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Taking a Daytrip Canal Cruise From Manchester had been on my bucket list ever since moving to the UK. I’ve always been fascinated by England’s vast network of canals. These were originally built to transport goods but now offer gorgeous stretches of countryside to explore. These picturesque waterways wind through charming towns and villages nestled into the northern countryside, like the charming Burscough. Just an hour from Manchester by car, this comfortable 90 minute canal cruise is the perfect sight seeing activity. My personal highlights included trying my hand at sailing a long narrowboat. In between passing lush banks and quaint cottages, I was able to enjoy a tasty afternoon tea. I was also able to bask in the beauty of places that remind you that England is more than just London town.
See how easy it is to create this Daytrip Canal Cruise From Manchester below:
⚓️ Plan Your Daytrip Canal Cruise From Manchester
 Flight |  Stay |  Do |  Drive |
| Skyscanner | Agoda | GetYourGuide | Rentalcars.com |
❓Where In The UK Is This?
The charming town of Burscough is just an hour from Manchester by car. This is by far, the easiest and preferred method to get to this quintessentially British canal cruise activity.
Taking the train from Victoria Station is an option at 1 hour and 20 minutes. But you would miss out on driving through the various villages that dot the relaxing countryside journey.
You can book your rental car via trusted partners like RentalCars.com. Or if you prefer the train, secure your tickets through Omni.
Book your car rental in advance using RentalCars.com for the best price and in order to see more while staying in Manchester.
Book a same day return train ticket online using Omni. Check the latest train ticket rates and times here.
🎟️ Daytrip Canal Cruise From Manchester Tour Options + Review
Burscough: Sightseeing Canal Cruise
This 12 person, 90-minute cruise along Leeds Canal starts from Burscough’s The Slipway bar & restaurant, and includes unlimited tea and coffee on board.
Our skipper, Marc, really brought the trip to life. He shares fascinating details about the history of English canals, the villages we were seeing and navigating narrowboats. I left feeling like quite the expert myself! He also lets guests take a turn steering the boat or working the canal locks. This made for such a fun and immersive adventure. Who doesn’t love playing captain for a bit?
I originally booked this tour option, but inquired about purchasing snacks. On the day of the tour, I upgraded to the afternoon tea option which I go into more detail below.
Ormskirk : Sightseeing Narrowboat Cruise with Afternoon Tea
This is the same scenic cruise mentioned above, but with an elevated experience including a quintessentially British afternoon tea onboard. What better way to soak in the charm of English life than over tea, cakes and finger sandwiches? All while sailing along historic waterways.
This 90 minute afternoon tea canal tour includes wine, and the staff can accommodate vegetarian preferences as well. If you visit on a Sunday, there’s the option to upgrade to a hearty Sunday roast dinner. (For an additional fee.) However do note that this package must be booked directly with Lancashire Canal Cruises in advance. I admittedly found them difficult to reach prior to my tour, so do keep this in mind.
Manchester: Canal & River Cruise
Short on time while visiting Manchester but still want a canal cruising experience? Consider this 1-hour Manchester: Canal & River Cruise. This narrated tour offers highlights like MediaCity and the iconic Manchester United stadium.
While fancy afternoon teas or Sunday roasts aren’t served, you can purchase light snacks and refreshments on board. It is a lovely alternative for those who may find it difficult to head to England’s countryside.
🏨 Where To Stay In Manchester
As mentioned, these countryside canal tours make ideal daytrips from Manchester. Booking accommodation in the city center is recommended as your home base. Manchester offers varied accommodation options to suit any budget – from posh and luxury to cozy boutique hotels or affordable stays.
The city makes it easy to pair countryside relaxation with Manchester’s lively urban conveniences when planning your perfect English holiday.
Here’s a quick overview if you are looking for a specific type of hotel…
| ❤️ BEST MANCHESTER HOTEL FOR… | |
| ⭐Best Luxury Hotel | Stock Exchange Hotel |
| 🏨Best Midrange Hotel | Motel One Manchester-Royal Exchange |
| 🚪Best Budget Hotel | Selina NQ1 Manchester |
Discover what more you can see and do in Manchester with my full destination guide: Latina Expat Manchester Travel
More Unique English Experiences
Eager to dive into more British culture when visiting England. Experience the true beauty of its landscape, be sure to check out even more inspiration below.
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Travels In The UK: England Weekend Trips
Scottish Road Trip: Epic Scotland Escapes
Weekend City Break – 3 Days Visiting Bath, Stonehenge & Castle Combe
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