1-Hour Public Cruise: Guided Tour Featuring Countryside Views

Embark on a 1-hour public cruise and enjoy a guided tour with stunning countryside views. Join us daily from March to October for a hilarious commentary by Dave Spikey.

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Skipton Boat Trips - Admission is free
  • Aireville Park - Aireville Park is a large open space with sporting facilities and play areas in the heart of Skipton. It dates back to the 1830s when it was created by Henry Allcock as part of the Aireville Estate. Upon his death, wealthy Skipton mill owners, the Dewhurst family, purchased the estate and Aireville Hall.
What's Included
  • One-hour boat ride
  • Access to bathroom as needed.
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Drinks
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

This is the best 60 minutes of rib-tickling historic escapism you can find in Skipton.
Your guide for the canal tour is award-winning comedian Dave Spikey of Phoenix Nights and 8 Out of 10 Cats fame. With his characteristic Northern patter, Dave takes you on a recorded whistle-stop tour of Skipton and shares canal history that’s refreshingly different…

Location
Skipton Pie & Mash Shop
Coach Street
For those with Sat-Nav – use the postcode BD23 1LH. We are on Coach St, which is just off the main High Street via Swadford Street. Feel free to use our free carpark if there is a spot. Just make sure you tell us your registration number when you arrive.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(320 Ratings)
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1 star
Gailw2100
May 24, 2026
River cruise & steam train combo - For a small additional fee we booked a one hour river cruise when booking steam train tickets from nearby Bolton Abbey. This made it a full day out and a very enjoyable relaxing experience. The tours are well run with allocated seating, onboard bar and toilet. We were fortunate to have a glorious day but this would actually be an excellent rainy day activity too. Plenty of parking available in the pay & display car park in Coach Street which is a very short walk away.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nick
May 6, 2026
Relax for an hour on the river - A lovely way to spend an hour floating down the river…
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine
May 5, 2026
Delightful cruise with funny commentary by Dave Starky. - Delightful cruise on the cut. Excellent commentry by Dave starkly
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oanacarmina_v
Apr 4, 2026
I was very surprised... - I was very surprised about the host. Very cool and made funny moments. Plenty jokes to remember and a very nice way of storytelling.
Review provided by Viator
Phartweasels
Mar 28, 2026
Fabulous - Really lovely way to spend an hour. The boat was a fine vessel, the young chaps were helpful and courteous, the audio commentary by Dave Spiky was hilarious and informative. It was a great way to learn about some of Skipton history in a calm, relaxed, fun way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susanwanless
Mar 24, 2026
Enjoyable little boat trip - We enjoyed the boat trip, the commentator was very funny at the start of the trip but we couldn’t hear him telling us the rest of the tour because of everyone on board talking, I know that’s not his fault but I would of like to here what he was saying, overall we enjoyed it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H9422izhelenb
Mar 15, 2026
Dave Spikey no Likey, only joking! - All in all a really good trip, set off on time, docked back in on time. The commentary with Dave is very funny and informative about the local area, just needs updating now and again, for locals that know. For the trip I was out in my support role but the young man enjoyed the scenery on the water as opposed to walking the paths. The added bonus of a bar on board is great, so all in all a great trip. Just worth bearing in mind,bookingdirect was going to cost just over £26 but on the site I used, it cost £20 great for us, but if there's a few if you worth bearing in mind.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stuarth001
Apr 24, 2026
Worth the money - Pleasant hour out on the boat on a Friday afternoon, the recorded commentary added something even if the jokes were a little cheesy. Can't fault the value for money but would have preferred to choose our own seats as the front ones were small and you are very close your neighbour. Overall though an enjoyable time
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ash-fleetwood
Apr 13, 2026
Easter Sunday - We did the Skipton boat trip on Easter Sunday with our family of 5 (2 adults & 3 children). The one hour trip was much enjoyed by the adults although the kids were starting to get a bit restless towards the end but this would not put us off booking again. Thank you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I7584phkeithb
Mar 24, 2026
Not Enjoyable. - Couldn't wait to get off. Cramped seating. The whole cruise was spoilt by a group of loud and noisy people, who drowned out the commentary, despite the volume being turn up. Polite intervention by the crew sholud have taken place but didn't happen.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $15
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).