Our Canal boat hire reviews!
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We’re thrilled to share the outstanding results from our most recent Customer Service feed back forms.
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Sir just a thank you for looking after one of my customers Sharon on canal boat Roxy . She spoke very highly of the service you showed her I would have no hesitation in recommending your boat yard to any of my other customers that are on there travels in your part of the country […]
Maria | Summer 2014 | Trent Mersey/Shropshire/Llangollen /Chester and return
My husband and I spent two weeks travelling along the canals, our ultimate goal was to reach Llangollen, which we did, spending an enjoyable afternoon on the horse drawn narrowboat and exploring the town. We then returned with a trip up to Chester and back, and also a short trip along the Macclesfield Canal. We had an interesting stoppage for 5 hours after some thoughtless canal user had not shut the lock gates and a pound was empty at the bottom of Heartbreak Hill. Once water was released from further up the canal, the pound began filling but we had to wait hours before we could proceed. The whole two weeks of travelling was enjoyable and enhanced by the fact we had terrific weather with only a few hours of rain in the fortnight.
Our narrowboat was clean, well equipped and perfect for two people. We had a slight problem with the electric toilet but Peter came out promptly and sorted it out.
I would definitely recommend this company and will use them again.
Maria | Spring 2014 | Trent & Mersey
A week's cruising as far as Burton and back was somewhat spoilt by rain 70% of the time. However, the boat we had, Maria, was very comfortable, meeting all our needs and even the TV signal was good! The added bonus of 240V and cancellation insurance/fuel included in the price, was what made us choose Canal Cruising. A welcoming staff, we were pleased with their attitude to us from booking to saying, 'goodbye'.
Angela | 3 Weeks in June 2014 On Angela | Four Counties Ring
Thanks for the immaculate boat, really value for money.
Alice | June 2014 | Caldon
Good afternoon Karen,
It’s difficult to believe that it is only a week since we handed Alice Elizabeth back to you after a wonderful trip on the Caldon.
We would like to thank you and your team for a really enjoyable and memorable holiday. Our final night spent in the yard was almost as interesting as our cruise, we felt as though we were members of a hidden village – you do seem to attract an interesting group of customers. Having the privilege of seeing you undock and dock the boats on Friday morning was a fabulous bonus.
We feel that you run a very special business and we wanted to tell you that we greatly appreciated it, and all the hard work that goes into making it so.
You mentioned that your husband was recovering from an operation. Please give him our best wishes for his recovery, we look forward to meeting him next time we hire a boat from you.
Kind regards,
Martha | June 2014 | Trent & Mersey
Freedom of Choice
Once again we had a fantastic time on "Martha Ginger". The weather was good up to the Wednesday of half term,then we had two days which were overcast but that is part & parcel of a canal holiday. We have been keen boaters over the years (36 yrs), my children grew up with being cold & wet, now the next generation are learning the ropes (no pun intended). We have been coming to Stone in Staffordshire for the last ten yrs & we still get the same friendly reception from all the staff as we did when we first met. If you want to get away from the normal holiday ( TV,radio,newspapers & the fast pace of normal life), then this holiday is not for you,unless you want these things which are available on all of "The Family of Ginger Boats". Come with an open mind & try something new, you never know you might become hooked.
Martha | May 2014 | Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canals
This is a long review aimed at saying thank you to Canal Cruising Ltd and also hoping to influence others that may want to experience the Caldon Canal from this ideal base in Stone.
Just had an amazing holiday on NB Martha and it has to be said “This was 70’ of perfection”
We visited the Caldon canal so your base at Stone was an ideal starting point. Approaching the conurbation known as Stoke on Trent as the canal changes from rural to urban is an interesting experience and one soon learned the area was built around the canal. There is a mixture of old and new. There are some derelict buildings alongside the canal that in their heyday would have used the canal as their preferred mode of transport. This all adds to the experience and helps you appreciate the past as you cruise along at a gentle three of four miles an hour
The Caldon Canal is fascinating with its engineering excellence and its rural scenery not forgetting the places along the way from pubs and shops to the remote Consall Forge with The Black Lion sitting there offering a warm welcome for all. You really experience the feeling that you are in the middle of nowhere. On to Froghall and the Uttoxeter Canal basin you cannot fail to be impressed with the way in which it has been landscaped and restored. The Leek arm is a gentle cruise that takes you to the edge of this quaint old town that has everything you could need, albeit a bit of a walk into the centre. Don’t miss the arm because the canal is quiet and well worth the detour from the main line as it meanders along to its feeder from the nearby Rudyard reservoir
Our boat NB Martha had everything we could wish for and was more than comfortable. A daunting 70’ long at first sight handled like a dream and the proximity of tiller and throttle controls made for a comfortable position for the steerer where you could hold both controls at the same time. The engine never skipped a beat. The equipment supplied is first class and it’s no exaggeration to say the galley provided everything we needed for eating aboard (we supplied the food though!) Decent sized fridge and a fan assisted oven and grill make the full sized cooker a pleasure to use. Beds were very comfortable and the roomy showers ensured a feeling of freshness as we sat in the comfortable saloon area. Seating at the front of the boat with half opening doors added the finishing touch.
