Attractions on the North West England & North Wales Canals
North West England and North Wales feature a vast network of historic canals and rivers shaped by the Industrial Revolution. Key waterways include the Bridgewater and Leeds & Liverpool Canals, plus major rivers like the Mersey and Dee. The region’s canals once powered industry and trade, but today are popular for walking, cycling, and boating, preserving Britain’s industrial heritage.
Britain’s 4,700 miles of canals and rivers are lined with historic pubs, castles, and engineering marvels. Visitors can enjoy canalside pubs like the Admiral Nelson and The Turf Hotel, explore castles such as Beeston and Chirk, and see attractions like the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Anderton Boat Lift, and National Waterways Museums. Day boat hire is widely available, and guided cruises offer relaxing ways to discover the canals’ heritage and scenery.
North West England & North Wales Canals's Best Attractions in 2026
Canal Pub
Day Boat Hire
Day Boat Hire
Karen’s Day Boat Hire
Restaurant Boats and Skippered Boat Trips
Restaurant Boats and Skippered Boat Trips
Bridgewater Cruises
Day Boat Hire
Day Boat Hire
Whittington Wharf Narrowboats
Restaurant Boats and Skippered Boat Trips
Restaurant Boats and Skippered Boat Trips
City Centre Cruises
Skippered Boat Trips
Skippered Boat Trips
Little Star – Anglo Welsh
Day Boat Hire
Day Boat Hire
Worsley Day Boat Hire
Canal Pub
Accommodation
Day Boat Hire, Boatyard and BSS Examiners
Day Boat Hire, Boatyard and BSS Examiners
Thorn Marine
Skippered Boat Trips
Restaurant Boats and Cafe