LEYBURN BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Afternoon Tea Afloat: Two Hours on the Dalesman along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal
A relaxed, two-hour public afternoon tea cruise aboard the luxury Dalesman — this guide explains what’s served, where you board, and the canal sights you’ll pass.
Afternoon Tea Afloat: Two Hours on the Dalesman along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
Adventure brief
Afternoon Tea Afloat: Two Hours on the Dalesman along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Step aboard the luxury Dalesman for a relaxed two-hour passage along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Friendly crew handle the boat while guests settle in for table-served afternoon tea—sandwiches, a fruit scone with jam and clotted cream, and decadent desserts—set against changing waterside scenery.
Situated in the charming town of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, Skipton Boat Trips offers a refined yet relaxing way to enjoy the scenic beauty of England’s lush countryside—aboard their iconic Dalesman vessel. Their signature Public Afternoon Tea Cruise is a two-hour voyage along the historic Leeds and Liverpool Canal, a route lined with emerald-green fields, old stone bridges, and quaint villages that evoke a bygone era of industrial England. The cruise itself is a feast for the senses: as you glide along calm waters, hostesses serve a generous array of sandwiches, scones topped with clotted cream and jam, and decadent desserts, all at your table. A well-stocked bar ensures that the experience remains indulgent, blending gentle cruising with a touch of luxury. This experience stands out because it captures the leisurely pace of rural Yorkshire, offering locals and visitors alike a chance to slow down and savor the scenery without the hassle of planning. The Dalesman, a classic riverboat, combines period charm with modern comfort, making it a magnet for those seeking a refined outing with stunning views. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a peaceful afternoon, this cruise provides an inviting way to immerse yourself in the area's natural beauty and cultural history. Its accessibility and comfort make it suitable for a broad range of ages and mobility levels, ensuring a welcoming experience for all. Each cruise offers a unique snapshot of Yorkshire’s waterways, making it more than just a meal—it’s a memorable journey through the heart of the Dales.
This cruise is a top pick for visitors staying in nearby Harrogate or York, which serve as bases for exploring North Yorkshire’s scenic gems. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon or a leisurely treat, Skipton Boat Trips' offerings guarantee a unique vantage point to appreciate the landscape, history, and local flavors of the region.
Route Schematic
Route & Notable Stops
The cruise departs from Skipton Canal Basin and follows the Leeds & Liverpool Canal past a string of bridges, boathouses and village landmarks.
Departure from Skipton Canal Basin
Begin at the heart of town and relax as the Leeds & Liverpool Canal carries you into the surrounding countryside; onboard tea and coffee are available throughout.
Gallows Bridge (Bridge 179)
Cross Gallows Bridge, once a weigh-station historically known as the Tonnage Bridge; the bridge’s original wooden span was replaced in 1974 and later updated.
Pinder Bridge (Bridge 179A)
Pass the quietly named Pinder Bridge, recalling medieval livestock keepers who rounded up stray animals and held them in a pound.
Snaygill area & Boatyard
Views extend past Snaygill Swing and Snaygill Stone bridges, the riverside Bay Horse pub and the family-run Snaygill Boats yard, where narrowboats have been built since 1977.
Bradley Turning Point (Low Bradley)
The boat turns beyond Bradley Swing Bridge near Low Bradley, a village noted for the Slaters Arms and its local ales, before returning toward Skipton.
The operator runs the two-hour cruise along established canal stretches; on some sailings the route may run in the Liverpool direction and call at alternative swing bridges and countryside near Niffany Farm instead.
What the day feels like
How the Cruise Feels
The rhythm is unhurried: you board at the canal basin, settle at a table, and the crew steers while tea, scones and sandwiches arrive. Over two hours the boat passes a sequence of bridges, boathouses and pubs; a fully licensed bar is available onboard for those who prefer something stronger than tea.
THE BOAT
Luxury on the Canal
The cruise runs aboard the Dalesman, a comfortable canal boat configured for a relaxed, table-served afternoon tea experience over two hours.
THE FOOD
Afternoon Tea at Your Table
Afternoon tea is served at your table and includes a selection of sandwiches, a fruit scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and desserts, accompanied by a pot of tea or coffee.
THE SETTING
Scenic Canal Views
Glide past historic bridges, boatyards and rural edges of Skipton as the Leeds & Liverpool Canal frames riverside pubs, cottages and working boatyards along the route.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The public afternoon tea cruise is a two-hour experience with departures typically at noon or 2:45pm.
Board at the Skipton Canal Basin; the meeting point is 3 Coach Street, Skipton, BD23 1LH.
Afternoon tea (sandwiches, fruit scone with jam and clotted cream, desserts) is served at your table and a fully licensed bar with alcoholic and soft drinks, including draught beers, is available onboard.
This is a relaxed, seated canal cruise where the crew manage the boat and table service—no special equipment or physical exertion is required.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts two hours.
Where do I board the boat?
The meeting and boarding point is 3 Coach Street, Skipton, BD23 1LH (Skipton Canal Basin).
What time does the afternoon tea cruise depart?
Scheduled departures are at noon or 2:45pm.
What is included in the afternoon tea?
Afternoon tea includes a selection of sandwiches, a fruit scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and desserts, served with a pot of tea or coffee.
Are alcoholic drinks available onboard?
Yes. There is a fully licensed bar onboard offering alcoholic and soft drinks, including draught beers.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-15T00:51:55.076Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.