canal tour manchester

City River Tour

• Imperial War Museum North
• Old Trafford
•   Additional Information 🐕 Service animals are welcome. 🚊 Nearby public transportation options make it accessible. 🧍‍♂️ Suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children need to be with an adult. 🍺 The minimum age for drinking is 18 years. ⛵ Departure is exclusively from Salford Quays. 👶 Only foldable buggies or prams are permitted; full-size prams cannot be accommodated. 🚫 The City Centre stop is no longer in operation.   Why choose Fever? ✔️ Millions of users book every month. ✔️ The best prices and availability at all times. ✔️ Thousands of unique experiences. ✔️ Verified user reviews. ✔️ 24/7 customer service.   Experience supplied by Manchester River Cruises All ticket sales are final and cannot be refunded, exchanged, or otherwise modified. Click here to check out  the T&Cs .

How to get there?

Manchester River Cruises

The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ

Select date and session

No booking fees

Similar experiences

Manchester city stadium tour, windermere & lake district tour from manchester including cruise, manchester exploration game - mystery walk with pub & cafe stops, lgbt+ manchester walking tour, relaxed walking wine tasting tour of manchester's best wine spots, craft beer tour, hard rock cafe manchester with set menu for lunch or dinner, rock and goal manchester walking tour, rhs garden bridgewater, hard rock cafe manchester, discover our top experiences, candlelight christmas: love actually, home alone & more, viennese christmas spectacular, candlelight: a tribute to queen, neon brush: sip & paint workshop in the dark, r&b brunch at tabu, tequila rumba festival birmingham, christmas at the movies by candlelight in coventry, light cycles - waitlist, a night at the opera by candlelight, christmas at the movies at lincoln cathedral, alton towers resort, viennese christmas spectacular by candlelight in nottingham, a night at the opera by candlelight - lincoln cathedral, west end musicals by candlelight in lincoln cathedral, throwing it back 90/00's brunch, old skool bingo, vivaldi's four seasons at christmas at st mary's church, boundary festival, candlelight: live classical music concerts - waitlist, vivaldi's four seasons at christmas at coventry cathedral, odeon bradford tickets, mystery picnic - hebden bridge, vue tickets: bradford's surrounding area, poole harbour and island cruise from poole, jurassic coastal cruise from poole, beetlejuice beetlejuice, it ends with us, odeon chester tickets, cineworld poole tickets, harold and the purple crayon, despicable me 4, inside out 2, a quiet place: day one, deadpool & wolverine, bad boys: ride or die, viennese christmas spectacular by candlelight in lincoln, related categories.

Sorry, JavaScript must be enabled to use this web app

Explore Manchester’s canals on a city cruise

Manchester, salford, trafford and beyond.

Choose from one of the city’s sightseeing cruises and get ready to discover Greater Manchester and its industrial history by boat.

Manchester is surrounded by miles of canals and waterways, built during England’s Industrial Revolution to allow coal to be transported into the heart of this great Northern city. Jump on board the City Centre Cruise from the docks at Castlefield Basin and watch Manchester, Trafford Park and Salford glide past you as you sail along the Manchester Ship Canal, Bridgewater Canal and River Irwell. You’ll see the MediaCityUK development site, the Imperial War Museum North and Old Trafford – home to Manchester United Football Club – as your boat navigates the locks and docks of Britain’s first canal. Those with time to spare can also experience Mersey Ferries’ Manchester Ship Canal Cruise, connecting the cities of Manchester and Liverpool along a 35 mile (56km) stretch of canal. The cruise lasts 6 hours and includes a fascinating commentary, departing from Salford Quays. Manchester is 2 hours 10 minutes from London by train.

Content provided by Visit Manchester

• Find out more about Manchester city cruises and plan your visit
• Find more tours and trails in Manchester

For more local tourist information:

• Manchester Visitor Information Centre Tic
• Email Address [email protected]
• Contact Details 0871 222 8223

Refine your search:

You may be interested in...

Learn the art of chocolate making at Slattery Patissier & Chocolatier

Chocolate lovers should make a beeline for the leafy north Manchester suburb of Whitefield, where they’ll find John Slattery’s Patisser and Chocolatier.

Location: Whitefield, Greater Manchester

Explore England’s industrial past on a Manchester city break

Discover Greater Manchester’s historic canals, the world’s first railway station and picturesque countryside on a city break.

Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester

Uncover the secrets of HiDDEN Manchester

Unlock a wealth of history and culture with HiDDEN, a collection of eight ‘hidden gem’ attractions dotted in and around Manchester’s city centre.

