The John Varley runs trips from Tapton Lock, on the Tesco roundabout in Chesterfield. When the John Varley is in the lock, boarding is level with the towpath which, together with the boat's wheelchair lift means the boat is suitable for our less mobile guests.

Cruising the five miles of waterway from Chesterfield to Staveley, guests are able to see at first hand the high quality of the restoration that has been carried out on this stretch of the canal and experience the local flora and fauna.

Regular Sunday trips and Full Length trips

For all bookings and information about the following, ring 01246 551035.

The JV runs regular Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday trips from Tapton Lock. There is a two hour trip at 10.00 which must be booked (£8 and £7) and then 45 minute trips at 12.00, 1.00, 2.00 and 3.00 (£4 and £3.50). No booking is necessary for these short trips - just turn up, pay and enjoy!

Six hour Cruises (10 miles, 10 locks) - March 6th, April 3rd and 27th, May 1st and 25th, June 5th, July 3rd and 27th, August 7th and 31st, September 4th and 28th, October 2nd and 26th, November 6th, December 28th (£20 and £15). Booking essential.

Six Hour Special Occasion Cruises (10 miles, 10 locks) - these include a meal at Hollingwood Hub - June 21st (Summer Solstice),  September 25th (Autumn Gold)  and New Year's Day (£25 and £20). Booking essential.

Concessions are for Under 16s and Over 60s; babes in arms go free.

Santa Special trips every weekend from late November to Christmas (£6 for all).
Booking essential, bookings open in September.

Charter Bookings

Charter bookings cost £45 per hour for up to 12 passengers.

To enquiry about booking the John Varley for a charter trip,
contact Martin Wilson: email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or ring 0114 281 1575.