3 Night Minimum Stay
FREE 24/7 Vet Line
Two dogs welcome
Discover the hidden delights of the Staffordshire countryside on a dog-friendly canal boat cruise beginning at Gailey Marina. Together with your best furry friend, meander along the gentle waterways on a comfortable berth packed with modern amenities through routes around the midlands. Stop off for some fabulous walking opportunities and make sure to visit fido-friendly sights along your route starting in Gailey. The perfect place to discover parts of the West Midlands, Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire, travel along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal towards the dog-friendly Peak District or go further afield into Shropshire towards the Cheshire Plains discovering its dramatic scenery. All ABC Boat Hire canal boats at Gailey Marina berth two to eight and come equipped with all you need to swap the hustle and bustle of life in the city for an idyllic boating escape with your canine companion.
Begin your boating adventure for the first time or as a more experienced crew member with full tuition provided at the start of every journey. A handover ensures you are comfortable operating the canal boat and includes where you can moor and how to operate locks, lifts and swing bridges. Most visitor moorings on canals and rivers are governed by the Canal & River Trust and are free of charge, meaning your boat will be permitted to moor anywhere on the towpath side of the canal as long as no obstruction is being caused. An overnight fee may be charged for overnight moorings at a select number of privately owned sites such as The River Thames.
A suggested route for those wanting a longer escape is the Chester or Ellesmere Port & Return from Gailey Marina route, a popular countryside route where the locks are well spaced for easy cruising. This route from Gailey includes 80-86 locks and can be completed in ten nights. Highlights include mooring in Chester within easy reach of the walled city centre where there are many dog-friendly pubs to stop off and enjoy including The Brewery Tap and the City Tavern. Also pay a visit with your furry friend to the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port to take in the history of canal boating.
If you’re looking for a shorter break or for first-time crew members, the Caldon Canal & Return route from Gailey Marina heading up towards the Peak District and entering the Churnet Valley is perfect for its stunning countryside, totalling 88 locks and taking a duration of seven nights. When passing through the River Sow and Tixall Wide which resembles more of a picturesque lake rather than a canal, make sure to moor up at Great Haywood, an attractive village with dog-friendly pubs including the Clifford Arms and Canalside Café. Continue to cruise and you will discover a wharf house and stables, lime kilns, and picnic area at the terminus of the canal at Froghall, an idyllic spot to relax with your best furry friend.
All dog-friendly canal boats are available from April to November. Arrive on Friday, Saturday or Monday for a 3, 4, 7, 10, 11 or 14 night stay. Please note that each route has individual changeover dates. In a canal boat berthing 4, enjoy a 3 night stay from £999 or 7 night stay from £1,399 in the low season, excluding fuel supplement. Supplements apply on summer dates and larger boats.
4 adults 3 pets
4 adults 3 pets
4 adults 3 pets
6 adults 3 pets
6 adults 3 pets
8 adults 3 pets
8 adults 3 pets