Location: Manchester and Salford

Imperial War Museum North

Get an insight into the wars and conflicts that have shaped both England and the world at the Imperial War Museum North.

We've something we want to share

Want to receive travel tips and ideas by email?

VisitEngland would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website, it should take no more than a couple of minutes.

Go to the survey

To add items to favourites …

… you need to be logged in.

If you already have an account, log in.

Or register a new account

Access your account

River Cruise in Salford

Salford quays river cruise (1 hour).

Manchester Sightseeing Cruises - Princess Katherine

Book Tickets Now   

Relax with a River and Canal Cruise between Salford Quays and Manchester City Centre.

Enjoy a relaxing boat trip as you cruise the historic ship canal and river irwell from the former manchester docks, now known as salford quays, to manchester city centre and return..

Board the Princess Katherine and listen to the onboard commentary as you enjoy this Manchester boat trip between Salford Quays and the city centre for a 60-minute boat trip. There are refreshments available to purchase onboard.

Cruise highlights En route, see the Victoria & Albert Hotel, formerly a 19th-century riverside warehouse, George Stephenson’s 1830 Railway bridge and the striking new 2017 Ordsall Chord Bridge. Look out for the former Pomona Docks and Old Trafford football stadium, home to the world-famous Manchester United. At Salford Quays, admire the impressive glass and steel buildings of Media City including the ITV Studios which produce the long-running TV series ‘Coronation Street’. Don’t miss the BBC Studios, the Imperial War Museum North, Lowry Theatre and Gallery, the Millennium Bridge and striking new stylish apartment blocks.

Timings  Regular* departures from Pier 8, which is next to The Lowry Theatre. Boarding is from the Lowry side of the Quays, beneath the Millennium footbridge. Look out for the Manchester River Cruise flags on the riverside path that mark the boarding point.

The Salford Quays boarding point is at Pier 8, which is beneath the Millennium footbridge, behind The Lowry theatre.

Pier 8 The Quays Salford M50 3AZ

The nearest car park to the boarding point is the Lowry Outlet multi-storey car park, M50 3AH.

The boat docks at in Manchester city centre at Ralli Quay, opposite the People’s History Museum and the Dockyard Pub.

* check river cruise website for latest sailing timetables, availability and latest information.

Discover more Sightseeing tours

Child (2-15 years)

DEPARTURE AND BOARDING POINTS

Boarding is from Pier 8, beneath the Millennium footbridge, behind The Lowry theatre.

Departure from Salford Quays: 11:30 12:45 14:00 15:15

Optional drop off  in Manchester city centre: 12:15 13:30 14:45 16:00

Cruise ends Salford Quays: 12:45 14:00 15:15 16:00

Please ensure you arrive at least five minutes before stated departure time; the Princess Katherine cannot return to the quay once departed.

Book Tickets

Click on the button below to visit our booking website and book tickets.

Book Now   

Ask a Question

City Centre Cruises

The original party boat, restaurant and canal barge tour company in manchester, operating passenger boat cruises on the canals of manchester for over 30 years, based in castlefield, manchester with two luxury purpose-built barges.

We offer restaurant, buffet, tour, party boat, corporate and water taxi services  

Licensed Bars | Onboard Chefs | Waiter Service | Music |  Karaoke | Central Heating

• the ultimate guide to manchester, england

• Food & Drinks
• Places to Stay

13+ Best Canal Walks in Manchester (and nearby!)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

If you are looking to explore Manchester’s canals, well you’ve come to the right place. There are a ton of canal walks in Manchester and nearby. 

Whether you are searching for a short stroll, or a 5.5-mile spritely canal walk, we are here to help. These canal walks are some of the best walks in Manchester . There is plenty to see along the way and they are relatively quiet routes. 

Whether you are looking to explore Salford Quays, or something a little further away in Bolton you’ll find a walk to suit you. 

In this post we will discuss the 12 best canal walks in Manchester (and nearby). So, if you are looking for some walking inspiration keep reading. 

Table of Contents

The Wharf Manchester City Walk, Castlefield

• Time / Distance: 1h / 1.9 mile

If you are searching for easy Manchester canal walking routes, then this is the perfect loop trail. This Castlefield canal walk explores the intricate waterways of the Bridgewater Canal. 

This canal walk starts at The Wharf pub and loops back around.

This is the perfect walk knowing you can reward yourself with a pint of beer by the canal when you’ve finished. 

It’s best to park at The Wharf car park right alongside the Bridgewater Canal. 

You’ll be able to complete this walking route in an hour, seeing a variety of places along the way. The route leads you along a variety of waterside and inner-city paths. 

It’s great to do this walk in the early evening because the bars and restaurants in the area will start to open, adding some extra hustle and bustle.

