Business Details
33 Years
experience
Canal Cruises and Boat Trips in Skipton
Skipton Boat Trips has been operating canal boat hires and cruises on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal for over 30 years. Our team specialises in creating memorable experiences through scenic waterway journeys that showcase the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. We offer a range of services including self-drive boat hires, themed dining cruises, and sightseeing trips that cater to couples, families, and large groups.Our experienced crew provides expert guidance to ensure safe navigation while maintaining the relaxed atmosphere that makes our trips unique. We prioritise customer satisfaction through meticulous attention to detail, from pre-trip planning assistance to onboard hospitality services. Our commitment to quality has been recognised through multiple TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards.
Services
Afternoon Tea Cruises
Self-Drive Boat Hire
Fish and Chip Cruises
Roast Dinner Cruises
Santa Trips
Public Sightseeing Tours
Group Lunch Cruises
Cream Tea Cruises
Ploughmans Lunch Cruises
Rail and Sail Packages
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30+ years operating on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal
- Award-winning customer service and trip organisation
- Variety of themed cruises and self-drive options
- Peaceful journeys through Yorkshire's scenic countryside
- Family-friendly experiences with group booking flexibility
Associations and certifications
- TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award 2023
What people say
Peaceful scenery
Excellent service
Delicious food
Family-friendly
Memorable experience
Services
Self-Drive Day Boat Hire
Explore the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at your own pace with our self-drive boat hires. Our 6.5-hour rentals include safety instruction and navigation guidance. Boats accommodate up to 10 passengers with onboard amenities including cooking facilities and toilets. Ideal for families and groups seeking an immersive countryside experience through lock-free waters surrounded by Yorkshire Dales scenery.
Afternoon Tea Cruises
Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea while cruising through picturesque canal landscapes. Our 2-hour voyages serve freshly prepared sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and cakes at your table. Available daily March-December with multiple departure times, these trips cater to couples and groups seeking a refined dining experience amidst natural surroundings.
Fish and Chip Cruise
Partnering with local fish and chip specialists Bizzie Lizzie's, this 2-hour cruise offers freshly cooked seafood dishes onboard. Available March-November, the experience combines Yorkshire's culinary heritage with scenic waterway views. Menus feature classic fish and chips with optional upgrades to premium seafood selections.
Santa Trips
Our seasonal Santa cruises operate November-December, featuring festive decorations and themed entertainment. The 75-minute journeys include special guest appearances and holiday treats. These popular family-friendly trips require advance booking due to limited availability during peak Christmas periods.
Group Lunch Cruises
Tailored experiences for groups of 30+ featuring 2-3 hour cruises with plated meals. Menus showcase regional Yorkshire cuisine including award-winning pork pies, seasonal salads, and traditional desserts. Available for corporate events, family gatherings, and special celebrations with dedicated booking assistance.
People
James
Co-Owner
With over 30 years in the canal tourism industry, James manages operational logistics and customer experience. He personally trains crew members in safety protocols and heritage navigation techniques.
Jen
Co-Owner
Jen oversees hospitality services and special event coordination. Her background in catering ensures high-quality food presentation across dining cruises and themed experiences.
Questions
How do I book a boat trip?
Book online through our website or contact us directly via phone. Online reservations require 24-hour advance notice for standard cruises.
Are food and drinks included?
Dining options vary by trip type. Afternoon tea and meal cruises include specified menus, while self-drive hires have onboard cooking facilities available for guest use.
Can I bring my own food?
Self-drive boat hires allow guests to bring their own food. Dining cruises provide pre-ordered meal options with special dietary requirements accommodated when notified in advance.
What's the passenger capacity?
Self-drive boats accommodate up to 10 people. Scheduled cruises have variable capacities depending on vessel type, with group charters available for larger parties.
Are pets allowed onboard?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on non-dining cruises provided they remain on leads. Owners must clean up after pets and ensure they don't disturb other passengers.
What happens in bad weather?
Trips operate rain or shine with covered boat sections. Cancellations due to extreme weather receive full refunds or rescheduling options.
Reviews (5)
Justine Langley
Nov 25, 2021
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Well organised. Lovely Santa and Elf..took time to ask questions with each child. Good quality gift. Perhaps a game everyone could join in would be a good addition and more Christmas carols playing. All three children.. from 6 to 8 enjoyed.
Maggie Savidge
Nov 02, 2021
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Had a fantastic day out on a canal boat! The guy we dealt with explained everything clearly and was very pleasant and polite. Boat was clean and tidy and well equipped. Highly recommend for a family day out!
Vanessa Smith
Oct 29, 2021
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Went on the Sunday roast boat trip for 3 hours on Skipton Canal.Lovely trip.Staff very nice.Meal was lovely.Views from the boat were great.Bought for us as a gift.Would definitely recommend.
Margaret Hartley
Oct 17, 2021
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Fabulous day out! We picked the boat up at 10am and with basic instruction we were able to get underway quickly. The weather was against us at the start with lots of rain, however the boat is snug and warm with oven and grill and loads of hot water. In the afternoon the sun came out and we were able to sit on the front and watch the world go by. We were back by around 3pm - although we could have been out longer - very refreshed from a great day out. Thank you
Surya Narayanan
Sep 07, 2021
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It was a nice trip, a short and slow ride with commentary. My daughter who was eager to take the ride was bored by the end of it. But the ride was nice and enjoyable for me and my wife, properly organized and guided by the team. It's a must for all who want to take a ride in the canal, once done take a walk on the canal through the town, it's really beautiful.
