Boating Holidays on the Leeds Liverpool Canal
Mooring in Skipton and luxury interiors of Blue Otter Skipton
Hire a self-drive holiday boat from our base on the Skipton Canal section of the Leeds Liverpool Canal. This market town is renowned for being the Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. With Skipton as the starting point for your narrowboat holiday you can go east in the direction of Leeds, or west in the direction of Liverpool. Choose to stay in the lock-free 18 mile stretch of canal, or venture further through locks to discover England’s canal heritage against a backdrop of rolling hills, industrial heritage and woodland nature reserves.
Skipton Boating Holidays
50 ft | 1 bedroom with double bed | Suitable for 2 passengers
(Pets accepted on request at no extra charge, please email ben@blueotterboats.com before booking)
You holiday begins in the heart of our picturesque market town, home to the medieval Skipton Castle. a must-visit for anyone new to the area.
Your Boutique Home on the Water
Step aboard Blue Otter Skipton—your floating boutique retreat. Thoughtfully designed for comfort and style, our narrowboat features a double bedroom with a king-size duvet, a hot-water shower, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cosy lounge with serene canal-side views complete with foldable dining table and chairs—perfect for relaxing at your mooring spot. Whether you’re cruising tranquil stretches of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal or mooring up for a sunset dinner, every moment is yours to savour with the perfect blend of luxury and freedom.
Take a Tour Inside
Take a virtual tour inside our boat. Join our friend from America, Paula Bronstein as she explores the interiors of Blue Otter Skipton and talks with Ben Hopkins about the story behind the business, the magic of canal life and why slow travel is capturing hearts once again.
📺 Watch the full video here:
Explore the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Style
Set out on a self-drive adventure through the heart of Yorkshire and Lancashire. From historic market towns to scenic walking trails and countryside pubs, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal offers an ever-changing backdrop of natural beauty and local charm.
No prior experience? No problem. Every Blue Otter hire includes full boat-handling training—we’ll even cruise with you for the first hour or until you feel confident at the tiller. Once you’re underway, enjoy the flexibility to stop wherever the scenery calls—perhaps for a hike along the Pennine Way in Gargrave, a pint in a waterside inn, or a quiet night under the stars.
A Unique Way to Slow Down
Discover a different pace of travel. With Blue Otter Boats, you’re not just booking accommodation—you’re embracing a new way to explore and learning new skills of piloting a narrowboat, mooring up and navigating through locks. Cruise at your own rhythm, wake up to birdsong, and let the countryside unfold around you. From birdspotting to stargazing, from cruising through woodlands carpetted with springtime bluebells to autumnal golden leaves, no two holidays are the same.
Short Break Narrowboat Holidays
Ideal for novice boaters our 3 or 4-night short breaks are a perfect introduction to boating life and guests our get to explore 18-miles of lock-free canal,Whether you choose to stay close to Skipton or cruise further afield, the journey is entirely yours to shape. Take your time, soak up the scenery, and savour the freedom that life on the water brings.
Longer Canal Cruises over 7-Nights
Venture further with a longer week-long canal holiday. Ten days and two-week options are also possible to bookIn June 2023, passionate narrowboater Alan Simpson set off on a memorable journey with us aboard Blue Otter. In this charming video, Alan beautifully captures the essence of life on the canal. Departing from Skipton, he and his wife cruised eastward to Saltaire, navigating the iconic Bingley Five-Rise Locks along the way. After turning back and passing once more through Skipton, they continued west to Nelson, travelling through the historic Foulridge Tunnel and along the “Curley Wurleys” before returning to Skipton.
Canal Journey to Leeds: Historic Sites and Scenic Views
On a self-drive narrowboat holiday in Yorkshire you can venture east from Skipton towards Leeds, stopping along the way to explore the National Trust’s East Riddlesden Hall, a stunning 17th-century manor house in Keighley. From there, take a short walk to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, where you can enjoy a 5-mile stretch of heritage steam and diesel trains through Brontë Country, famously featured in the film The Railway Children.
Continue your journey through the iconic Bingley Five-Rise Locks to the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Saltaire. Here, visit Salts Mill, a former textile mill built by Sir Titus Salt in 1853. Now an art gallery, shopping centre, and restaurant complex, Salts Mill is home to a permanent David Hockney exhibition — a must-see for art lovers.
Journey West of Skipton: Stunning Scenery and Historic Sites
Due to low rainfall in 2025, the locks into Gargrave and beyond are currently closed. Please see check our Journal page for updated options. The below route description is possible only when the navigation is open.
