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Blue Otter Canal Holidays

Discover award-winning boating holidays on the Leeds Liverpool Canal. When hiring our self-drive, contemporary designed narrowboat, full boat-handling tuition is included, no previous boating experience is required.

As part of Hoseasons' premium Starboard collection, all Blue Otter bookings come with added protection for your peace of mind.

Blue Otter Skipton is perfect for couples seeking a peaceful escape. With 18 miles of lock-free cruising, it’s an ideal choice for first-time boaters on short breaks.

Cruise beyond Bingley or Gargrave to explore some of the best canal routes in the UK.

Take a 4-minute cruise at 4mph

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Blue Otter spotting… also a worthy holiday hobby. Blue Otter spotting… also a worthy holiday hobby. 👀🦦💙Admittedly, it’s not quite as good as being on board.But when you happen to spot a Blue Otter out on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, we completely understand the urge to stop, admire… and document the sighting. 📸Have you spotted Blue Otter on your travels around Skipton? We’d love to see your photos — tag us or send them our way.#BlueOtterBoats #BlueOtterSpotting #Skipton #LeedsLiverpoolCanal #NarrowboatLife YorkshireCanals CanalLife
Take a ride through Foulridge Tunnel with our past Take a ride through Foulridge Tunnel with our past guests.
There’s something particularly special about welco There’s something particularly special about welcoming guests back to Blue Otter. 💙🦦Anne & Jeff first cruised with us last year and, within days of returning home, had already booked their next Blue Otter holiday. Then came a whole year of counting down the weeks until they could step aboard again…And last week, they finally did.This time they were able to take on the famous Bingley Five Rise & Three Rise Locks … something they missed last year when low water levels meant the locks were closed.Their lovely handwritten message at the end of the week says it all:“We had a lovely time on the canal… lovely welcome from Liz & Ben & lovely touches of wine & fruit. Lovely friendly people on the canal & lovely pubs.”Thank you, Anne & Jeff. It was an absolute pleasure to have you back aboard and to see you finally get your Bingley adventure. 🚤And perhaps there’s something in their approach to holidays: when you find somewhere you love, give yourself another one to look forward to.Our 2027 bookings are already coming in earlier than ever, and preferred dates can be secured with just a £50 deposit.Here’s to having a Blue Otter adventure in the diary to count down to. 💙#BlueOtterBoats #NarrowboatHoliday #LeedsLiverpoolCanal #Skipton #BingleyFiveRise CanalHoliday SlowTravel Yorkshire VisitYorkshire RepeatGuests
🌧️➡️☀️ GOOD NEWS FROM THE LEEDS & LIVERPOOL CANAL! 🌧️➡️☀️ GOOD NEWS FROM THE LEEDS & LIVERPOOL CANAL!After the welcome rainfall of the past week, we’re delighted to share another positive update this morning from the @canalrivertrust 🚤 Gargrave to Bank Newton is NOW OPEN Navigation between Lock 30 and Lock 41 has reopened, with the locks operating daily from 10am–4pm.🚤 Bingley Five Rise & Three Rise are NOW OPENThe famous Bingley lock flights have also reopened today and will operate Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with timed morning and afternoon passages.And, of course, our 18-mile Skipton Pound remains open, navigable and lock-free.After such a prolonged dry spell, it’s wonderful to see more of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal becoming accessible again – and to give our guests even more choice when planning their adventures from Skipton. 💙A big thank you to everyone who has shown patience and understanding while the restrictions have been in place – and perhaps a small thank you to the Yorkshire rain too! ☔️⚠️ Conditions can still change at short notice, so please check the latest information before setting off. #BlueOtterBoats #LeedsLiverpoolCanal #Skipton #YorkshireDales #CanalUpdate NarrowboatHoliday CanalHoliday SlowTravel BingleyFiveRise
