Boating is very much about the journey, and we invite you to become a part of ours while creating your own.
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An escape from the everyday
With a passion for the waterways and its history, we offer unforgettable canal boat holidays for guests of all experience levels. With full training before you set sail. Based in Leeds, UK at Castleton Mill, we’re here to make your next holiday extraordinary. There are some incredible sights along the canal, with an endless variety of routes available.
We have a lovely range of narrowboats as part of our fleet — each with their own special features.
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Advice from our expert team to help you on your way. Including a useful beginners guide, info on what’s included and handy video tutorials. As well as the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, you can also choose alternative routes on our map of the northern waterways.
‘An amazing experience’
The boat was superb. The Tuition before we left was excellent and we had a fantastic time!
‘A wonderful weeks holiday’
A wonderful weeks holiday with beautiful scenery and some nice overnight stops. The team were excellent, I couldn't fault anything.
'The best family holiday ever'
The best family holiday ever, it was a real home away from home and the boat was beautiful!
Your adventure starts here
We spent 3 nights aboard Emily, for our first time on a canal. John and his team were so friendly, informative and patient (especially when teaching how to operate the boat and locks). Emily was clean, well appointed and perfect for 2. We can't recommend Boat Co North enough and will certainly be booking again with them in the future.
Wow what a weekend. Stayed on Charlotte for the weekend 4 adults 2 kids. Boat is very modern. Everyone at Boat and Co North were very helpful and there to assist 24/7 if needed. This was are first time on a narrow boat and we will definitely be coming back. Thanks again guys!
We have just returned from a fantastic 3 night break staying in the 8 berth New Dawn along the Leeds/Liverpool Canal . We were greeted by a very enthusiastic and informative John on arrival, who took us through step by step the information we would need to make our trip as memorable as possible. No question was unanswered and I had many (sorry John). It was reasurring to know we had a friendly and knowledgable person on hand if we needed any support during our adventure. We were a group of six girls celebrating a special birthday and New Dawn had all the necessities we needed to cater for our break away. A large living space with ample seating for us to gather around and relax on an evening, after a day of travelling along the canal. The beds were all very comfortable, allowing for a great nights sleep. Overall we have had the best experience and will definitely look to return. Thank you
5 stars for The Boat Co NorthWe booked River Dancer for a 4 night break. Outstanding and responsive service all the way, from my initial phone call with John through to returning the boat at the end of our trip.John's knowledge of the boats, local area and interest in you and your crew's aims and experience all adds up to make a fantastic rental.The training is well delivered, appropriate to any previous experience, encouraging and comprehensive, backed up with the knowledge that someone is available on call should you need them.River Dancer is a great boat, decked out in a traditional style, which was just what we were looking for. The Leeds and Liverpool canal offers beautiful views, plenty of variety for mooring up and lots of locks and swing bridges to test your muscles!If you're looking for an adventure in the slow lane, just do it!
Just returned home from a cracking Easter break on Charlotte. The boat had a lovely modern feel and the guy running the show is a rock solid dude. We will return! 😁
Just book don’t even hesitate had an amazing 3night canal holiday on New Dawn with 5 friends all novices but experts by the end and would happily have stayed longer. John was helpful from the initial enquiry, to route and pub recommendations and helping us fix a jammed propeller via phone, always on the end of the phone for anything even just to check in. He gave us full in depth tuition through two locks, a lot to take in but you just do it and it’s so fun learning and being let loose then just bossing it! The boat itself is big, modern, full size very comfy beds and warm enough even in March a perfect size for 6 adults to enjoy. We went prepared with full waterproofs, layers and warm clothing which with British weather was needed. Lots of helpful and friendly people along the towpath ready to help or just chat or take our picture when we dressed as pirates for the day. Had an absolute blast wouldn’t hesitate to recommend and will definitely be back to do it again. Thanks John and boat co north x
Had a lovely weekend, gorgeous views and the boat was stunning. Very happy customer and well definitely be looking to book these guys again in the future! 😁
Just had a brilliant weekend onboard Charlotte. Never been previously so lots to learn but john was a great teacher. The boat was lovely had everything we neededinc help along the way. Found some great places to stop and eat / drink. Would definitely recommend
Spent 4 nights on Charlotte, boat was fantastic with everything you would need. John and Richard were both fantastic in helping us whenever needed, couldn't ask for better service and would definitely recommend and use again
We spent a weekend on the River Dancer.It was our first time in a canal holiday and I totally recommend it.John was very helpful and available at all times.
