Canal boat cruise shows off city’s waterways network

On Saturday Leeds showed off its network of waterways and the buildings that sit alongside them, including Granary Wharf, which was once an industrial centre and played a vital role in the export of goods from Yorkshire to locations across the globe.

It is now popular for its apartments, bars and restaurants.

At the weekend visitors had a chance to see the new-look wharf from the water by taking a special free cruise aboard the Kirkstall Flyboat, a purpose-built passenger boat which set sail on Saturday from Granary Wharf along the Leeds and Liverpool canal.

The Kirkstall Flyboat is licensed to carry up to 50 passengers and caters for all kinds of events, from engagement parties to board meetings.

Visitors were also given tours of two waterside residential buildings: the copper-clad Waterman’s Place, which is already two-thirds sold, and the cylindrical Candle House.

Candle House has the highest residential garden in the city on its 24th floor – 75 metres (246ft) above the city.

There was also a talk about the history of the area which was given by Mike Clarke, president of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Society.