city cruises manchester

Explore Manchester’s canals on a city cruise

Manchester, salford, trafford and beyond.

Choose from one of the city’s sightseeing cruises and get ready to discover Greater Manchester and its industrial history by boat.

Manchester is surrounded by miles of canals and waterways, built during England’s Industrial Revolution to allow coal to be transported into the heart of this great Northern city. Jump on board the City Centre Cruise from the docks at Castlefield Basin and watch Manchester, Trafford Park and Salford glide past you as you sail along the Manchester Ship Canal, Bridgewater Canal and River Irwell. You’ll see the MediaCityUK development site, the Imperial War Museum North and Old Trafford – home to Manchester United Football Club – as your boat navigates the locks and docks of Britain’s first canal. Those with time to spare can also experience Mersey Ferries’ Manchester Ship Canal Cruise, connecting the cities of Manchester and Liverpool along a 35 mile (56km) stretch of canal. The cruise lasts 6 hours and includes a fascinating commentary, departing from Salford Quays. Manchester is 2 hours 10 minutes from London by train.

Content provided by Visit Manchester

• Find out more about Manchester city cruises and plan your visit
• Find more tours and trails in Manchester

For more local tourist information:

• Manchester Visitor Information Centre Tic
• Email Address [email protected]
• Contact Details 0871 222 8223

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River Cruise in Manchester

Manchester river cruise (1 hour).

Manchester Sightseeing Cruises - Princess Katherine

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Relax with a Manchester boat trip between the city centre and Salford Quays.

Enjoy a relaxing river cruise floating down the river irwell and the historic ship canal between manchester city centre and the former manchester docks, now known as salford quays..

Board the Princess Katherine at Spinningfields in the city centre and listen to the onboard commentary as you enjoy this Manchester boat trip along the Irwell to Salford Quays for a 60-minute round trip. There are refreshments available onboard at the fully stocked bar, the perfect Manchester boat trip.

Cruise highlights See the Victoria & Albert Hotel, formerly a 19th-century riverside warehouse, George Stephenson’s 1830 Railway bridge and the striking new 2017 Ordsall Chord Bridge. Look out for the former Pomona Docks and Old Trafford football stadium, home to the world-famous Manchester United. At Salford Quays, admire the impressive glass and steel buildings of Media City including the ITV Studios which produce the long-running TV series ‘Coronation Street’. Don’t miss the BBC Studios, the Imperial War Museum North, Lowry Theatre and Gallery, the Millennium Bridge and striking new apartment blocks.

Timings  Regular* departures from Ralli Quay, opposite Manchester Spinningfields. Boarding is from the Salford side of the Irwell at Spinningfields, opposite the People’s History Museum and Dockyard Pub. Look out for the Manchester River Cruise flags on the riverside path that mark the boarding point.

The city centre boarding point is at Ralli Quay, which is opposite the People’s History Museum and Dockyard Pub.

Ralli Quay 3 Stanley Street Salford M3 5EJ

The nearest car park to the boarding point is the New Bailey MSCP, Salford. M3 5AY.

The boat docks at Salford Quays at Pier 8, beneath the Millennium footbridge, behind the Lowry Theatre.

* check river cruise website for latest sailing timetables, availability and latest information.

Discover more Sightseeing tours

Child (2-15 years)

DEPARTURE AND BOARDING POINTS

Boarding is from Ralli Quay, opposite the People’s History Museum and Dockyard Pub.

Departure from City Centre: 11:00 12:15 13:30 14:45

Optional drop off  at Manchester  Salford Qua ys: 11:30 12:45 14:00 15.15

Cruise ends Manchester: 12:00 13:15 14:30 15:45

Please ensure you arrive at least five minutes before stated departure time; the Princess Katherine cannot return to the quay once departed. Not all sailings run every day, please check the calendar for latest information.

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Click on the button below to visit our booking website and book tickets.

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City Centre Cruises

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City Centre Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

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Manchester River & Canal Tours

RIVER TOURS / LIVE EVENTS / FOOD & DRINK TRIPS

Our Tours & Events

Here are tours and events with Manchester River Cruises from historical tours along Manchester Ship Canal, live music events or drinks and foods events.

City River Tours

Sunday Sessions

Broadway Boat Party

Rollin’ on the river.

Boat to Old Trafford

Evening Cruise

Heritage cruise.

Swing & Rat Pack

View all tours

Other Popular tours and things to do in Manchester

Manchester is a great city for museums, nightlife and sightseeing. Here are some other things to do in and around Manchester.

Imperial War Museum North

Imperial war museum.

Just across the water from our Salford Quays landing stage, the Imperial War museum provides a multimedia experience and explores the impact of modern conflict on people and society.

