Hotel Boat Holidays

Canal Boat Holidays offer a unique way to explore the British waterways. These holidays allow you to experience navigating through locks, tunnels, and aqueducts while enjoying the beautiful scenery of valleys and rivers. With a top speed of just 4 miles per hour, it's the perfect way to slow down and unwind.

When packing for a canal boat trip, it's important to consider the potential changes in weather and pack a variety of clothing options, including non-slip trainers, wellies, a raincoat, a cap, sunglasses, warm clothes, and slippers or socks, to ensure that you're prepared for any conditions that may arise.

No licence is needed to steer a UK canal boat of up to 12 people. Anyone can drive one, but some experience and safety knowledge are recommended.

During the summer season, a typical day of cruising on a canal boat can last anywhere from four to seven hours. Cruising at a leisurely pace of 3-4mph for four hours a day can cover a distance of approximately 80 to 100 miles in a week. It's important to keep in mind that you should factor in extra time in your schedule to navigate through locks, as it takes at least 15 minutes to pass through each one

When operating a canal boat, it is important to keep to a few basic rules. Stay in the middle of the canal, and pass oncoming boats on the right. Do not exceed the speed limit of 4mph and approach restricted areas with caution, prepared to give way if necessary. Only overtake slower boats if they wave you on, and be mindful of the needs of other canal users. Exercise caution when encountering dredgers or maintenance works and use water supplies with care.

Canal boat hire companies in the UK typically require hirers to be at least 18 years old to comply with insurance policies. Some companies also have additional restrictions, such as not allowing single-sex parties. For those that do allow such parties, an individual security deposit may be required, which will be refunded upon the boat's satisfactory return.

Most boats on this website are extremely easy to handle, with one lever controlling speed and direction in both forward and reverse. Tuition is provided at the start of the holiday, so no prior boating experience is necessary. You'll also learn how to navigate the boat through a lock. However, keep in mind that the larger the boat, the more precision is needed when driving.

Cruise through the northern canal and river system, passing through Lancashire and Yorkshire, and exploring England's longest single canal, the Leeds & Liverpool. Travel the Bridgewater and Selby canals, the River Aire, Calder, Aire & Calder navigation, and South Yorkshire navigations.

To book, you can email us by using the contact form on this website or call us at 07834 320 199. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have and help you secure your reservation.

Passengers are not permitted to smoke anywhere on board, including indoor and outdoor areas. However, smokers are free to smoke on the towpath when the boat is moored. It is important to respect these regulations and the comfort of other passengers.

For those who want to stretch their legs and explore the stunning countryside of Yorkshire and Lancashire, Lady Teal offers the perfect base. Walkers can choose to wander along the towpath, undertake longer walks away from the canal or plan their own routes.

You can! Gina and Nick, both qualified helmsmen, will be supervising your boat operation. If you wish to get involved with the operation of locks or swing bridges, they will be delighted to brief you and have you assist.

All rooms on the hotel boat have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, full tea/coffee-making facilities, and are en-suite with a toilet, shower, and washbasin. Pure Lakes toiletries are provided in every wet room. Brindley and Whitworth rooms have twin beds, while Rennie is a single room with no single supplement. Mattresses are fully sprung and of medium firmness, and there are lots of pillows. Underfloor heating is individually controlled.

If you have specific dietary requirements or allergies, please let us know on the booking form so we can plan the menu accordingly. We're happy to discuss any particular requirements with you prior to confirming your booking. Rest assured, we wouldn't accept a booking if we weren't confident we could meet your needs.

Food is freshly prepared onboard with local produce. Special requests are catered for in advance. Breakfast includes homemade granola, full English, and daily specials. Lunch is light with quiche, salad, fruit, and cheese. Afternoon tea with homemade cakes, scones, and jam. Pre-dinner cocktails and canapés served on the top deck. Dinner includes four courses with wine, beer, and soft drinks available throughout the day.

Lady Teal's relaxing cruise has no dress code. Comfortable clothing is recommended, and something warm for evenings on the upper deck. Waterproofs are advisable for the occasional rain shower. Lady Teal has a wooden floor, so high heels are not permitted. Non-slip soft shoes or sandals are recommended. All bedding, towels, slippers, shampoo, and shower gel are provided. Bring books, e-readers, and electrical items as 240-volt sockets are available on board.

There is no single supplement for our single Rennie cabin. However, if you choose to book one of our twin rooms as a single, a single supplement of 50% will be applied to the room rate.

If you arrive by car for one of our cruises and park either at the start or end of the journey, a chauffeur-driven car will be arranged for you to bring you to or take you from your vehicle. 

We offer safe parking for all our cruises at no extra charge. Please note that cars are parked at your own risk. Parking is typically available at marinas, hotels, or occasionally, multi-storey car parks.

We kindly ask that you vacate your room by 10:00 am on the morning of your departure. If you wish to explore the area further or do some last-minute shopping, we would be more than happy to keep your bags for you.

Joining instructions will be sent 3 weeks before your cruise with detailed maps and directions. If arriving by car, you'll be directed to a parking location after dropping off your cases at Lady Teal. Cabins will be available from 5 pm, but you're welcome to explore the local area and leave your bags with us if you arrive earlier.

The stay covers transportation, parking, breakfast, lunch, a 4-course dinner, and 8-course Skippers night meal with a menu choice. WiFi, drinks, and pre/post-dinner drinks are included. Exclusions are special wines, postcards, and gifts.