lose yourself on the water

Based at Church Minshull in the Heart of Cheshire, Shelby narrowboats offer the perfect starting point for the perfect narrow boating holiday. Enjoy the local routes for a short break getaway or take on the longer two week holidays taking in the four counties and the Cheshire rings. Whichever holiday route you choose there are a few things they all have in common, stunning countryside views, all at a relaxed pace that bursts with history and still works as well today as it did the day it was built more than 250 years ago. You will witness the achievements of two of our great pioneering engineers of the 17 and 1800’s, James Brindley and Thomas Telford and not to forget the navvies.

About Us

Here's what people have to say about us

  • We had a lovey few days on the boat, host was fantastic, very helpful, we felt very confident (as 1st time boater's) knowing we had them at the end of the phone anytime we needed. Plus very thorough instructions prior to sailing. We look forward to sailing with them again.
    Vikki
    Wirral | Family (Eldest Child is at School)
  • Simeon the owner was brilliant he stayed on the boat taking us through our first locks and gave us great information on working the barge, we would not have had such an experience without him. The week was great navigating the various locks and road bridges we all throughly enjoyed ourselves, a bonus was the beautiful canal and the friendly pubs where the food was amazing .
    Jayne
    Preston | Family Of Four With
  • I have just come back from a week on Polly Gray with my family, two teenagers (1 autistic) and my Mum. The whole experience was an utter pleasure. From booking right through to leaving we where looked after and nothing was too much trouble for Simone, the owner, who is very approachable and friendly. We chose to take our holiday travelling up the Llangollen canal which is stunningly beautiful, enriched by the seasonal autumnal colours. We where lucky we had only 2 rainy mornings in our week, but the boat was well equipped to deal with that, with waterproofs and umbrella.
    Jenny
    Pembroke | Family With Two Home
  • What an amazing experience! Simeon couldn't have been more helpful from pre to post trip. A beautiful boat, so well equipped with everything you could need. It was clean and comfortable... my daughter declared the bed was one of the most comfortable she'd ever been in! A restful chilled experience Cannot recommend Shelby boat company highly enough.
    Sarah
    Cheshire | Family With Older Children
  • This was our first time on a canal boat holiday and we will definitely be going again. The boat owner was very accommodating and gave us a thorough introduction to the boat. He stayed with us through the first few locks and even came back out to us when we were at a staircase lock. Nothing was too much trouble for him. The boat was fabulous, very spacious and had everything we needed. The kitchen was well equipped and the beds were very comfy. We were onboard for a week but next time would like to stay longer.
    Leo
    Wallasey | Couple

  • What a lovely holiday ! only a longish weekend, the boat owner couldn't have been more helpful. He gave us exactly the route we needed for our requirements, explained everything really well and gave us the confidence to set off on our small adventure.

    The boat was very comfortable, extremely well equipped and we soon found our sea legs. You do need to appreciate that it's not an ocean going liner and you can't fit 5 people into the small kitchen, but once someone takes charge and assigns various tasks (even if it's just relaxing and enjoying the view), it all goes very smoothly.

    Highly recommended !

    Jonathan
    Family

Do's and Dont's on a narrow boat

Boater's Handbook DVD - Canal & River Trust

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Some amazing companies we have the pleasure to work along side..

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    Aquaduct Marina
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    British Marine
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    Canal and River Trust
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