Canal Cruises Near Rugby – 2027
Relax on the Grand Union Canal Aboard Skyrack
Step aboard Skyrack, our traditional 57-foot narrowboat, and experience the beautiful Grand Union Canal from The Boat Inn near Rugby and Southam.
Choose from relaxing two-hour cruises, Cruise and Dine packages, afternoon tea, private celebrations, half-day and all-day adventures, or a year-round stay aboard Skyrack.
You sit back, relax and let us do all the work.
2027 season: Good Friday, 26 March to Thursday, 30 September
Scheduled sailings: 12pm and 3pm
Minimum booking: Four people
Maximum capacity: 10 passengers
Private use: Book four or more adult places and enjoy exclusive use of Skyrack at no additional charge
To book or enquire, text your name, preferred date, sailing time and number of passengers to 07399 832047.
Choose Your Skyrack Experience
Two-Hour Canal Cruise – £40 Per Person
Enjoy a peaceful two-hour return cruise from The Boat Inn towards Calcutt Bottom Lock.
There are no locks on this route, so you can sit back, relax and let us do all the work while you enjoy the Warwickshire countryside, canal wildlife and beautiful scenery of the Grand Union Canal.
Cruise and Dine – £65 Per Person
Combine a relaxing two-hour canal cruise with a meal at The Boat Inn.
Your package includes:
A two-hour canal cruise
A £25 food voucher to use at The Boat Inn
A complimentary drink aboard Skyrack
You can dine before or after your cruise, subject to table availability and kitchen opening times.
Afternoon Tea Cruise – £65 Per Person
Enjoy traditional afternoon tea while cruising through the Warwickshire countryside.
Your package includes:
A two-hour canal cruise
Afternoon tea served aboard Skyrack
A glass of Prosecco
Unlimited tea and coffee
Advance booking is essential. Please tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements when making your reservation.
A minimum booking of four people applies to all cruises.
Your Own Private Narrowboat Cruise
Book and pay for a minimum of four adult places, and you can enjoy exclusive use of Skyrack for your group at no additional private-hire charge.
Private cruises are ideal for:
Birthdays and anniversaries
Family gatherings
Small celebrations
Romantic occasions
Groups of friends
Memorial trips
Corporate and team days
Special gifts and surprises
Skyrack can accommodate up to 10 passengers, plus our two-person crew.
For larger groups, including bookings of 10 people, some passengers will be seated inside the boat and others outside. Passengers may change places during the cruise when it is safe to do so.
Half-Day and All-Day Cruises
Would you like more time on the water? Half-day and all-day cruises are available by prior arrangement.
Longer experiences can include:
Alternative routes
Navigating locks
Longer stops
Meals and refreshments
More time to experience canal life
A route planned around your group
Prices are provided individually according to the route, length of cruise and your requirements.
Alternative Routes and Sailing Times
Our scheduled sailings depart at 12pm and 3pm, but alternative routes and sailing times may be available by prior arrangement.
Tell us what you have in mind and we will help create a relaxing, personalised canal experience for your group.
All routes and sailing times are subject to availability, suitable weather, canal conditions and navigation restrictions.
Thinking About Buying a Narrowboat?
Are you considering buying a narrowboat but worried that life on the water might not be right for you?
Come and spend a day aboard Skyrack—or stay for a night or two—and experience narrowboat life before making such an important decision.
You will have the opportunity to ask honest questions about:
Choosing and buying a narrowboat
Ownership and running costs
Moorings and licences
Maintenance and servicing
Living aboard
Cruising and navigating
Using locks
Heating, power and onboard facilities
Everyday life on the water
There is no pressure and no sales pitch. We do all the work while you sit back, experience life aboard and, most importantly, relax.
It is an ideal opportunity to discover whether narrowboat ownership is right for you.
Stay Aboard Skyrack Throughout the Year
Skyrack is also available to rent for unique narrowboat B&B stays throughout the year, including when our cruises are not operating.
Sleeping up to four guests, Skyrack offers:
A minimum two-night stay
Accommodation for up to four guests
A cosy wood-burning stove
Central heating
Television and home cinema
Wi-Fi
A comfortable living area
The Boat Inn just a short walk away
A peaceful base for exploring the local area
Dog-friendly stays by prior arrangement
During the cruising season, guests may also be able to add a two-hour, half-day or all-day cruise to their stay, subject to availability, suitable weather and canal conditions.
Please contact us for accommodation prices and availability.
Gift Vouchers Available
Give someone a memorable experience on the Grand Union Canal with a Skyrack gift voucher.
Gift vouchers are available for:
Two-hour canal cruises
Cruise and Dine packages
Afternoon Tea Cruises
Private cruises
Longer canal experiences
Overnight stays aboard Skyrack
Cruise gift vouchers are available for a minimum of four people.
They make wonderful presents for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, retirements and other special occasions.
Bespoke Skyrack Experiences
If you have an idea that is not listed, please ask. We may be able to arrange:
Bespoke private cruises
Cruise and overnight packages
Special-occasion experiences
Alternative routes and sailing times
Food and drink packages
Relaxed introductions to narrowboat life
From a peaceful two-hour cruise to a complete narrowboat break, we will help create an experience that suits you.
All bespoke experiences are subject to availability, suitable weather, canal conditions and navigation restrictions.
2027 Cruise Dates and Times
Our 2027 cruising season begins on Good Friday, 26 March 2027, and continues until Thursday, 30 September 2027.
Easter weekend sailings will operate from Good Friday, 26 March through to Easter Monday, 29 March 2027.
Scheduled cruises will operate primarily at weekends, departing at:
12pm
3pm
Midweek, private and alternative sailings may be available by prior arrangement.
Booking and Payment
Advance booking is required, with a minimum of four people per cruise booking.
A 50% deposit (Bank Transfer) is required to secure your reservation. The remaining balance must be paid no later than seven days before your cruise.
When contacting us, please provide:
Your name
Preferred date
Preferred sailing time
Number of passengers
Chosen cruise package
Any dietary requirements
Any accessibility requirements
If we need to cancel your cruise because of unsuitable weather, canal conditions, navigation restrictions or boat availability, we will offer an alternative date or a full refund.
Important Information
Minimum cruise booking: Four people
Maximum capacity: 10 passengers
Larger groups will be seated partly inside and partly outside
Passengers may change places when it is safe to do so
Children must be supervised by a responsible adult
Sensible footwear is recommended
Please contact us before booking if anyone has limited mobility
Dogs may travel by prior agreement
Alcohol must be consumed responsibly
Routes and cruise durations may change because of weather, canal conditions or navigation restrictions
Book Your Skyrack Experience
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, looking for a memorable gift, considering narrowboat ownership or simply want a relaxing day on the water, Skyrack offers a wonderful way to experience the Grand Union Canal.
Book four or more adult places and enjoy exclusive use of Skyrack for your group at no additional charge.
You sit back, relax and enjoy the experience—we will do the rest.
Text: 07399 832047
Email: info@theboatinnrugby.com
