When you find the boat you want, click 'Book this holiday now' and you can pay your deposit or hold for 48 hours - or ring 01422 832712. Yorkshire's secret waterways offer a new discovery round every corner. Amazing scenery, friendly people, welcoming pubs, good shopping, history all around you, walks up into the hills - there's so much to enjoy.
There's something magic about a narrow boat - small outside and roomy inside. Craftsman built and carefully maintained, your narrow boat has everything you need - comfortable beds, quality equipment, well-planned accommodation. Each night you can moor in a new and different place. All our boats are suitable for beginners, and we give exceptionally thorough instruction, so you can feel confident.
There's something magic about a narrow boat - small outside and roomy inside. Craftsman built and carefully maintained, your narrow boat has everything you need - comfortable beds, quality equipment, well-planned accommodation. Each night you can moor in a new and different place. All our boats are suitable for beginners, and we give exceptionally thorough instruction, so you can feel confident.
Services
We specialise in narrow boats with diesels, but we can also work on other types of boat (we don't service outboards). We'd be pleased to discuss any work you need. Our advice is free (you don't have to take it) and we stick to our quotations; we only do extras if you authorise them. For standard charges see our price list.
Moorings and storage are invoiced in advance on the first day of the month or quarter (January, April, July, October). New arrivals are initially billed to end of current period. Departures are refunded pro rata only if 28 days notice given. We have about 50 boats on our moorings or hard-standing. Some are residents, others just visiting on a tour of the Yorkshire waterways.
We are pleased to welome shared ownership boats. Our waterways offer fantastic experiences, and our basin is a great place to keep a boat, with an excellent choice of places to eat and drink nearby. We offer access to all the amazing waterways of Yorkshire, all three Pennine canals - and the waterways of a neighbouring county we needn't mention.
Get a Starter pack from Canal & River Trust with useful information on licensing, Boat Safety Scheme and insurance requirements. Read the ads in Waterways World, Canal Boat, Towpath Talk and Canal Times (all monthly from boatyards and newsagents; surveyors and insurance brokers also advertise here).
We are lucky to be in one of the outstanding canal basins in the country, whose 200 year-old buildings were recently restored to good condition and active use, after seven years' work by British Waterways (predecessor to Canal & River Trust) and the tenants - including us. As well as a thriving pub and two restaurants, we now have a coffee shop, upmarket hairdressers, ladies' gym, web marketers and offices.
Reviews (9)
John Balfour-Rendall
Nov 01, 2021
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Karen Mitchell
Sep 08, 2021
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Had a fantastic time, haven't laughed so much in ages, it is hard work at first but it was lovely how everyone helped each other, met so many lovely people along the way.
The Shire Cruises staff were very friendly and gave great instructors on everything to do with the barge, would definitely do again.
The Shire Cruises staff were very friendly and gave great instructors on everything to do with the barge, would definitely do again.
Alex Pack
Aug 29, 2021
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Ben Wright
Aug 20, 2021
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Colin Laidler
Jul 26, 2021
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Mark Elsome
Jun 10, 2021
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Sue Blaydes
May 09, 2021
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Mathias J.
Jul 05, 2019
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Went for a weekend trip at the end of April and absolutely loved the weekend, even though we had to do 30 odd locks and had some rain, it was still amazing. The Cambridge was a great little narrow boat, that even had a small bath onboard. Was super cozy with the heating and very clean overall. The staff are amazing and go out of their way to help you. Would definitely go with them again. Thanks from New Zealand!
Andrea Kornbluth
Nov 28, 2018
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