Why did we choose this firm, easy really. It’s location on the Trent & Mersey made it an idea starting point but of course a bit of research showed us it provides diesel inclusive, where many of the other firms charge extra for this. It’s quite frankly a rip off to do this to people; in our view. These were the reasons for booking with this firm last year. This year’s holiday was based on the same reason plus the knowledge that they know what the customer wants and make sure they get it
Canal holidays are not for everyone and if you are in a hurry this may not be the holiday for you. If, on the other hand, you enjoy the solitude of mooring in the countryside or perhaps close to the little village pub then this really is your holiday. There is an element of physical exercise and plenty of opportunity for relaxation. This holiday will give the novice much confidence as they negotiate the challenge of life on the canals. Do it once and you will be smitten
Thank you Karen and all at Canal Cruising Ltd Stone
Patricia | May 2014 | 4 Counties Ring and Busgsworth Basin - Lovely
We had a lovely trip despite the weather. The boat was clean well designed, Had trouble with the toilet and Oven, quickly fixed, Staff very friendly and very helpful. Going back for another trip in September
Rosemary | Spring
We booked with Canal Cruising as they offered the best value for money and gave a 10% discount for members of CAMRA if you book direct, even if you take off the joining fee it's a great saving!
We arrived and were parked and introduced to our boat within minutes; our boat was a 2/3 berth called Rosemary. We were shown all of the boat features and controls, ticking each on a form to say that we had understood it; it's a little daunting but the very nice man that showed us was very patient. We were then shown how to steer, 'park' and taken through 2 locks with detailed instruction; once happy we were set free.
It took a couple of days to feel confident, particularly stopping on the right bank as the speed control is on the left, but this gradually became easier. Reversing was daunting and only when we got back to the yard we saw that you have little control reversing so the trick is to reverse and if you need to control direction put it in forward very briefly to correct direction then back in reverse. My partner was not happy steering the boat so she ended up doing most of the lock work, and some of the gates can take some effort to lift. That said there are usually helping hands about.
The sense of achievement and enjoyment after the week was immense, I think we will do it agaan; I can only hope that if we go to another part of the country we can find a boat yard as good as good as Canal Cruising. Whilst on the water we met a number of people who had great things to say about them and nothing bad; this was not true for other companies, particularly the dark royal ones.
We met more than the usual amount of lovely people, with very few of the type you meet anywhere else in life.
In summary - If you are thinking about a boating holiday go for it, take your time, don't be put off by the initial challenge and use Canal Cruising for a great experience!
We will look back on this as a great life experience with some memorable incidents and great pleasure, and Jill is fitter from the lock work!
Carey | Winter/Spring
We've done a dozen cruises and this narrowboat is the best yet. Really clean and great attention to detail - toilet rolls, liquid hand soap, decent size teapot and many other features. We knew it was likely to be cold at this time of year so the central heating was very necessary and the wood burner was a touch of luxury that we loved. The kitchen was really well equipped with plenty of crockery. The beds were very comfortable and there was plenty of storage. All in all a lovely boat, highly recommended.
Carey | Sept 2012
Having previously hired boats from Harry Machin of Holidays Afloat in Market Drayton we were determined to find a Hire Company which was still independent and thus offered the same level of service to which I was accustomed. Holidays Afloat recommended us to Canal Cruising in Stone. Our high expectations of a Family operated Company were more than met. From the simplicity of booking via their website to the personal service given when they were telephoned to confirm pick up details, nothing could have been easier, businesslike or more friendly. We had seen in Magazine reviews the concerns expressed in some quarters of the lack of adequate training given to those hiring Canal Boats. Karen could not have been more helpful or informative as she carefully took myself and my partner through the workings of a lock pointing out throughout the training session the possible pitfalls and dangers of not being careful and attentive at all times when working a lock. Only when she was completely satisfied that we knew what we were doing did she let us leave on our holiday. The boat itself was a joy to handle and was very well equipped in all ways. Very clean and well furnished it was truly a home from home. We would have no hesitation in recommending Canal Cruising, Stone to either veterans or novices on the Inland Waterways.
