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, […]

The canals of the UK and beyond aren’t just pretty backdrops for a peaceful boat ride — they’re steeped in fascinating stories, engineering marvels, and industrial history. If you’re a narrowboat lover, history buff, or curious day-tripper, canal museums offer a brilliant way to deepen your appreciation of life on the waterways. Here’s a roundup […]

From Venice to Panama – A Global Tour of Historic and Modern Canals Canals aren’t just a feature of British countryside holidays — they’re an essential part of human history, engineering, and culture across the globe. From ancient trade routes to scenic tourist hotspots, canals around the world have shaped economies, cities, and the way […]

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 […]

Walk along a historic towpath, and you may hear echoes of a lost language—terms and slang once spoken fluently by generations of canal folk. Known as “the language of the cut”, this distinctive dialect grew from the tight-knit, often isolated community of boatmen and women who lived and worked on the canals of Britain from […]

During the 19th century, Britain’s canals were the arteries of the Industrial Revolution. Long before motorways or high-speed rail, narrowboats transported coal, pottery, textiles, and other vital goods across the country. Behind this network of water and cargo were the canal workers—gritty, hardworking families who lived and labored aboard these slow-moving boats. But what was […]

Canal boats, particularly the iconic narrowboats of the UK’s inland waterways, are more than just floating homes or workhorses—they’re storytellers. The names painted on their hulls often reflect history, heritage, humor, and heartfelt sentiments. From romantic to whimsical, every boat name carries a meaning. Let’s explore the traditions behind naming canal boats and uncover what […]

Long before the canals became a leisure destination, they were bustling highways for working boat families. Life on the cut was hard, isolated, and full of tradition — and like many close-knit communities, old-time boaters had their own superstitions, beliefs, and stories passed down through generations. Some were practical, others mysterious, and a few downright […]

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 […]

Unlocking One of the Most Impressive Features of the Waterways If you’re new to canal cruising or planning a boat holiday, you’ve probably come across the term “lock flight” and wondered what it means. In simple terms, a lock flight is one of the most fascinating and impressive engineering features of the UK’s canal system […]

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 […]

Must-Watch Shows for Narrowboat Lovers and Armchair Cruisers There’s something irresistibly charming about Britain’s canals — the slow pace, the scenic beauty, the rich history — and it’s no wonder that this has translated so beautifully onto the small screen. Whether you’re planning your next canal boat holiday or simply dreaming of one from your […]

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 […]