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Tips for narrowboat holiday beginners
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.
You don’t need a licence to drive a canal boat
Every year around one fifth of narrowboat hirers are new to the waterways, and we provide tuition as part of our boat hire.
To help make your first canal boat holiday smoother, we’ve put together the following basic guide.
Tips for narrowboat holiday beginners
Keep to the right
Unlike cars on our roads, canal boats travel on the right side of our canals and rivers, so when you meet another boat, keep to the right.
Steering basics
Push the tiller right to go left, and left to go right and put the engine in reverse to stop.
Use your horn
To warn canal boats coming towards you when approaching sharp bends and as you enter a tunnel.
Using locks safely
Always have a steerer on the boat when in a lock and make sure the boat is kept forward of the cill (step). Keep children away from the lock edge and watch out for slippery surfaces.
Close the gates behind you
Check all paddles and gates are shut after you’ve used a lock, unless you see another boat approaching.
Sharing is caring
Always share a lock with other boats if possible to save water and it means you can share the lock operating load too.
Tunnel tricks
Switch on your headlight before entering a tunnel, and if it’s a one-way tunnel, first make sure there’s no boat inside.
Slow down to walking pace
There’s a 4mph speed limit on the inland waterways, but basically you’re going too fast if you’re creating too much wash which disturbs wildlife and erodes the banks. Reduce your speed even further when you are passing moored boats or anglers and when approaching bridges, locks, bends or junctions.
Mooring musts
When mooring up at busy spots, make sure you don’t leave a big gap and never moor opposite winding holes, on bends, near to bridges, on lock landings (unless waiting to lock through) or at water points (unless filling up).
Tying up
To keep your boat secure, you need to tie it to the bank with a rope from both the front and the back, and on rivers you should fix your upstream rope first.
FAQs
Do I need any expertise to drive a canal boat?
You don’t need a licence to steer a canal boat and we provide tuition as part of our boat rental.
Where can I moor overnight and what does it cost?
There are plenty of places to moor your canal boat for free along towpaths, making overnight stops flexible and stress-free. If you prefer additional facilities like water, electricity, or secure mooring, some marinas charge a small fee. Our team can provide route advice, including the best mooring spots along your journey.
What should I pack?
We recommend packing all weather/waterproof clothing and deck shoes, pumps or sneakers and it’s a good idea to bring slippers, sliders or thick socks to wear on board. We provide towels and bedding. We don’t recommend you bring large suitcases onboard our boats, but we can store them for you, if necessary. We’ve published advice on what to pack.
How easy is it to operate locks?
Operating locks is a fun part of the canal boat holiday experience, and it’s easier than you might think. During your handover, we’ll explain how to safely work locks. You’ll quickly get the hang of it, and there’s always help at busy locks if you need it.
