For all public trip bookings, click here.
The John Varley II runs trips from Tapton Lock, on the Tesco roundabout in Chesterfield.
It was built in 2016 and is a state of the art tripboat with a large wheelchair lift, a foredeck, a hearing loop and lots of other superb features including two stained glass portholes.
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.
You can also buy Gift Vouchers for cruises on John Varley ll by clicking here.
To see the John Varley Facebook page, click here.
To see John Varley II’s YouTube channel, click here.
Public trip dates 2026
Booking is essential for all trips unless stated.
All cruises will leave from Tapton Lock (S41 7JB).
Where there are two prices, the concessions are for Under 16s; babes in arms go free.
Please note that all planned cruises are subject to possible late cancellation, e.g. because of a problem with the canal. You can ring 07359 479796 to ensure that all is running smoothly.
Monday Bank Holiday return cruises at 10.30, 11.30, 13.00, 14.00 & 15.00 (1 hr, £7/£5)
April 6, May 4 & 25, August 31.
To book, click here.
Sunday morning Bluebank return cruises at 10.00 (2 hr, £14/£10)
April 12 to end October (except May 31, July 26, September 27).
To book, click here.
Sunday afternoon return cruises at 12.30, 13.30, 14.30 & 15.30 (1 hr, £7/£5)
April 12 to end October (except May 31, July 26, September 27).
To book, click here.
Afternoon Fish & Chips return cruises at 13.00 (2 hr, £26/£17.50)
May 1, 22 & 29, June 5 & 12, July 3, 10 & 24, September 11 & 25.
To book, click here.
Afternoon Tea return cruises at 14.00 (2 hr, £23/£17.50)
May 6, 15 & 20, June 3, 10 & 19, July 1, 8, 17 & 22, September 9, 18, 23 & 30.
To book, click here.
Evening Fish & Chips return cruises at 19.00 (2 hr, £26/£17.50)
May 13, July 15, September 16.
To book, click here.
Staveley Restoration Explorer at 10.00 (Return 6 hr, £25 or Single either way 3 hr, £15)
May 31, July 26, September 27.
To book, click here.
Live Folk Music return cruise at 19.00 (2 hr, £17)
June 17.
To book, click here.
School summer holiday return cruises at 10.30, 11.30, 13.00, 14.00 & 15.00 (1 hr, £7/£5)
Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Derbyshire school summer holidays.
To book, click here.
Halloween return cruises at 10.30, 11.30, 13.00, 14.00 & 15.00 (1 hr, £7/£5)
October 31.
To book, click here.
Santa Special cruises (£10)
Bookings open on October 1.
Charter bookings
John Varley II is available for charters throughout the year when it is not doing public trips, see above. Charters cost £70 per hour for a maximum of 12 passengers. They can be from one to five hours in half hour increments.
Private charters are great for celebrating birthdays and other special occasions. Hirers may bring their own food or arrange a buffet from a local supplier.
Speciality private food charters for up to 12 people cost £70 per hour for the boat + £11 per person for Fish & Chips or £8 per person for Afternoon Tea.
To book your charter email johnvarley@chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk.
It is possible to combine John Varley with Madeline for groups of up to 24 passengers for charters of at least two hours.
