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Welcome to our vacations
On Britain’s canals!
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.
Everything you need to know about British canal boat vacations
We’re delighted to welcome aboard our self-drive canal boats people from the United States wanting to explore historic Britain.
Cruising slowly through some of the most beautiful countryside in England and Wales is a great way to see the country. Travelling at just four miles per hour, you have time to take in the scenery and the wildlife, and to visit world famous historic sites.
You don’t need a licence to drive a canal boat in the UK and tuition is included in our hire rates.
Getting to our boat yards
We have canal boat hire locations at 9 places in England and Wales, many within easy reach of Heathrow and Manchester airports. Call our booking team on 0117 304 1122 for travel information.
May, June, July, August and September are generally the best time to take a canal boat holiday vacation in the UK. The weather tends to be drier and the days are longer.
We’ve answered the most commonly asked questions by our US visitors in the FAQ’s section at the bottom of this page.
Facilities on board our boats
Cabins Our narrowboats have cabins that can be configured with two single beds or one double bed. There’s storage for clothes in each cabin and bed linen is supplied.
Headroom The standard height on board our narrowboats is around 6ft.
Storage Our narrowboats are just 6 feet 10 inches wide, but they vary in length – from 48ft to 69ft. The longer boats have more space to store your luggage. We can store extra luggage for you on request.
Galley kitchens Our boats have well-equipped galley kitchens with a 4-burner gas cooker, grill and oven. They have a small fridge with a small freezer compartment. A sink and drainer, work surfaces and storage space. They also have a microwave, cafetiere, saucepans, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery.
Bathrooms Our boats have one or two bathrooms with a wash basin, flush toilet and shower. Towels are supplied.
Dining Our luxury boats have a spacious area to dine and relax, and some have armchairs too. There is a TV/DVD player and a CD/Radio player in the saloon.
Heating All our boats have full radiator central heating and some also have a traditional fuel stove in the saloon.
Electrics 240v electricity (max 1,000 watts). On-board there’s a small travel hairdryer and a 12v mobile phone charging point. Please note, if you decide to use your own appliances you do so at your own risk.
Sleep apnoea machines Many of our canal boats can charge a sleep apnoea machine that is used for comfort. However we can’t power sleep apnoea machines that are required for life-threatening conditions. You can hire a portable/battery CPAP machine from the British Snoring Association.
Wifi Our boats are all fitted with 1GB free WiFi (per holiday/week). As the system uses the mobile network, the signal cannot be guaranteed.
Popular Routes & Destinations
UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath
From Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal, you can cruise to Bath and back. The journey takes you through the beautiful Avon Valley and across the magnificent Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts. You can moor up just outside the city centre and explore this UNESCO World Heritage city, including the Roman Baths, Victorian Pump Rooms, Jane Austen Museum, Bath Abbey and Royal Crescent.
Shakespeare's Stratford
On a short break from our canal boat rental base at Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal in Warwickshire, you can cruise to Stratford-upon-Avon and back. There you can moor up in Bancroft Basin in the centre of this world famous historic town, home to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Swan Theatre, Tudor World Museum and may historic pubs and restaurants.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Also known as The Stream in the Sky’, the incredible Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in North Wales is part of an 11-mile section of Llangollen Canal designated UNESCO World Heritage status in 2009. You can cross it on a trip from our base at Trevor in North Wales, and continue on to the medieval market town of Ellesmere in the heart of the beautiful Shropshire Lake District.
The ancient city of Chester
On a short break from our Bunbury base on the Shropshire Union Canal in Cheshire, you can cruise to the ancient city of Chester and back. You can moor up to explore the city’s Roman city walls, the oldest and most complete in Britain. The Chester Rows two-tiered medieval galleries, now home to some of the best shops in the city. You can also visit the city’s Roman Amphitheatre and Cathedral, dating back to 1092.
FAQs
How do I get to the boat yard from the airport?
We can advise you on the nearest airports and train stations from our boat yards. The website Roam to Rio is helpful when planning journeys Rome2Rio: discover how to get anywhere. And Trainline is useful for booking rail tickets. You can hire a car from the airport you arrive at or travel on by train and take a taxi to our boat yard.
What’s the best time of year to take a canal boat vacation?
Late spring (May), summer (June, July, August) and early autumn (September) are generally the best time to take a canal boat holiday vacation in the UK. The weather is generally drier and the days are longer.
Do I need any expertise?
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 (no charge) 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.
Can I order groceries in advance?
Yes, we can give you details of the supermarkets that deliver to our boat yards. You can order online and ask for the delivery to reach the boat yard once you’ve arrived there.
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. For narrowboat vacation beginners we recommend routes that don’t have many locks.
