Skipton Boat Trips: Meet the family reimagining canal cruises with packages including afternoon tea trips
At the picturesque gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, a family-run business is reimagining traditional canal cruises through Skipton.
The Watson family, who moved to the quaint countryside town from California, have been traversing the serene waters of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal with their company Skipton Boat Trips for the last six years.
They are unique in their offering, with enticing packages including afternoon tea trips, Saturday night cocktail cruises, and even wedding receptions.
The team were recently honoured with the prestigious title of ‘Tourism Business of the Year’ at the annual Skipton Business Awards, highlighting their commitment to providing exceptional experiences for visitors while showcasing the beauty of the waterways.
James and Jennifer were working across the pond when they were offered the chance to continue a proud family tradition, taking over the running of the business from James’ uncle.
He recalled spending summers as a teenager navigating the canal when his grandparents were at the helm - and jumped at the chance to return to Yorkshire.
The couple said that relocating offered the prospect of finding a comfortable work-life balance, as well as a beautiful backdrop to raise children.
“We really wanted to take on this new challenge,” explained Jennifer, “and Skipton is so beautiful!”
Upon taking over Skipton Boat Trips, James and Jennifer quickly put their own stamp on the business. A new website was launched and the variety of packages on offer were expanded.
Guests can set sail on a delightful two-hour journey with a quintessentially British afternoon tea, for example. It would be perfect for couples and larger groups alike, featuring a charming array of freshly prepared sandwiches, indulgent scones, and tempting cakes, all served right at your table.
There’s also a unique fish and chip cruise, which is arranged in partnership with Bizzie Lizzie’s, the local masters of the dish.
Similarly popular are the Sunday dinner cruises, that allow visitors to glide along the water while indulging in a hearty traditional roast dinner. With a menu featuring all the classic trimmings, it offers the perfect way to unwind with family and friends, while everything is taken care of.
Jennifer explained: “We came up with idea for afternoon tea because everyone loves it - they were really popular, and started selling out every week! We also offer a savoury version of the afternoon tea with pork pies and sausage rolls for people who don’t have a sweet tooth.”
The team’s wedding packages - for parties of up to 40 - have also proved popular. The newlyweds are picked up from the registry office, and then set sail on a three-and-a-half hour cruise with friends and family. Previously, Skipton Boat Trips have arranged for five course dinners and champagne for the event, but are more than happy to take requests for food as bookings are made.
“We’ve done some really creative things for people,” said Jennifer. “We tell our guests: let us sort it out for you, while you sit back and relax. It's really nice to think that someone has chosen to spend their wedding with us here in Skipton.”
She continued: “It’s such a great place, because people can make a whole weekend of it. So, come for the whole weekend and stay in a cottage, or just join us for the day. It's a lovely part of the world, and the scenery you see from the boat is always changing. We have really big windows too, so you can see the swans and all of the beautiful wildlife.”
Recalling one particularly special trip, Jennifer said that a family had joined them for a Sunday dinner cruise. She said: “They told us it was their 25th wedding anniversary. We later found out that the wedding reception was actually on this same boat with James’ grandparents 25 years ago. It was so nice to hear that they wanted to come back.
“But whatever cruise it is, all our guests have to do is look out of the window and see what a lovely place it is.”
Jennifer added: “We want people to feel like they’ve been treated to something special. When we hear guests say they can’t wait to come back, it’s the best feedback we could ask for.”
Whether it’s a relaxing afternoon tea, a cocktail cruise under the stars, or a bespoke wedding reception, Skipton Boat Trips promises a uniquely charming experience that captures the heart of Yorkshire’s waterways. For more details on the full range of packages available, go to www.canaltrips.co.uk, or call 01756 790 829.