CHORLEY BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Afternoon Tea Afloat: Private Hire on the Royal Sovereign through Chorley’s Canals
A two‑hour private canal cruise aboard the wide‑beam Royal Sovereign with your choice of a 3‑tier afternoon tea or homemade soup and scones — a compact guide to what to expect and who it suits.
Afternoon Tea Afloat: Private Hire on the Royal Sovereign through Chorley’s Canals.
Settle into the spacious Royal Sovereign for a leisurely two‑hour private canal cruise through Chorley, where a centrally heated cabin, a fully stocked bar and panoramic canal views frame a choice of a classic 3‑tier afternoon tea or a homely vegetable soup followed by scones with fresh cream and jam.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Royal Sovereign — wide‑beam comfort
The experience is hosted aboard the Royal Sovereign, a wide‑beam barge — one of the largest boats on the Leeds to Liverpool canal — offering a central heated cabin, ample seating and a fully stocked bar for your private hire.
Three tiers of tea or a homemade soup option
Choose between a traditional 3‑tier afternoon tea served over the cruise or a homemade vegetable soup with a roll; both options conclude with scones accompanied by fresh cream and jam.
Canal cruising in intimate company
Over two hours you glide down the canals around Chorley on the Leeds–Liverpool waterway, a relaxed setting designed for private groups and small celebrations.
What the day feels like
What the two hours feel like
The outing unfolds as a private, seated social hour aboard the Royal Sovereign: embark, settle into the heated cabin or deck seating, enjoy the chosen menu while the boat threads the Leeds–Liverpool canal, and return after approximately two hours — all arranged for private hire.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this private hire suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The cruise includes your chosen food option (3‑tier afternoon tea or homemade vegetable soup and roll, followed by scones with fresh cream and jam). The vessel has a central heated cabin and a fully stocked bar.
Pricing includes up to 15 guests for the tea options; additional guests incur an extra per‑person charge and the operator permits a maximum of 20 guests for the 3‑tier afternoon tea (buffet if over 20).
The private hire cruise runs for 2 hours.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the cruise?
The private hire cruise lasts 2 hours.
What food options are provided?
You can choose either a 3‑tier afternoon tea served over the cruise or a homemade vegetable soup with a roll; both options are followed by scones with fresh cream and jam.
What is the guest limit and are there extra charges?
The price includes up to 15 guests for the tea options; additional guests are charged per person and the 3‑tier afternoon tea has a maximum of 20 guests — parties over 20 will receive buffet‑style dining.
What kind of boat will we be on?
The cruise is aboard the Royal Sovereign, a wide‑beam barge (not a narrowboat) and one of the largest boats on the Leeds to Liverpool canal.
Is there indoor seating and a bar?
Yes — the Royal Sovereign has a central heated cabin with seating (enough seating for up to 60 guests inside) and a fully stocked bar serving draught, spirits, snacks and soft drinks.