Narrow Boat Holidays
Hire your own narrow boat and explore the UK waterways!
The narrow boats are easy to use, and we give full tuition on arrival - all included in the price you pay, so don't worry if you haven't been on a narrow boat holiday before.
We have a choice of narrow boat sleeping anywhere from 2 to 12 people. There are varying equipment levels and to help you, the boats have been graded 1 to 5.
Click here to see the choice of narrow boats and their availability.
You can moor up on the tow path side, free of charge, and relax and just slow right down to the slow pace on the canals. There are lots of routes that you can do in a narrow boat, but basically you can go wherever you want - it's up to you !
Our marinas are spread throughout the country, so there is never one too far from you. All the marinas have free onsite parking.
Narrow Boating Basics
A quick guide to narrow boating
Know nothing about canal boats? No idea about canals? Haven't a clue what to expect?
Don't worry, here's the absolute basics laid out for you. We welcome absolute beginners - we know that you can have a great holiday on a canal boat even if it's a totally new concept for you.
What's the difference between a canal and a river?
Canals are manmade waterways, built in Britain during the industrial revolution some 200 years ago. Therefore they do not have a current like a river does, making them much easier for navigating a boat! Some canals do join up with rivers but first timers should stick to the canals. Read More
Narrow Boating Basics
A quick guide to narrow boating
Know nothing about canal boats? No idea about canals? Haven't a clue what to expect?
Don't worry, here's the absolute basics laid out for you. We welcome absolute beginners - we know that you can have a great holiday on a canal boat even if it's a totally new concept for you.
What's the difference between a canal and a river?
Canals are manmade waterways, built in Britain during the industrial revolution some 200 years ago. Therefore they do not have a current like a river does, making them much easier for navigating a boat! Some canals do join up with rivers but first timers should stick to the canals. Read More
Buy Canal Maps and Guides
You can purchases canal maps and guides at many of the locations (subject to availability) or purchase via our online Amazon store.
COL1
Grand Union, Oxford & the South East
COL2
Severn,Avon and Birmingham
COL3
Birmingham and the heart of England
COL4
Four Counties & Welsh Canals
We will provide the essentials for your UK Narrow Boat holiday. There's no need to worry about bedding, cooking utensils, or basic maps for your route. These are all stowed safely aboard your canal boat before you arrive. Obviously you will want to pack a few clothes, but in addition browse through the checklist below and see if any of the following will enhance your narrow boat holiday. Read more
Customer Testimonial
In twenty years of canal boating we think this was the most comfortable / well appointed boat we have had and also the easiest to drive by far! Staff were super at both arrival and departure. Mrs W.N. Watson - Bedford
Customer Testimonial
What a lovely holiday we've just had! We'd never thought about going on a canal boat before, but some friends of ours had done it and said how much they had enjoyed it. I'm glad we took their advice and tried it. We'll certainly be going again, very soon. Debbie - Devon