People's History Museum

People's history musuem.

Just a two minute walk from our City Centre pick up, this makes a great addition to a day out with our City River Tour

Old Trafford Museum & Stadium Tour

Manchester united experience.

Take a tour of one of the UK’s largest & most famous stadiums and see where dreams are made. Just ten to fifteen minute walk from our Salford Quays stop, a great option for those wanting to hop off on our City River Tour

EXPLORE WITH US

Manchester Ship Canal, Rivers Irwell & Weaver

 Discover our Top tours from £9 per adult

We have a number of different tours and event throughout the year for all age groups

Private hire for tours and parties

Manchester River Cruises provides a unique venue for hosting your event. From birthday parties, wedding receptions or private tours for your group, Manchester River Cruise is the premier boat company in the Northwest.

+70 Passengers

Depending on your event we can host 70+ guests

+Catering available for all Private Functions

Local caterers South Catering or Impact Catering can provide the perfect buffet for your event. You are also welcome to provide your own catering but not drinks.

DJ or Live Music

We can host a number of different entertainment options for your event from DJ’s to live acts. We work with agents Unit One Entertainment who have a number of great acts on their books for your party.

Take a tour with us!

Come with us to gain a unique view of Manchester as we cruise along the city’s historical waterways.

• 1 Select your preferred tours
• 2 Purchase tickets online
• 3 tickets are emailed to you

Sunday Lunch Cruise

Departing from Castlefield in central Manchester and then sailing along the Bridgewater Canal to the lock at Pomona. We then transit the lock, down onto The Manchester Ship Canal and River Irwell from where we cruise to Salford Quays and view the spectacular scenery and developments that have taken place.

These include Media City UK, The Lowry Complex and The Imperial War Museum - North, which are connected by the hydraulic footbridge spanning the width of the Manchester Ship Canal.

All this while enjoying a traditional Sunday lunch which is freshly prepared in our galley and served onboard. 

Boarding starts at 12.30, (the bar is open) we then set sail at 1.00pm from outside The Castlefield Hotel, Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester, M3 4JR and returns three hours later, you may also wish to use the bar services or select a wine from our wine list.

Pre-booking for this cruise is essential.

Please note that a booking is not confirmed until full payment is received by us prior to the cruise and you have been issued with a booking reference number.

The fully inclusive price for this luncheon cruise is:

Adults £39.95

Children £19.95 (aged 3 to 12)

No infants under 3 years old permitted.

Drinks not included.

No Smoking.

Sunday lunch gift vouchers are available.

Sunday Lunch Menu

Homemade soup of the day (v)

With hot roll and butter

Main course

Roast beef and Yorkshire Pudding

pan gravy, roast and duchess potatoes

fresh vegetables

Homemade apple and black cherry crumble

Served with custard

Filter coffee // selection of teas

*Any special dietary requirements can be catered for,

but must be pre-ordered at the time of booking.

£39.95 - Adult

£19.95 - Child

Only available on selected Sundays

City River Tour

• Restroom on board
• WiFi on board
• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Transportation to/from attractions
• Manchester River Cruises, The Quays, Salford, Manchester M50 3AZ, UK Salford Quays Option 11:30, 12:45, 14:00, 15:15, 16:30 - Please arrive at least 5 minutes before departure. The boarding point is located under the Millennium Footbridge by the Lowry Theatre
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Minimum drinking age is 18 years
• Departure is from Salford Quays only
• Any buggies or prams must be foldable, we can not accept full size prams aboard.
• City Centre stop is now closed
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Imperial War Museum North

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Manchester River Cruises The Quays, Salford, Manchester M50 3AZ, UK Salford Quays Option 11:30, 12:45, 14:00, 15:15, 16:30 - Please arrive at least 5 minutes before departure. The boarding point is located under the Millennium Footbridge by the Lowry Theatre See address & details
• Pass by Imperial War Museum North Old Trafford
• You'll return to the starting point

