☀️ 10 Reasons to Book a Canal Boat Summer Holiday

15 December 2025

Slow down, soak up the sun, and explore Britain’s waterways your way

Thinking about getting away this summer? A canal boat holiday offers something truly unique: the freedom to travel at your own pace, surrounded by nature, history, and adventure — all while bringing your home with you!

Here are 10 irresistible reasons to book a canal boat summer holiday this year:

1. 🌞 Perfect Weather for Life on the Water

British summer offers long days, warm sunshine, and gentle breezes — ideal for open hatch cruising, towpath picnics, and sunset moorings.

2. 🛶 Slow Travel at Its Best

Canal boats cruise at around 4mph — just fast enough to explore, and slow enough to relax. Summer is the perfect time to embrace life in the slow lane.

3. 🌿 Nature Comes Alive

See the UK’s countryside in full bloom, with wildflowers, birds, dragonflies, and even the occasional kingfisher. It’s a peaceful, immersive escape from the hustle and bustle.

4. 🏖️ It Feels Like a Holiday… Without the Airport

No check-ins, no queues, no baggage limits. Just pack your bag, step on board, and set off. Perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers looking to avoid the usual travel stress.

5. 🍻 Canalside Pubs with Beer Gardens

There’s nothing better than mooring up outside a pub, grabbing a cold drink, and soaking up the sunshine in a canal-side beer garden. Many welcome boaters and even offer overnight mooring.

6. 🏡 Your Floating Home Away From Home

Modern narrowboats are cosy and fully equipped — with comfy beds, kitchens, bathrooms, and even Wi-Fi on some routes. Enjoy all the fun of a road trip, with none of the packing and unpacking.

7. 🧒 Great for Kids (and Pets!)

With lots to see and do, children love helping at locks, spotting wildlife, and exploring towpaths. Many canal boat hire companies welcome dogs too — so no need to leave anyone behind.

8. 📸 Picture-Perfect Photo Opportunities

From ivy-covered bridges to charming canal villages and waterside sunsets, summer light makes for stunning photos. Perfect for your memory book (or your Instagram feed).

9. 🗺️ Explore Hidden Places You’d Never Drive To

Canal holidays take you off the beaten path — through sleepy villages, rolling countryside, and historic waterways that are often missed by road or rail.

10. 🌈 Make Summer Memories That Last

Whether it’s a romantic break, a family adventure, or a group getaway, summer on the canals is filled with laughter, connection, and a sense of calm that stays with you long after the journey ends.

Ready to start planning?
Summer availability fills up quickly — so book your canal boat holiday now and look forward to sunshine, serenity, and life on the water.

Myself and my nanna had the best time on the canal boat, the food was absolutely delicious and we couldn’t have asked for a better day the weather was perfect. The gentleman doing the tour (didn’t catch his name sorry) was so knowledgeable and was very funny. He was really accommodating for my nanna as well as she isn’t the most steady on her feet, he helped her on and off the boat and helped her up and down the stairs which I can’t thank him enough for. Would highly recommend doing this tour and it’s in such a beautiful area. Will definitely be doing it again!

Li L

Experienced a wonderful autumn cruise along the canal here with Skipper Mark who shared all his amazing experiences and knowledge of the area and canal along the way. Highly recommend this if you’re in the area.

Steven H

Our family of four hired a 6-berth boat and cruised from Burscough to Wigan and back. The boat was great, the route was lovely, and the service from Lancashire Canal Cruises was superb—special thanks to Marc, who was incredibly helpful. Five stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ben M

Amazing experience!
As first-time canal boaters, we were a bit nervous, but Richard made the whole process easy and enjoyable. He spent a couple of hours with us on the water, guiding us through everything until we felt completely comfortable handling the boat, mooring, and using all the onboard features. We spent two nights aboard and had an absolutely brilliant time—cruising between pubs for meals, spotting a kingfisher, and taking in the beautiful Lancashire countryside. The boat was spotless and had everything we needed.
10/10 – highly recommend! Thanks again to Lancashire Canal Cruises!

Matthew S

What a fantastic afternoon with the fabulous Marc as our skipper. This trip is worth every penny so if you've not done it or are considering booking on one of the experiences then do it! you will have a great time. Marc is brilliant sharing all the history and stories of canal life and the surrounding areas. Thank you Marc for making our trip truly special! 🤗

Pamela W

Really Enjoyed today's canal ride. Was made to feel at ease when I was nervous on the water. Amazing views & a lovely Afternoon tea. Got to steer the boat and wear the captains hat 😁. And the guy even made time to rescue someone's Memorial bench after it had been blown into the water 💙

Debbie H

We chartered a private hire cruise for 3hrs for my Mums 80th birthday and it was just perfect. Our Skipper Tori was fantastic, she really played along with the kids and kept them involved. The weather was rubbish but we didn't let it ruin the experience, all having a go at steering the boat and helping with the swing bridge.
We took our own food, drink and decorations and nothing was any bother. Would definitely recommend this trip.

Amy K

Everything was perfect from booking to the trip. Great communication.
Lovely afternoon tea.
The gentleman was friendly & had a great knowledge of the canal & surroundings.
Perfect start to my friends 40th Birthday celebrations.

Annmaria S

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 J

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 D