Carefree Canal Boat Holidays In The UK

Whether you choose to hire a hand-build canal boat, narrowboat (six feet, ten inches wide), or a wider canal barge, you will find that their interior is compact yet complete with a fully equipped kitchen to store everything for your boating adventure! However, there are some items you should take that you may not have considered.

Practical items to take

• Torch/es for walks back down the towpath, after spending the evening in a local watering hole.
• Your fishing rod – if you have an Environmental Agency Rod License.
• If you would like to travel at night, take the port and starboard running lights (red and green) and a white light at the front and rear.
• Your entertainment such as gadgets, board games, or books. Remember, you may not have access to modern technology and/or WI-FI, although many will see that as a blessing!

Before packing, always check what technology your boat includes with your canal boat hire company. Remember that with Free Spirit UK Travel Insurance, we will provide cover for your possessions and money if they are lost or stolen.

What should I wear on a canal boat holiday?

• Non-slip trainers or deck shoes with rubber soles.
• A raincoat. Wet weather overalls can also usually be hired on request by the helmsman.
• A pair of hard-wearing protective gloves to help you work the locks more easily.
• Items to shield yourself from the sun like sun cream, sunglasses and a brimmed hat. As the sun’s rays are more powerful when you’re making tracks on the water these will be invaluable.
• Comfortable and cosy clothes, which are easy to store.
• Some soft bags to package everything in! Large items like bikes, canoes and hard suitcases can be difficult to store, so check with your hiring company beforehand.
• A waterways guidebook, to pinpoint moorings, locks, tunnels, bridges, refuelling stations, and of course the best places for a drink or bite to eat.
• Always ensure that you wear any safety clothing or equipment stipulated by your boat hire company.

You can drift along any inland water in the UK. Inland waters are classed as any area of water not categorised as ‘sea’, for example, canals, tidal and non-tidal rivers, lakes, lochs and some estuarial waters. In the UK, these waters only reach the deaths of 1.5 – 2 metres but they can stretch for miles. The longest canal is the Grand Union Canal, which runs 137 miles from London to Birmingham. For inspiration, you can check out the map of the UK’s canals and rivers.

The Kennet and Avon River, Wiltshire

The best canal trip in the UK is said to be the Kennet and Avon Canal. Take to the water from buzzing Bristol to beautiful Bath. On this route, you can enjoy 86 miles of pleasurable and peaceful pastures within Wiltshire and Berkshire, with plenty of pubs to enjoy along the towpaths. There are architectural aqueducts to look out for too, like Brunel’s Floating Harbour Bridge. For a taster of this long stretch of water, start at Bradford on Avon and finish in Bath.

Canal Boat Holidays in Yorkshire

Cruise along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and relax upon its tranquil waters. What makes this route unique is the Bingley Five Rise Locks. This is a five-lock staircase with a 60-foot descent but don’t let that put you off! There is more than one route to take from Sowerby Bridge Wharf ranging from 3 to 14 nights onboard.

Luxury canal boat holidays can include the following:

• The latest technology, like wireless music speakers and central heating.
• Wheel steering and bow thruster for easy boat handling.
• Optional skippered / training cruises such as the RYA Inland Waters Helmsmans Training course if you want to become an expert inland boater in two days. Courses are available along the canal at Apperly Bridge and Wakefield.
• A holiday on a wide beam boat with king-sized cabins, bunk beds and fine decor throughout.
• An alfresco dining area for you and your party.

A luxury canal boat holiday may be one way to treat yourself and your family/friends during a long weekend. Plus, with Free Spirit Travel Insurance, you can cover all your travelling companions on the same policy.

Scotland

For sights of Scotland’s Clyde Canal – the entrance to the Inner Hebrides – Scotland should not be forgotten as one of the top destinations for a boating holiday. For a two-week canal holiday, cruise from Glasgow to Edinburgh to explore the sights of each of these contrasting cities. Or simply sit back and enjoy a short break. Enjoy the world’s only rotating boat lift – The Falkirk Wheel – and glide along the Union Canal, before mooring up in Edinburgh for a haggis supper.