Worsley Day Boat Hire
ENTRY
from £150
WHERE
Manchester
What it’s like
Hire your own boat on the Bridgewater Canal and spot herons, ducks and whatever else is nesting on the bank that day.
The boat holds eight, which makes it a proper family or small-party outing rather than a quick trip round the block. You can take the wheel yourself for a stretch of four to eight hours, or pay a bit more and let a skipper do the steering while you and the kids watch for wildlife along the bank. Either way the appeal for children is simple: slow water, moving scenery, and the chance they'll spot a heron or something splashing about that they'll be on about for the rest of the day.
There's a toilet onboard, which matters more than it sounds once you're a few hours into a self drive hire with small bladders in the mix. You're welcome to bring your own food and drink for private hires, and dogs are allowed too, so a family dog can come along for the ride. Decorations are fine if you're marking a birthday on the water, which is a nice touch if you fancy something different from the usual party venue.
The one thing to flag before you get excited: there's no wheelchair access to the boat, so it's not going to work if that's a requirement for your group. Parking at Worsley Dry Docks is described as ample, though there's a security gate that's sometimes closed, so just ring them when you pull up rather than sitting there wondering.
Prices start at £150 for a two hour skippered charter, rising to £175 for the longer self drive option and £200 for a three hour charter with skipper. That's not pocket money, but split between eight people over a few hours it starts to look more reasonable than it first does.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- Ample parking at Worsley Dry Docks, security gate may be closed so call on arrival
- Wheelchairs
- No wheelchair access available
- Dogs
- Allowed. Pets welcome onboard
- Bring decorations if it's a birthday or special trip, they're happy for you to dress the boat up
- The boat drops off and picks up at the same spot you booked, so no need to arrange transport back
- Dietary needs including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan are covered if you tell them when booking
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
A two hour skippered charter is £150. Self drive hire for four to eight hours is £175, and a three hour skippered charter is £200.
How many people can come?
The boat sits eight people maximum, so it suits a family group or a small gathering rather than a big party.
Can we bring our own food and the dog?
Yes to both for private hires. Bring your own food and drink onboard, and dogs are welcome too.
Is there a toilet on the boat?
There is, which is handy on the longer self drive hires.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
There's no wheelchair access to the boat, so it won't suit everyone.
Where do we park?
There's ample parking at Worsley Dry Docks. The security gate is sometimes shut, so give them a ring when you arrive.
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