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Best 2027 Canal Boat Holidays
We offer a range of boat sizes with accommodation for two to 12 people.
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Top 7 canal boat holidays for 2027
Britain’s peaceful inland waterways provide the perfect staycation destination for 2027.
Boating slowly through the countryside at just 4 miles per hour, watching out for wildlife, is a great way to relax. It’s free to moor up almost anywhere, so you can stop off at canalside pubs and waterside destinations along the way.
Tutition is included in our holiday prices and our boats are pet friendly.
To celebrate the publication of our 2027 canal boat holidays brochure, here’s a guide to our top 7 destinations in 2027.
Boat through the countryside to Fradley
On a weekend break from Great Haywood near Stafford you can cruise along the Trent & Mersey Canal to Fradley Junction and back. The journey takes you through a series of villages with historic pubs, including the Colliers pub at Rugeley and the Crown Inn at Handsacre. Places to explore along the way include Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Wolseley Centre. Once at Fradley, you can moor up to visit the Canalside Café, the Swan Inn and Fradley Pool Nature Reserve.
The journey to Fradley and back takes around 12 hours and passes through 10 locks (5 each way).
Cruise through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey
On a week-long break from Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, you can cruise to Pewsey. Along the way, you’ll travel up the famous flight of locks at Caen Hill, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. At the top of the flight, you can moor up to visit the historic market town of Devizes, home to the Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre and some great independent shops, restaurants and pubs. Soon after, you’ll pass the Barge Inn at Honeystreet and then you’ll be travelling through the beautiful Vale of Pewsey, with views of the chalk White Horse.
The journey from Bradford on Avon to Pewsey and back travels 46 miles, passes through 72 locks (36 each way) and takes around 35 hours.
Travel across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in North Wales
On a week’s break from Trevor near Wrexham, you can travel along the Llangollen Canal to Whitchurch and back. You’ll begin your holiday crossing the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which carries the Llangollen Canal 38 metres high above the Dee Valley. You’ll cross the border into England at Chirk, and then you’ll pass through the picturesque town of Ellesmere. You’ll then cruise on through the Shropshire Lake District to Whitchurch. There you can moor up to explore this historic market town, with its award-winning Black Bear pub.
The journey to Whitchurch and back takes around 25 hours and passes through 4 locks (2 each way).
Navigate to Shakespeare’s Stratford in Warwickshire
On a short break from Wootton Wawen, you can navigate the Stratford Canal to Stratford-upon-Avon and back. You’ll cruise slowly through the Warwickshire countryside, crossing over the 105-metre long Edstone Aqueduct. At the top of the Wilmcote flight you can moor up and walk into the village, where you’ll find the Mary Arden Inn. Then you’ll travel down the flight, going through 16 locks before you reach Bancroft Basin in the centre of Shakespeare’s Stratford. There you can moor up and explore this world famous historic town, home of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
The journey to Stratford-upon-Avon and back takes around 11 hours and passes through 34 locks (17 each way).
Travel up onto the Pennines to Barnoldswick
On a 7-night break from Silsden, you can cruise along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to Barnoldswick and back. The journey passes through the historic market town of Skipton, home of medieval Skipton Canal. And Gargrave on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. At Bank Newton there are seven locks taking you up onto the Pennines. When you reach Barnoldswick, there’s a choice of places to eat, including The Fountain Inn. The Pendle Way connects to the canal at Cockshott Bridge no. 152, great for exploring the South Pennines on foot.
The journey from Silsden to Barnoldswick and back travels 38 miles, passing through 30 locks (15 each way) and takes around 27 hours.
Visit the ancient city of Chester on a narrow boat
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.
Boat through the beautiful Bath Valley to Georgian Bath
On a weekend break from Bradford on Avon you can cruise along the Kennet & Avon Canal to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath and back. The route will take you through Bradford on Avon Lock and past English Heritage’s medieval Tithe Barn. You’ll cruise across the magnificent Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas aqueduct. Boating on through the Bath Valley, you’ll go through Claverton, home of the American Museum at Claverton Manor. And Bathampton, passing the iconic canalside George Inn. You can moor up at Sydney Gardens and it’s a 15-minute walk into Bath city centre, with world class attractions to explore, including the Roman Baths and Royal Crescent.
The journey to Bath and back from Bradford on Avon travels 18 miles, passes through two locks (one each way) and takes around eight 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