We just spent a week on River Dancer. We headed out of Leeds and made our way across to Silsden and back.We had a fantastic time which was greatly enhanced by the excellent customer service from John and others at The Boat Co North.The service starts with a phone conversation - John called to discuss our plans and aims for the break. Once he knew that we were heading out via the Bingley 5 Rise he went into details about timings and our expectations of time travelled each day - he used this information to organise all of our lock bookings and set up our whole journey.When we arrived at the boat yard we were welcomed aboard River Dancer and then John took us through the nearby locks. He made sure that both of us felt confident using locks and that we knew all there was to know about the boat. He was patient and knowledgable, answering every question we had. We have been on narrow boats before but this was the most comprehensive induction we have ever had.Once we set off we were able to contact the base as needed and John was keen to share in both my joy at manning a lock alone and my agony having moved the dreaded Rodley Swing Bridge.We did have some problem with the heater but that was quickly dealt with by John, and then Richard, coming out to service it as we were en route.Overall - a great company - customer service above and beyond the norm - we will be back and we would recommend without reservation.
Great experience throughout on River Dancer. John is very knowledgeable, experienced and knows the North canal ways by heart. The instructions provided were easy and clear even to canal boat novices. John was always available at the end of the phone for any queries whether boat, route or pub related. Great service and lovely little boat. Would highly recommend
Had a fabulous week on New Dawn with a crew of 5. John was amazing and, although we have been on several narrow boat holidays before, took us through a comprehensive induction in which we learnt so much more from him. The boat is well kitted out and the cosiest we have ever been on (probably due to the double glazing). We had to call on John’s help a couple of times but nothing was too much trouble. We would definitely recommend this company and hope to be back for another trip in the future.
First time boating for us- we had a great 4 nights away on Charlotte. Great facilities on board and brilliant advice on where to go/moor up and a very useful tutorial on the first day (thanks, Nathan).
Just got back from a weekend break with the boat co north with our friends and 3 dogs. Had a brilliant time. It was our first time on a boat, and the experience was outstanding. Joining instructions were clear, and the induction was thorough and really useful. John and his colleagues knew everything and answered all our questions. Throughout our weekend we operated locks, some on our own and some with canal river trust staff and they were really helpful too. Our boat was excellent, clean, tidy, fully functional and well equipped. It’s good to know you have a contact with the company at all times so if you’re stuck or need a pub recommendation, they have you sorted. We’re already sorting our next trip. Thank you.
Had a week's trip aboard Charlotte in Feb. Heating worked a dream, so even though it was snowing outside, the inside was warm and snug! Got multiple comments from locals saying "it doesn't need to be August to have a good holiday here" and they were right!Fully working shower and kitchen made canal living easy, and John gave recommendations for all the best pubs and places to visit.Was our first canal holiday, but won't be the last.
Just back from a fab stay aboard Charlotte. 4 nights and we could have stayed for longer! It may have been February but we were warm aboard and really enjoyed our adventure.John is a fab host and very welcoming- loads of tips on places to stop/eat/drink.We will definitely be back for another adventure soon!
Excellent trip on the River Dancer even in the cold and snowy weather.John was on hand to help with small things such as the best pubs and the big things when we got a tyre and rope wrapped round the propeller.Had a series of short trips with the days being shorter and colder but still very enjoyable.Would definitely do this again in the summer months.
John and the team are very welcoming, human and informative. Handover instructions were very informative and stuck with us for the 7 days we were away. The trip out to bingley was excellent fun and very peaceful. Nothing was too hard but it was very enjoyable and challenging enough to feel rewarding. Emily was well stocked and served us well, we cooked onboard easily and enjoyed visiting pubs and cafes on route
A wonderful experience and holiday. John and Richard were thorough, knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. We phoned John for advice late one evening and he was still cheerful and accomodating, which is very reassuring when on our maiden voyage. The boat was supberb, even for our 91 year old dad who joined in the fun. Looking forward to doing it again. A big thank you.
