Canal Boat Cruises in South Ribble

Having been given a voucher for this cruise as a gift, we weren't sure what to expect. My husband made the booking over the phone and immediately commented on how friendly and helpful the lady was who helped with our booking. We turned up on a very frosty morning and stood viewing the ice on the water! We were boarded at 11.45 and shown to our allocated table. The boat was duly decked out with Christmas decorations and for the whole cruise we were regaled with Christmas songs. The food (which we had ordered from the menu prior to the cruise) was really delicious and we considered ours to be ample portions. Above all, the service was amazing and the staff worked tirelessly. It appeared that everything ran like clockwork and at the end of the cruise we considered it a lovely way to spend about 3 hours. The price paid was really good value for money and this canal cruise is now firmly on our 'To Do' list for 2020.

We were not sure what to expect but we had a great afternoon aboard whilst being treated to a lovely three course Sunday dinner. Hardly felt the boat move, the canal was so calm. Service staff were very smart and polite. Glad we dressed smart to match the surroundings. Indeed we expected to be cold but it was very warm once we left the berth. I measured the temperature at 80°f so dont layer up too much. The service was geared to make the meal last over most of the 3 hour cruise, which suited us and we took our time to unwind and relax. Soup and pate for starters. Chicken and roast beef with vegetables followed. Apple pie x 2 for desert. All delicious. Bottle of house red cost about £17. Recommend if you like good food in an unusual setting and have three hours to spare.

A diamond wedding treat for my in-laws. Beautiful setting, delicious food. Lovely salad with the prawn cocktail. Tender beef and superb vegetables and roast potatoes. Apple pie was cooked to perfection. A hint of tart and not mushy. Served with plenty of custard. A really well stocked bar. Delicious Malbec at a very reasonable price. Lovely liqueur coffee with proper cream - not that squirty rubbish! Waiting on staff very friendly and efficient. Scenic views. Cannot fault it. 3 hours flew by. Highly recommend this experience. Thank you!

Went here for a birthday treat. Very clean boat and a pleasant section of the Leeds Liverpool canal. Had the added bonus of a kingfisher following us along the canal on the return journey. Pleasant meal served by nice people.

Super trip on Romance, with a 3 hour lunch cruise. Food and staff were equally excellent, seating was comfortable, and the whole experience was very relaxing.

What an absolutely fabulous way to spend Mother’s Day and treat the women in your life, (wife and her mum ) the ambiance, food and staff as always where exceptional they really did make Mother’s Day that extra special😀 Thanks to Louis, Ellie, Bridie, John and Lesley along with their staff for another memorable cruise, you guys are amazing 😀 See you all again very soon R and R

Thought I'd finished this review ages ago so sorry for dekay. Nice boat,no food available unless a group pre books. Tea, coffee and soft drinks to buy. A bit disappointed that the commentary was minimal. Stopped at viaduct for photos.

Expected more of commentary not just the few minutes we got. There were lots that we passed that we and others would have liked to know more about not just the viaduct. No food available just soft drinks,tea,coffee. Nice boat some info given about its size and construction which was interesting. Overall quite boring. The on line booking is odd but you can pay as you get on boat.

A lovely evening in the sunshine. Cruising, eating and drinking, what could be better. The tapas was good, there was plenty for everyone and a wide range of drinks to choose from. We have cruised with a single group of 30 people and experienced a dinner as a couple with many other couples. Both events first class!

Excellent food and the cruise team. Managed the 3 hrs so very well. Birthday cake for my wife was a lovely touch. Was our first trip with them but definitely not the last.

My partner and I had a lovely evening aboard Romance, the scene was set perfectly, very friendly and attentive staff, the 3 course meal was absolutely amazing and great value for money, will be returning again for sure!

Had a great time sailing down the canal, service was great and the food was excellent, well done to the chef! We will be going again, thank you

I received a voucher for my birthday and decided to use it for a Sunday lunch cruise. I am so glad I did! The food, the service and the cruise were excellent. You have to pre-order from a set menu, which is understandable. The starters were home made soup or Duck paté. We both chose the paté, which came with a dressed salad garnish and some Melba toast. A mini loaf of bread was also served at this time. Mains were either Roast Beef (sourced from Spout House Farm Shop at Higher Wheelton) or Roast chicken. We had one chicken and one beef, they were both delicious, as were the accompanying carrots, peas and beans, roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding. Desserts were Toffee crunch cake/pie or Apple pie. Both were very tasty and filing. Drinks prices were reasonable with a Diet Coke being £1.50 and a glass of Chilean Merlot (250ml) at £5.15. A most excellent 3 hours spent in the lovely Lancashire countryside.

Thoroughly enjoyed every minute.The staff are so welcoming and the home cooked food was delicious.This is a lovely relaxing way to spend Saturday afternoon would thoroughly recommend it xx

Lovely cruise with a 3 course lunch. 3 hours from Riley Green to Withnell and back. Choice of food pre ordered from the menu, main served piping hot with separate vegetables. Full waitress service with a smile. Lots to see on the journey, wildlife and countryside along with 2 locks.