🌧️ We don’t often celebrate several days of heavy 🌧️ We don’t often celebrate several days of heavy Yorkshire rain quite this much!After the prolonged dry spell and the resulting restrictions on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, this week’s rainfall has brought some very welcome news.Our current guests, visiting us from Aberdeen, joked that they’d brought the rain down with them. At this point, we’re inclined to thank them for it! ☔️😊Following the rainfall and improving water conditions, the latest update means:🚤 Bank Newton to Gargrave will reopen from 10am tomorrow, Saturday 22 August.🔒 Some sections will remain closed from 2pm, as detailed in our graphic.🚤 Bingley Flights will reopen from Monday 24 August, operating Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with normal summer opening times.And throughout it all, our 18-mile Skipton Pound has remained open, navigable and lock-free, giving our guests plenty of beautiful Yorkshire canal to explore.It’s certainly been an unusual cruising season, and we’re delighted to see conditions beginning to improve. 💙As always, the situation can change at short notice and we’ll continue to share the latest information on our website.#BlueOtterBoats #LeedsLiverpoolCanal #Skipton #YorkshireDales #CanalHoliday NarrowboatHoliday CanalLife SlowTravel Yorkshire
✨ 2026 is officially fully booked! ✨ A huge thank ✨ 2026 is officially fully booked! ✨A huge thank you to all our new and returning guests who have chosen to explore the beautiful Leeds & Liverpool Canal from Skipton with Blue Otter this year. 💙🦦While the exceptionally dry weather has brought some lock restrictions, there is still plenty of cruising to enjoy. From our Skipton mooring, 18 miles of lock-free canal remain navigable, with wonderful countryside, villages, waterside stops and wildlife to discover along the way. 🌿🚤And now our attention is turning to 2027…If a self-drive narrowboat escape is on your wish list for next year, we recommend securing your dates early. We’re already 50% booked for the 2027 cruising season.🔹 Reserve your preferred dates with just a £50 deposit🔹 Luxury narrowboat holidays for two🔹 Full tuition included🔹 Dog friendly 🐾🔹 Departing from Skipton, gateway to the Yorkshire DalesThank you for making 2026 another fully booked season for Blue Otter. We can’t wait to welcome everyone aboard — and to see where 2027 takes us. 💙#BlueOtterBoats #Skipton #LeedsLiverpoolCanal #CanalHoliday #NarrowboatHoliday YorkshireDales SlowTravel VisitYorkshire NarrowboatLife UKStaycation
⚠️ IMPORTANT CANAL UPDATE – LOCK CLOSURES Followi ⚠️ IMPORTANT CANAL UPDATE – LOCK CLOSURESFollowing the ongoing dry weather and insufficient rainfall, further restrictions have now been introduced on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.🔒 Gargrave & Bank Newton Locks 33–41🔒 Bingley 5 & 3 Rise Locksare now closed and padlocked until further notice, with the situation due to be reviewed on 28 August 2026. 🚤 BUT THERE’S STILL PLENTY OF CRUISING TO ENJOY!The Skipton Pound remains open, navigable and lock-free, giving boaters a beautiful 18-mile stretch of canal to explore without passing through a single lock (just plenty of swing bridges)For Blue Otter guests, that still means plenty of opportunity for a wonderfully relaxed canal escape from our Skipton base – cruising through some of the loveliest scenery along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.The situation can change at short notice, so we recommend checking the latest information before travelling. We’ll continue to keep our website updated as new information becomes available.👉 Latest Canal & River Trust updates:https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/01a01018-1402-7a9a-8519-9e784a149b58#BlueOtterBoats #Skipton #LeedsLiverpoolCanal #CanalUpdate #NarrowboatHoliday CanalHoliday YorkshireDales SlowTravel
⚠️ IMPORTANT – CURRENT LOCK OPERATING TIMES Just ⚠️ IMPORTANT – CURRENT LOCK OPERATING TIMESJust to make you aware of the current restricted lock opening times while planning your cruise:🔹 Gargrave & Bank Newton – Locks 33–41MONDAY • WEDNESDAY • SATURDAY only🕙 Open 10am–3pmThe locks are padlocked outside these days/times. Lock keepers may use their discretion for boats entering the section as the 2pm cut-off approaches.🔹 Bingley 5 & 3 RiseMONDAY • WEDNESDAY • FRIDAY • SUNDAYMorning:⬇️ Down: 8am–10am (last entry 9am)⬆️ Up: 10am–12pm (last entry 11am)Afternoon:⬇️ Down: 1pm–3pm (last entry 2pm)⬆️ Up: 3pm–5pm (last entry 4pm)⚠️ These arrangements are in place at present and can change at short notice, so please check the latest information before setting off.If you’re unsure how the restrictions affect your planned route, please get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.
