Celebrate the holidays aboard a narrowboat cruising Lancashire’s charming canals while enjoying a classic Christmas roast dinner with all the trimmings. Discover why this festive cruise is a standout way to experience Lancashire’s historic waterways.
Celebrate the holidays aboard a narrowboat cruising Lancashire’s charming canals while enjoying a classic Christmas roast dinner with all the trimmings. Discover why this festive cruise is a standout way to experience Lancashire’s historic waterways.
Book with Canal Cruise Lancashire Ltd
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
1,065 ratings
Operated by Canal Cruise Lancashire Ltd · Burscough, England
Set against the tranquil backdrop of Lancashire’s lush waterways, the Christmas Dinner Cruise offers a refreshing way to celebrate the holiday season away from usual bustle. Launching from Burscough, England, this 1.5-hour journey winds gently along narrow canals, where historic villages and verdant banks slide by your window. Aboard an intimate, central heated narrowboat, guests enjoy cozy comfort balanced by panoramic views unique to this region, famed for its network of locks and serene waters.
The cruise is more than a scenic ride; it’s a festive feast designed for all ages and tastes. The highlight is a traditional Christmas roast dinner where each plate features a choice between succulent turkey, tender chicken breast, honey-glazed ham, or a chestnut nut roast crafted for vegetarians. The menu pairs these mains with lovingly prepared herb-roasted potatoes, honey-glazed root vegetables, seasonal greens, giant Yorkshire puddings, and a rich red wine gravy, evoking the warmth of a classic holiday meal.
Guests start with a welcome drink—alcoholic or non-alcoholic options—setting a celebratory tone while drifting through the picturesque Lancashire countryside. Unlimited self-serve tea and coffee ensure warmth and refreshment throughout the cruise. Despite its festive flair, this cruise prioritizes a relaxed pace and inclusive ambiance, ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a unique holiday experience.
What distinguishes this Lancashire cruise is the combination of gourmet dining and an immersive local journey through England’s historic canal system—one of the country’s defining outdoor spaces. The narrowboats offer an intimate setting that connects diners not just to their meal but to the rhythm of the waterways, linking the area's industrial heritage with tranquil nature.
While dogs are not permitted and accessibility is limited due to the boat’s design, the experience remains widely accessible for most guests. The absence of onboard disability access is offset by exceptional service and the serene environment created for comfortable, enjoyable dining paired with exploration.
For holiday travelers seeking an alternative to standard restaurant fare or crowded events, this cruise provides a memorable blend of seasonal flavors and bucolic views. Lancashire’s waterways, with their calm waters and gentle breezes, create a peaceful setting to savor the festive spirit in a way uniquely tied to this part of England.
In essence, the Christmas Dinner Cruise marries tradition with adventure in a setting that invites reflection and celebration. It’s an ideal booking for travelers wanting to add a pinch of magic to their Lancashire visit this holiday season.
Yes, guests of all ages are welcome to join the cruise.
Unfortunately, there is no disabled access on the boat due to its narrow design.
Dogs are not permitted on the Christmas Dinner Cruise.
Guests can choose from turkey, chicken breast, honey glazed ham, or a chestnut nut roast with traditional sides.
Yes, a welcome drink and unlimited self-serve tea and coffee are included.
Reservations can be made through the provided referral link on the Lancashire Canal Cruises website.
Canal Cruise Lancashire Ltd operates passenger cruises from Burscough, England, on the Leeds/Liverpool Canal. The company runs a fleet that includes the narrowboat Alfie Bhoy and offers a mix of scheduled public cruises and private charters. Typical experiences include themed dining cruises such as the Curry Cruise, Fish & Chips Cruise, Hotpot Cruise, Roast Dinner Cruise, Tapas & Sangria or Wine & Cheese Cruise, Breakfast Cruise, Afternoon Tea Cruise and a Christmas Dinner Cruise. Private options include half-day, two-hour and full-day charters with an experienced skipper, private breakfast or catered cruises, and special experiences such as a Canal Boat Experience Day. Holiday hire boats listed include Cray (47 ft, cruiser stern style) and Eshton (57 ft, cruiser stern style). Many dining cruises provide welcome drinks, complimentary tea and coffee, onboard heating and, on selected cruises, a complimentary glass of wine. Charters and some private trips accommodate groups of up to 12 people. Skippers provide local commentary, guidance on canal handling and opportunities to assist with swing bridges where available. Across public and private departures passengers can expect scenic views of Lancashire waterways, small towns and villages, opportunities to spot waterfowl, and relaxed, food-led events on the water. Information in this summary is derived from published trip descriptions and booking details for Canal Cruise Lancashire Ltd and reflects the company’s offerings and vessel names listed in public materials.
Book with Canal Cruise Lancashire Ltd