Went on the three hour lunch cruise with wine, which we received as a Christmas present. The trip was really well organised and the food was excellent. The views on the trip were a nice backdrop and the whole experience was very relaxing. As our trip included wine (plus the additional cocktails that are available on board) we booked a room at the Boatyard pub, which is where the boat trip is based. This allowed us to enjoy the food and wine and not worry about travelling afterwards, making this part of a great weekend away. Would highly recommend.

Following a recommendation we went for afternoon tea. Located just off the M65 the marina itself is easy to find with plenty of parking, The boat was clean and bright, with comfortable bench seating and plenty of room. The staff (there were four on board) were friendly and attentive and ensured that we were well looked after for the two hour duration of the cruise. The food was well presented and prepared. There was plenty for each of us and the tea and coffee just kept coming. It was an enjoyable and relaxed experience, so different from what you would get at a traditional cafe or tea rooms. I would recommend it to anyone wanting something little different.Cruising along a small section of the Leeds-Liverpool canal on a sunny afternoon was perfect.

Having been given an activity super store voucher (as a gift) for which 'Canal Boat Cruises' advertise within and are apart of, we as a couple booked this Canal Boat Trip in good faith (and it was accepted), this voucher was then not honoured (although it was redeemed within the given time), Canal Boat Cruises then stipulated that our voucher was out of date... It was redeemed two months before expiry and the first available date was acceptedThis cruise costs £35 per person (and it was booked for two, total cost = £70), the voucher that was not honoured was for £100. Although I cannot comment on the quality of service provided, I can only assume that a company who affiliate themselves, with only I can describe as, and in my opinion a full on scam (activity super store).. would not be worth experiencing.

Este fue nuestro primer viaje en el romántico canal Boat y sin duda no será la última!

This was our third visit to this restaurant! We have had the Sunday lunch twice before which was really excellent and going through the locks was unusual and enjoyable. So we decided to experience the evening cruise. The food has always been excellent and the experience in the evening was romantic and relaxing. All the staff on the cruise are extremely attentive and friendly. We will definitely return!

Viewing the banks of the canal and seeing both the plants on the side and the barges of varying quality which seemed to point to the people who use them for peaceful times,as a retreat perhaps at weekends enjoying the pathway along the canalnatural walkway alongside or regular living quarters.Friendly operators whom I think are volunteers cheerfully worked the locks whichs a great experience to witness and to see the waters rising/falling. Unfortunately although the experience was good, the food in the restaurant was disappointing although in all fairness it was part of a package deal.

Read reviews on this and decided to book. Was an excellent experience, cannot fault and we'll booking

Please see canal boat cruises reviews - placed review for the Romance Restaurant Boat there - highly recommended.........

Loved the tapas and the cruise down the canal and the service.Thought it was a little overpriced but that having said, the drinks were more reasonably priced than most establishments. So I guess you can't have it both ways!Highly recommend the tapas although it was a little sparse with no dessert offered or included.

Brilliant staff & food, cannot fault & would def' recommend to others as this is a something different gift,thank you to the team.

Something different. Very popular - the boat was full. Warm welcome, swift service, nothing too much trouble. Not much to see especially after dark but shear novelty value worth a try. Food was varied, well cooked and without any delay.

What a lovely evening we had a trip on the boat on the Friday Tapas cruise everything about it was great the boat the food the staff will definitely do it again

We enjoyed a lovely meal cooked to perfection aboard the Romance whilst cruising along the lovely canal taking in the stunning countryside.I can highly recommend the Romance for a romantic meal or one of their lovely tapas Evenings.

Our second Tapas night cruise, what an great event this is. Top class service, great food and a great atmosphere. Yes, its a night time cruise and its dark but that does not distract from what is a great experience and tremendous value for money. I cannot speak highly enough of this company, what they offer and their professionalism. Joanne and I had yet another enjoyable evening in your company and we look forward to seeing you again on the May Tapa`s cruise.

Just Brilliant. Great value for money. Freshly made food. Great atmosphere. Top Night. Staff are very nice and friendly. Drinks not over the top neither

We have dined on Romance several times, they do a lovely Sunday lunch cruise and we have had two lovely new years eve cruises. Extremely enjoyable, lovely food, friendly relaxed atmosphere. A different, unusual way to end a year and start a new year. Loved it!!

We went here with friends for new years eve. It is so much more than a " floating restaurant " It is a dining experience. Unlike other eating establishments close by, it has a friendly atmosphere serving top quality food at reasonable prices.It maybe a set menu but the standard of the food and service are a worthwhile compromise for lack of choice. The Owners and staff make you feel special, their customer care is unbeatable. A 3hr cruise along the canal is included and adds to making the evening perfect.Another big plus is that the food and wine are from local sources , thus aiding the local economy.You really do have do make it a " Must Do "