Lucy | Sept 2012 | South on the Trent & Mersey
Hired Lucy Ginger. Have you enjoyed your holiday - good. Cleanliness - very good. Design & Accommodation - very-good. Instruction/handover - good. Reliability - Throttle cable repair needed - Good response to call out. Staff - Good. Website - Good. Thank you for a lovely holiday and your patients at the boat yard.
Rosemary | Sept 2012 | Cheshire Ring
Thanks for the friendly reception. We had a delightful lazy holiday in a clean and well furbished narrowboat, just first - rate for the two of us. I have recommended your company, and our booking for next year is on its way.
Maria | 2012 | Cauldon Canal
Hired the narrow boat "Maria" in August 2012.We had a friendly greeting on arrival, shown to our boat which was beautifully presented, lovely and clean. We were given plenty of time to put our things on board and we were impressed with the efficiency of the run through of how the boat worked. Thanks had a great time. will definitely go again.
Patricia | 2013 April | Caldon
Have a very good Holiday despite being cold the sun came out. The boat was very clean, The Staff and the hand over very good,found the web site to be very informative. The boat was very comfortable.
Olivia | Easter 2013 | Marple
Just returned from a holiday on Olivia Ginger. She was clean and well designed. The staff, instruction and web site are good. Administration following our booking was excellent!!! One of the mattresses needs upgrading/replacing and informed the yard. Other than that a very enjoyable holiday and would recommend your Company. Thank You.
Agnes | Day Hire April 2013 | Sandon
We had a very enjoyable day out, good service and induction. The boat was very clean well designed and this website was good.
Email: info@stonefooddrink.org.uk
Telephone: 01785 818289
Visit the web site for news and details of our up and coming Festival 2012.
Website: www.leisurerentalsdirect.com
Email: info@leisurerentalsdirect.com
Telephone: 01629 790014
Search for a motorhome, caravan, boat, cottage rental local to you and book direct with the owner. Visit/search the INSPIRATION section - Leisure Trade Directory at the bottom of the home page. Really useful stuff.
Email: info@georgiescanalcruises.co.uk
Telephone: 07946490203
Skippered trip boat which offers a licenced restaurant.
Website: www.considerateboater.com
Email: info@considerateboater.com
Telephone: 01785 813982
The aim of this initiative is to promote considerate boating and good boating etiquite on the Inland Waterways.
Considerate Boater reviews many practises that you might want to adopt, not only the new boater but experianced boaters as well to keep harmony on the UK Waterways.
Rosemary | 2013 April | Four Counties Ring
Excellent for the price. Would recommend you highly. A lot of thought has gone into your boats which helped us have a perfect holiday. The boat was very clean, the instruction was excellent. Would have prefered cottong ropes. but understand the nylon ropes are practical on a hire boat. Many thanks.
Carey | Summer | Black Country Ring
Just spent two weeks on Carey Ginger doing this ring boat good clean and comfortable. Had to make a detour due to Wolverhampton locks being out we went down to Stourbridge well worth the extra mills and locks brilliant only one thing wrong i lost my I phone in blowers green locks [if found please return]. Would recommend this boatyard to anyone Karen and Peter are great to deal with, staff always helpful and pleasant if you have not done this kind of holiday before they will give you training.We have already booked for next year.
Derek and Gill
Month and year Travelled: July 2025
Boat: Alice Elizabeth
Route: Congleton
Name and Origin: Turner Family
Loved the layou, worked well for us. Excellent handover!
Very enjoyable holiday. Superb through the tunnel to congleton, going 1st up and back. Pottery visits ecellent ending with a brilliant factory tour at Wedgewood.
Month and year Travelled: June 2025
Boat: Frances
Route: Four Counties Ring
Name and Origin: Allen Family
| Really enjoyed our week out on the boat. Booked last min due to it being a good weather forecast, but it ended up being a bit too hot on a few days, making the locks a bit hard work. The boat was really comfy with everything you need and more. Lovely and clean with good quality crockery etc. The staff were very welcoming and informative and gave us great instructions to get us on our way. We dud mot have to worry about filling up with fuel as the boat was filled up as part of the hire deal, which is a bonus not having to pay extra for the fuel you use on your return. I would highly recommend Canal Cruising Company if you are considering narrowboat hire. |
Month and year Travelled: June and July 2025
Boat: Emily
Route: Birmingham Canals
Name and Origin: Shepherd
Very friendly staff, helpful. Had a lovely time again. No problems with the boat just a few water issues on the canal, easily sorted by CRT
Month and year Travelled: June 2025
Boat: Ginette
Route: Upper Caldon then to Congelton on the Macclesfield Canal
Name and Origin: Holland Family – Australia
We spent the most relaxing week in the most gorgeous countryside. The staff were amazing and welcoming. We will be back !!
