With fuel prices soaring and ongoing uncertainty around international flights, UK holidaymakers are being encouraged to rediscover one of Britain’s most charming travel experiences: the classic canal boat holiday.
As Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows reminds us, “there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” And this summer, staying closer to home could be the most relaxing, and reliable, choice of all.
More than 1,000 self‑drive canal boats are available to hire across the 2,000 miles of navigable inland waterways, cared for by national charity Canal & River Trust. Winding through spectacular countryside, characterful towns and villages, and right into the heart of major cities, the network offers an extraordinary variety of routes for families, couples and groups of friends.
Matthew Symonds, head of boating & customer service at Canal & River Trust, says: “Our canals have been navigated for hundreds of years, and today they offer something increasingly rare: a genuine escape. People tell us that time on the water is a tonic for mind and body. They’re a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and experience a living piece of our heritage – including from the garden of a picturesque waterside pub!
“More than eight out of ten people would recommend a canal boat holiday and say they represent great value for money. While it’s always a fantastic choice for a holiday, the current uncertainty around flights and fuel costs means there’s never been a better time to discover the joys of the nation’s canals by boat.”
Choose between: day boat hire, perfect for boating beginners wanting a relaxed day out with family and friends; short breaks exploring local routes and iconic canal landscapes; and longer holidays offering immersive journeys through gorgeous countryside and into the heart of the UK’s leading cities.
No previous experience is needed to hire a canal boat. Operators provide full tuition before setting off, and boats are equipped with everything needed for a comfortable trip, including fully-equipped kitchens, comfortable beds, bathrooms, central heating and outdoor seating.
Popular narrowboat holiday destinations include:
- The beautiful Vale of Pewsey and Georgian Bath on the Kennet & Avon Canal;
- The Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in South Wales;
- Worcester on the River Severn;
- Birmingham on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal;
- Oxford ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ on the Oxford Canal;
- Shakespeare’s Stratford on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal;
- The historic canal village of Braunston on the Grand Union Canal in the heart of the canal network;
- The Yorkshire Dales and UNESCO World Heritage Saltaire on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal;
- The UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales; and
- The ancient city of Chester on the Shropshire Union Canal.
For more information on planning your trip, including the best routes for beginners, visit: Boat holidays and trips | Canal & River Trust
