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HAVE A QUESTION?
Call today on ++44 (0)1527 575 115 and a Black Prince team member will be happy to help!
ENJOY THE BEST OF THE WATERWAYS THIS AUTUMN
If you’re looking for a break after the crowds have departed then an autumn narrowboat holiday is perfect for providing a good dose of fresh air and activity!
Our cosy narrowboats complete with central heating offer a great outdoor adventure whilst offering a level of comfort needed for a September or October boat cruise in the UK. Enjoy the beauty of the autumnal colours and enjoying warm evenings in the comfort of your own boat or at one of the many pubs on the waterways.
BOOK NOW AND SAVE UP TO 25%
Save 15% on holidays up to 11 nights, save 25% on holidays of 14 nights with our autumn offer.
Route ideas for 3 and 4-night short Autumn breaks
GREAT HAYWOOD & RETURN
Visit one of the famous pottery stores (Wedgwood, Emma Bridgewater etc) before enjoying a relaxing countryside route out of Stoke on Trent.
38 miles
36 locks
24 hours cruising total
BOOK AN AUTUMN CRUISE FROM OUR STOKE ON TRENT, STAFFORDSHIRE BASE
WORCESTER & RETURN
Activity suggestion: visit the Commandery Museum in Worcester and try the mini-ring along the River Severn.
46 Locks
3 or 4-night cruise
14 hours cruising time
BOOK AN AUTUMN BOAT BREAK FROM OUR STOKE PRIOR, WORCESTERSHIRE BASE
CAMBRIDGE RETURN
Activity idea: wildlife spotting in the Wicken Fens
36 Miles
4 Locks
3 or 4 Night cruise
4 hours per day
BOOK AN AUTUMN RIVER CRUISE FROM OUR ELY, CAMBRIDGESHIRE BASE
Route ideas for 7-night Easter breaks
OXFORD, LECHLADE & RETURN
Cruise to Oxford and Blenheim Palace for a historic narrowboat trip
76 Miles
36 Locks
1 Week Cruise
5 hours per day
BOOK FROM OUR LOWER HEYFORD, OXFORDSHIRE BASE
LLANGOLLEN CANAL
Cross the impressive Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and visit the charming Welsh town of Llangollen.
4 Locks
1 Week Cruise
4 hours per day
BOOK FROM OUR CHIRK, WALES BASE
CALDON & LEEK RETURN
Cruise along the beautiful Churnett Valley, with a stop off at the Churnett Valley Railway
42 Miles
32 Locks
4-night short break or 1 week cruse
BOOK FROM OUR STOKE ON TRENT, STAFFORDSHIRE BASE
Couples Autumn Holidays
There’s nothing quite like getting away from it all in the autumn months of September and October, cruising along quiet waterways, enjoying the camaraderie of the canals with other like minded people. Enjoy as a couple, or with friends, perfect for a short break or longer holiday. It’s a great pet-friendly holiday too, with dogs and other pets welcome on an Autumn boat cruise.
Last Minute Autumn Holidays
Looking for a last minute autumn canal boat holiday? Call us on +44 (0)1527 575115 for last-minute availability across our nine UK locations. We will look to find a narrow boat hire base to suit you so that we can get you out on short notice. We generally need around twenty-four hours notice but we have been known to be able to arrange same day boating (subject to availability of course!). Please note that we don’t offer day boat hire, but we can offer September and October boat rides for a minimum three-night duration.
START YOUR AUTUMN CANAL BOAT BREAK FROM ONE OF THESE HIRE BASES
Stoke Prior Base, Worcestershire
From our Stoke Prior base in central England, there are a variety of routes you can take on your Easter narrowboat cruise. You don’t need to stick the routes that we suggest, bear in mind that you can travel as far as time allows, before turning and heading back to base again. There are regular winding holes (turning points) along every route that allows you to turn and head back to base whenever you choose.
Peak District Base, Staffordshire
There are plenty of options for short breaks and longer holidays over the autumn period from our Peak District base in Stoke-on-Trent, in central England. This popular starting point is perfect for giving you an insight into the original pottery heritage of the area as you can visit famous potteries, including Wedgwood and Royal Doulton, including painting your own at one of the many workshops!
Acton Bridge Base, Cheshire
Located in the north-west of England, our Cheshire Acton Bridge base offers autumn canal boats that can be enjoyed on a multitude of breaks, both three and four night, or seven nights and longer. From this base you can access the Bridgewater canal, which takes you lock-free all the way to Manchester. This makes for a great route for beginners or those worried about handling the locks!
Ely, Cambridgeshire
Located in the east of England, our Ely narrowboat base offers autumn holiday river cruises on the famous River Cam and River Ouse. You can take a boat break of three and four night, or seven nights and longer. From this base you can visit Cambridge, plus the medieval towns of St Ives and also Bedford and the area of Wicken Fenn is perfect for bird watching.
Dog-friendly September Holidays
Of course, what would an autumn narrow cruise holiday be without the family pet? Black Prince welcomes up to two dogs on their dog-friendly boats, so your pooch can be part of the crew!
You just need to remember to bring all your normal doggy gear with you, such as the dog bed, lead, poop bags, toys etc., plus we recommend a special harness which has a handle on the top in case your pet likes the water too much and likes to jump in.
The handle is very useful for hauling pets out of waterways where the embankments may be too steep for them to jump out to.
You can read more about our pet-friendly boating holidays here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be warm enough on a boat in autumn
Our boats offer central heating with radiators and double glazed front windows to ensure that evenings are cosy and warm. The beds are fully sprung, with duvets for a good night’s sleep and of course there is hot water for showers and washing. Of course, days may get chilly if you are outside, so we always recommend warm clothes with waterproofs for those occasional wet days – Black Prince umbrellas are provided!
Will all the waterways be open in October
Normally, all the waterways across the UK will be fully operational during September and October. However there may be occasions when maintenance and repairs of waterways and locks are necessary, we will keep you updated on our website and by email of any disruptions which may affect your cruising.
Do all your bases offer autumn breaks?
Yes, you can choose to take an autumn boat cruise from any one of our nine canal boat hire bases across England, Scotland and Wales.
Can I just book a short break for autumn
Yes, all our bases offer three or four-night cruising breaks for autumn and other times of the year. Boats are generally available after 2.30pm on the chosen departure day. Please note that the bases can have different departure days. Read more about our midweek breaks and our weekend breaks here.
