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Step aboard

Meet The Vital Spark

The Vital Spark is a beautifully appointed 61ft narrowboat moored at Aqueduct Marina on the peaceful Shropshire Union Canal.
Thoughtfully fitted out for a truly comfortable stay, she offers everything you need to relax and recharge — two double beds, an L-shaped sofa, a crackling wood-burning stove, and central heating to keep things cosy whatever the season. Cook at your own pace in the fully equipped kitchen, refresh in the full shower room, and settle in for the evening with smart TVs and marina Wi-Fi. Free on-site parking makes arrival effortless.

This is slow living at its finest — just you, the water, and the quiet beauty of the Cheshire countryside.

• Include a virtual tour of The Vital Spark so guests can explore the boat before they book
• List all on-board facilities clearly, including the wood-burning stove, central heating, two double beds, L-shaped sofa, full shower room, fully equipped kitchen, smart TVs, and marina Wi-Fi
• Add a walkthrough video showing the interior, deck, and key features of the boat
• Include 360° views captured with the DJI 360 camera, covering the sleeping areas, living space, kitchen, bathroom, outdoor deck, and marina facilities such as the car park, showers, and toilets
• Highlight the cosy, home-from-home feel of the interior and the beautiful waterside setting

simple and transparent

Prices & Extras

Our pricing is simple and transparent, with everything you need for a comfortable stay included as standard.
Extras available to enhance your stay:
• Starlink Wi-Fi for fast, reliable connectivity throughout your visit (£15 per day)
• Welcome hampers and celebration packages
• Additional touches for special occasions
Just let us know what you'd like when you book, and we'll take care of the rest. For full pricing and availability, please see our booking page.

special corner of Cheshire

Location & Surroundings

A Short Trip Away

You'll find us at Aqueduct Marina, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6DX, tucked away in a beautiful pocket of the Cheshire countryside.

One of the things guests love most is the setting. Calm waters, gentle boat life, and open green surroundings make it wonderfully easy to unwind. Many visitors treasure the tranquillity of waterside living, waking to birdsong and quiet mornings by the canal.

Right on your doorstep you'll find plenty to enjoy: a small on-site shop for essentials, a restaurant and bar, scenic towpath walks, and fishing straight from the marina. When you fancy a change of scene, the historic market town of Nantwich is just a short trip away, with its charming streets, independent shops, and welcoming pubs.

Whether you're after gentle exploration or simple relaxation, this special corner of Cheshire has a lovely way of helping you slow down and enjoy every moment.

Winter Stays

There's something wonderfully cosy about a winter narrowboat stay. Picture frosty mornings by the water, warm interiors, and long, lazy evenings tucked up snug on board.

Our lower winter pricing reflects shorter daylight hours and the quieter season, making it a lovely time to enjoy a peaceful retreat for less. With your boat moored throughout your stay, the season simply adds to the charm rather than affecting your plans.

Winter is ideal for short breaks and restful getaways, whether you're escaping for a couple of nights or treating yourself to a longer stretch of calm. Whatever you have in mind, we're here to help you make the most of it.

FAQ's

Do I need any boating experience?

None at all. Your narrowboat stays safely moored throughout your visit, so there's no driving or navigating to think about. Our team will welcome you, show you around, and explain how everything works, so you can relax from the moment you arrive.

Can I bring my pet?

Absolutely! We're delighted to welcome up to two well-behaved small to medium-sized dogs on board. To help your furry friend feel right at home, we recommend bringing their own bedding. Please note there is a pet fee of £25 per dog per stay. The marina also offers dog walks and a handy dog bath tub.

What should I bring?

To make your stay as comfortable and stress-free as possible, here's a handy checklist:
Essentials
• Clothing: Layers and comfy clothes, plus a waterproof and sturdy shoes for towpath walks
• Provisions: Food and drinks, especially for your first evening
• Weather gear: Sunglasses, sunhat and suncream for warmer days; a warm coat, gloves and hat for winter stays
• Cash: Some canal-side pubs and shops may not accept cards
• For pets: Pet bed, feeding bowls, lead, waste bags and a scoop
• Towels: Always useful to have to hand
Nice to have
• Picnic chairs and a coolbox for relaxing on deck
• A thermos flask for hot drinks on your walks
• Fishing rods (a valid licence and local byelaws apply)
• Binoculars, books, and games for downtime

What time can I check in

Check-in is from 2:00pm. If you expect to arrive later than this, please let us know in advance and we'll do our best to accommodate you. Check-out is by 11:00am.

Can I order groceries online?

Yes, all major supermarkets deliver directly to the marina. Simply schedule your delivery for a time when you'll be at the marina to receive it yourself, as marina staff are unable to accept deliveries on your behalf. Please remember the on-board fridge has limited space, so a little planning goes a long way.

Is there Wi-Fi

The marina offers complimentary Wi-Fi, though as with many waterside locations the signal can occasionally drop out. For reliable, high-quality connectivity throughout your stay, we offer Starlink access for just £15 per day, perfect for streaming, gaming, and staying in touch.

What's on site?

There's a small shop open daily from 9am to 5pm, plus a restaurant and bar (please ask for current opening times). You'll also find clean hot showers, heated toilets, and 24-hour laundry facilities, along with dog walks and a dog bath tub.

Ready to Explore?

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