Month and year Travelled: June 2025
Boat:Patricia
Route: South
Name and Origin: Keemar Family
Great Value, Lovely people, Beautiful Boat
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Carey Ginger
Route: South
Name and Origin: Barley Group
We’ve used CCC several times now. The boats are clean and comfortable with everything one needs. The staff are friendly and helpful, so that instruction, handover and return are really quick and easy and part of the excitement of a narrow boating holiday.
Month and year Travelled: June 2025
Boat: Maria
Route: Rugeley
Name and Origin: Jackson Family
A Lovely Staffordshire Break – Excellent 4 nights spent on ‘Maria’. Extreamly comfortable for 2 with all amenities included. We had a relaxing trip and recieved excellent tuition before heading out to Rugeley with a slow amble back including a stop at Shugborough Hall. Thanks to Canal Cruising Company for a great time. I’m sure we’ll be back!!
Month and year Travelled: June 2025
Boat: Lillian
Route:
Name and Origin: Prittie Family Amerca
Totally enjoyable. We really reccomend! Company was great. Excellent orientaion. Lovely english experience.
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Lillian
Route: Norbury
Name and Origin: Davies Family
As always a GREAT WEEK! Will always come back to the Canal CruisingCompany. Clean boats, well amintained, friendly staff. Thank You PauL and Diane – Wrexham
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Mino
Route: South
Name and Origin: Pearce Group
A suggestion, Would have been nice to have water proof cushions for sitting outside. Great fun, first experience on the canals. Despite the issues we had with water levels, we would definitely do it again.
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Agnes
Route: Shardlow
Name and Origin: Bickerstaff Brothers
Another enjoyable week on the canal. We’ll be back again next next year to explore more of the canal network.
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Mino
Route: Shardlow
Name and Origin: Lucas Family
Very Clean Boat. We found it cosy. Brilliant Customer service. Recommend Canal Cruising. You can get in touch any time you need to. We found the boat very reliable, especially in the wide beam locks going to Shardlow.
Very sorry that the holiday has ended .
Thank you Canal Cruising.
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Angela
Route: South
Name and Origin: Nelson Family
Instruction-Comprehensive – thank you to Kimberley.
Staff – Very Helpful
An enjoyable 4 nightbreak with an unexpected ‘adventure’ at the end owing to a low water event. Angela is a vintage boat but is still serviceable and quite comfortable despite her age.
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Olivia
Route: Norbury and back
Name and Origin: Hankin Family
The whole trip hasbeen fabulous- although great weather definatly helps. Staff friendly and helpful giving clear instructions. Boat clean and well equiped.
Many thanks – we will return.
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Maria
Route: Four Counties Ring
Name and Origin: Quilian Party
Absolutly enjoyed my trip. The boat was very clean. The boat was perfect for me. The instruction was excellent, I felt very confident for my first time. Very fiendly staff. Definatly come again with this company . Briliant.
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Emily Ginger
Route: Norbury
Name and Origin: Stevens Family and Friends .
As returning customers Canal Cruising provided an excellent value package.The boat was well appointed and easy to handle all contributing to an enjoyable holiday.
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Carey Ginger
Route: Caldon Canal
Name and Origin: Weisner Family and Friends – Canada.
Canal Cruising is a great rental company. They gave us lots of instructions, in a very friendly, knowledgeable way. The boat wasfully stocked with all the sishes/pots/untensil one could use for a goremet meal! Definatly rent from Canal Cruising again! 5 STARS!
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Emily Ginger
Route: Caldon Canal
Name and Origin: Cannon Family and Friends – England
Beautiful boat, handles really well. A real pleasure. Lovely Portmerion Crockery. Caldon Canal stuningly Beautiful.
Month and year Travelled: Sept 2024
Boat: Carey Ginger
Route:
Name and Origin: Jenkins – Wales
A huge thank you to Canal Cruising Company for making our family holiday in September 2024 truly unforgettable! We rented two boats for our group of 12, and were thrilled to snag a 6-berth boat at half price—what an amazing deal!
We enjoyed a beautiful trip along the Caldon Canal, with a convenient bus ride to Leek, which made it easy to take the kids to Alton Towers for a fun day out. Along the way, we stopped at Hattie’s Tea Room for a delightful break—absolutely fantastic! We also had the pleasure of experiencing a ride on the steam railway, which was a real highlight of our trip.
We’re already planning our next adventure with Canal Cruising next year, and we’re thinking of taking advantage of their buy two, get one free offer to rent three boats for the whole family! We’re also excited to visit the Churnet Valley Railway and try the restaurant train next time. Can’t wait!
