About this trip.
Weighing up hire firms? UK narrowboat hire, compared lists 32 firms by canal, dog fees and fuel.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Anderton Marina, near Northwich in Cheshire, is one of the most northerly of ABC Boat Hire's English bases. The Anderton Boat Lift, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways, is close by. From the marina you can reach the Trent and Mersey Canal, the Cheshire Ring and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. There's also a licensed restaurant on site, The Moorings.
The Anderton Boat Lift
The lift was built in 1875 and was the first of its kind. It carries two boats at a time hydraulically, one going up and one coming down. Disrepair closed it for a time, and it reopened in 2002 after a long restoration. One of the suggested short breaks goes through the lift and onto the River Weaver. The river runs through the centre of Cheshire's salt-making region and has a long industrial history, with wildlife and attractive scenery along the way.
Routes from the marina
Trips run from 3 to 21 nights. They range from 2 locks and about 14 hours of cruising to 227 locks and 128 hours. ABC says the long lock-free stretches make Anderton a good choice for first-time boaters. The routes also suit experienced crews, families, couples and anyone wanting a countryside holiday or a city break.
For short breaks, you can cruise to Beeston or Nantwich and back through quiet Cheshire countryside. Another option is Lymm and back, which has tunnels and an aqueduct and passes through the birthplace of Alice in Wonderland. On longer trips you can go to Chester or Ellesmere Port and back, with the National Waterways Museum along the way. The Cheshire Ring follows parts of the Trent and Mersey, Bridgewater, Ashton and Peak Forest canals and all of the Macclesfield Canal. From Anderton it has 92 locks and several tunnels and aqueducts, plus lift, swing and snake bridges, and it takes 7 to 14 days depending on experience. To join the Four Counties Ring, you first head down to Middlewich. It's one of the more rural rings and runs through Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire and the West Midlands. The Pennine Ring uses the recently restored Huddersfield Narrow Canal to cross the Pennines.
Boats and getting there
There are 12 boats at Anderton in 10 styles and lengths. The smallest is 49ft and sleeps 4, and the largest are 70ft and sleep 10 or 12. Several 66ft boats sleep 6, and one 69ft boat takes 8.
The marina is on Uplands Road, Anderton, Northwich, CW9 6AJ. By road, leave the M56 at junction 10 and take the A559 towards Northwich for 3 miles. Turn right where it's signed for Comberbach and the Anderton Boat Lift, then drive through Comberbach and past Marbury Country Park. The marina is on the left, a quarter of a mile after the Anderton village sign. By rail, take the train from Manchester to Northwich. From London and the south, change at Crewe for Hartford. From either station, or from Manchester Airport, take a taxi to the marina.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in England. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
