About Us

Step Aboard History with Best Yorkshire Boating

Discover Yorkshire from the water aboard Apollo, our beautifully preserved historic working narrow boat. With Best Yorkshire Boating, you can enjoy 90-minute trips right through to full-day adventures, cruising at a relaxed pace through some of Yorkshire’s most characterful waterways.

Historic narrowboat Apollo on a charter trip

This isn’t just a boat trip - it’s a hands-on canal experience.

Under the guidance of our expert skippers and friendly crew, you’ll have the chance to take the tiller, learn how a traditional narrow boat handles, and even operate historic canal locks yourself. No experience needed - just curiosity and a sense of adventure.

As Apollo glides along the canal, you’ll hear stories of Yorkshire’s industrial past, working boat traditions, and the waterways that helped shape the region. Whether you’re looking for a short taster or a full day immersed in canal life, our trips offer a unique blend of heritage, learning, and laid-back enjoyment.

Perfect for individuals, families, groups, and special occasions.

Come aboard Apollo and experience Yorkshire the way it was meant to be seen: from the water, hands on, and unhurried.

View our current trips

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 118 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Anne Balsom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A lovely trip on Apollo today!
John was excellent in looking after us all
His knowledge was great, as was his passion about the waterways
I’m looking at booking more from different locations 👍
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alan Johnson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great boat trip - really knowledgeable and enthusiastic skipper!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kathryn More 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I took my 2 teenage granddaughters on a 2 hr boat trip, the only others on the boat were an elderly couple and the gentlemen was clearly not in good physical health. Although I was told it was a 'working' barge and did not expect luxuries, but the basics to take the public onboard were lacking in the extreme, at at a extortionate price for what was an uninteresting and uncomfortable journey an hour up the canal and back. No commentary about anything that might be of interest was made and and enquiry to the pilot about one large regal looking building, simply made the pilot check Google on his phone. It was a case of standing the whole 2 hours or sitting in some cheap unsteady looking deck chairs in which your only vision would be the inner sides of the barge or sky! Despite having the option to bring a picnic there was nothing to place your bag on except the floor and rummage in it, totally unsuitable for the more elderly. It began to rain and we all just had to stand and get soaked,  no cover to pull over at all. It took an hour and a half to get to the place to board and then you were left to guess where to board or which barge you were supposed to be on. Frankly,  a complete rip off in every way, never again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amanda Robbins 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John's detailed knowledge of the Yorkshire waterways and facts about its industrial history was amazing ,this really was a bonus addition to an amazing canal trip.His first mate Virginia was a very experienced hand with supporting those passengers in steering the boat, very friendly and warm.The crew were approachable fun and entertaining with their stories and have a clear command of health and safety.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Malcolm Fletcher 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was a very good & interesting day with John and his charming 1st mate (I asked her name and unfortunately my brain has lost it I  apologise profusely for that gaff) it was a all day cruise from Wakefield to Leeds 9-30 am to 6-30 pm it’s very informative John was a encyclopaedia of knowledge you can just sit and take all the views or take the tiller and steer his narrow boat on river or canal with a stop off at a couple of pubs for a drink of beer and food we were fortunate to have excellent weather which made it an amazing day thank you John &1st mate for a lovely day Mally (ex bargee)❤️❤️❤️❤️
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jody Hazlehurst 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic day onboard going from Wakefield to Leeds. John's knowledge, enthusiasm and love of the network shone through, making it an excellent experience for fellow enthusiasts or complete novices alike. Get yourself on one of these trips, excellent value for money and a fantastic experience 😁👍
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Daz Kershaw 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely superb experience. Me and my mate set sail from Wakefield and went on the Aire & Calder Navigation all the way back to Leeds. We were fortunate to have very good weather which made it that bit more special. John & Virginia were brilliant and very enthusiastic and accommodating. We even stopped at a couple of pubs along the route, which was very agreeable. I really can't recommend this enough. I'm already thinking about doing another trip again next year. Thanks J&V
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alison Walton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We did the 90 minute trip from Stanley Ferry last Saturday. John and his crew were lovely, welcoming and helpful..we had a baby with us. John was very knowledgable about the history and workings of the canal. Such a treat to actually get on the water and experience the canal other than just walking up the tow path. Everything ran to time
A real treat, thank you John and Virginia
Would thoroughly recommend. All very informal but efficient.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gayan Thuduska 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an unforgettable full-day narrowboat trip from Wakefield to Leeds on 16 September 2026 with Best Yorkshire Boating.

The beautiful Yorkshire canal scenery, birds, wildlife and historic places made the journey truly special. We even had the opportunity to steer the narrowboat under their expert supervision and learn how the canal lock and gate system works — such a fun and memorable experience!

The skipper and his partner were incredibly friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable, making us feel comfortable throughout the whole journey.

A fantastic day, wonderful memories and a brilliant way to experience Yorkshire. Highly recommended!
  
 
  
  
 
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