HOLIDAYS

A canal holiday really is fastest way of slowing down! That's what life on a narrowboat is all about. It's the perfect antidote to the breakneck pace of modern life. But we think that to be a holiday it needs to be at least a week… otherwise it’s just a Midweek Canal Break or a Weekend Canal Break.

Your holiday doesn’t have to just be a week – you can take 10 or 11 days, two weeks or more starting on Monday, Tuesday, Friday or Saturday – and if you really want to take a longer waterway adventure why not look at our sister Long Term Narrowboat Hire website for hires of multiples of a month.

So what happens once you’ve set off? Then time is your own… there’s no rush because your narrowboat travels along in splendid isolation at not much more than a steady walking pace with plenty of time to absorb the beautiful scenery through which you’ll cruise. You can boat for as long or little as you like each day – we recommend you don’t try to plan to go too far because the whole idea of a waterway holiday is to wind down… relax… enjoy!

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, 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 or Bristol.

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 5G 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.

MAPS

CLICK HERE to see the routes you can take from Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire
TWO WEEKS - THE KENNET & AVON CANAL: SEE MAP