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Whether you’re hiring for a weekend or cruising full-time, safety should always come first on the water. The canals are known for their calm and charm — but they still require care, awareness, and preparation. Whether you’re a first-time narrowboater or a seasoned cruiser, these 10 boating safety tips will help you stay safe and […]

Keep your canal boat cruising smoothly with these practical upkeep tips. Owning or hiring a narrowboat means enjoying peaceful journeys and stunning scenery — but it also comes with responsibility. Whether you’re a full-time liveaboard, a weekend cruiser, or just planning a canal boat holiday, keeping your boat in top condition is essential for safety, […]

1. Cruising the Cut 2. Foxes Afloat 3. Boating Beyond 4. Floating Our Boat 5. Chugging Along 6. The Narrowboat That James Built 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 […]

Your Complete Guide to a Relaxing Break on the Water Whether you’re dreaming of lazy days drifting along peaceful waterways, or you’ve already booked your first trip, canal boat holidays offer a wonderfully unique way to explore the countryside. But if you’re new to life on the water, you probably have questions. Here’s everything you […]

1. Do I need a license or previous experience to hire a canal boat? No license or experience needed! Full instruction is provided on the day of your holiday. Our team will give you a thorough handover and even help you through your first lock if needed. 2. How fast do canal boats go? Canal […]

Slow travel, endless inspiration, and shots you won’t get anywhere else Whether you’re a hobbyist with a smartphone or a seasoned photographer with a bag full of lenses, a canal boat holiday offers something few other holidays can: time, access, and natural beauty — all rolled into one floating studio. Here’s why photographers love canal […]

There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a solid fuel stove after a crisp autumn or winter day on the canal. The gentle crackle, comforting heat, and glow from the fire can turn your canal boat into a cosy home-from-home. But if you’ve never used one before, it’s important to know the basics to stay […]

What Every First-Time Buyer Needs to Know Buying a narrowboat is an exciting step — whether you’re planning weekend escapes, a full-time liveaboard lifestyle, or a floating holiday home. But it’s also a big investment, and with so many styles, sizes, and systems to consider, it pays to do your homework. Here are 10 essential […]

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 Beginner’s Guide to Navigating the UK’s Inland Waterways Setting off on a canal boat holiday or planning a longer journey on the inland waterways? While cruising the canals is famously slow and relaxing, knowing how to read a waterway map is an essential skill for boaters — especially if you’re new to the cut. […]

Getting stuck in a lock can feel stressful—especially if you’re new to boating—but it’s more common than you might think and usually easy to resolve with a calm approach and a bit of know-how. Whether you’re wedged, can’t get the gates open, or the water level isn’t behaving as expected, here’s what to do if […]

A rainy day on a canal holiday doesn’t have to put a damper on your trip! In fact, with a bit of planning and creativity, those grey skies can become part of your adventure. Whether you’re cruising or moored up, here are some fun and cozy ideas to enjoy a rainy day on the water. […]

For canal lovers seeking a blend of history, engineering brilliance, and beautiful cruising, the Wigan Flight on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is an unmissable destination. This iconic flight of locks, often hailed as one of the finest on the British canal network, offers an exciting and scenic challenge for boaters of all experience levels. […]

In today’s always-connected world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by constant notifications, emails, and screen time. If you’re craving a break from the digital noise, a canal holiday offers the perfect chance to unplug, slow down, and reconnect—with nature, loved ones, and yourself. Here’s how to make the most of a digital detox while cruising […]

Spending Christmas or New Year on a canal boat is a magical way to enjoy the festive season—away from the usual hustle and bustle and surrounded by peaceful waterways and twinkling lights. Whether you’re cruising gently through winter landscapes or moored up snug in a quiet spot, a canal boat holiday at this time of […]

Hiring a canal boat for a relaxing cruise through the countryside is a truly unique experience. But while most of your trip will be spent soaking up the scenery, there’s one thing that deserves a little attention every day: the engine. Don’t worry—you’re not expected to be a mechanic. But basic engine checks are usually […]

If you’re about to embark on your first canal boat holiday, you’re probably wondering what happens when you arrive to collect your boat. The handover process is an essential part of your trip—it’s when you’ll learn how everything on your boat works, get safety briefings, and make sure you’re confident to set off. Whether you’re […]

A canal boat holiday offers a wonderfully peaceful way to explore the countryside—but like any kind of travel, safety should always come first. Whether you’re a first-time boater or a seasoned cruiser, it’s essential to understand how to stay safe while enjoying the canals. Canal boating is generally low-risk, but accidents can happen—especially if you’re […]

A canal boat holiday is a fantastic family adventure—peaceful, slow-paced, and packed with opportunities to explore nature and local history. But if you’re traveling with kids, especially younger ones, you might be wondering how to keep them entertained on long stretches of water. The good news? With a bit of creativity and planning, a canal […]

Sail Into the Heart of Culture, Coastline, and Canal Life Arriving in Liverpool by boat is a memorable experience — whether you’re navigating from the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, sailing up the Mersey, or mooring in the city’s iconic docks. With its rich maritime history, world-famous music legacy, and buzzing waterfront, Liverpool is a dream […]