Manchester Boat Tour: Historic Ship Canal and River Irwell Cruise
4.3
202 Ratings
Salford

Embark on a 65/70-minute voyage exploring Manchester’s vintage Ship Canal and River Irwell, setting sail from either downtown Manchester or Salford Quays onboard our custom-built Dutch sightseeing ship. Traverse the northern England’s industrial core and marvel at historic landmarks like Stephenson’s railway bridge.

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Imperial War Museum North - An impressive modern building built on the banks of the canal
  • Old Trafford - Manchester United’s home stadium since 1910
What's Included
  • On-board WiFi
  • On-board restrooms
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Transportation to/from attractions
Additional Information
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Minimum drinking age is 18 years
  • Departure is from Salford Quays only
  • Any buggies or prams must be foldable, we can not accept full size prams aboard.
  • City Centre stop is now closed
Location
Manchester River Cruises
The Quays
Salford Quays Option 11:30, 12:45, 14:00, 15:15, 16:30 - Please arrive at least 5 minutes before departure. The boarding point is located under the Millennium Footbridge by the Lowry Theatre
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.3
(202 Ratings)
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Catherine_g
May 21, 2024
Different view of Manchester - Very interesting and relaxing experience! Easy to find, easy to book and the commentary as we passed all the landmarks was very interesting.
Review provided by Viator
Angieten
May 12, 2024
Enjoyable tour 😊 - Had a good tour and was interesting seeing different view of city. Would recommend wrapping up it was chilly but fun experience and worth money
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrew_m
May 10, 2024
Nice informative good value tour of the Mcr ship canal and river - Nice boat set off on time and friendly staff took us on a one hour tour that was both informative and enjoyable. The drinks and snacks were very reasonably priced.
Review provided by Viator
Laliteshwari_p
May 7, 2024
Peaceful - It was a cold and airy evening and the boat ride viewing the massive architectural buildings of Manchester City was thoroughly worthy for 12 pounds each. We can go for a peace of mind too for an hour.
Review provided by Viator
Joel_m
May 7, 2024
Fantastic - Great bit of fun for a good price. There was booze and hot drinks which was nice and unexpected. We had a good time
Review provided by Viator
Yvonne_h
Apr 29, 2024
Great experience - Listening to on board information and the views. Would recommend to anyone. Good value. Easy to book
Review provided by Viator
591biab
Apr 7, 2024
Excellent - We were late arriving as we got lost. I apologised to the lady who replied “we wouldn’t have left without you” That was so lovely to hear after such a stressful hour or running around. The weather was lovely, windy but warm. We sat up top: my husband and I had a beer. The guide was informative but not intrusive. Our kids, 15 and 13 also loved it. Thanks a mill
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barb
Apr 6, 2024
Excellant value, great dtaff - We arrived 10 minutes before boarding, at pier 8, a short walk from The Lowry theatre. The b9at arrived, everyone who got off were smiling, We were first on, my Mum isn't great on her feet and has a walker, the ladies guided her down the 5 steps, took and collapsed the walker. We sat at a table for 4(there were 3 of us). The table was not cramped. There was a drinks menu on the table, which was really reasonably priced. There were also crisp like snacks. The boat was fully booked. Upstairs wasn't booked and we were offered the opportunity to ho upstairs. Once we had the safety message, we got moving and had a commentary of all we could see. I went and ordered drinks. They were excellant quality. We found out all sorts of interesting facts and passed be gnome Island- a rock with fadden gnomes on it! We turned around close to Sinningfields and headed back. One of our party went upstairs and loved the views. When we came to get off, once again the ladies helped my Mum off. We had a wonderful 70 minutes cruise. If you can walk even a bit, you'll be able to get on, with help. The ladies on board were friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will definitely go back.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andreaz332018
May 9, 2024
An Hour Well Spent - I wouldn’t consider it a ‘must-do’ but I’m glad I went. Had a wander around the quay before the cruise and liked the area. Very clean and well maintained boat. It was very comfortable sitting inside on a cold day and enjoying a hot drink from the bar while listening to a pre-recorded tape providing a great overview of Manchester’s Ship Canal. Unfortunately, before and behind me were tourists that didn’t speak English, and their ongoing conversations at times made it a bit hard to hear the recording. Still, I recommend this activity.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bibiphong_l
Apr 9, 2024
A pleasant ride. - ❤️ the boat ride. Was a pleasant ride down the river. Very informative. Would recommend for those first time in Manchester.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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