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How to Make the Most of Your Family Canal Holiday If you’re looking for a holiday that’s relaxing for parents, exciting for kids, and a little different from the usual beach break or theme park visit, a family canal holiday could be just the thing. Imagine cruising through the countryside, feeding ducks from the side […]

Your Guide to a Truly Unique Boat Holiday Experience Thinking about booking a boat holiday but not quite sure what to expect from life aboard a narrowboat? Spending a week on a canal boat is unlike any other getaway — it’s a slower, simpler, and surprisingly satisfying way to travel. Whether you’re planning your first […]

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 […]

Why Life at 4mph Might Just Be Your Perfect Getaway Looking for a break that’s peaceful, picturesque, and a little out of the ordinary? A canal boat holiday could be just what you need. Whether you’re after slow travel, a family-friendly escape, or something a little different, cruising the UK’s waterways offers charm you just […]

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 […]

If you’ve ever strolled along the UK’s canals or cruised on a narrowboat, you might have noticed the bright, colorful decorations adorning the boats’ hulls, cabins, and interiors. This charming folk art style is known as Rose and Castles — a unique tradition that’s become synonymous with canal boating culture. But what exactly is Rose […]

The UK’s inland waterways are full of hidden gems, breathtaking sights, and engineering marvels that have fascinated boaters and walkers alike for centuries. Whether you’re cruising on a narrowboat holiday or just love exploring the canals, these 7 Wonders of the Waterways are bucket-list-worthy destinations that showcase the rich history, beauty, and ingenuity of Britain’s […]

Discover how canals were built in the UK, from early engineering techniques to the hard work of navvies and the creation of locks, aqueducts, and tunnels that shaped the waterways.

Supporting Lives Along the UK’s Canals and Rivers If you’ve ever walked the towpath or moored your boat and been greeted by a friendly face in a flat cap and high-vis vest, you might just have met a Waterways Chaplain. But who are they, and what do they do? In a world where life on […]

Your Guide to the Types of Boats You’ll See on UK Canals If you’re planning a canal boat holiday or thinking about life on the water, you’ve probably come across the terms narrowboat, widebeam, and barge. While they’re often used interchangeably, these boats each have distinct features, functions, and personalities. Let’s break down the key […]

A Guide for Anglers and Curious Cruisers If you’ve ever cruised the UK’s canals and seen someone quietly casting a line on the towpath, you may have wondered: Can I go fishing on the canals too? The answer is yes — fishing on the UK canal network is not only allowed, it’s a much-loved pastime. […]

A Living Legacy with Modern Meaning For many people, the word “canal” conjures up images of the Industrial Revolution: smoke, coal barges, and horse-drawn boats winding through soot-covered towns. And it’s true—the canal network helped power Britain’s transformation into a global economic force. But the story didn’t end when the factories fell silent. Today, centuries […]

Where Industry, Engineering, and History Flow Together Tucked away in the northern part of Liverpool, not far from the city’s vibrant docks, lies a fascinating and often overlooked piece of canal heritage: the Stanley Lock Flight. Comprising four imposing locks on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, this stretch of water isn’t just a passageway—it’s a […]

A Journey Through Time Along Britain’s Longest Canal Today, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is a haven for peaceful cruises, towpath walks, and waterside wildlife. But behind its quiet charm lies a remarkable history—one of ambition, engineering, and the industrial revolution. Spanning over 127 miles and linking the cities of Leeds in West Yorkshire to […]

When most people think of a canal boat holiday, they picture summer sunshine, towpath picnics, and long evenings outside. But here’s a secret we love to share: winter boat hire might just be the most magical experience of all. Yes, it’s colder. Yes, the days are shorter. But winter brings a whole new kind of […]

When you think of a cosy getaway, your mind might jump to a cabin in the woods or a seaside cottage. But there’s a lesser-known escape that’s equally peaceful, refreshingly different, and surprisingly snug: a boat stay. Whether it’s for a long weekend or a slow cruise along a canal, a stay aboard a boat […]

Are Canal Trips Safe for Dogs? Here’s What You Need to Know Canal boat holidays are a fantastic way to slow down, explore nature, and spend quality time with your furry best friend. But if you’re wondering, “Are canal trips safe for dogs?”, the answer is: yes—with the right preparation and safety measures. Whether you’re […]

If you’re a dog owner who dreads leaving your four-legged friend behind, a canal boat holiday could be the ideal getaway for both of you. With peaceful towpaths, countryside walks, and plenty of sniff-worthy stops, it’s a great way to explore the outdoors together. So, what’s it really like taking your dog on a canal […]