• England's canal system is over 250 years old, and much of it has undergone recent restoration. Cruising these inland waterways on rented canal boats is a popular vacation option. Experienced watermen as well as those with no boating experience can enjoy canal river cruises.
  
  

Shire Cruisers

• Shire Cruisers offers narrowboat canal cruises in Yorkshire. You will receive a detailed instruction manual of how to operate the narrowboats before your vacation starts, and the company will give additional on-site training when you arrive, including how to operate the canal locks. A license or prior experience is not required. Up to two dogs are permitted on the boats at no charge, so long as they are kept off the furniture. You can take a one-way trip or an "out and back" trip, depending on how much cruising you want to do daily. The company provides all linen (towels for international travelers only). You can bring your own bicycles and canoes to strap to the roof of the narrowboats. The price of locks, moorings, and fuel is included in the total fees.
  
  Shire Cruisers
  The Wharf, Sowerby Bridge
  West Yorkshire, England HX6 2AG
  011 (+ 44) 1422 832712
  shirecruisers.co.uk
  
  

Arlen Hire Boats

• Arlen Hire Boats operates narrowboats on the Lancaster Canal. Arlen allows common household pets, but requests they be kept off the bedding and furniture. Linens (except towels), cooking supplies and a color television are provided. Arlen Hire Boats does not allow customers to bring bicycles onboard. Arlen will store your vehicle in protected parking while you're on the canal cruise. There is a 10 percent discount on the purchase of a second consecutive week. The boats have quiet diesel engines, and the cost of fuel is included. Lessons on boat handling are available when you arrive.
  
  Arlen Hire Boats
  Ashton Basin, Tulketh Brow
  Preston, England PR2 2SD
  011 (+44) 1772 769183
  arlen-hireboats.co.uk
  
  

Andersen Boats

• Andersen Boats offers narrowboat cruises starting in Cheshire and traveling through England or Wales. The company has been in business for over thirty years. Dogs are permitted on board for an extra fee per animal. Assistance dogs are allowed for free, subject to space on the specific vessel. Fuel is included in the price. The boats come equipped with showers and fresh water toilets, refidgerators and stoves, microwave ovens, linens, and central heating. Hair dryers and extra cots are available upon request. Andersen will store your vehicle for free. They offer routes through Chester, Llangollen, Caldon Canal, Chesire ring, and a four-county ring.
  
  Anderson Boats
  Wych House Lane, Middlewich
  Cheshire, England CW10 9BQ
  011 (+44) 1606 833668
  andersenboats.com/index.php