How to Make the Most of Your Family Canal Holiday
If you’re looking for a holiday that’s relaxing for parents, exciting for kids, and a little different from the usual beach break or theme park visit, a family canal holiday could be just the thing.
Imagine cruising through the countryside, feeding ducks from the side of the boat, stopping at waterside pubs, and exploring historic towns—all at your own pace. It’s part adventure, part retreat, and 100% quality time.
Whether you’re new to canal boating or planning your next voyage, here are our top tips, games, and route suggestions to make your family canal holiday smooth, safe, and fun.
🧳 Tips for a Stress-Free Family Canal Holiday
1. Choose the Right Boat
Most hire boats come with everything you need, including a kitchen, heating, and sleeping quarters—but check the layout! Boats with separate cabins and toilets are handy for families with older kids.
🚼 Look for boats with safety rails and ask about life jackets for little ones.
2. Pack Smart
Canal boats are cosy but compact. Essentials include:
- Warm, waterproof clothes (even in summer)
- Non-slip shoes or boots
- Games, books, and art supplies
- A first-aid kit
- Food for the first day or two
3. Make Safety a Priority
Before setting off, give kids a quick canal safety briefing:
- Stay seated while the boat is moving
- No running on the towpath or boat roof
- Always wear a life jacket near open water
- Help younger children on and off the boat
🎲 Onboard Games & Entertainment Ideas
Let’s face it: you’ll need some entertainment for slow stretches and rainy days. Luckily, canal holidays are full of creative inspiration.
Canal Games:
- Lock Spotting Bingo – Make a checklist of things to see: ducks, bridges, tunnels, herons, locks, sheep, swans, pubs!
- Towpath Treasure Hunt – Stop for a walk and look for pinecones, feathers, leaves, or wildflowers.
- Captain Says – Like Simon Says, but with nautical commands!
- Name That Boat – Have fun spotting quirky boat names and making up stories about their owners.
Quiet Time Activities:
- Colouring canal scenes
- Keeping a boat log or travel journal
- Listening to audiobooks or podcasts
- Stargazing from the deck at night
🗺️ Family-Friendly Canal Routes
Here are a few UK canal routes known for being great with kids:
🐴 Llangollen Canal (Wales & Shropshire)
- Famous for: Horseshoe Falls, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, and scenic countryside
- Great for: First-time families and older kids who’ll love the views
🦢 Leeds & Liverpool Canal (Lancashire/Yorkshire)
- Famous for: Bingley Five Rise Locks, WWT Martin Mere, and canal-side villages like Burscough
- Great for: Wildlife lovers and families who enjoy stopping at pubs and market towns
🏰 Kennet & Avon Canal (Wiltshire)
- Famous for: Caen Hill Locks, historic Bath, and riverside walks
- Great for: Mixing boating with history and city exploring
🎡 Grand Union Canal (Warwickshire/Buckinghamshire)
- Famous for: Close proximity to theme parks, canal museums, and wideboats
- Great for: Families looking to combine boating with big attractions
🍽️ Kid-Approved Canal Meals
Space is limited, so keep meals simple and fun:
- One-pot wonders (pasta, chilli, stew)
- Toasties or wraps
- BBQs on the towpath (where permitted)
- Don’t forget hot chocolate and marshmallows!
Most routes have plenty of canal-side pubs with children’s menus, outdoor space, and boat moorings.
💛 Final Thoughts: Why Kids Love Canal Holidays
A family canal holiday is more than just a trip—it’s an experience. Kids get to steer (with supervision!), help with locks, live on a boat, and spend real time outdoors.
It’s hands-on, screen-light, and filled with little adventures every day. For many families, it’s a chance to slow down, unplug, and rediscover the joy of doing nothing… together.
So if you’re thinking about your next family break—make it a floating one. From quiet mornings to silly towpath games, canal holidays are packed with the kind of memories your kids will talk about for years.
