OUR ONLINE BOOKING SLOTS ARE OPEN
Please regularly check our website for available slots on the “Bookings” page. If a date / time isn’t shown in GREEN then it is not available to book.
Birdswood is the historical narrow boat belonging to The Friends of Cromford Canal and the primary objective of operating our trip boat is to generate income for The Friends of Cromford Canal’s strategic aim of conservation & restoration of the Cromford canal.
The boat and shop are run entirely by our dedicated team of volunteers, and Birdswood runs scheduled trips throughout the year. Our exclusive charters make a personal venue for your private function, and for 2026 we have several one-off themed trips.
BOOK TRIPS ON
Birdswood
Special Interest Trips
Extended and guided trips along the canal on FCC’s trip boat “Birdswood”. Birdswood makes our normal trip up to the mooring at the Leawood Pumphouse. Passengers then disembark with one of our experienced guides for a short walk taking in the pump-house, the Wigwell Aqueduct, the Nightingale Arm & the newly restored Aqueduct Cottage.
GO TO OUR BOOKINGS PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Winner
Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025
We are delighted Birdswood has been awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025 putting us in the top 10% of reviews worldwide.
Tripadvisor Reviews
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Excellent - Beautiful boat trip with a friendly crew. Road61255945328
8th August 2026 A great visit - Excellent experience a leisurely boat ride along a beautiful section of canal
Staff all lovely but special shout out to Karen who reorganised seating to accommodate our group
<br... read more Thomas B
22nd July 2026 Lovely views, very informative and interesting boat ride - Amazing views, lovely boat ride and very informative. Staff were very nice and welcoming and our kids loved the whole experience Elena C
27th June 2026 - Lovely peaceful boat ride - Wonderful peaceful boat trip through gorgeous natural lush countryside. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Absolutely lovely experience. Sally R
21st May 2026 Children’s birthday party - We hired the boat for a 4 year olds birthday party. It worked so well. The crew were lovely and friendly. Everyone was made very welcome. We stopped at the... read more K J
9th March 2026 Excellent trip on Birdswood - I went on the three hour heritage boat trip on board Birdswood. Tea and biscuits were very welcome on the way to Leawood Pump House. The onboard commentary was very... read more Andrew S
6th October 2025 - Superb superb superb - We were booked on the wed trip but went down for look on the sat and were lucky they had room,,all i can say is what a superb fantastic trip... read more nigelncj3
20th September 2025 Relaxing and friendly - Lovely friendly crew and beautiful sights to see. Drinks and snacks available plus duck food for the friends you meet on the way. So relaxing Trail54634625929
20th September 2025 Canal boat trip - A birthday treat, very enjoyable even with the weather being poor, all the volunteers helpful and knowledgeable would definitely recommend W870GFlorrainec
17th September 2025
