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What to Bring on a Canal Boat Holiday: The Ultimate Packing Guide

Planning a canal boat holiday is exciting—but packing for life on the water is a bit different from your typical getaway. Space is limited, the pace is relaxed, and you’ll be spending most of your time outdoors or cruising peacefully through the countryside. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned narrowboater, here’s a complete guide on what to bring on a canal boat holiday.


🧳 Essentials to Pack

1. Clothing

  • Layers – Weather can change quickly. Bring t-shirts, jumpers, and waterproofs.
  • Waterproof jacket & trousers – A must, even in summer.
  • Comfortable shoes with grip – Trainers or walking shoes for locks and towpaths.
  • Hat & gloves – For cooler mornings or evenings, even in spring/autumn.
  • Sun hat & sunglasses – The sun can be surprisingly strong on the water.

2. Toiletries

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant
  • Toilet paper (we provide some, but extras are handy)
  • Moisturiser – canal air can be drying!

🍴 Food & Kitchen Supplies

Most hire boats come with fully equipped kitchens (hob, oven, fridge, kettle, crockery, cutlery), but you’ll need to bring:

  • Cooking oil, salt, pepper, herbs/spices
  • Breakfast items, snacks, and easy meal ingredients
  • Bottled water (tap water is safe but often tastes different)
  • Reusable water bottles and thermos flasks
  • Bin bags, foil, cling film
  • Dish soap, sponge, tea towels (check what’s provided)

🔌 Tech & Accessories

  • Phone & chargers 
  • Power bank – some boats have limited plug sockets
  • Head torch or flashlight – useful at night or in unlit mooring spots
  • Bluetooth speaker – if you want music onboard (keep volume considerate)

🎲 Entertainment

  • Books, e-reader or magazines
  • Board games or cards
  • Journal or sketchbook
  • Fishing gear (if licensed and permitted)
  • Binoculars for bird watching

🛠 Practical Extras

  • Gloves (for working locks)
  • Pegs and clothesline (some boats have them)
  • Maps or canal guides (like Nicholson’s or Pearson’s)
  • Canal key (provided by boat hire, for water points, locks etc.)
  • Notebook and pen for jotting things down

🐾 If You’re Bringing a Dog

  • Dog bed and blanket
  • Lead and harness (great for on-deck safety)
  • Food and water bowls
  • Dog life jacket (recommended, especially for smaller breeds)
  • Dog towels and poop bags

📝 Top Tips

  • Use soft bags, not suitcases – easier to store in small spaces
  • Don’t overpack – canal life is simple; you won’t need much
  • Stock up before departure – shops can be scarce along some routes
  • Check what’s provided – see here for a complete list

A canal boat holiday is a wonderfully relaxing way to explore the countryside at your own pace. With just a bit of thoughtful packing, you’ll be well prepared for a memorable adventure on the water.

11 of us had a wonderful cruise on Alfie Bhouy. Plentiful afternoon tea. Lots of interesting facts learned. And so much laughter as the "captain" and our 7 year old granddaughter shared jokes. Such a bonus to be given the opportunity to steer. Thank you for happy memories.

Heather B
Trustpilot

Always five stars from us for this lovely company! Another great trip; this time a Sunday Lunch cruise for a friend’s big birthday! Piping hot, top quality lunch and rose wine included. We added a bottle of very reasonable Merlot too. All while experiencing a lovely sail along the canal. Once again the very knowledgeable, interesting and capable Marc was our captain. Great experience - and always a great company to deal with. We will be back (yet again)!

Jan H
Trustpilot

We had a lovely afternoon tea cruise! Mark was a great host, including letting our 5 year old skipper for some of the journey - a memory he will treasure. Would highly recommend!

Darren S
Trustpilot

SUPERB FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE

We were not disappointed the Service was 5 stars. Guests were interacted with and we were allowed to join in with activities. The host was all you could ask for. Ourselves and others had requests for some changes on the menu and theses were adhered to very well. I shall be booking for the whole family. Thank you for such a lovely day me and my friend both needed it.

Dee D
Trustpilot

A thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience. Mark (our skipper) was extremely knowledgeable of the area and canals, and also other canals. He was very interesting and hospitable to us. He invited our grandson to steer the boat and was very welcoming.
On a separate note, we were late arriving for the cruise and Mark did not rush us, and was very friendly.
Highly recommended!

Carol E
Trustpilot

Just had our first canal cruise with a Xmas dinner hot from the pub and I have to say the whole experience was brilliant. The captain was excellent and very knowledgeable throughout the trip and as a bonus I was able to drive with the captain which was a lovely touch. I would highly recommend this trip.

Stephen S
Trustpilot

It helped that it was a beautiful sunny day. The skipper, Mark was very insightful giving us a talk on the local history of the canal as we made our way to Burscough Wharf and back again.

Tony Houston
Trustpilot

Nice way too spend a few hours took my mother for a mothers day treat great food fantastic host wish it hadn't been raining thanks very much

Gary Chadbond
Trustpilot

Just got back from an amazing cruise with afternoon tea with this company. The food was lovely and fresh!
The skipper, Mark was lovely and professional! He was so naturally friendly and explained everything about the history of barges and the area. He was so knowledgeable. The cruise itself was beautiful and relaxing.

Leah Johnson
Trustpilot

What a wonderful experience! Mark was such a great host, very kind and helpful. We miss our trip because of car crash on the road, he not only accommodate us on the next trip but he make us fresh afternoon tea and he place us in the best part of the boat! I can’t explain what a wonderful people and what a experience we had ! Truly amazing! Definitely try for yourself !!! Thank you Mark! See you soon!

Plamena Dimitrova
Trustpilot