About this trip.
Planning the route? Read our Four Counties Ring guide. 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
Middlewich on the Trent & Mersey Canal
Andersen Boats runs its narrowboat hire from a boatyard in Middlewich, Cheshire, on the Trent & Mersey Canal. The family-run business has been operating for over 50 years. It builds its own boats as well as hiring them out, so the layout and fittings are designed with holidays in mind.
The fleet runs from cosy 2-berth boats to spacious 8-berths. On board you'll find high-quality fittings, modern appliances including microwaves, cookers and fridges, and central heating to keep you warm whatever the weather. Dogs are welcome, so the whole family can come.
Learning to handle the boat
Every hirer gets full tuition in handling the narrowboat and working the locks, given by a trained and experienced instructor. The instructor stays with you through your first locks, so you can set off feeling comfortable running the boat yourself.
Where you can cruise
The operator describes a choice of trips from Middlewich, from peaceful rural escapes to city breaks. In Cheshire there are the county's locks and wide views across the Cheshire Plains. Over the Welsh border, you can steer across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Heading south into Staffordshire takes you to its pottery heritage and the Caldon Canal. For a short break, you can moor in the heart of a historic Roman city and walk its ancient walls. Families can also visit the Anderton Boat Lift.
Getting to the boatyard
The yard is on Wych House Lane, Middlewich, CW10 9BQ. By road, leave the M6 at Junction 18 and take the A54 to Middlewich, about 2 miles. Turn left at the traffic lights towards Sandbach and follow the road round the bend. Wych House Lane is on your left, directly opposite Middlewich Library.
Middlewich has no railway station. Winsford Station is about 3 miles away, and direct buses run from there to Middlewich. Get off at St Michaels & All Angels church, a minute's walk from the yard. Crewe has fast links from London Euston (about 2 hours), Birmingham and Glasgow, with a taxi or bus on to Middlewich. From Manchester or Liverpool airports, you can take a train to Crewe or a taxi straight to the yard. If you're arriving by train or plane, the operator recommends booking a local taxi in advance to bring you and your luggage to the yard.
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.
