The Vital Spark is a cosy 61ft narrowboat moored at Aqueduct Marina, Church Minshull, on the peaceful Shropshire Union Canal. Enjoy central heating, a wood stove, 2 double beds, L Shaped Sofa, full shower, Starlink Wi-Fi, smart TVs, a fully kitted kitchen, and free parking. A relaxing stay in the beautiful countryside, cruising along the canals. Slow down and watch the water go by.
The Vital Spark is a beautifully fitted 61ft narrowboat moored at Aqueduct Marina — an award-winning, 5 Gold Anchor facility in Church Minshull, on the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.
Tucked away in peaceful Cheshire countryside, this is the kind of spot where you can slow right down and watch the water go by. The marina is well known for its tranquil setting, eco-friendly approach, and genuinely brilliant on-site amenities — so you've got everything you need close to hand.
She has central heating, a wood stove, Starlink internet, a full-size shower, 2 comfy double beds, a living room, and a kitchen. Guests have full run of the whole boat.
Step aboard and you'll find a warm, well-equipped home on the water.
The living room has an L-shaped sofa that converts into a bed, a wood stove for those snug evenings, and a 32" smart TV with DVD player — plus a library of over 250 DVDs and a selection of board games for cosy nights in.
The kitchen is ready for proper cooking. You'll find a 2-ring hob, a handy 2-drawer air fryer, a kettle, and a coffee machine with quality pods to start the day right.
The bedroom has a double bed with a wonderfully comfy mattress and its own 42" smart TV — ideal for a lazy morning lie-in.
A few things that make life easy: a full-size shower, a gravity toilet (no emptying old cassette loos), a washing machine, central heating throughout, and Starlink satellite internet so you can stream, browse, or work from the canalside. This one of a kind boat is even fitted with a retractable wheelhouse to enjoy those not so sunny days outside. The whole of The Vital Spark is yours to enjoy, and free parking is available at the marina.
You'll also have access to the marina's excellent facilities, including:
The Waterfront Café – great food with vegan and gluten-free options, plus a fully licensed bar and covered, heated, and outdoor seating overlooking the marina.
A well-stocked chandlery – handy for boating essentials, electrical bits, and accessories.
Modern shower and laundry facilities with underfloor heating.
Serviced moorings in a calm, well-kept setting.
If you fancy a cruise, you're perfectly placed in the heart of the North West, with easy access to the Cheshire Ring, the Four Counties Ring, and trips towards Llangollen or Chester.
Other things to note
Please remember this is boat life! The space is cosy but comfortable, and part of the charm is settling into a slower, simpler pace.
The marina holds the prestigious Clean Marina Accreditation, with initiatives around blackwater capture, waste management, and sustainable practices — so you can relax knowing your stay is kind to the waterways.
There's also a caravan and motorhome site on-site, with serviced gravel pitches and luxury bell tents, if you're combining boating with a touring holiday.
Any questions at all, just ask — we want you to feel right at home and enjoy every moment of your stay.
Please note a handover, and a small amount of training to be completed before taking the boat out.
