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đź“ş Canal-Based TV Programmes That Celebrate Life on the Waterways

17 October 2025

Must-Watch Shows for Narrowboat Lovers and Armchair Cruisers

There’s something irresistibly charming about Britain’s canals — the slow pace, the scenic beauty, the rich history — and it’s no wonder that this has translated so beautifully onto the small screen. Whether you’re planning your next canal boat holiday or simply dreaming of one from your sofa, these canal-based TV programmes offer inspiration, education, and plenty of scenic escapism.

Here are some of our favourite shows that celebrate life on the UK’s inland waterways.

🚤 1. Great Canal Journeys

Channel 4 / More4

This beloved series is a staple for canal lovers. Originally hosted by actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales, the show follows the couple as they journey by narrowboat through Britain’s canals — and further afield into Europe and India.

  • Beautifully shot with plenty of history and heart
  • Offers insight into the practicalities of cruising
  • A touching portrait of their relationship, especially as Prunella navigates memory loss

Where to watch: Channel 4 online / Amazon Prime

🛥️ 2. Canal Boat Diaries

BBC Four / iPlayer

Hosted by Robbie Cumming, this down-to-earth series follows a solo boater navigating the UK’s canals aboard his narrowboat, Naughty Lass. It’s as raw and real as boating gets.

  • Honest look at liveaboard life, complete with engine trouble and weather woes
  • Great for understanding the ups and downs of the towpath
  • Filled with canal trivia, lock operation, and scenic views

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer

⚙️ 3. Narrowboat Afloat (YouTube Series)

YouTube Channel by David Johns

While not a traditional TV programme, this long-running YouTube channel offers an addictive mix of solo travel, boat reviews, and life advice for anyone dreaming of narrowboat life.

  • Great for potential boat buyers or hire holidaymakers
  • Friendly and informative tone
  • Over 300 episodes covering much of the canal network

Where to watch: Cruising the Cut on YouTube

🏰 4. Rick Stein’s Canal Journey in France

BBC Two / iPlayer

In a slight twist, this show follows celebrity chef Rick Stein as he explores French canals, tying in the romance of slow travel with delicious food and drink.

  • Great for fans of gastronomy and gentle boating
  • Inspires dreams of European canal adventures
  • Still shares similarities with British narrowboat cruising

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer

🗺️ 5. Britain by Narrowboat

Together TV

This charming series follows two couples, both brand-new to boating, as they swap their city lives for a floating home and cruise across the UK.

  • Good mix of entertainment and practical insight
  • Explores the reality of adapting to life on the water
  • Features popular routes including the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Where to watch: Together TV / Amazon Prime

🎥 Honourable Mentions

  • Escape to the Country – occasionally features canal homes or houseboats
  • George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces – includes creative canal boat conversions
  • Countryfile – regularly highlights UK canal regions and boating culture

🛶 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or just canal-curious, these shows are the perfect way to explore life on the water from the comfort of your home. From historical engineering feats to the joys (and trials) of living afloat, these programmes celebrate what makes the UK’s waterways so special.

So put the kettle on, sit back, and enjoy a virtual journey along some of the country’s most beautiful canals.

Have a favourite canal TV show or YouTube channel we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments — we love a good recommendation!

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