Lancaster Canal Boats

Opened in 1797 the Lancaster Canal was finally completed in 1826 and is home to 150 Grade II Listed and one Grade I Listed structures, three Scheduled Ancient Monuments and eight conservation areas making it an area of outstanding beauty and historic interest.

The canal is home to a ‘wonder of the waterways’ - the Lune Aqueduct, which was built by renowned engineer John Rennie, and carries the canal 664 feet across the river Lune at a height of 61 feet.

This gentle waterway offers wonderful views of the Silverdale coast, Forest of Bowland and rolling countryside of Wyre. Traveling from Preston to Tewitfield, the canal stretches 41 miles without a single lock – very unusual.

The Lancaster Canal was nicknamed ‘the black and white canal’ as it carried coal from the south and limestone from the north. People originally used the packet boats, which were the speed boats of their time, and which carried passengers up and down the canal at record speeds. These days visitors can now enjoy leisurely day cruises along the canal with the Lancaster Canal Packet Boat company (www.budgietransport.co.uk) or stay for longer by hiring a boat (www.arlen-hireboats.co.uk )

Some of the highlights along the canal include; the historic city of Lancaster, the market town of Garstang, picturesque Bilsborrow village and Preston. Also worth a visit is the gateway to the sea at Lancaster – Glasson Dock where visitors will find pubs, snack bars, café and of course fish and chips.

Steeped in history and a wildlife haven the Lancaster canal is a true national treasure.