☀️ The heatwave is officially on! Temperatures ar ☀️ The heatwave is officially on!Temperatures are set to reach 32°C in Skipton today, so it’s definitely a day for taking life at canal pace. 🌿🚤Time to find a shady spot when it comes to choosing tonight’s mooring — preferably beneath the trees, with a cool drink in hand and nowhere else to be. 💙One of the joys of a narrowboat holiday: when the temperature rises, you can simply cruise until you find the perfect place to stop.#BlueOtterBoats #BlueOtterSkipton #CanalHoliday #Skipton #YorkshireDales NarrowboatHoliday SlowTravel SummerOnTheCanal
💙 The Leeds & Liverpool Canal remains open – an up 💙 The Leeds & Liverpool Canal remains open – an update for Blue Otter guests - 11 August 2026Following the prolonged dry weather, the Canal & River Trust is introducing restricted operating hours at some locks on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to conserve water while maintaining navigation.The good news for guests cruising with us from Skipton is that the 18-mile stretch between Gargrave and Bingley Five Rise Top Lock remains open and completely lock-free. 🚤🌿That means there is still plenty of beautiful Yorkshire canal to explore directly from our Skipton base – with no locks at all if you prefer.For guests wanting to travel further, navigation remains possible during designated operating periods:🔹 Gargrave & Bank Newton Locks 33–41Open daily between 10am and 2pm.🔹 Bingley Five Rise & Three Rise LocksOpen Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with timed morning and afternoon passages in each direction.We will continue to monitor @canalrivertrust updates closely and will advise every guest before departure, helping you plan a route that makes the most of your time aboard. We will also provude an ongoing update on the journal page of our website.And if you're considering booking a Blue Otter holiday in October, these restrictions don't mean you can't cruise. One of the advantages of starting in Skipton is having up to 18 miles of lock-free canal to explore, through some wonderful Yorkshire countryside.Sometimes slowing down is exactly what a canal holiday is all about. 💙#BlueOtterBoats #LeedsLiverpoolCanal #Skipton #CanalHoliday #YorkshireDales #NarrowboatHoliday #SlowTravel #VisitYorkshire
Final preparations complete and Blue Otter is read Final preparations complete and Blue Otter is ready to welcome her next guests! ☀️🚤A quick check over, including topping up the grease on the stern gland, and we’re all set for another three-night adventure on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.It’s been quite a week on the western stretch of the canal, with the locks from Gargrave through to the top of Bank Newton closing, reopening and then closing again. A combination of drought conditions and high volumes of boat traffic has left water levels particularly low.The good news is that the route east from Gargrave towards Skipton and Leeds remains open, giving today’s guests plenty of cruising options.With three nights aboard, there’s just enough time to venture towards Bingley and experience the famous Five Rise Locks if they fancy a little more adventure. Or they can simply slow things right down and enjoy up to 18 miles of lock-free cruising through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.That’s one of the joys of a Blue Otter holiday — no fixed itinerary, no rush and, even when the canal throws us a curveball, there’s still a wonderful journey waiting. 💙Safe travels to our new crew!#BlueOtterBoats #BlueOtterSkipton #LeedsLiverpoolCanal #Skipton #CanalHoliday NarrowboatHoliday Yorkshire YorkshireDales BingleyFiveRiseLocks SlowTravel CanalLife
Sometimes canal life reminds us who’s really in ch Sometimes canal life reminds us who’s really in charge... nature. 🌿This morning we’re playing the waiting game at the top of Bank Newton Locks, currently second in the queue while water levels are restored following an exceptionally busy weekend on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.It’s an unusual situation, but one that occasionally comes with life on a 200-year-old waterway.A huge thank you to both our departing and arriving guests today for their patience, flexibility and good humour. We know it’s not the start or finish to your holiday that any of us had planned, but we’re doing everything we can to keep your journey moving as soon as it’s safe to do so.One of the joys of canal holidays is that they encourage us to slow down. Sometimes that means pausing for a passing duck... and occasionally, waiting for enough water to continue the adventure.We’ll be underway again as soon as the @canalrivertrust gives the all-clear. 🚤💙#BlueOtterBoats #BlueOtterSkipton #LeedsLiverpoolCanal #BankNewtonLocks #CanalLife SlowTravel YorkshireDales NarrowboatHoliday CanalAndRiverTrust LifeOnTheWater