You’ll be able to see a variety of Manchester landmarks including the Beetham Tower and more.

🎥 This canal in Manchester was also used as a filming location for Peaky Blinders.

HOW TO GET THERE: From Manchester city centre it’s easiest to get the tramway from St Peter’s Square to Deansgate-Castlefield. You can follow the blue, green, pink, or purple lines.

The journey takes just 15 minutes, then you’ll need to walk beside the canal for further 20 minutes to reach The Wharf. If you’re driving, you can head along the A56 and park at the pub car park. 

Manchester Ship Canal and Salford Quays

• Time/ Distance : 1hr 40min / 5 miles 

The Manchester Ship Canal is an iconic industrial landmark and played a pivotal role in the city’s history.

Though the Manchester Ship Canal is 36 miles long, this walk will take you along 5 miles of waterway. 

This walk starts in Warburton where you first head along the Bollin Valley Way. You head along the trail northeast until it joins the canal with Glazebrook.

The path then continues towards Carrington. Along the way you’ll discover a 19 th century viaduct before heading back to Warburton.

You’ll also pass the Paddington Meadows Nature Reserve, a beautifully serene part of the walk.

Alternatively, you can start at the other end of the trail at Salford Quays. 

💡 Did you know why there are so many canals in Manchester? They were built to transport various products. The main one, Manchester Ship Canal was built to reduce transportation costs for the cotton coming from Liverpool.

HOW TO GET THERE: It takes around 35 minutes to reach Warburton from Manchester by car. 

Rochdale Canal Towpath from Piccadilly

If you are looking for a nice canal walk in Manchester city centre, this one is for you!

From Piccadilly Station, walk to Ducie Street and turn right to find the canal.

Here you will find a towpath that takes you all along the 32 miles of the Rochdale canal.

Of course, we are not suggesting you should walk that much but this is a great place to go for a leisurely stroll in Manchester city centre.

It feels very peaceful, it’s quite quiet and very pretty. You will find boats, pretty houses and in spring, you can also admire some cherry blossoms.

Ashton Canal from Paradise Wharf

• Time / Distance: 35 minutes / 1.3 miles (+return)

The Ashton Canal runs from Manchester eastwards towards Ashton under Lyne. This canal forms part of the “Cheshire Ring” where a few canals connect.

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal, the Peak Forest Canal, the Rochdale Canal, and the Bridgewater Canal all intertwine with the Ashton Canal. 

The Ashton Canal originally ran from a large basin which is now the location of Manchester Piccadilly Station. 

This canal walk takes you along some of the more industrial parts of Manchester so there’s always something to see. 

HOW TO GET THERE: This canal walk in Manchester is super easy to get to from the city centre. In just 15 minutes you can walk to Paradise Wharf where the walk starts. Head along Piccadilly Road, and then take a left onto Ducie Street. 

Bridgewater Canal walk from Trafford to Worsley

• Time / Distance: 2h50 / 7.5 miles

Of the canal walks near Manchester the Bridgewater Canal from Trafford to Worsley is a great route. At 7.5 miles it’s the longest route on this list of best canal walks in Manchester.

Whether you are looking for an interesting running route or just a long walk this is the canal trip for you. 

This is also one of the quietest canal walks, you may only meet a couple of people for the duration of the walk. 

This walk starts from the United Trinity Statue right beside Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium. 

The Bridgewater Canal is steeped in history and first opened in 1761. Along this canal walk, you’ll experience Manchester’s heavy industrial landscape and history.

You’ll head through Trafford Park which was the first industrial estate in the world. 

If you are mid-walk and fancy a spot of shopping, you can access the Trafford Centre. Soon after the Trafford Centre, the landscape changes again. Long boats are floating on the canal and trees line the pathway. 

By the time you reach Worsley the landscape changes again. There’s Worsley Delph a stone quarry and a system of underground tunnels 

HOW TO GET THERE: Driving to United Trinity Statue (the start of the route) takes just 15 minutes from the centre of Manchester. As it’s at the United ground there are a few car parks in the area. It is also easy to take the tram starting at the China Town stop and getting off at Chester Road/ Warwick Road. 

Bridgewater Canal and Transpennine Trail

• Time / Distance: 2h / 5.2 miles

Of the canal walks around Manchester the Bridgewater Canal and Transpennine Trail is an excellent long walk. 

This canal walk starts near Altrincham and is an easy and enjoyable route. It’s most popular among hikers, runners, and those out for an afternoon stroll. This is also a dog and bike-friendly route so keep an ear out for cyclists. 

