Canal Museum, Museums and Skippered Boat Trips
The National Waterways Museum
S Pier Rd, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW.
Canal Museum, Museums and Skippered Boat Trips
#1 Rated Canal Trips on the Shropshire Union Canal
Canal Trips on the Shropshire Union Canal
The Shropshire Union Canal is a picturesque and historically significant waterway stretching over 66 miles from Wolverhampton to Ellesmere Port in northwest England. Completed in the early 19th century, the canal is renowned for its straight, wide sections and impressive engineering, much of it designed by the famous engineer Thomas Telford. It passes through charming market towns like Market Drayton and Nantwich, as well as peaceful countryside dotted with elegant cast-iron bridges and distinctive cuttings. Today, the Shropshire Union Canal is popular with boaters, walkers, and cyclists, offering tranquil scenery, abundant wildlife, and a relaxing journey through both rural and urban landscapes. Its blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty makes it a favourite destination for those exploring Britain’s canal network.
Canal trips have become a popular leisure activity in the UK, offering a relaxing way to explore historic waterways. Day boat hire is available across England, Wales, and Scotland, with no license or experience needed—operators provide basic training. These self-drive adventures are ideal for families, friends, or couples, as narrowboats cruise slowly past countryside, villages, and industrial sites. For a more luxurious option, restaurant and hotel boats serve gourmet meals while gliding along the canals. Major routes include the Kennet and Avon, Oxford, Llangollen, and Caledonian canals, each with unique scenery. Longer holidays are also available, letting guests create their own itineraries and stop at waterside pubs and villages, making canal boating a distinctive and tranquil British holiday.
Shropshire Union Canal's Best Canal Trips in 2026