Everyone remembers their first lock. For many of Everyone remembers their first lock.For many of our guests, it’s the moment they wonder, “Can I really do this?”The answer is absolutely.This morning we met our latest guests at Gargrave for their first practical lock lesson. Together we worked through each stage—preparing the lock, bringing Blue Otter safely inside, operating the paddles and gates, and finally cruising out the other side with smiles all round.By the end of the morning, they weren’t just steering the boat—they were confidently working the locks themselves.That’s one of our favourite parts of every holiday: watching complete beginners discover just how relaxing and rewarding canal boating can be.Thinking of trying it yourself? You don’t need any previous experience—we’ll teach you everything you need to know.🍂 Our next available holiday begins 19 October.📅 2027 bookings are now open through @hoseasons .#BlueOtterBoats #BlueOtterSkipton #CanalLife #LeedsLiverpoolCanal #Gargrave YorkshireDales SlowTravel FirstTimeBoaters LearnSomethingNew NarrowboatHoliday LuxuryCanalHoliday VisitYorkshire
🚤 Another Adventure Begins... Blue Otter is all p 🚤 Another Adventure Begins...Blue Otter is all prepared and ready to welcome our next guests this afternoon as they set off on a 4-night adventure along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.As first-time boaters, they’ll receive a full boat handling induction today before heading west towards Gargrave and Barnoldswick. Tomorrow morning, we’ll meet them again to guide them through their first locks, with hands-on tuition to help build confidence and make sure they enjoy every step of their canal journey.One of the things we love most is seeing complete beginners discover just how enjoyable narrowboating can be. By the end of the trip, they’re often wondering where they’ll cruise next!🍃 Luxury narrowboat for two⚓ Full boat handling and lock tuition included🐾 Dog friendly📍 Departing from Skipton, Yorkshire DalesOur next available departure is 19 October 2026, and 2027 bookings are now open through our trusted booking partners @hoseasons#BlueOtterBoats #BlueOtterSkipton #CanalHoliday #LeedsLiverpoolCanal #Skipton YorkshireDales NarrowboatLife SlowTravel LuxuryStaycation FirstTimeBoaters DogFriendlyHolidays Hoseasons
Beautiful evening in Skipton. Awaiting new guest a Beautiful evening in Skipton. Awaiting new guest arrivals tomorrow for a 4-night cruise. We are fully booked for the summer, next availability is from 19 October. Bookings are coming in already for next year, secure your preferred dates with just £50 deposit. Don’t miss the boat, book with @hoseasons
🚤 LAST-MINUTE SUMMER ESCAPE 🌿 Our final summer av 🚤 LAST-MINUTE SUMMER ESCAPE 🌿Our final summer availability is just around the corner...📅 3 nights from 29 JulySwap traffic jams for tranquil waterways and discover the beauty of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal on your own luxury narrowboat.✨ Lock-free cruising⚓ Full boat handling tuition included – no experience needed🐾 Dog friendly💙 Luxury canal holidays for twoAfter this departure, our next availability isn't until October 2026.Book now through our trusted partners @hoseasons before this final summer break is gone.#BlueOtterBoats #BlueOtterSkipton #CanalHoliday #LeedsLiverpoolCanal #YorkshireDales #SlowTravel #LuxuryStaycation #VisitYorkshire #NarrowboatHoliday #SummerEscape #DogFriendlyHolidays
From the first welcome aboard and full boat tuitio From the first welcome aboard and full boat tuition, to those little touches waiting in the galley, it’s all about creating an experience where you can simply slow down, switch off and make lasting memories.One line particularly made us smile:“We have just booked the Blue Otter for next year – that’s how much we are loving this adventure.”To Adele, Dave and Stuart 🐾 – thank you for taking the time to leave such a heartfelt message in our guest book. We look forward to welcoming you back for another Yorkshire canal adventure.Thinking about your own escape?🌿 Luxury narrowboat holidays for two🐾 Dog friendly🚤 Full tuition included – perfect for first-time boaters📍 Based in Skipton, Yorkshire DalesOur next availability is a 3-night break from 29 July, with beautiful autumn cruising available from October onwards.Book through our dedicated agent @hoseasons #BlueOtterBoats #BlueOtterSkipton #CanalHoliday #YorkshireDales #SlowTravel NarrowboatLife CanalBoatHoliday DogFriendlyHolidays Skipton GuestReview MakingMemories
Our next available departure is 29 July for a 3-ni Our next available departure is 29 July for a 3-night summer escape. We’re fully booked through July, August and September, with availability returning in October — when the canals take on a whole new kind of magic, with crisp mornings, dappled sunlight through the leaves and beautiful autumn colours (This photo collection is from October 2025 🍂).If a canal holiday has been on your mind, now is the time to book.🌿 Luxury narrowboat for two🚤 Full boat-handling tuition included🐾 Dog friendly📍 Skipton, Yorkshire DalesAnd if you’re planning ahead, 2027 dates are already being reserved with just a £50 deposit — with June 2027 already fully booked.Book your escape via Blue Otter Boatshttps://blueotterboats.com/#BlueOtterBoats #BlueOtterSkipton #CanalHoliday #YorkshireDales #SlowTravel SummerSolstice NarrowboatLife CanalCruising AutumnEscapes DogFriendlyHolidays LuxuryStaycation VisitYorkshire
New guests set off today in search of peace and qu New guests set off today in search of peace and quiet away. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life they won’t need to go far to discover scenes like this. #first stop for tonight though, Bradley village and the Slaters Arms pub for 10pm kick off. #narrowboatlife
Evening cruising after the storm…here comes the su Evening cruising after the storm…here comes the sun.
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