If you are visiting the canal after it rains, it’s best to bring some sturdy shoes as it can get quite muddy in places.

Along this route, you’ve got to stop off at Dunham Ice Cream Farm where there are farm animals to see and ice-creams to devour. 

Please note that while this is a nice Manchester canal walk, you can also do other activities on the Bridgewater canal such as paddleboarding and kayaking.

HOW TO GET THERE: This loop trail starts in Oldfield Brow in Altrincham right by the Bridgewater Canal. From the city centre, it’s a 35-minute drive along the A56. You can find parking in Oldfield Brow or street parking closer to the start of the trail.

Chadderton and Rochdale Canal

• Time / Distance: 1h50 / 5 miles

This is one of the best canal walks near Manchester. This 5-mile canal walk is an out-and-back trail. Though it takes nearly two hours to complete, it’s a flat and easy route. 

Whether you want to walk your dog , go for a run, or just take a daytime stroll the Chadderton and Rochdale Canal is a fantastic location. 

This route starts along Hunt Lane in Chadderton and past Radclyffe School before reaching the canal. The canal is interspersed with locks and is mostly lined with trees. 

HOW TO GET THERE: The best way to get to this canal walk is to drive. To reach Hunt Lane from Manchester it’s a 25-minute drive along the A62 and A663.  

Bridgewater Canal Trail in Dunham

• Time / Distance: 1h / 2.6 miles

The Bridgewater Canal Trail starts and ends in Altrincham.

If you are looking for an early evening date night activity , then this is one of the most romantic walks in Manchester.

The route goes through the countryside and the canal is lined with cute arched bridges and plenty of trees. 

People enjoy walking, running, and biking along the Bridgewater Canal Trail.

This walk begins at Back Lane in Dunham Town, and you can complete this canal walk in around an hour.

The end of this route is at Seamons Road around 2.6 miles from the start point. Whilst you can continue along the canal, many choose to turn back. 

HOW TO GET THERE: This canal walk near Manchester is best accessed by car. From Manchester’s city centre, it takes just over 30 minutes.

Head south along the A56 and then along the A6144 towards Dunham Massey. There are a few street parking spots along Back Lane, where you can access the canal.  

Huddersfield Narrow Canal walk via Uppermill

• Time / Distance: 1h50 / 4 mile

This is a lovely canal walk along Huddersfield Narrow Canal. It’s a loop route that will take just under two hours to complete. 

This is a popular track, particularly at the weekend when people want to connect with nature.

You’ll find people walking, running, and birding. If you are looking for dog walks in Manchester or nearby, this is an excellent route. Since some of the pathways is along a bridle way though, dogs must be kept on a lead. 

The route takes you along the canal, which has lots of locks and then returns along the bridle way. The views are beautiful, mostly of Saddleworth Moor and the countryside. 

HOW TO GET THERE : The best way to get to this walk is by car. It takes around 50 minutes to reach the Dobcross area where the walk starts. You’ll want to head to the Lime Kiln Café along the A670. 

Saddleworth Circuit 

• Time / Distance: 2h / 4 miles

The Saddleworth Circuit is a beautiful walk that starts from the Brownhill Countryside Centre.

The route heads out towards the cutely named Diggle village. 

Along the way, there are five locks which are part of the Diggle flight.

The views are brilliant on this walk, you can see across to Lark Hill and the Pennine Hills as well.

Birds are tweeting in the trees, and you really feel as if you’re in the countryside. 

The walk is generally considered easy, though there are a few hilly sections. Some of the walk’s highlights include weaver’s cottage, Saddleworth Church, and the village of Uppermill. 

HOW TO GET THERE: You’ll want to head to the Brownhill Countryside Center on Wool Road in Oldham to start this walk. From Manchester’s city centre, it takes around 45 minutes to reach the start of this walk. By train, you should head to Greenfield which is the nearest station. 

Bolton to Bury Canal Walk

• Time / Distance: 2h30 / 5 miles

Another of the best canal walks near Manchester is along the Bury Canal. 

This walk starts at Moses Gate Country Park on Hall Lane in Bolton. There is a handy free parking spot right at the start of this walk.

You don’t just get to follow the canal ways on this walk, you also get to follow the River Croal and the River Irwell.

It may be hard to believe but the area surrounding the Bury Canal was once a thriving industrial area. Today it’s quite the contrast, with nature blossoming.  

HOW TO GET THERE: If you want to get the train to Bolton Head to Moses Gate station. Driving to the Moses Gate Country Park takes around 40 minutes. 

Marple Lock Walks

• Time / Distance: 30 minutes / 1 mile

Marple is situated southeast of Manchester and Stockport. This is one of the best canal walks in Greater Manchester.

