CHESTER GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A Day Afloat on the Shropshire Union: Private Santa Maria Rental from Tattenhall Marina
Private, custom-built day boats for up to ten people cruising the Shropshire Union Canal between Tattenhall Marina and either Chester or Nantwich.
A Day Afloat on the Shropshire Union: Private Santa Maria Rental from Tattenhall Marina.
Escape the everyday with a day on the waterways, boarding at Tattenhall Marina for a leisurely cruise along the Shropshire Union Canal. The Santa Maria day rental is a private, one-day outing that places a custom-built boat, comfortable seating and basic onboard amenities at your disposal as you glide through Cheshire countryside toward Chester or Nantwich.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Custom-built comfort for a full day afloat
Each Santa Maria day boat is designed for social cruising: a large open-air seating area plus comfy inside seating with big windows, a table, sink and kettle, and an onboard WC so the group can relax regardless of the weather.
Three miles of lock-free canal in either direction
From Tattenhall Marina you can choose a leisurely cruise toward Chester or toward Nantwich; in either direction there are about three miles to explore without encountering any locks, making navigation straightforward for a day rental.
A private day for family and friends
The rental is private and aimed at groups looking to spend quality time together on the water — whether watching the riverside pass by from the open deck or gathering inside for a brew and conversation.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You’ll spend the day aboard a single, private day boat that serves as both vantage point and social space. Set off from Tattenhall Marina and settle into open-air seating for views of hedgerows, fields and canal-side cottages. When the weather turns or you want a quieter moment, move inside to the sheltered cabin with large windows, a table and a kettle for hot drinks. Choose a gentle outbound leg toward Chester or Nantwich, turn around within the three-mile window and return to the marina by late afternoon.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day on the water is best for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a one-day rental; the standard booking runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Dress for the weather and bring layers for the canal breeze. Boats have indoor seating and a kettle, but personal hot drinks or food are up to your group.
Each boat includes a large open-air seating area plus inside seating with large windows, a table, sink, kettle and an onboard WC.
All trips depart from Tattenhall Marina, the operator’s base on the Shropshire Union Canal.
Choose either direction from the marina; you can explore roughly three miles toward Chester or three miles toward Nantwich without encountering locks.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the rental?
The Santa Maria day rental is a one-day hire; standard hours run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where do we meet and board?
Boarding and departure are at Tattenhall Marina on the Shropshire Union Canal.
How many people can the boat hold?
The private day boat accommodates up to ten people.
Are there locks on the chosen route?
You can explore about three miles in either direction from the marina without encountering any locks.
What facilities are available onboard?
Boats have a large open-air seating area, inside seating with large windows, a table, a sink and a kettle, plus a WC.
Is the rental private?
Yes. The Santa Maria hire is a private boat rental for your group.