Rudolph takes a break as Santa takes to the Leeds-Liverpool Canal!

When Santa comes to Skipton town he’ll be swapping the skies for the canal and giving the reindeer a rest! Pennine Boat Trips are all set to welcome him and your little ones on board each weekend in December for a magical adventure.


We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again (and again)…we are incredibly lucky to be bringing our kids up in Skipton where there’s so much to do. The canal is such a big part of the town’s history and identity that it’s never too early to introduce them to it.

Pirate Nick!

These fab boat trips with Father Christmas really caught our eye in the Christmas countdown as a fun way to get into the festive swing. The journey starts at the Canal Basin where there’s a Pirate magician to entertain passengers. Five minutes into the cruise and Santa is waiting on the towpath fast asleep! If the voices of Skipton’s nippers are in good form he’ll be woken with a start and jump on board the Cobbydale to call up all the children by name to the front of the boat.


After he’s had a little chat with them dropping in some snippets about what he knows about each of them (courtesy of who ever is accompanying them!) it’s time for him to give them all a gift from his sack of presents. As the children enjoy the merriment, the accompanying adults will be treated to a hot drink and tasty mince pie while they take in the views.


Children are invited to come dressed in their pirate get-up and the best will win a prize! The trips last 75 minutes and run every weekend in December up to the 20th. There are 3 trips a day (depending on demand) at 11.30am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm, at £12.00 per ticket. These trips are really popular so please book now to avoid disappointment. Boarding from the wharf, at Waterside Court, Coach St (next to the Ultimate Outdoors).


There are also special festive trips for the grown-ups planned too – we like the sound of the Christmas dinner cruises and the Sunday roasts (phew - no duck on the menu!), and their luxury dayboat hire! For further information call 01756 790 829 or visit www.canaltrips.co.uk/santa_trips.php