If you are looking for an easy and quick canal walk this is the one for you. Though it’s short, this walk takes you through a beautiful section of the Peak Forest Canal. 

Highlights of this walk include the Marple Lock Flight, which consists of 16 canal locks all within one mile. 

During the summer months, there are lots of boats , and it’s entertaining to watch them all going through the plethora of locks. 

This walk starts at Marple Memorial Park. You’ll see a footpath leading down to the canal, then head along the towpath going north where you’ll soon find the lock flight. 

HOW TO GET THERE: From Manchester, it’s quickest and easiest to drive to Marple. Head to the start of the trail at Marple Memorial Park where you will find a car park. 

Macclesfield Canal

• Time / Distance: 3h / 5.5 miles

This Macclesfield Canal walk is one of the “nearby” Manchester canal walking routes. Macclesfield is around an hour’s drive from Manchester, but this canal walk is well worth the drive. 

This 5.5-mile walk takes around 3 hours to complete. It’s an out-and-back trail and is accessible throughout the year.

The route starts at Cowbrook Lane in Macclesfield, when you’ve had enough, or the light begins to fade, simply turn around and head back.

Families , runners, and people with dogs will love this canal walk. There are dense trees along most of the route which makes for a beautifully tranquil walk.

Stone bridges stretch over the canal and colourful barges can be seen along the walk. 

HOW TO GET THERE: To reach Macclesfield from Manchester it’s easiest to drive via the A5103. You can also take the train to Macclesfield which takes just 30 minutes and costs less than £10. From the station, you can take the 109 bus from Stand 9 in town.  

We hope you enjoy this article and if you know any more walks along Manchester canals, let us know!

You may also be interested:

• 6+ Best Manchester Boat Trips to Book in 2023
• 15 Best Beaches Near Manchester
• 15 Best Forest Walks near Manchester
• 10 Best Cities near Manchester to Visit
• 15 Best Castles near Manchester
• 9 Most Beautiful Bridges in Manchester

Founder of Manchester Pocket Guide. Pauline has been living in Manchester for 6 years and loves exploring the city. As a travel writer, she always had passion for discovering cities but Manchester is the place she truly fell in love with. From cute food spots to famous landmarks, she knows Manchester like the back of her hand.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Assign a menu in Theme Options > Menus

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Family Friendly

Restaurants, what's on at manchester opera house & palace theatre, buy the visit manchester pass.

Discover Manchester with the Visit Manchester Pass - Entry into 13 of Manchester's top attractions plus over 30 discounts and offers.

Ratings Powered by

No tours Wednesday 25th September

• What's On
• On Board Events
• Boat to Old Trafford
• Private Hire
• Help - Manchester River Cruises
• Cruise with Father Christmas

Adele - Hello from the Water

Boarding point.

A night not to be forgotten with an amazing set of Adele hits performed by tribute artist Lareena Mitchell followed by a set Soul Motown & Disco to get the boat rockin'!

Welcome Drink : Be greeted with a sparkling glass of Prosecco as you embark on the Isabella.

Musical Journey : Sets of amazing Adele hits from Chasing Pavements to Skyfall followed by a set of Soul, Motown & Disco incl songs by Whitney, Billy Ocean & Tina Turner.

Table Service: Our attentive staff will ensure you're well cared for throughout the evening.

Light Snacks: There will be a selection of nibbles on your table.

Boarding: 19:15 - 19:30

Departing: 19:30

Return: 21:55

Accessibility

The Isabella does not have disabled access. There is one step up and four steps down to board the vessel.

The Isabella is fully heated, and equipped with an onboard licenced bar and two toilets.

The Isabella has booth seating for six to a table, for bookings of two you may share a booth with another couple, and bookings of four or six have a booth to themselves. You are welcome to sit outside if you wish.

Boarding begins 15 minutes before the time stated on your ticket. The Isabella will be waiting for you, moored under the lift bridge by the Lowry Theatre.

The closest tram stop is at Media City, the closest parking is at the Quayside Shopping centre. The boarding point can be found under the Millennium Footbridge just by the Lowry Theatre. Some details can be found here

If you need help with bookings you can either call or email us. You may find the information you need on our Help Page .

• Phone +44 161 960 0534
• Email [email protected]

You may also like

Swinging on the river, dolly cruise, rollin' on the river, explore with us, manchester's premier river & canal tour company.

A family built business with a heritage of working the waterways of Manchester stretching back over a hundred years, our local knowledge will help you make the most of any tour.

• Our Vessels - Manchester River Cruises
• About Us - Manchester River Cruises

We’re very social