Canal Boat Leisure Trips with Midi & Marguerite

Canal Boat Leisure Trips 

Three glorious days were spent on the beautiful canals. After being shown the ropes we were ready to head out on our adventures. 

The journey was tranquil and full of charm. We crossed over a stunning aqueduct and passed the Lower Bittell Reservoir, a serene body of water built in the early 19th century (circa 1810) to feed the canal system. It provided a beautiful view as we glided by, waving to fellow boaters and enjoying photo opportunities along the way.  Everyone took it in turns to steer the boat and we all agreed we'd make great captains. 

Our second boat for our trip was  The Mole—a charming and cosy narrowboat. After a safety briefing and some useful demonstrations, we all pitched in to get the boat turned around using ropes—a skill that would come in handy later! We began our slow and steady journey north along the Ashby Canal, towards Market Bosworth, passing through peaceful countryside, gentle hedgerows, and the occasional family of ducks paddling alongside us. The route winds through rich farmland and quiet waters, offering a calm escape from the hustle and bustle. By our calculations, reaching Bridge 42 near Market Bosworth, that would have been around 5 miles in total—just the right distance for a full day out on the canal we all thought. 

We were thrilled to find our final boat: Sunny Day, an electric boat. True to its name, the sunshine beamed down as we boarded, and the boat lived up to expectations, quiet, smooth, and environmentally friendly. The soft hum of its electric motor made for a serene journey, allowing us to truly appreciate the peacefulness of the canal side scenery. As we glided away from the marina, heading toward Atherstone Locks, the scenery unfolded beautifully. 

 Today’s adventure was for the chocolate lovers! As we approached, it truly felt like stepping into a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—as if we were the lucky winners of golden tickets, entering a world of pure imagination. Founded by John Cadbury in 1824, the brand has grown into a household name. Upon check-in, we were handed some free chocolate—always a good start! Our group explored various zones that brought the magic of chocolate to life. We wandered through displays of old-fashioned cocoa adverts, peeked at the chocolate-making process, and saw how some of our favourite sweet snacks like Dairy Milk, Buttons, and Crunchie are made. 

The highlight for many of us was the 4D Chocolate Adventure, an immersive cinema experience where we ‘flew’ through a chocolatey landscape alongside Freddo and friends. We giggled, reached out instinctively as chocolate swirled past us, and felt every dip and dive from our motion seats. The joy on everyone’s faces was priceless. Of course, nothing could beat tasting the freshly made warm liquid chocolate—it was as rich and delicious as you'd hope. We also hopped on the Cadabra ride, a charming journey through a chocolate wonderland, perfect for photo ops. 

One of our favourite places was the Dreamy Cow Farmhouse, a hidden gem. With rolling hill views, dairy cows grazing nearby, and a friendly owner to welcome us, it was a perfect surprise. We sat in the sunshine, sipping milkshakes and enjoying delicious homemade ice cream. Then, it was time to explore the farm itself. We strolled past goats, sheep, alpacas, donkeys, rabbits, and chickens — even some peacocks showing off their feathers. Everyone enjoyed feeding the animals and getting up close to them.