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What to pack for a narrowboat holiday
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.
Our canal boats are like floating holiday cottages
So you’ll find many of the comforts of home already on board.
This includes a galley kitchen equipped with cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, saucepans, a gas cooker with an oven and grill and a fridge with a small freezer compartment. Some of our boats have separate freezers.
Bed linen and towels are supplied and you’ll also find hand towels in the bathrooms and tea towels in the kitchen.
There’s a surprising amount of storage space on board for your belongings, but you should still pack sensibly.
To help you prepare for your narrowboat holiday, we’ve put together a list of useful items to pack.
We recommend packing in soft bags instead of suitcases to save space on board.
What to pack for a canal boat holiday
Sensible footwear
Trainers or rubber-soled shoes are the best choice for boating and lock working. It’s also a good idea to bring slippers or warm socks to wear on board in the evenings.
All-weather gear
You need to be prepared for all weather types. If it’s wet, you’ll need a reliable waterproof jacket and a large golfing umbrella for the skipper. In sunnier weather, you’ll need a hat, sunglasses and sun cream. Gloves are recommended for working the locks and for steering when it’s cold.
A canal map
There are some great canal maps available to buy in advance from our Booking Team or in our boatyard shops, for example the Nicholson’s or Pearson’s guides. You can also plan your trip online using the mapping tools on the Canal & River Trust’s website. Be aware that mobile phone signals can be patchy along the canal network.
Phone chargers
Our boats have 240 volt 3-pin sockets powered by the on-board batteries so you can charge your phones, tablets and cameras on board. But to avoid draining the batteries, we advise you to only do this when the engine is running as there is a limit to power available. Anything below 1,000 watts can be plugged in, for example blenders, cool boxes and hair straighteners, but nothing above 1,000 watts is permitted. So no kettles, irons, hairdryers or heaters.
Extra towels & loo roll
We provide bath and hand towels, but we do recommend bringing some extra, especially if you’re bringing pets along. We also supply toilet roll in our loos, but do bring along extra. Please ensure that they are not quilted and don’t use wipes (not even the flushable ones).
Shopping bags
Don’t forget to pack your re-useable shopping bags. Re-useable water bottles and coffee cups are also recommended to help minimise single-use waste.
Eco-friendly products
The water you use to wash with will empty straight into the canal, which is why we recommend you pack eco-friendly, micro-bead-free shampoos, conditioners, face and body washes. We provide washing up liquid and hand soap.
Drinks
The water on board is drinkable once boiled, but we recommend that you bring a large bottle for drinking water to top up at water points. If you want to enjoy a glass of wine, boxed wine is a great space saver.
Condiments
The galley kitchens on board our boats are fully equipped for home cooking. But don’t forget to pack condiments such as salt and pepper, sauces, herbs and spices.
Your pet's bed
All our boats are pet friendly, and a maximum of two pets are welcome on board provided you let us know at the time of booking. Remember to bring your pet’s blanket or basket with you as they are not permitted on the beds or chairs. Don’t forget to bring poo bags, too!
Cards & games
Cards and board games are a great way to spend cosy nights afloat. You might also wish to pack some DVDs, as a consistent TV reception cannot be guaranteed on the canals.
Binoculars
Wildlife spotting is one of the most special things about a canal boat holiday, so pack some binoculars if you own them to enhance your experience.
A torch
Country moorings can get very dark at night, which is fantastic for stargazing, but a torch is useful to help find your way back from the canalside pubs in the evenings!
A first aid kit
We recommend you pack a basic first aid kit, including antiseptic, plasters and bandages in case of any cuts, scrapes or sprains.
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.
