Gift certificates and vouchers available as gifts for that special occasion.
Personalised gift certificates available in three options to help make the gift more affordable or monetary valued gift vouchers in £5.00 increments to put towards the cost of hire.
Fantastic way to spend a lazy day on canal
A fantastic way to spend a Winters Day. We booked a Narrowboat for my wife's birthday and this will be a day we will never forget.
The booking process was easy to complete with confidence
On arrival Lucian the owner spent time to talk through all the features of the Narrowboat and then took us out on the canal for a lesson in steering and controlling the boat once we felt comfortable he left us to cruise for the day.
We then cruising for the day, which was a fantastic experience, your confidence builds the longer you are in control of the Narrowboat. We stopped along the way to cook breakfast in the galley kitchen and for aftenoon tea later in the day.
The experience very relaxing as you watch the world go by as you cruise along at 4MPH.
Recommended to all for locals (which we are) and those from further afield.
what-smith
Verified
Great for a family day out!!
My partner and I took our 5 and 11 year old for a trip at the end of half term as we wanted to do something different to our usual routine. From the initial enquiry, to booking and then the actual day the process was simple and enjoyable.
The boat was clean and equipped with a basic amenities such as a sink, stove and a toilet. Due to COVID restrictions we had to take our own cups and plates but were advised of this at the time of booking so not a problem. Before embarking on our journey we were also given a safety briefing and lesson on how to operate the boat.
The location allows you to go north or south, we chose to go north past Botany Bay as we had booked in for lunch at the Malthouse Farm pub (which is also definitely worth a visit - good food and atmosphere). It took us about 2 hours to complete the outward journey although we were a little faster coming back - I put this down to getting used to the boat and feeling more confident. I think due to the time of year the canal was very quiet and we actually only passed one other boat the whole time which meant we didn’t have to navigate too many obstacles!
The canal passes through both wooded/grassed areas and also close to the motorway in parts but you tend to not notice this as there is so much to see on the water (we spotted kingfishers and lots of ducks).
Both the kids really enjoyed the day out and we said we would like to return in the summer to experience the canal at this time of year. All in all I would highly recommend Ellerbeck Narrowboats for a fun, reasonably priced family day out!
Nathan D
Verified
Great day out for all
An excellent day out great value. The kids and adults loved it even the rain didn't put us off. Lucius was very helpful and friendly thanks again wes
Wes
Verified
A lovely family day out
We had a brilliant family day out on the boat today. Everyone from start to finish was so lovely and helpful, and the rain in the morning didn’t dampen our spirits. Turned into a beautifully afternoon, pub lunch was fantastic and only an hour’s drive on the boat away from where we “set sail”. All 4 of us really enjoyed ourselves - highly recommended- thank you ?
Danielle A
Verified
Great fun
Booked at last minute and messaged owner on Facebook Messenger who was quick replying to our questions.
We took a picnic and the Blue boat. We turned right and went all the way beyond Botany Bay and had some lunch at The Malt House (ordered ahead via their app).
Was a really enjoyable trip, boat was relatively easy to use. It had everything we needed on it.
Even teenagers loved it so will definitely be returning.
Thanks
Gazzor72
Verified
One of the best family days out we have ever had!
Best family day out ever! Staff were so friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. We were given full instruction when we arrived, and were soon relaxed and enjoying the scenery. Easy to cook on board and the children enjoyed burgers and hot dogs for lunch. Highly recommend for young children and teenagers! Great value. We will definitely be visiting again. Thank you to everyone for making it such a successful day.
Carl
Verified
relaxing experience
Had a great day on our 'Cabin Cruiser' ha ha
Proper 'Rosie and Jim 'narrowboat - just forgot the cucumber sandwiches !
lucky with the weather
Highly recommended easy to get the hang of
went with 1 household and support bubble
good to get away from the ' covid 'gloom and doom
lezley h
Verified
Fabulous canal boat excursion
We had a fabulous trip on the canal boat on 14 Aug. Excellent Covid safe organisation meant we had a lovely day meandering along the canal, stopping to picnic as we felt like it. Children loved it and the boat was easy to operate after our clear briefing at the start. Loved it and would definitely recommend and will book again. Staff are welcoming and go out of their way to help.
373iank
Verified
Fabulous family day
We had an amazing day out on the canal! None of us had ever been on a narrow boat before, but we were given full instruction from Lucien and were able to safely drive the boat all day. The boat was lovely and clean and the route was gorgeous. There were some nice pubs along the way although we only stopped at one. We made two stops at the ice cream parlour which was lovely. One of our party had said she wouldn’t be getting involved in the operating side of things, but thanks to Lucien she was driving it it and was an expert at doing a round turn with two half hitches knot to moor the boat!
jennymc_29
Verified
A great family day out
We had a brilliant time on the boat today. Lucien was welcoming, extremely helpful and all precautions were in place to keep us safe. The weather was beautiful and the canal was quiet so it was a lovely and relaxing day. The whole family had a wonderful time and we look forward to our next visit.
Helen
Since taking over the existing business from L & L Cruisers in Heath Charnock near Chorley on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in April 2008, Ellerbeck Narrowboats offers daily canal boat hire aboard it’s three 30ft steel narrowboats.
Each boat carries up to 10 people offering the opportunity for groups of two to thirty people to celebrate birthdays, wedding anniversaries retirements, graduations, etc, team-building events or simply just a day out with friends or family.
The boats each have hot and cold running water, a china flushing toilet and basic galley facilities including plates, mugs, glasses, and cutlery. There is a gas hob and grill along with a kettle to make a brew. Basic supplies such as toilet roll, washing up liquid, hand soap, a tea towel, and a hand towel are provided so all you need to bring with you is yourselves and some food and drink.
Upon arrival you will be greeted by our friendly staff who will provide a comprehensive safety briefing and as much handling instructions as required, depending on previous experience and ability. Novices welcome!!
The Boatyard is in the middle of a 12 mile stretch of canal between locks at Wigan and Wheelton. Although our boats are not permitted to go through the locks, the canal meanders through beautiful Lancashire countryside with plenty of places to stop and things to do to fulfil a full days hire including pubs and playgrounds.
Everything you need to know about hiring a boat with us can be found on our website HERE including prices, details about our boats and an online reservation system.
Book a boat today and “TRY AN EXPERIENCE YOU WON’T FORGET!!”.
Many thanks to Georgia and Lucy for this great video taking a little break from exploring and reviewing trains to explore the canal for the day. Watch for a very informative review of a typical day aboard one of our boats and see if you can spot the mistake when you join us for a days hire during the handling instructions! Check out and subscribe to their YouTube Channel HERE.
Just to let you know that from 1st January 2025 we will only be operating our blue boat Mirlees. Ruston and Crossley are heading into retirement and a more relaxed life with new private owners.
Please bear this is mind when checking availability and ensure you book early to avoid disappointment.
