🚣‍♂️ Top Canal & Narrowboat YouTube Channels

22 December 2025

1. Cruising the Cut

Run by former TV reporter David Johns, this channel features scenic canal journeys, practical DIY tips, and slices of life aboard his narrowboat. With over 250 videos and nearly 190k subscribers, it’s a treasure trove **en.wikipedia.org+15insure4boats.co.uk+15canalboatuk.com+15**.

2. Foxes Afloat

A lively double-act: Colin and Shaun navigating canals, building their new boat Silver Fox II, caring for bees and their pup Otis. A mix of humor, history (Colin is an ex-radio presenter), and personal storytelling—including honest mental-health moments **canalrivertrust.org.uk**.

3. Boating Beyond

Young couple Matt and Ali cruise the canals with their rescue cat Mr Jinx. Their channel showcases the ups and downs of life aboard and proves narrowboating isn’t just for retirees—highlighted through their charming and candid vlogs **insure4boats.co.uk+1canalboatuk.com+1**.

4. Floating Our Boat

Fran and Rich document their off‑grid life on Laura Maisie with their two dogs. They share real day-to-day living aboard, from lifestyle changes to practical adventures across Britain’s inland waterways **drifters.co.uk+5similarchannels.com+5insure4boats.co.uk+5**.

5. Chugging Along

A newer couple channel where Tim and Sam transition from teaching to narrowboat cruising. Their well-edited vlogs include honest view into buying, living, and working aboard, along with engaging challenges like stove cook-offs **narrowboatlifeunlocked.com+3canalboatuk.com+3insure4boats.co.uk+3**.

6. The Narrowboat That James Built

Ideal for DIY enthusiasts: James takes viewers through a full narrowboat rebuild, from flooring to bulkheads—offering detailed, helpful guides for project-based watchers **canalboatuk.com**.

Why You’ll Love These Channels

Channel	Highlights
Cruising the Cut	“Slow TV” mixed with beautiful drone shots, expert tips, and lifelong canal insights weboating.com+10trekkingwithdennis.com+10canalrivertrust.org.uk+10
Foxes Afloat	Entertaining storytelling, homeboat building, and candid mental-health moments
Boating Beyond / Floating Our Boat / Chugging Along	Relatable 30–40-something couples exploring new lives, all with authenticity and charm

🎥 Featured Pick: Cruising the Cut

David Johns’ Cruising the Cut stands out for its mix of gorgeous imagery, slow-paced canal life, and practical insights—perfect for newcomers or seasoned boaters alike. It offers the best of “slow TV” with expert crafting and storytelling woven through every mile ****.

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