We had such a fantastic holiday. The service John and his team provided was absolutely exceptional. Great value for money considering everything you get and the service received. We will definitely be back!
Excellent from start to finish. First time boaters and John was incredible with his support, knowledge and instruction. Always on hand to help with any questions including the best pubs! Highly recommended and looking forward to a summer trip! Thanks,John and the team!
Had a 3 night break on River dancer with my 3 sons we all really enjoyed the trip and John who was our contact couldn't have been more friendly or helpful would recommend to anyone..Thank you..
Myself, Partner and Pooch spent 3 Amazing nights on Emily .Expert Tutition and guidence and support from JohnHe went above and beyond with teaching us everything and recommended great places to stop and eat.Emily was clean, comfortable, cozy, well equipped and very warm with everything you need, She was lovely.Best experience ever.It was all abit daunting at first especially the locks but with the help of John's expert knowledge and support we had the most amazing time, We loved the gorgeous scenery and chatting and waving at everyone, it's a bit special "Canal time" perfect.Thankyou and we are already planning to come back in the spring for longer this time.I thoroughly recommend great experience and magical memories made x
Beautiful way to spend an autumn weekend. John is a sound lad, on the end of the phone when needed. Luckily not needed much, and the team at the base were fantastic. Tuition was fun and crucially, informative. Hopefully you'll meet Steve along the way who works for the Canal & River Trust. Another top bloke. This was my first barge holiday and I loved it so if you're thinking about giving it a go, I can't recommend these guys enough.
During October 2023 half term my family had a fantastic 4 nights on New Dawn. The boat was clean, and everything other than food was provided. As complete novices to being on the canal, the instruction given when we picked up the boat was excellent and set us up for the week. We obviously had some questions as the week progressed, and John was really helpful at the end of a phone to answer our questions it was great to see such professionalism and customer service. The boat was very comfortable and warm even in October. I'd recommend the Boat Co North to anyone, and if you have no experience, I wouldn't worry about it as I've said the instruction given is exceptional. Hope to see you all again in 2024.
Hubby, 2 adult sons and myself spent 4 nights on New Dawn, Leeds to Shipley and return. We had no idea what we were in for except I wanted lots of locks for my boys to keep them busy, and busy they were. We loved the lock system and swing bridges, enjoying the challenge at first, and then feeling quite chuffed and skilled by the time we returned the boat … just as John said we would.John really was amazing! He was prepared to start us with a late boat pickup, which we couldn’t help, but John was so patient and explained everything well, and got us started. I wouldn’t recommend starting late, so make sure you are there early afternoon to start.He was available throughout the trip if we needed anything, very supportive, and very concerned that we were having a good time, even with the drizzly English weather lol. And we really did have a wonderful family time together, such fabulous memories!Other people we met along the route were incredibly nice and friendly, making the canal life very special.Highly recommended!
Our family group of 4 adults have just got back after a fabulous Monday to Thursday adventure on Emily. We had a great time working the locks and the swingbridges as we travelled leisurely to the Bingley 5 Rise and back to Castleton Mill. We had terrific tuition & support from John and Mike before we set off with the help of the friendly crew on board River Dancer. John resolved a minor technical issue for us via a phone call and we had every confidence that he would help us with anything that we might have wanted. There are plenty of excellent pubs on the route serving great beer and food. We would highly recommend the lovely folk at The Boat Co North and we would gladly holiday with them again.
