Ultimate Staycation: Self-Drive Canal Holidays and Day Trips on Superb Narrowboats
HOLIDAYS
A canal holiday—or, if you prefer, a narrowboat, canal boat, or barge holiday—is the perfect way to slow down and escape the breakneck pace of modern life. Life on a narrowboat is all about relaxing, enjoying the scenery, and taking each day at your own pace.
We believe a canal boat holiday deserves at least a week, giving you plenty of time to explore the waterways, visit charming waterside villages, and fully unwind. But if a full week isn’t possible, a Midweek Canal Break or a Weekend Canal Break is still a wonderful way to enjoy the peace and beauty of the UK’s canals.
Whether you’re planning a self-drive canal holiday, a tranquil barge holiday, or a sociable narrowboat adventure, even a few days on the water offer a slow, stress-free, and rejuvenating experience.
We operate canal boat hire from two ideal locations in Southern England: Bradford on Avon near Bath and Lower Heyford near Oxford. Our narrowboat holidays run from mid-March through to the end of October, offering the best cruising conditions across the spring, summer, and early autumn seasons.
Your boating holiday doesn’t have to be limited to a single week. We offer flexible hire durations, including 10 or 11 days, two weeks, or longer, with start days available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, or Saturdays. For those planning an extended waterway adventure, our sister company, LONG TERM NARROWBOAT HIRE provides rentals of one month or more, ideal for slow travel and deeper exploration of Britain’s canals and rivers.
Once you’ve set off, the pace of life immediately changes. Time becomes your own. There’s no need to rush—your narrowboat cruises at little more than a gentle walking speed, giving you plenty of opportunity to soak up the beautiful countryside, historic towns, and waterside wildlife along the way.
You can cruise as much or as little as you choose each day. We recommend avoiding over-ambitious plans, as the true pleasure of a narrowboat holiday lies in slowing down, switching off, and enjoying the journey. Relax, unwind, and savour the unique rhythm of life on the water.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL BOATING DAY
No two days are ever the same when you’re living life afloat on a canal boat holiday. One morning you might choose a well-earned lie-in, while another sees you up at the crack of dawn, cruising peacefully along the waterways as the world wakes up and some of your crew are still asleep. Early morning boating is a wonderfully calm and restorative experience—whether you’re on deck enjoying the fresh air or dozing comfortably below.
There’s finally time for a proper English breakfast, something most of us rarely enjoy during the rest of the year. Step ashore for a healthy walk to a nearby village or wander through open countryside and fields before continuing your journey. When it’s time to cruise again, take things at an easy pace. Experienced boaters know that smooth, unhurried boating is often just as efficient as rushing from A to B.
Working canal locks as a coordinated team—calmly and methodically—can save surprising amounts of time, all without stress, running, or raised voices. On warmer days, you might seek out a shady mooring for a relaxing siesta. If you’re heading for popular destinations such as Bath or Cropredy, planning to arrive in the early afternoon can help you secure a good mooring spot.
Enjoy a long, leisurely lunch, or fire up a barbecue on the towpath. Later, you may choose to cruise into the evening, finding a peaceful countryside mooring surrounded by nature—or immerse yourself in the vibrant sights and sounds of historic cities like Bath, Bristol, or Oxford.
With so many options, experiences, and destinations to choose from, it’s easy to see why there’s truly no such thing as a typical day on a boating holiday.
WHAT CAN THE KIDS DO? WON’T THEY BE BORED?
A canal boat holiday is the perfect tech-free escape for families looking to reconnect. While 4G mobile coverage provides internet access for much of your journey (just don’t tell the kids!), life on the water naturally encourages everyone to switch off and slow down.
Children love the sense of adventure, learning hands-on skills like helping to steer the boat, working the canal locks, and operating lift or swing bridges. Off the boat, there’s plenty to explore—walking along the towpath, spotting wildlife, and getting back to nature in a safe and relaxed environment.
Evenings are all about simple pleasures: board games, shared meals, and quality family time. After a full day in the fresh country air, many children are happily asleep before bedtime.
For added reassurance, we provide buoyancy aids for all children under 16 and for any non-swimmers in your group, giving parents complete peace of mind throughout your family boating holiday.
HOW ABOUT DOGS AND OTHER PETS?
We are a pet-friendly canal boat hire company and happily welcome well-behaved pets, especially dogs, on board our boats. Many of our customers choose to bring their dog along to enjoy scenic countryside walks and relaxed adventures along the towpaths.
There is no additional charge for your first pet, making our dog-friendly boating holidays even better value. A small fee of £30 applies for second and subsequent pets. All we ask is that boats are returned in the same condition as hired—clean, fur-free, and undamaged—so every guest can enjoy a high-quality experience.
A canal boat holiday is an ideal way to enjoy the outdoors with your dog, combining fresh air, open spaces, and peaceful waterways for the whole family—four-legged members included.
SO WHICH BASE DO WE CHOOSE?
Our canal boat holiday bases in Southern England are perfectly located to give you access to some of the most popular and scenic cruising waterways in the UK. From tranquil countryside canals to iconic rivers and historic cities, every route offers a unique and unforgettable boating experience.
Cruise the peaceful Southern Oxford Canal, known for its charming lift bridges, traditional waterside villages, and relaxed rural atmosphere. From here, you can also navigate directly into the heart of the historic City of Oxford, famous for its architecture, culture, and riverside moorings.
Explore the majestic River Thames, from its quiet upper reaches through to some of England’s most celebrated landmarks. Cruise past the Dreaming Spires of Oxford, continue downstream to Henley-on-Thames, and on towards Windsor, home of Windsor Castle and world-renowned riverside scenery.
Alternatively, discover the stunning Kennet and Avon Canal, one of Britain’s most impressive waterways. Cross dramatic aqueducts, follow the canal as it clings to the valley sides with breathtaking views, and journey towards the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath. Take on the iconic Caen Hill Locks, one of the longest continuous lock flights in Europe, before cruising through the unspoilt landscapes of rural Wiltshire, dotted with chalk White Horses and timeless countryside views.
With so many classic routes and destinations within easy reach, our Southern England canal boat holidays offer the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and iconic British scenery.
