Pennine Cruisers
📍 19 Coach Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1LH
About Pennine Cruisers
Description
Skipton in Yorkshire, "Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales," is also close to the summit of one of the country’s most beautiful canals, the Leeds and Liverpool canal. Here in the Leeds /Liverpool canal basin we find Pennine Cruisers, a family run company consisting of Ian Clarke, wife Pamela and daughter Zoe with an enviable stock of well equipped craft for you to hire. Ian alone has over 30 years experience so there is not a ripple on this stretch of waterway that they do not know.
Pennine Cruisers provides everything that is needed and whether you are an absolute beginner or an experienced boater you will find it at Pennine Cruisers. First of all via their Boat Shop and chandlery and then as the result of the various boating activities on offer here throughout the year.
Starting with their 30 minute accompanied canal trips up the historic Springs Branch to see Skipton Castle from a different angle. Pennine Cruisers also have four Day Boats, which, following a brief instruction are undertaken by all with total confidence. Canal life is addictive and so the next step is a short break, holiday or extended holiday on board a narrowboat before you finally succumb to a commitment to this way of life and invest in your own craft! At this point the Boat Yard, dry dock and maintenance services on offer by Pennine Cruisers become of use.
What could be better than sailing slowly along this picturesque waterway, stopping off at one of the many waterside inns, but knowing that you are never more than a few yards from dry land! So contact Pennine Cruisers boat for a range of hire options for boating holidays: weekly hire, day hire etc; just perfect!
Full lockside instruction is given to ensure our hirers are confident in the operation of locks and know how to operate them safely so they can enjoy all aspects of their holiday. Safe lock operation cannot be learnt using DVDs, models etc. Lockside is the only way.
Narrowboat holidays and narrowboat hire
Day boats
Short breaks
Canal boat hire
Canal trips and canal holidays
For both beginners and experienced sailors
Over 30 years experience
Boat Shop and chandlery
Boat Yard and dry dock
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📍 19 Coach Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1LH
from 209 reviews
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Showing 5 of 209 reviews from Google Maps.Last updated 8 February 2026.
We hired 2 boats for our wedding day celebration and wedding Breakfast. The boats are 4-5 minutes walk from the registry Office and 1 minuet from Buzzie Lizzie’s chip shop where had take away Fish and chips on the boat. The service from booking to returning the boats was fantastic and they also suggested as we were getting married we took their new boats “Wallace and Grommit”. We had 16 in the party and the 2 boats never felt crowded. We also had a 86 and a 91 year old who had no trouble getting on or off or into the cabin. We had excellent and comprehensive instructions on the boat and bridges. Can’t recommend this company enough and a great fun and relaxed start to our married life.
Thanks to Zoe and skipper Paul for a lovely afternoon cruise. We hired the crewed boat for a three hour cruise. Time of year didn’t matter with the spacious warm boat. So much glass you could have been sat on deck. Definitely recommend, we will be back to pilot our next time!
Book now - don’t think twice. What an incredible few hours. From contacting them to book the 515 to dusk through to handing back the keys it was so worth it. We arrived a little early and got stuck in. Pete gave us a detailed training session that set us up well. None of us had done this before and we were anxious (not that anyone admitted that until afterwards 😝) there were four of us and two dogs. We all naturally found our role in the whole thing and worked as an ace team (thankfully). Yes it took focus and concentration but it was an adventure my teenager will remember for ever and next time we will find it easier and so relax into it more. An amazing family few hours together. Thank you Pete and team. We will be back.
Trip - 13th October 2025 at 1.00 - 2.00. Great, relaxing experience on a lovely boat (Tom) Our skipper was really friendly and informative. Drinks available. Duck food provided. Lovely touch 😁
Lovely 30-minute boat ride in Skipton – just £5! Had a fantastic experience on the canal boat ride in Skipton. It was a 30-minute ride for just £5 – great value! The boat is powered by a beautifully maintained 1947 vintage engine, which adds a nice nostalgic touch. The captain was friendly and engaging, making the ride even more enjoyable. The views along the canal were peaceful and scenic, perfect for a relaxing family outing. Our kids had a great time, especially when feeding the birds from the boat and playing around. It’s a simple, calm, and fun experience for both adults and children. Highly recommended if you're visiting Skipton.