Best Boat Trips in Lancashire

If you’re looking for family friendly outdoor activities to enjoy during a holiday in Lancashire, why not consider a boat trip during your stay? There are a number of boat companies offering trips throughout the county, which are ideal way to admire the scenery and while away a couple of hours on a hot and sunny day.

Here’s our pick of just some of the best boat trips in Lancashire. 

Kingfisher Cruises

Lancaster

Kingfisher Cruises offer some of the best canal boat tours in Lancashire. Join the purpose-built narrow boat in Lancaster, Barton Grange, Canforth, Galgate or Garstang and enjoy a gentle steam along the Lancaster Canal.

There are a number of cruises to choose from, including a scenic tour to the Lune Aqueduct, which offers a unique way to view this impressive feat of engineering. Other itineraries include on board entertainment or delicious food and drink, including popular afternoon tea, fish and chips, quiz and murder mystery evenings.

The purpose-built canal boat has a luxury interior with bespoke wooden panels and comfortable seating. There’s a bar, dance floor, bathroom and small open deck where you can admire the passing views across the countryside and Bowland Hills.

Lazy Day Cruises

Garstang

Lazy Day Cruises specialise in bespoke, small group narrow boat trips along the Lancaster Canal. Book a tour aboard Adagio with your family or friends and enjoy a scenic journey with plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. As you pass the farmland flanking the canal, you’ll see plenty of livestock in the fields. On the water there is lots of birdlife – keep your eyes peeled for coots, swans, mallards and even the elusive Kingfisher.

The boat can accommodate up to 4 adults or 1 family, which in our opinion, only adds to its charm. There’s a relaxed and atmosphere on board and a friendly skipper will take care of navigation and mooring for you. There are a couple of options to choose from, including a full day cruise or two-hour evening cruise. The trips are completely geared around you, so you can choose to pack a picnic or stop for a bite to eat at a countryside pub if you’d prefer.

Damsel Bug & Lola Day Boat Hire

Lancaster Canal Cruises

Bilsbarrow

Lancaster Canal Cruises have recently launched a self-drive boat hire service. This is a fantastic activity for intrepid families to enjoy during a fun-filled day out from our award-winning caravan park.

There are two boats available to hire – Damsel Bug and Lola, which are both powered by an outboard engine and extremely easy to handle. On the day you’ll be given 30 minutes of instruction from one of the team, who will help familiarise you with the boat and ensure you’re comfortable to set off on your own.

It’s up to you where you go from there – you are free to sail along the canal and stop as and when you please. Partake in a spot of fishing, sit back relax and enjoy the scenery or simply explore the canal and take in the scenery.

The boats come complete with all of the necessary safety equipment and can accommodate up to 5 people and 1 dog. You can rent the boats per hour or hire them for a half day or full day.

Kingfisher Fishing Trips

Fleetwood

Keen anglers can indulge in a spot of boat fishing during a holiday at Moss Wood Caravan Park. Book a trip aboard Kingfisher with experienced skipper John Worthington and venture to reefs and wrecks off the North West Coast.

John offers a variety of fishing trips including, bass fishing, bottom fishing and mackerel fishing. Trips range from 4-12 hours in length and run 7 days a week throughout the year from Fleetwood.

Don’t worry if you don’t have your own gear, the skipper can provide tackle and bait on request. The boat is fitted with the latest electronics and there are toilet facilities on board. 

Stanley Park Boating Lake

Blackpool

For families with young children, the boating lake at Stanley Park in Blackpool is the ideal day out. The 22-acre lake has a number of boat hire options, including rowing boats, bumper boats, pedal boats and motor boats.

Choose your favourite and head out on the water with the kids. You’ll have so much fun as you learn to manoeuvre and take in the views of this Grade II listed Victorian Park.

In the centre of the lake there is an Island connected by two ornamental bridges. Younger members of the family will love looking at the birds that live on the water. Once you’ve finished you can spend the rest of the day making use of the other facilities on offer. These include a skate park, BMX track, pitch and putt, tennis courts and the Art Deco Café.

We’d love to see photos from any boat trips you go on during a touring or motorhome break at Moss Wood Caravan Park. Share your holiday memories with us via Facebook or Instagram.

Looking for touring caravan parks in Blackpool? Moss Wood Caravan Park is situated conveniently close in beautiful Lancaster!

Header image credit: Frank Pickavant, Flickr