• janeaK185RG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Dolly cruise We went to see the dolly parton tribute cruise , Kennedy was absolutely amazing and the show was well worth the money. The staff on board were lovely polite and couldn't do enough for you. If you like Dolly parton this young girl is well worth going to see Read more Written April 1, 2024
• stephenhP6850YA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing elvis night.. What an amazing night...Chris.. what a fantastic voice...staff excellent..you can spend hundreds of pounds going to concerts cramped seats and not the greatest of sound...here you are up front and personal great show few beers sat around your table at a fraction of the cost....but the best is....what a show.... Read more Written January 28, 2024
• Go08691338747 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A really great night. Singer was brilliant. The girls that served us were so friendly and welcoming. It was really chilled out night. Laughing, dancing and drinking. Great start to Xmas weekend Read more Written December 24, 2023
• tiolaurie143 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great night out! The boat was good, but the entertainment was fantastic! Russell made sure we had a great night. The addition of a little food would be good, the snacks fine but a small sandwich would have been nice. Read more Written November 24, 2023
• 446babsl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A night to remember. This boat trip is amazing. Looked after us from start to finish. Nibbles and a Prosecco on arrival. Full waiter/ waitress service. Drinks reasonably priced. Boat nice and warm. Singer was really entertaining with a lovely voice. No faults from us. Want to go again. Read more Written November 18, 2023
• cathyaD9838BG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 🏴‍☠️ Over the Irish Sea. A bottle of rum to fill my tum. A Pirate's life for me! Absolutely Fantastic Pirates and mermaids KIDS TAKEOVER cruise Very well organised the kids even got to steer the boat up front with the captain Nice touch of rum for Adult old seadogs Drinks and cookie biscuits for the children Children were entertained from stepping on to getting off the boat Great Time 🏴‍☠️ Read more Written October 26, 2023
• grahamw590 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant 60 minutes to kill Absolutely 💯 amazing. A great clean boat with a fully stocked bar and clean on board facilities. The all female staff were very friendly, happy smiling, and had anice approach. Highly recommended for a small price of just£12 Read more Written September 26, 2023
• L8665nicklangold 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Elvis We had a great time, we travel the country to see Elvis tributes. And although Chris is not the best we have seen. He certainly is not the worse. The boat was comfortable and bar prices reasonable. We would book another trip in the future. Read more Written August 30, 2023
• P9824BXandrewh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good little boat tour of the quays. Excellent value. Captain is a proper gentleman. Crew was max relax. Easy to find and everything was on time. Read more Written August 26, 2023
• catherinerC6619AI 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Elvis Absolutely lovely evening. Great singer. Lovely staff, brilliant service. Would definitely recommend Read more Written August 7, 2023
• 150riks 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Elvis is in the boat Chris sounds just like Elvis - great voice! Ok so he doesn't dress up but as he says himself he's not an impersonator. Throws in a few facts about the King as well which was interesting. Nice boat ride around the keys with a maximum capacity of 50 people so feels very personal. Read more Written July 21, 2023
• 675sheilaw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brilliant Elvis Night. Excellent night from start to finish. Elvis night absolutely brilliant . Will definately be booking again. Well worth every penny ,value for money,staff excellent . Thank you all for a fantastic night. We all loved it . Read more Written April 16, 2023
• geoffkar0521 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles great went on the river cruise into manchester from salford quays with four friends most enjoyable .crew very helpful well worth a visit . Read more Written March 18, 2023
• 631niamhm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sensational Yesterday I went on the elvis boat cruise for my birthday and I can honestly say it was the best way to spend the day ! The staff were lovely, so kind and cheerful. The man himself Mr Elvis Presley was fantastic and had us all out our seats dancing around! If you are an Elvis fan I would 100% recommend 👌 . Read more Written February 18, 2023
• MaryMcLare 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles FANTASTIC EVENING !!! Absolutely amazing evening. Warm welcome and brilliant hosting. Elvis (Chris) was perfect and very witty. Made my daughters birthday one of the best she's ever had. Highly recommended. You don't know what your missing!!! We were "All Shook Up" - "Thank you very much"!!! Read more Written February 18, 2023

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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City River Tour provided by Manchester River Cruises

City Centre Cruises

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

CITY CENTRE CRUISES (Manchester) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

• CONTENT FOR BUSINESS
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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

Limited time: €2

• View on map
• Do & See
• Restaurants
• Bars & Nightlife
• Art & Culture
• Events & Festivals
• Accommodation
• Tourist Information

City Centre Cruises

Useful information.

• Address: Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester
• Opening hours: Mon–Fri 10am–5pm
• Website: www.citycentrecruises.co.uk
• Phone: +44 161 902 0222
• Email: [email protected]

Digital Travel Guide Download

Manchester United Museum & Tour Centre

Manchester City Football Club

Coronation Street Tour

Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing

National Football Museum

Play Factore

Crystal Maze LIVE Experience

Chester Zoo

Ordsall Hall

John Rylands Library

Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

East Lancashire Railway

Chill Factore

Imperial War Museum North

Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre

Great Northern

Bramall Hall

Stockport Air Raid Shelters

Heaton Park

Victoria Baths

FC United — Broadhurst Park

Hall i' th' Wood Museum

Manchester Opera House

Lake District National Park

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Cancellation policy.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations

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