the bank.
The boat sleeps up to 12, so it works for a big family or a couple of families going in together, and you bring your own food and drink onboard for a private hire, gluten free and vegan diets included if you flag it when booking. Handover is 3pm on the start day and you're off the boat by 9am on the last, which is worth building into your plans if you've got a long drive home after.
Money-wise, a 25% deposit locks the date and it's non-refundable, with the rest due eight weeks before you set off, or paid in full straight away if you're booking closer to the date than that. Parking's free at The Slipway Bar & Restaurant if you register your car, and dogs can come too for a £35 charge, though they're not allowed on the beds. One thing to flag if you've got a wheelchair user in the group: the boats aren't set up for wheelchair access.
What’s on here
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- Free parking at The Slipway Bar & Restaurant (register car registration)
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair access not available on boats
- Dogs
- Welcome for holiday hire (£35 charge)
- Kids get proper jobs to do: steering, wearing the captain's hat, working the swing bridges
- The 25% deposit is non-refundable, so be sure of your dates before booking
- Wheelchair access isn't available on the boats
- Register your car for the free parking at The Slipway Bar & Restaurant
Plan your visit
Do we need any boating experience?
No, they take complete novices as well as seasoned boaters. You get full tuition at the start and they email over tutorial videos before you arrive.
How does payment work?
A 25% deposit at booking, which is non-refundable, then the rest at least 8 weeks before you set off. Book later than that and it is all due upfront.
How many people can come?
The boat takes 12 people, so it suits a couple of families going in together.
Can we bring our own food?
For private hires you bring your own food and drink onboard. They cater for gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets if you mention it when booking.
What are the pick up and drop off times?
The boat is ready from 3pm on the start day and needs to be vacated by 9am on the last day. Cruises start and finish at the location on your booking confirmation.
Can we bring the dog?
Dogs are welcome on holiday hires for a £35 charge. Bring their own bedding and bowls and keep them off the beds and soft furnishings.
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