1-Hour Public Cruise

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour

Mobile ticket

This is the best 60 minutes of rib-tickling historic escapism you can find in Skipton.

Your guide for the canal tour is award-winning comedian Dave Spikey of Phoenix Nights and 8 Out of 10 Cats fame. With his characteristic Northern patter, Dave takes you on a recorded whistle-stop tour of Skipton and shares canal history that’s refreshingly different from your average commentary.

Above the jokes and laughter, you hear points of interest and fascinating stories of how the Leeds & Liverpool Canal delivered the lifeblood of the industrial-revolution through Yorkshire. There’s food and drink on board, too, so it’s a fun twist on your lunchtime break.

Our lively canal trip proves you don’t have to let planning or nasty weather get in the way of a good time.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Minimum drinking age is 18 years

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

One-hour boat ride

Access to bathroom as needed.

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Drinks

Gratuities

What To Expect

Admission is free

Admission Not Applicable

Aireville Park

Aireville Park is a large open space with sporting facilities and play areas in the heart of Skipton. It dates back to the 1830s when it was created by Henry Allcock as part of the Aireville Estate. Upon his death, wealthy Skipton mill owners, the Dewhurst family, purchased the estate and Aireville Hall.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

1-Hour Public Cruise

Reviews

4.42

307 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

200

Great trip
juliebG5185GX,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fabulous little trip would highly recommend.. very knowledgeable and humorous guide. A different view of skipton. Beautiful architecture and a history worth knowing.
A good overview of the history of this section of the canal and Skipton’s history
bill s,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
A good value trip that gives a good taster of this part of Skipton. Just a few things to add: luckily it was not raining as where you queue there is no shelter. Most people would have had their confirmation on their phone as you book in advance so why you then have to be squeezed into a tiny office for a boarding pass is a mystery and this part of the trip could be streamlined especially with weather changes in mind! The commentary on board was both informative and very funny though as is usually the case people talked over the top of it which I always find frustrating and inconsiderate of the guide and others
requesting refund
Polly D,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
Hello, we booked and arrived but the tour was cut short due to a problem with one of the gates - we were given the option to get our money back or re-book. I was told I could call later and let them know, mainly because I wanted to rebook but didn't have our schedule so I wanted to check it first. Anyway, my husband went back to the office and advised them that we wanted a refund as we would not be able to take the trip. The girl at the desk said she would let someone know. We have yet to receive our refund (this was in August 2025). Can you please respond? Dickinson is the last name.
Lovely relaxing trip
hobbesEngland,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent trip. Everyone is assigned a seat, so no pushing to be first on. The crew were all friendly and helpful, the boat trip was really relaxing and the recorded commentary from Dave Spikey was very amusing and informative. We had a hot chocolate each, very reasonably priced. Snacks and alcohol were available too. Would definitely recommend it!
Brilliant friendly staff
carolaT8692SB,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We all enjoyed the trip. Friendly staff, answered children's questions without loosing patience as can happen. Will do this again.
Enjoyable
Stay06129127732,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Despite awful weather we still enjoyed our hour's journey. The crew were very friendly and helpful. We would go again, hopefully when the sun was shining.
Pretty, Comfortable and Relaxing
92nessab,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Nice, relaxing boat trip, with pleasant views and very comfortable seats. The boat was covered, and there was a toilet onboard, and a bar to buy snacks and drinks - and little trays on the seats like you get on trains. The commentary they played along the way was full of jokes, to an extent that I might have found it annoying, but there were intervals. Seats were allocated, which I was happy about because I was on my own and worried about not getting a window seat - as it was, I had a double to myself. And dogs are allowed on; the ones near me were perfectly well behaved, but maybe not everyone would like that. We passed by a couple of swing bridges, which the team were very efficient at opening with no wait for the boat. Overall, it was definitely worth the £10 I paid, and is making me consider one of their longer trips.
Great way to explore the canal around Skipton & with entertaining commentary!
Elizabeth A,
Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent fun commentary with local information while cruising along the canal. Boat crew well organised & full safety information given. Really pleasant trip. Other passengers were of all ages from young children to older people. Onboard toilet & bar. Highly recommended!
Enjoyable trip
julia785Harlow,
Sep 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Enjoyable hour cruise on canal. Commentary with entertaining and the drinks on board were a reasonable price. Booked online and did find it a little difficult to find correct boat company whoever everyone with friendly and helpful 😁
Relaxing boat trip
Meander549950,
Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Lovely relaxing boat ride with a funny but informative commentary throughout the trip. They also provided snacks and drinks onboard if required at a very reasonable price.