ON THE RIVER · CANAL CRUISES IN THE UK

Best Canal Cruises in the UK — Our Top 6

6 river trips  ·  from $13 a head

Good canal cruises in the UK sell their best seats weeks ahead. Below: the 6 to book early, what each fare includes and how they differ once you are aboard.

Manchester: Canal & River Cruise - Boarding beside The Lowry at Salford Quays
Canal Cruises, Canal Cruises in the UK, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

Manchester: Canal & River Cruise

1.Manchester: Canal & River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,638 reviews · 1 hour · from $16Our pick

Board under the blue and white Millennium Lift Bridge beside The Lowry for a one-hour English-language cruise along the Manchester Ship Canal and River Irwell. You’ll pass MediaCity, Old Trafford, Imperial War Museum North, Pomona Docks, Stephenson’s 1830 railway bridge, and Hulme Lock, with indoor and outdoor seating, toilets, and light refreshments on board.

“This cruise is amazing, definitely recommend if you are coming to visit Manchester!”

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Dochgarroch: Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise - What happens at Dochgarroch Lock
2-Hour Experiences, Canal Cruises, Canal Cruises in the UK, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

Dochgarroch: Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise

2.Dochgarroch: Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,959 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Join Loch Ness by Jacobite at Dochgarroch Lock, five miles from Inverness, for a two-hour round trip through the Caledonian Canal and onto Loch Ness. Your English-speaking guide, often including Kieran, Malcolm, or Ewan, adds local stories and humor as you pass Aldourie Castle and view Urquhart Castle. There is a bar, snacks, Wi-Fi, and wheelchair access onboard.

“The guide was very entertaining through their knowledge of the Loch and surroundings. Delivered by a local so it felt authentic. And the pace of it all was perfect; did not feel rushed at all.”

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Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch - Starting at Dochgarroch Lock
2-Hour Experiences, Canal Cruises, Canal Cruises in the UK, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch

3.Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,158 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $42

Board at Dochgarroch Lock for a two-hour cruise through the Caledonian Canal, Loch Dochfour, and Loch Ness. Live guides such as Malcolm, Kieran, or Peter share stories as you pass Urquhart Castle, Bona Lighthouse, Aldourie Castle, and a wartime aircraft crash site. Choose an indoor seat or brave the breezy decks.

“It was a fun experience to see the Loch Ness. Peter was a great guide and made it entertaining! I recommend the 2 hour tour.”

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London: Canal Boat Ride on Camden Lock - Boarding the Jenny Wren at Camden Lock
Canal Cruises, Canal Cruises in the UK, London River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

London: Canal Boat Ride on Camden Lock

4.Canal Boat Ride on Camden Lock

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 877 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $26

Board the colourful Jenny Wren at Camden Lock for a 90-minute cruise to Little Venice and back. Your English-speaking crew explains the Hampstead Road Lock, London Zoo, Regent’s Park, canal life, and local history. Guides such as Captain Morgan and Dave add humour and personal stories, while the full-length canopy helps keep you dry.

“Very informative, friendly, and overall a very relaxing trip”

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Skipton: 1-Hour Canal Cruise - Boarding in Skipton and settling into your seat
1-Hour Experiences, Canal Cruises, Canal Cruises in the UK, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

Skipton: 1-Hour Canal Cruise

5.Skipton: 1-Hour Canal Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 613 reviews · 1 hour · from $13Best value

Cruise a section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal from Skipton for one hour, with humorous English commentary linked to comedian Dave Spikey. Expect historic canal stories, views of the Yorkshire countryside, possible lock activity, allocated seating, and a small onboard bar serving drinks and snacks. Dogs are welcome for a donation to the RNLI.

“A great hour spent on the canal boat out of the rain. Interesting commentary and very relaxing. The dogs came too!”

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Dochgarroch: Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness 50min Cruise - The open view across Loch Ness
Canal Cruises, Canal Cruises in the UK, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

Dochgarroch: Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness 50min Cruise

6.Dochgarroch: Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness 50min Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 101 reviews · 1 hour · from $30

From Dochgarroch Lock, you’ll follow Thomas Telford’s Caledonian Canal into Loch Ness on a 50-minute round trip. A live English-speaking guide explains the waterway, local stories, and Nessie lore while you watch for herons, otters, swans, and eagles. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, toilets, WiFi, and drinks for purchase.

“I liked how the guide was informative and made us laugh, he kept us entertained for the journey.”

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