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The Trent & Mersey Canal and Caldon Canal are two interconnected waterways that showcase the industrial heritage and scenic beauty of central England. The Trent & Mersey Canal, completed in 1777, stretches 93 miles from the River Trent at Derwent Mouth to the River Mersey at Preston Brook, playing a crucial role in the transport of pottery, salt, and coal during the Industrial Revolution. Branching off at Etruria in Stoke-on-Trent, the Caldon Canal winds for 18 miles through the picturesque Churnet Valley, offering a tranquil route past wooded hills, historic mills, and charming villages. Together, these canals provide boaters, walkers, and cyclists with a fascinating mix of engineering landmarks, such as the Harecastle Tunnel and staircase locks, as well as peaceful countryside, making them popular routes for leisure and exploration.

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
#1 Rated Boat Hire on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Floating Holidays

Middlewich Wharf, 1 Canal Terrace, Middlewich CW10 9BD

Boat Hire
#2 Rated Boat Hire on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Andersen Boats

The Boatyard, 11 Wych-House Ln, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 9BQ

Boat Hire
#3 Rated Boat Hire on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

UKvacationsAfloat

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

Boat Hire
#4 Rated Boat Hire on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Ashby Boat Company Ltd

89 Station Rd, Stoke Golding, Nuneaton CV13 6EY.

Boat Hire
#5 Rated Boat Hire on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Aqua Narrowboats

The Boat House, Tomlinson Business Park, Woodyard Ln, Foston, Derby DE65 5BU.

Hire Company
#6 Rated Boat Hire on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Drift Away

Anderton (Northwich), Trent & Mersey Canal

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#7 Rated Boat Hire on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Cheshire Cat Narrowboats

Overwater Marina, Coole Ln, Nantwich CW5 8AY.

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#8 Rated Boat Hire on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Canal Cruising Company

Crown St, Stone ST15 8QN.

Boat Hire
#9 Rated Boat Hire on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Chas Hardern Boats

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

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#10 Rated Boat Hire on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Norbury Wharf

The Wharf, Norbury Junction, Stafford ST20 0PN.

  • Winter Hire
  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#11 Rated Boat Hire on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Napton Narrowboats

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

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#12 Rated Boat Hire on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Heritage Narrowboats

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

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#13 Rated Boat Hire on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal

Rose Narrowboats

Fosse Way, Brinklow, Rugby CV23 0PU.