We have five star customer reviews on Feefo
Best Summer Family Canal Holidays
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
With our Price Promise you’ll know you’re paying the best price.
Best summer family canal boat holidays for 2026
Water shortages may be affecting some parts of Britain’s 3,000-mile canal and river network, but there are still many hundreds of routes and fantastic destinations available for narrowboat holidays this summer and autumn.
We are committed to making sure everyone gets a great holiday, though in some places it may not be the route first planned for.
We continually monitor the situation and work closely with the relevant navigation authorities to keep our customers up to date.
Please do get in touch with us if you’d like to know more.
Walk the Roman walls of Chester
On a short break from Bunbury in Cheshire you can cruise along the Shropshire Union Canal to Chester and back. You’ll cruise through the Cheshire countryside, passing Beeston Castle and Tattenhall with its famous Cheshire Ice Cream Farm. And you’ll go through the village of Christleton with its Cheshire Cat canalside pub. Once there, you can explore this great heritage city home to the most complete City Walls in Britain. The walls date back to the Roman occupation 2,000 years ago. Walking the walls you can follow in the footsteps of the Roman soldiers with panoramic views on both sides.
The journey from Bunbury to Chester and back travels 12 miles, passing through 18 locks (9 each way) and takes around 14 hours.
Visit Devizes and the Caen Hill flight
On a short break from Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, you can cruise to Foxhanger Wharf and back. Along the way, you’ll pass the canalside Barge Inn at Seend. When you reach Foxhanger Wharf, you can moor up and walk up the famous flight of locks at Caen Hill, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. Then carry on into the historic market town of Devizes, home to the Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre with its famous shire horses making daily deliveries. And you can visit some of the town’s independent shops, restaurants and pubs, including the George & Dragon.
The journey from Bradford on Avon to Foxhanger Wharf and back travels 22 miles, passes through 14 locks (7 each way) and takes around 12 hours.
Visit Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains
On a week’s holiday from Whixall, you can cruise along the Llangollen Canal to Llangollen and back. You’ll travel through the beautiful Shropshire Lake District and the historic market town of Ellesmere. Then you’ll also cruise along the 11-mile section of the Llangollen Canal designated a World Heritage Site, including the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. You can moor up in Llangollen Basin to explore the town, including the Llangollen Steam Railway, Plas Newydd house and gardens, Castell Dinas and the Horseshoe Falls. There are many independent shops and places to eat, including the popular Corn Mill with stunning river and mountain views.
The journey from Whixall to Llangollen and back travels 52 miles, passes through 4 locks (2 each way) and takes around 24 hours.
Cruise across the Stream in the Sky to Ellesmere
On a short break from Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, you can cruise to the historic market town of Ellesmere and back. Your journey begins crossing the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, also known as ‘The Stream in the Sky’. You’ll then cruise on, passing through two tunnels and crossing the impressive Chirk Aqueduct, taking you across the Welsh border into England. At the village of Chirk you’ll find a choice of pubs, including the Bridge Inn. When you reach Ellesmere, you can moor up to explore this pretty town in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District, with its Mere, castle ruins and choice of places to eat out.
The journey from Trevor to Ellesmere and back travels 28 miles, passes through 4 locks (2 each way) and takes around 14 hours.
Cruise alongside Channock Chase Forest to Fradley Pool Nature Reserve
On a short break from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford you can cruise to Fradley Junction and back. They journey passes Cannock Chase Forest with over 6,800 acres of heath land and ancient woodland to explore. Once at Fradley you can moor up to can explore the woodland trail at boardwalk at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve. Canalside pubs to stop off at include the Wolseley Arms at Wolseley Bridge, the Ash Tree at Rugeley and the Swan Inn at Fradley.
The journey from Great Haywood to Fradley and back travels 25 miles, passing through 10 locks (5 each way) and takes around 12 hours.
Download a Brochure
Our brochure includes information on our boats, routes, destinations and prices. There are also tips for canal boat beginners, advice on what to pack and a list of our locations offering day boat hire.
What to pack for your canal boat holiday
Best narrow boat holiday routes for beginners
Advice on how to use locks safely
