12/06/2026
The Purple Boat is based in Shardlow, a small village full of rich canal history.
It became an Inland Port during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, especially after the construction of the Trent and Mersey Canal (where you begin your journey)!
Shardlow is one of 4 Heritage Inland Ports and one of 14 Heritage Harbours in the Uk.
The swans come every year to raise their cygnets and love to swim gracefully up and down the canal ๐ฆข๐ฆ