Set off westward from our Skipton narrowboat base and discover one of the most picturesque stretches of the UK’s canal network. This route towards Liverpool is a favourite among canal enthusiasts, celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, peaceful valleys, and charming villages. Along the way, you’ll encounter highlights such as the unique double bridge at West Marton and the impressive Foulridge Tunnel—both steeped in history and character. The area even featured in the recent TV adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small.
No Boating Experience Required
New to boating? No problem. On your first day, we’ll guide you through the initial swing bridges and locks, showing you how to moor and navigate with confidence. Once you’re feeling at ease, you’ll be free to enjoy the rest of your journey at your own rhythm, fully in command of your canal adventure.
Skipton is easily accessible by road and the train station is just 40 minutes from Leeds. Buses are also available to Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, where you can explore the filming home of the latest episodes seen in All Creatures Great and Small. To ensure your holiday is protected, you can book Blue Otter Skipton narrowboat holiday through Hoseasons boat hire and contact us directly with your questions.
Blue Otter Skipton
ben@blueotterboats.com
Tel: 07435 306950
50 ft | 1 bedroom with double bed | Suitable for 2 passengers
(Pets accepted on request at no extra charge, please email ben@blueotterboats.com before booking)
Narrowboat Hire from Skipton
Exploring the Leeds-Liverpool Canal offers a unique way to experience the stunning Yorkshire landscape, blending tranquil countryside with industrial heritage. Here are four fantastic roundtrip routes starting and ending in Skipton, each with its own charm and highlights.
Suggested Itineraries
Bingley Top Lock and Gargrave Canal Boat Holiday – 7 Nights | 30 Miles | 3 Locks
Discover the charm of Yorkshire from the water with a 7-night canal boat holiday from Blue Otter Boats. Perfect for first-time boaters and seasoned cruisers alike, this scenic route begins at our narrowboat hire base in Skipton, the historic “Gateway to the Dales.”
Cruise through the heart of the countryside on a peaceful round-trip journey that takes you to the iconic Bingley Top Lock, home of the world-famous Bingley Five Rise Locks—one of the most impressive feats of canal engineering on the UK network. You’ll have the option to descend through the locks under the expert guidance of Canal & River Trust lock keepers, or simply turn back and enjoy a relaxed return towards Skipton.
This route also offers the opportunity to continue west to Gargrave, a picturesque village nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Along the way, you’ll meander past rolling hills, traditional stone cottages, and tranquil canalside pubs—perfect for stopping off for a countryside walk or a locally brewed pint.
Covering 30 miles with only 3 locks, this narrowboat holiday offers an ideal introduction to the relaxed pace of canal cruising. The gentle route and minimal lock work make it easy to navigate, especially for beginners looking for a stress-free start to their boating adventure..
Return to Skipton at the end of your journey with a new perspective on the Yorkshire countryside, unforgettable memories, and perhaps a budding love for the canal boating lifestyle.
Saltaire and Foulridge Canal Boat Holiday – 7 Nights | 68 Miles | 52 Locks
Embark on an unforgettable 7-night canal boat holiday in Yorkshire with Blue Otter Boats, cruising the scenic and historic Leeds & Liverpool Canal. This immersive route covers 68 miles and 52 locks, making it ideal for adventurous travellers seeking a rewarding balance of urban exploration and countryside escape.
Your journey begins from our narrowboat hire base in Skipton, a charming market town at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Heading east, you’ll cruise past serene woodlands and peaceful stretches of water before reaching one of the canal’s most impressive highlights: the Bingley Five Rise Locks. This dramatic staircase lock is a must-see feat of Victorian engineering that continues to fascinate and challenge boaters to this day.
Further along, you’ll arrive at Saltaire, a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by Sir Titus Salt, this model village is steeped in history and home to Salts Mill, now an arts and cultural hub featuring a permanent David Hockney exhibition. Moor up and spend time exploring the galleries, independent shops, and riverside cafés before turning your boat to begin the return leg of your journey.
Contrasting Scenery
With a full week aboard your luxury narrowboat, there’s also time to venture west of Skipton and into the tranquil Yorkshire Dales. Cruise past rolling hills and stone-walled fields as you approach Foulridge, where the historic Foulridge Tunnel awaits. At 1,640 yards long, it’s one of the most iconic features of the canal—an exciting experience for confident boaters and a peaceful contrast to the livelier eastern leg.
Once through the tunnel, you’ll turn at the designated winding hole and make your way back to Skipton, completing a round-trip that offers the best of both worlds: historic towns, cultural landmarks, and scenic rural cruising.
Whether you’re new to narrowboating or a seasoned cruiser, this route promises a memorable adventure through the heart of Yorkshire’s waterways.
