Barge rental in the United Kingdom

From Stone

Stone is ideally located in the English countryside, at the centre of the wealth of attractions on offer in this region of England. Put together the itinerary for your next waterway cruise and satisfy everyone's preferences. You can enjoy a romantic cruise if you’ve decided to travel as a couple, or opt for a more sporty trip if you go with family or friends.

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When waterway tourism gives you the opportunity to discover another facet of England

We’ll receive you in the town of Stone and teach you the basic manoeu­vres to steer your house­boat. It’s worth lin­ger­ing or a while in the town’s shop­ping streets before pick­ing up your house­boat. Stone is the ide­al start­ing point for a water­way cruise in Eng­land, since you can set off for a few days or weeks, so get ready ! Here, as with every­where else, the locks are an inte­gral part of the day-to-day plea­sures you’ll expe­ri­ence aboard. If you choose to nav­i­gate the Cauldon, you’ll also enjoy the joys of the lift bridges and tun­nels, mak­ing your water­way cruise even more attrac­tive. Don’t miss the old­est boat lift in the world by vis­it­ing Ander­ton.

From natural riches to the historic treasures of England

Trav­el through the 4 Coun­ties of Shrop­shire, Stafford­shire, Cheshire and West Mid­lands to admire a series of beau­ti­ful Eng­lish nat­ur­al land­scapes. Get away from it all as you embrace the char­ac­ter­is­tic roman­ti­cism of Strat­ford Upon Avon, the birth­place of William Shake­speare, or won­der at the impos­ing cathe­dral of Coven­try. You’ll have no short­age of ideas for attrac­tions to enjoy dur­ing your water­way cruise. If you’re trav­el­ling with your fam­i­ly, you should also plan a stop in Chester, where you’ll be able to take your whole crew to spend a few hours or a full day at the city’s famous zoo.

discover the region with our photos

Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo

If you want to treat yourself to a truly exotic break during your waterway cruise, head towards Liverpool. A few kilometres from the heart of this English city, you can access the famous Chester Zoo. Here, you’ll encounter wild animals from 5 continents, housed in large enclosures. The cheetahs and other African wild cats are no longer to be admired in cages but instead from a small aerial train, which makes the visit even more enjoyable.
Churnet Valley Steam Railway

Churnet Valley Steam Railway

In the county of Staffordshire, you’ll be able to change your means of locomotion. Leave your houseboat for a few hours or even a day and take a stroll in the Churnet Valley. The picturesque landscapes are part of the attraction of the place, but your main focus may well be on the steam train. Treat yourself to a real trip back in time by taking this tourist line, which will transport you to the era when railway travel was becoming mainstream. The pace of this steam train will certainly be faster than that of your licence-free rental boat, but don’t expect to beat any speed records. Here, it’s all about taking the time to travel and admire the landscapes, so climb aboard the Churnet Valley steam train!
Stratford Upon Avon, the village of William Shakespeare

Stratford Upon Avon, the village of William Shakespeare

Among the many ideas for places to stop off during your English waterway cruise, Stratford Upon Avon is likely to delight all members of your crew. This small town in central England offers an idyllic vision of a British settlement, but is also, and above all, famous for being the place where William Shakespeare was born in 1564. Follow in the footsteps of the great author as you stroll through the town and take in the many theatrical institutions attesting to its worldwide renown. So, set off in the wake of one of the greatest English authors as you navigate to Stratford Upon Avon aboard your licence-free boat.

suggested itineraries Tested and approved

Set off from Stone and navigate as your desires see fit, or follow our itinerary ideas:

Week-end
Round trip 33km - 12 locks 10h Southwards to Great Haywood and Shugborough Hall
Mini-week
Round trip 72km - 22 locks 20h Southwards to Fradley Junction
Round trip 65km - 24 locks 20h Southwards to Penkridge
One week
Round trip 65km - 42 locks 30h Northwards to Leek
Two weeks
Round trip 360km - 146 locks 55h Four counties ring