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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.

Boat hire in the UK is a unique, relaxing way to explore over 3,000 miles of historic canals, rivers and waterways. Boats—ranging from narrowboats to wide-beam barges—are available across England, Scotland, and Wales, with no experience needed and full training provided. Modern amenities, flexible rental periods, and a range of prices make it accessible for families, couples, and groups. Popular bases include Bath, Trevor, Great Haywood, and Wootton Wawen. Cruising at 3-4 mph, boaters enjoy scenic routes, waterside pubs, and hidden countryside, making canal holidays a memorable alternative to traditional travel.

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Hire Company
#2 Rated Boat Hire on the Shropshire Union Canal

Floating Holidays

Middlewich Wharf, 1 Canal Terrace, Middlewich CW10 9BD

Hire Company
#3 Rated Boat Hire on the Shropshire Union Canal

Countrywide Cruisers

Brewood, Shropshire Union Canal

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#4 Rated Boat Hire on the Shropshire Union Canal

Lyneal Trust

Lyneal Wharf, Ellesmere SY12 0LQ

  • Accessible Boats
  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#5 Rated Boat Hire on the Shropshire Union Canal

Marine Cruises

Swanley Bridge Marina, Nantwich CW5 8NR.

Boat Hire
#6 Rated Boat Hire on the Shropshire Union Canal

UKvacationsAfloat

The Wharf, Watling St, Penkridge, Stafford ST19 5PR.

Boat Hire
#8 Rated Boat Hire on the Shropshire Union Canal

Cheshire Cat Narrowboats

Overwater Marina, Coole Ln, Nantwich CW5 8AY.

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#9 Rated Boat Hire on the Shropshire Union Canal

Chas Hardern Boats

Beeston Castle Wharf,, Beeston,, Tiverton, Tarporley CW6 9NH.

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#10 Rated Boat Hire on the Shropshire Union Canal

Norbury Wharf

The Wharf, Norbury Junction, Stafford ST20 0PN.

  • Winter Hire
  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#11 Rated Boat Hire on the Shropshire Union Canal

ABC Nantwich Canal Centre

Nantwich Canal Centre, Shropshire Union Canal

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#12 Rated Boat Hire on the Shropshire Union Canal

Napton Narrowboats

Napton Marina, Tomlow Rd, Stockton, Southam CV47 8HX.

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#13 Rated Boat Hire on the Shropshire Union Canal

Heritage Narrowboats

Heritage Marina, Station Rd, Scholar Green, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 3JZ.

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#14 Rated Boat Hire on the Shropshire Union Canal

Pea Green Boats

Whixall Marina, Alders Ln, Whitchurch SY13 2QS.

Hire Company
#15 Rated Boat Hire on the Shropshire Union Canal
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The Blue Riband Club