Blog Posts and News

Celebrate Your Canine Crew at Crick Boat Show 2025 with the Paws Aboard Dog Awards

If you’re a boater who loves life on the water with your furry first mate, Crick Boat Show 2025 is the event you won’t want to miss. This year, Lakeland Leisure Estates is proud to introduce the very first Paws Aboard Dog Awards - a heartwarming celebration of dogs who cruise the canals and explore towpaths alongside their owners.

Buying a Boat: Your Complete Guide to Getting Afloat on the UK Waterways

Whether you're dreaming of a slow-paced life on a narrowboat or looking for a holiday craft to explore Britain's inland waterways, buying a boat is an exciting step. But with so many options - from shared ownership to custom builds - it can also feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll explore the different ways to buy a boat in the UK, including second-hand boats, shared ownership, DIY fit-outs and more. If you’re looking for tips for first-time boat buyers, this post has everything you need to know.

Get Your Boat Ready for Winter: Essential Tips to Winterise Your Boat

Prepare your boat for winter with our expert guide. Learn how to safeguard your boat from the cold, prevent damage, and ensure a cosy winter afloat.

Lakeland Leisure's Viral Success: Exploring Marina Life with Adam Floating Home

Discover why Adam Floating Home's collaboration with Lakeland Leisure Marinas went viral, attracting half a million views. Explore the allure of marina living, leisure mooring and continuous cruising.

Save Water on the Canals: Our Top Tips for Conservation this Summer

Prepare for a dry summer on the canals with our water conservation tips. With minimal rainfall and uncertain weather, it's crucial to plan ahead and prioritise water conservation on our canals. Discover practical strategies to reduce water usage and maintain sustainable practices while enjoying your narrowboating adventures.

Get Your Narrow Boat Ready for Spring: a Step-by-Step Guide

Spring is the perfect time to get your narrow boat in tip-top shape. Follow our step-by-step guide for a stress-free season on the water.

Jetty renovations make mooring safer than ever at Great Haywood Marina

Earlier this year our brand new GRP Mini Mesh grating was installed at Great Haywood Marina, giving you the benefit of feeling safe and confident on our jetties when you moor with us. But what is GRP grating and why have we used it?

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Her lifetime commitment to public service and her reassuring presence led to the unwavering respect and deep affection in which the Queen was held. We send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family for their loss.

Boating Safety: Accidents & Risks

While boating accidents and injuries are rare, a small amount of people do get hurt annually which is why it’s so important to stay safe and aware no matter how experienced you are. This guide compiles important safety information from the Canal & River Trust to identify the causes of accidents and how to prevent them, so you can enjoy your waterways adventure as safely as possible.

The Basics of Boat Handling

Are you interested in sailing a narrowboat for the first time, but not sure what you need to know? This guide covers advice from the Canal & River Trust all about the basics of how to handle your boat, so that you can take to the waterways with confidence. A day on the water offers a truly wonderful opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, enjoy quality time with family and friends, and explore another side to the charming British countryside. If you are hiring one of our narrowboats at Saul Junction or Tattenhall Marina, our team will give you full instructions on the use and handling of your vessel, and the safety features on-board.

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Boat Owner Questionnaire | Neil Wright

We asked for your help with filling out a questionnaire in which our moorers and visitors could detail life on our beautiful waterways. Here are your responses..

Boat Owner Questionnaire | Adrian Coppin

We asked for your help with filling out a questionnaire in which our moorers and visitors could detail life on our beautiful waterways. Here are your responses..

Boat Owner Questionnaire | Graham Holder

A few weeks ago we asked for your help with filling out a questionnaire in which our moorers and visitors could detail life on our beautiful waterways. Here are your responses..