Leeds and Return Canal Boat Holiday – 10 Nights | 60 Miles | 58 Locks
Experience a slow travel adventure through Yorkshire with a 10-night canal boat holiday from Skipton to Leeds and back aboard Blue Otter Boats. Covering 60 miles and 58 locks, this scenic and culture-rich journey along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal offers the perfect blend of heritage, nature, and urban discovery.
Starting from our narrowboat hire base in Skipton, often called the “Gateway to the Dales,” you’ll begin cruising east through peaceful woodlands and charming villages. Early highlights include Kildwick, a quaint 17th-century settlement, and East Riddlesden Hall, a beautifully preserved National Trust property.
The route’s standout engineering feature is the iconic Bingley Five Rise Locks—a dramatic 60-foot staircase lock system and one of the most impressive on the UK canal network. With the assistance of Canal & River Trust lock keepers, navigating this marvel is both safe and unforgettable.
As your narrowboat holiday to Leeds continues, you’ll pass through the UNESCO-listed model village of Saltaire, founded by Sir Titus Salt. Take time to explore Salts Mill, home to boutiques, cafés, and a renowned David Hockney art gallery.
A Refreshing Way to Stay in Leeds
Approaching Leeds, the rural landscape transitions into the energy of the city. Moor at the Leeds Visitor Moorings, located right behind the main train station, where you’ll enjoy up to two nights free mooring. From here, explore the city’s vibrant cultural offerings, including Opera North, Northern Ballet, Leeds Playhouse, and an array of museums, restaurants, and shops.
This route can be completed in a week by experienced boaters, but we recommend a 10-night narrowboating holiday to fully enjoy the journey without rushing. The beauty of canal boating is in its unhurried pace—allowing time to moor up, explore, and immerse yourself in the scenic and cultural gems along the way.
Your return leg takes you back through the serene countryside and canal-side villages to Skipton, completing a rewarding round-trip filled with diverse experiences and memories to last a lifetime.
Burnley and Return Canal Boat Holiday – 10 Nights | 74 Miles | 60 Locks
Embark on an unforgettable 10-night canal boat holiday from Skipton to Burnley and back, cruising across the Pennines on one of the most scenic and historic stretches of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Covering 74 miles and 60 locks, this route offers a rich mix of tranquil countryside, industrial heritage, and unique canal landmarks.
From our narrowboat hire base in Skipton, your journey westward begins with peaceful cruising through the Yorkshire Dales. You be cruising through charming villages and the impressive double-arched bridge at West Marton. As you approach Barnoldswick, you’ll reach the canal’s summit level. This is the highest point on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.
A short distance from here you’ll be entering the legendary Foulridge Tunnel. This mile-long tunnel is steeped in canal folklore, most famously for Buttercup the cow, who survived floating through it in 1912 and was revived with a tot of rum. Navigating the tunnel is a highlight of the trip, complete with traffic light control and an atmospheric passage beneath the hills. Have an umbrella ready…it can be leaky in parts!
Cruising Through Industrial Heritage
On the Lancashire side, the scenery gradually transitions from open countryside to industrial towns like Nelson, before reaching Burnley, your final destination. Here, you’ll discover the Weavers’ Triangle, a beautifully preserved Victorian industrial area rich in textile heritage and canal-side history.
Take time to explore Burnley town centre, which has undergone significant regeneration, offering shops, cafés, and restored architecture. If you prefer a quieter spot for the night, continue cruising for an hour beyond Burnley to find a peaceful rural mooring before turning around.
This round-trip narrowboat journey provides the perfect balance of heritage, countryside, and authentic canal adventure. With Blue Otter Boats, enjoy the comfort of a luxury narrowboat for two, ideal for couples seeking a longer escape into the peaceful rhythm of life on the water.
5-Night Roundtrip Routes from Skipton
For those with less time, these shorter routes offer a perfect way to experience the Leeds-Liverpool Canal’s highlights.
5 Nights – Skipton to Saltaire and Return
Cruising Time: Approximately 18 hours
Locks: 20 (including the iconic Bingley Five Rise)
Cruise east from Skipton towards the historic village of Saltaire. The route includes a journey through the impressive Bingley Five Rise Locks and offers plenty of opportunities to explore local history and culture before returning to Skipton.
5 Nights – Skipton to Barrowford and Return
Cruising Time: Approximately 24 hours
Locks: 30
Tunnels: 2
Head west from Skipton towards Barrowford, crossing the scenic Pennines. This journey includes the Foulridge Tunnel and stunning countryside views, making it a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
