Canal Pub, Chandlery and Day Boat Hire
Bailey’s Trading Post
Lord Vernon's Wharf, Lyme Rd, Higher Poynton, Poynton, Stockport SK12 1TH.
Canal Pub, Chandlery and Day Boat Hire
#1 Rated Day Boat Hire on the Macclesfield Canal
Day Boat Hire on the Macclesfield Canal
Completed in 1831, the Macclesfield Canal was one of Britain’s last canals, built just as railways were emerging. After decades of proposals since 1765, it was finally approved in the 1820s, with Thomas Telford endorsing the route in 1824. The 26.1-mile canal runs from Marple Junction to Hall Green, passing through Macclesfield and Congleton. Built mostly straight using Telford’s “cut and fill” method, it was constructed by William Crosley for £320,000. The canal’s twelve locks are all at Bosley, raising the waterway by 118 feet. Sold to a railway company in 1846, the canal continued commercial traffic until 1954 and is home to Britain’s oldest canal cruising club, founded in 1943. Today, the Macclesfield Canal is an important part of the Cheshire Ring, offering a peaceful journey through scenic countryside and villages.
Day boat hire on UK canals and rivers offers a simple, fun way to explore Britain’s waterways without a boating license or long-term commitment. Available across England, Wales, and Scotland, day boats fit 2 to 12 people and can be rented for a few hours or a full day, with operators providing basic training for beginners. These boats let families, friends, and couples cruise at 4 mph through countryside, towns, and past waterside pubs for lunch stops. Popular hire spots include the Grand Union Canal, Oxford Canal, Llangollen Canal, Norfolk Broads, and Caledonian Canal. Most boats have basic amenities like seating, toilets, and sometimes kitchenettes. Prices range from £80 to £200, making day boat hire an affordable group activity that combines outdoor fun, wildlife, and heritage in peaceful settings.
Macclesfield Canal's Best Day Boat Hire in 2026