Drinks Ahoy canal boat cruise Leeds: Cocktails and live music

Sip from five drink tokens while cruising Leeds’ lively waterways with music

Drinks Ahoy is a 2-hour adults-only cruise aboard the Dalesman, a working canal boat on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, where you get 5 drink tokens to spend on 10 house cocktails, whiskeys, gins, wines, Prosecco, craft beers, cider or soft drinks, plus live music throughout. The bar stays open the entire cruise and the boat departs from a Grade II listed building dating to 1774, once a warehouse for canal goods.

Step-by-step itinerary

Drinks Ahoy Canal Boat Cruise

• Board the Dalesman canal boat
• Enjoy 10 unique cocktails
• Choose from whiskey, gin, wines
• Drink from open bar throughout
• Relax with craft beers and cider
• Enjoy soft drinks and juices

The experience

You board the Dalesman at the historic ticket office: a Grade II listed building from 1774 that originally stored goods being transported on the canal. The wharf still has the old cranes outside, one facing the water and one facing the cobbled car park, which used to be stables for the horses that towed the boats. From there, the boat heads out onto the Leeds-Liverpool Canal for a 2-hour cruise with live music playing throughout.

The bar is open the whole time you're aboard. You get 5 drink tokens to use however you want: there are 10 house cocktails on the menu, or you can choose from a range of whiskeys, gins, wines, Prosecco, craft beers, cider, spirits, soft drinks and juices. If you run out of tokens or want more, you can buy additional drinks at the bar. The boat moves at a gentle pace, so you can stand on deck, take in the canal, or stay inside with the music and the crowd.

This is strictly an adults-only experience, minimum age 18, and the boat runs rain or shine. Service animals are welcome aboard. If you're using public transport, there are options nearby to get to the wharf.

What’s included

• 5 drink tokens per person to spend on house cocktails, whiskeys, gins, wines, Prosecco, craft beers, cider, spirits, soft drinks or juices.
• live music throughout the 2-hour cruise.
• access to the bar for additional purchases.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 18:15

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 46

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Skipton Boat Trips

Is this one for you?The shared boat and fixed 2-hour schedule suit groups and couples who want a social atmosphere with live music and don't need a private setting. If you prefer a quieter experience or want the boat to yourself, this high-energy cruise isn't the fit.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What's included in the Drinks Ahoy cruise?

The cruise includes 5 drink tokens per person, which you can spend on any of the 10 house cocktails, whiskeys, gins, wines, Prosecco, craft beers, cider, spirits, soft drinks or juices available at the bar. Live music plays throughout the 2-hour journey.

How long is the Drinks Ahoy cruise?

The cruise lasts 2 hours from departure to return. The boat departs from the historic wharf in Leeds and travels along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal at a leisurely pace.

Is there a minimum age for this cruise?

Yes, Drinks Ahoy is strictly adults only with a minimum age of 18. No under-18s are permitted aboard.

What was the building where the boat departs from?

The ticket office is housed in one of the oldest canal-related buildings in the area, dating to 1774 and Grade II listed. It was originally a warehouse for goods being transported on the canal, and the cranes still standing outside were used to load and unload cargo.

Can I buy extra drinks beyond my 5 tokens?

Yes, the bar is open throughout the cruise and you can purchase additional drinks beyond your included tokens if you want more.