Blog

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 […]

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 […]

Learn from Others and Cruise with Confidence Whether you’re on your first narrowboat holiday or you’ve been on the cut for years, everyone makes a few mistakes now and then. Narrowboating is full of charm — but it comes with a learning curve too. To help you cruise more smoothly, here are some of the […]

Making Sense of the Locks That Lift and Lower Your Narrowboat If you’re new to canal boating, the idea of steering a boat into a big chamber, closing gates behind you, and moving up or down in the water can sound a bit daunting. But don’t worry — canal locks are clever, simple pieces of […]

Everything You Need to Know to Cruise with Confidence Driving a canal boat (also called “steering” or “helming”) might seem daunting at first — especially if it’s your first time. But don’t worry — it’s much easier than it looks. With a little patience, some basic technique, and a steady hand, you’ll be confidently cruising […]

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started on the Water If you’ve never hired a canal boat before, one of the most common questions is:“What happens when we arrive — do we just get handed the keys and set off?” Absolutely not! A proper canal boat handover is a key part of the holiday — it […]

Tips, Truths & Reassurances for Your First Canal Boat Holiday So, you’re about to take your first canal boat holiday — exciting! Life on the waterways is slow-paced, scenic, and utterly unique. But if you’ve never taken the tiller before, it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit nervous. Don’t worry — you don’t need to […]

There’s something magical about the canals—something that keeps drawing people back to them year after year. Whether it’s the gentle rhythm of the water, the wildlife along the towpath, or the simple joy of slowing down, the canals have a unique charm that’s hard to match. We love the canals. And after just one trip, […]

Canal Boat Holiday Lingo Made Simple New to narrowboating? Welcome aboard! If you’re planning your first canal boat holiday, you may hear a few terms that leave you scratching your head. Don’t worry — canal folk are friendly, and you’ll be talking like a boater in no time. To help you get started, here’s a […]

If you’re an older couple looking for a relaxing, scenic, and leisurely holiday, a canal boat trip might be just what you need. Canal boating offers a gentle pace, beautiful surroundings, and plenty of opportunities to unwind—making it an ideal choice for those wanting a stress-free escape. Here’s why canal boat holidays are perfect for […]

UK canals have inspired countless tales of adventure, mystery, history, and everyday life. From classic novels to modern memoirs, books set on or around canals offer a unique glimpse into the culture and charm of Britain’s inland waterways. If you love canals or are curious about life on the water, here are some wonderful books […]

The canals of the UK are steeped in history, mystery, and charm — making them the perfect backdrop for captivating films. From nostalgic dramas to thrilling mysteries, several movies have captured the unique atmosphere of life on or near the canals. If you’re fascinated by Britain’s waterways, here are some notable films set on UK […]

What It’s Really Like to Spend a Day on the Water Ever wondered what a typical day looks like on a canal boat holiday? Whether you’re picturing peaceful cruising, pub lunches, or duck-filled mornings, you’re not far off. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at a relaxed day in the life of a canal boat holiday hirer […]

Why a Boat Holiday Might Be Your Next Favourite Escape If you’ve ever dreamed of a relaxing break on the water, you might be wondering:“Are canal boat holidays suitable for first-timers?” The short answer? Absolutely.A boat holiday on the UK’s canals is one of the most beginner-friendly travel experiences you can enjoy — no previous […]

There are over 100,000 boats registered on the inland waterways of England, Scotland and Wales, and in 2016 more than 672,000 people enjoyed the pastime of inland boating. IWA’s aim is to see those boats and people spread out across all of our wonderful canals and rivers. Most parts of our waterways are vibrant, busy […]

A lot of you will have seen the faces of our skippers cruising up and down the Leeds / Liverpool canal on our daily trips or possibly recognise them from a boat trip you’ve been on. Combined our skippers have a vast knowledge of the canal and local area that we are keen to share […]