Shire Cruisers

Shire Cruisers is a family-run canal boat hire company based at The Wharf in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire. They offer self-drive narrowboat holidays and short cruises on the Calder and Hebble Navigation, a historic waterway that meanders through the scenic Calder Valley. The experience of visiting Shire Cruisers begins at their base, a charming wharf with traditional canal-side buildings. You can choose from a fleet of well-maintained narrowboats, each equipped with home comforts like a kitchen, bathroom, and cozy sleeping quarters. For those short on time, they also offer day hire or hourly trips, allowing you to pilot a boat through locks and under stone bridges. What makes Shire Cruisers distinctive is their focus on personalized service and the beauty of the surrounding countryside, green hills, quaint villages, and wildlife like herons and ducks. The canal passes through the historic town of Hebden Bridge and the stunning Hardcastle Crags, making it a perfect escape from urban life. Navigating the locks yourself adds a hands-on adventure, and the friendly staff provide thorough instruction before you set off.

Don't miss

• Self-drive narrowboat hire for a day or longer, with full instruction provided
• Cruising through the scenic Calder Valley, with views of rolling hills and woodlands
• Operating the locks yourself, a fun and educational experience
• Spotting wildlife such as swans, ducks, and kingfishers along the canal
• Stopping at Hebden Bridge, a vibrant market town with independent shops and cafes

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Shire Cruisers

Cheapest way inLondon: Uber Boat - Single Journey River Thames Cruise4★ · 1,670 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$13 per personSee dates →Most bookedWestminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London4.6★ · 3,237 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$23 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePortland's Famous Bridges & Riverfront History Cruise5★ · 22 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$79 per personSee dates →

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How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and operating locks. Bring a waterproof jacket.
• Pack a picnic or buy supplies in Sowerby Bridge. Boats have kitchens but no onboard dining.
• Book in advance, especially for summer weekends and school holidays.
• You don't need a license to drive a narrowboat; full training is given before departure.

A bit of history

The Calder and Hebble Navigation was completed in 1770 to connect the wool towns of West Yorkshire to the wider canal network. Shire Cruisers has been operating from Sowerby Bridge since the 1970s, continuing the tradition of canal transport as a leisure activity.