For all public trip bookings, click here.
In 2011, the Canal Trust won £60,000 from the Big Lottery Fund in the Jubilee Peoples Millions public vote. The result of that project is our trip boat – the Hugh Henshall. It is moored at Shireoaks Marina.
The Hugh Henshall has a light airy cabin with opening windows and a large wheelchair lift. The flexible seating can be removed to accommodate wheelchair guests when required.
Equipped with a state of the art hybrid drive system, the Hugh Henshall can, at the discretion of the crew, switch over from diesel to electric drive and cruise almost silently through the rural settings the canal provides. This gives visitors an ideal opportunity to see the wildlife and appreciate the peace and tranquillity the Chesterfield Canal can offer.
From the on-board galley, crew can serve reasonably priced hot and cold drinks (cash only – loose change). Visitors are welcome to consume their own food on board and we have a large table at the front of the boat to help with on-board picnics.
You can buy Gift Vouchers for cruises on Hugh Henshall by clicking here.
For further enquiries, contact Sarah Stephens by emailing hughhenshall@chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk or ring 07356 291497 and leave a message.
For bookings and information email hughhenshall@chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk.
Public Trip dates 2026
Please note that all planned cruises are subject to possible late cancellation, e.g. because of a problem with the canal.
Where there are two prices, the concessions are for Under 16s; babes in arms go free.
Shireoaks to Oneslide Lock return cruises at 11.00, 12.30 & 14.00 (1 hr, £7/£5)
April 12, May 10, 25 & 31, June 14, August 9, 23 & 31, September 13.
For bookings, click here.
Shireoaks to Turnerwood return picnic cruises at 11.00 (2 hrs, £14/£10)
April 15 & 19, May 3, 13 & 17, June 7,17 & 21, July 12, 15 & 19, August 2, 12 & 16, September 6, 16 & 20.
For bookings, click here.
Lock Keeper pub, Worksop, return cruises at 12.00, 13.00 & 14.00 (1 hr, £7/£5)
April 26, May 4 & 24, July 26, August 30, September 27.
For bookings, click here.
Shireoaks Community Nature Day cruises at 11.00, 11.30, 12.00, 12.30, 13.30, 14.00, 14.30 & 15.00
(20 mins, £3/£2)
June 13.
For bookings, click here.
Santa Special cruises (£10)
Bookings open on October 1.
Charter bookings
Hugh Henshall is available for charter for £70 per hour for up to 12 people. It is moored at Shireoaks Marina, where ample free car parking is available outside the Marina on Marina Drive. The departure point will be Shireoaks Top Lock, S81 8NQ, off Marina Drive via the signposted accessible path alongside the Marina.
You may bring food and alcoholic drinks. Plates, serviettes, cutlery, glasses and tumblers are available for your use. Hot beverages are available for sale on the boat at the cost of £1 (cash only). There is a CD/Bluetooth player with USB port to play your own music. The boat has full disability access. Guests will have an opportunity to steer and can participate in operating locks under supervision.
A number of possibilities are available:
1 hour from Shireoaks Top Lock to Oneslide Lock :: 3 Locks and return :: £70
1½ hours from Shireoaks Top Lock to below Haggonfields Lock :: 5 locks and return :: £105
2½ hours from Shireoaks Top Lock to Turnerwood (including 30 mins pause for your picnic lunch – not included) :: 8 locks and return :: £175
3 hours from Shireoaks Top Lock down to the Lock Keeper pub in Worksop :: 6 locks and return, including a one hour pause for a meal (not included) in the the Lock Keeper :: £210
3 hours from Shireoaks Top Lock to Morse winding hole :: 8 locks and return (toilet stop only) :: £210
4 hours from Shireoaks Top Lock to Morse winding hole :: 8 locks and return including a one hour pause for a meal (not included) in the Lock Keeper :: £280
The boat can be chartered on any day when it is not doing public trips with a start time to suit you.
To enquire about chartering the Hugh Henshall for your group of up to 12 people, contact Sarah Stephens by emailing hughhenshall@chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk or ring 07356 291497 and leave a message.
Hugh Henshall was an 18th century engineer involved in the building of the canal along with John Varley and James Brindley. You can read more about Hugh Henshall by clicking here.
