The Seth Ellis is licensed to carry up to 12 passengers. Purpose built in 2005, she has a galley for serving hot and cold drinks, a toilet and central heating as well as large opening windows all around. A large cruiser-style stern makes getting on and off the boat easy. Access to the passenger cabin is down a short flight of steps.

You are welcome to bring your own picnic, or we can stop at a canalside pub. Passengers may have a go at steering, under the supervision of our crew.

From our base in Retford, you can charter the boat on a choice of routes. We move to other locations for some weekend trips. For full details, see below.

Information, Booking and Payments

For bookings and information, please ring 07925 851569 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

When you book your trip, please make sure you select the correct trip length as this determines the cost. Having made your booking, you can pay by cash, cheque or online. For online payments, you can either use a Paypal account or a regular debit or credit card.

To pay online please click here.

Charters and Special Trips 2013

Charters may be booked for any day of the week in any month of the year.
All charters depart from the Hop Pole Public House, Welham Road, Retford DN22 6UG.
N.B. These prices are for up to 12 passengers. Longer trips are available on request.

... Gate Inn, Grove Road and return :: 2 hours - £90

... Boat Inn at Hayton :: 2.5 hours - £112.50

... Embankment through Retford :: 2.5 hours - £112.50

... Gate Inn and West Retford Lock :: 3 hours - £135

... Clayworth including 30 min stop :: 4 hours - £180

Special trips

May 6th
Retford Charter Day From the Bay Tree Café at Retford. 30 minute trips every 45 mins from 10am; Adult £4.50, Child £4.

May 26th and 27th
From Kiveton Park. 2½ hour trips at 10am, 1pm, 4pm; flat fare £11.

June 1st and 2nd
From the Lock Keeper pub in Worksop. 1½ hour trips to Morse Lock; flat fare £8.   3 hour trips to Bracebridge Lock; flat fare £13.   3 hour trips to Shireoaks Marina; flat fare £13.

June 9th
Pirate Trips from the Hop Pole. See below for further information.

June 29th and 30th
We will be at the Chesterfield Canal Festival at Staveley Town Basin. Click here for further information.

July 27th and 28th
From the Hop Pole on Welham Road, Retford. 2½ hour trips at 10am, 1pm, 4pm; flat fare £11.

August 4th
Pirate Trips from the Hop Pole. See below for further information.

August 10th and 11th
From Drakeholes through the tunnel to Shaw Lock. 2½ hour trips at 10am, 1pm, 4pm; flat fare £11.

August 24th, 25th and 26th
From the Chequers Inn at Ranby. 2 hour trips at 10am, 12.30pm and 3pm; flat fare £8.50.

September 14th and 15th
Retford Heritage Weekend From the Bay Tree Café at Retford. 50 min trips on the hour from 10am to 4pm; Adult £5.50, Child £5.

September 21st and 22nd
From West Stockwith. 3 hour trips at 10am and 2pm; flat fare £13.

September 28th and 29th
From Kiveton Park. 2½ hour trips at 10am, 1pm, 4pm; flat fare £11.

December weekends
We will be running Santa Special trips in Retford. Click here for further details.

Pirate Parties - New for 2013

Why not join the Pirate Crew of the Seth Ellis this summer when they will be patrolling the Chesterfield Canal?
All children will get a treat from the Dead Man’s Chest. All adults will receive refreshments.
Trips will depart on the hour from 10am to 4pm, from our mooring at the Hop Pole on Welham Road, Retford DN22 6UG. £6 per passenger.
Alternatively, charter the Seth Ellis for your own private Pirate Party.
It is easy - just select a route from the charter list above and bring up to 12 passengers, your own picnic, food, drink, birthday cake, props etc. and let the Pirate Crew take care of the rest.
For further information and to make a booking please ring 07925 851569 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .