Canal trips

Floating along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal aboard one of Pennine Cruisers' narrowboats feels like stepping back in time. The gentle chug of the engine and rhythmic lapping of water against the hull creates a properly relaxing escape from the usual holiday rush. You'll wind through some of the most lovely countryside in the Yorkshire Dales, past stone bridges and through locks that have been working for over 200 years.

Families with restless kids will find this a winner - there's something magical about operating the locks and steering the boat that keeps everyone engaged. Even teenagers put their phones down when they're at the tiller. The trips run from Skipton, making it dead easy to combine with exploring the market town's castle and shops.

Most day trips last around three to four hours, though you can book longer adventures if the canal bug bites. The pace is wonderfully slow - perfect for spotting herons and watching the world drift by. It's not cheap, mind you, but splitting the cost between a family or group of friends makes it more reasonable.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Bolton Abbey Estate or Draughton Heights makes perfect sense for a canal day out. The waterways offer a completely different perspective on the Dales - one that's well worth experiencing if you're spending a few days exploring this corner of Yorkshire.