We hired Charlotte for 4 nights from 24/10/22.Exceptional:John - Incredibly friendly and helpful. He was an absolute hero during our trip when we ran into one or two unforeseen issues (due to canal/lock disruptions - not the fault of White Rose). His experience and knowledge of canal life was evident and we picked up some real top tips from him. Our trip wouldn't have been anywhere near as great without him.The canal, cruising, mooring spots, other boaters, and CRT volunteers along the way - all fantastic.Great:Mike/Holly - Met us on the morning of our departure, both really friendly and helpful, talked us through everything on the boat and Mike accompanied us through our first lock and made sure we were confident before leaving us to it. Mike was also really helpful and accommodating on our return, giving us a quick tour of their other boats so we could compare for next time.Good:Charlotte was a lovely boat on the whole. In need of a bit of a spruce up perhaps in terms of decor, but was end of season soo perhaps to be expected and not an issue for us. A little bit "Travelodge" in choice of colour scheme/pictures, but really very pleasant and comfortable.The handwash provided in the bathroom smelt divine, and the towels were lovely (big and soft).Not so great:Communication prior to our trip was poor. We knew there'd been canal closures due to the hot summer and we wanted some reassurance and advice around how this might affect our cruising. Unfortunately response to our email queries was pretty much non existent - we emailed 3 times with the same query and never received a reply. We actually started to worry that they'd gone out of business! Turns out internet connection at their temporary base wasn't great which probably didn't help, but to receive no reply at all!!?On the subject of temporary base - we did receive an email just over a week prior to our trip advising of this, and that we would need to pay £30 to park our car there whilst on the boat. This was an unexpected cost as the website clearly states that they have their own lock up where parking is free. We understand the move of base was out of White Rose control, but we booked our trip well before then, and felt they should absorb the parking cost in the circumstances, or still allow parking at their usual base and transport customers to the temporary base (not a million miles away). At the very least, the website should have been updated to reflect the situation and we could have been advised of the additional cost much sooner than we were.In terms of the boat itself:We searched high and low for spare bin liners when the bin became full. Couldn't find them anywhere - ended up emptying a carrier bag we'd taken for dirty laundry to use as a bin liner instead. When we lifted the full liner from the bin to replaec it, there in the bottom of the bin was... yes you guessed, a spare bin liner. In the cupboard with dustpan, brush, spare loo rolls etc would have been a more obvious place to store spare liners in our view.Whilst looking for the bin liners we came across a folder full of information on Charlotte and other really useful stuff. Maybe they just forgot but we weren't told about this and only discovered it towards the end of our trip.Definite lack of hooks on the boat - e.g. in the bathroom for your towels, near the stern door for coats etc.Obviously White Rose have had challenges to overcome this year, with canal closures and operating from a temporary base, which in turn clearly affected our own experience in some ways. Definitely room for some improvement (and I hope our comments are read as intended... constructive/helpful). Overall though, really great, and would definitely re-book.
Excellent. Four of us on a boat from Fri to Mon. Cooker, shower, fridge, microwave, audio system (with Bluetooth). Comfortable and slept well. Idyllic. Lost electrical power at one point but John was straight out and fixed it. The next day we ran aground but John guided us out of that one too. No worries about support as they truly look after you - even to guiding you through the first lock or two. Marvellous :)
What a great trip! We received excellent service from Holly and John at White Rose Canal Holidays. Our 20-ton beast of a narrowboat, Charlotte, was comfortable and beautifully equipped - she had everything we needed for our week-long round-trip from Leeds up to Skipton.The weather might not have been optimal (Yorkshire in May!) and we might have slightly underestimated the workload involved in negotiating the endless locks and swing bridges, but it was SO WORTH IT! The scenery was exquisite, and everyone we met along the way was super friendly.We had zero boating experience before booking this holiday, but if you are reading this and wondering if you should take the plunge, GO FOR IT! Do a bit of reading, watch some YouTube videos, take advantage of all the advice and help you will be offered along the way, GO SLOW, and enjoy every moment.Thanks, White Rose!
Hired a narrowboat with a group of friends from White Rose for a weekend break and had a fantastic time! This was our first time on the canals and had a few worries concerning boat and lock operations, but the friendly staff did a great job of putting our minds at ease and provided us with 2 hours tuition before setting off on our own (great job Holly and Pirate John 😁).I would say that if you want a purely relaxing trip then this may not be the holiday for you. Operating the locks and bridges can sometimes be hard work if there are no Canal & River Trust volunteers around to help, but the scenery is amazing and there are some great pubs enroute!Would highly recommend using White Rose Holidays... they're based close to the railway station and there are supermarkets nearby to fill the cupboards before heading into the countryside. We are definitely going to book again with you guys! ❤️ 👍🏻👍🏻
Highly recommended! Fantastic, friendly knowledgeable staff! Great tuition for boat hire and pretrip training videos! Fabulous holiday and beautiful boat river dancer. Check it out!
