Canal Boat Hire: What You REALLY Need To Know

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With the UK government promising to offer the Covid vaccine to all UK adults by September 2021, you might be beginning to dream about the possibility of taking a UK staycation this year – and you certainly won’t be alone in your thoughts. Many people have already expressed concern over potential summer holiday shortages; with international travel still largely off the cards, demand for UK staycations is bound to soar and many hotels and B&Bs are booked up months in advance. With this in mind, have you considered canal boat hire for your UK staycation?

While you may feel somewhat flustered by the idea of cruising along in a canal boat (also known as narrowboats, barges or long boats) for the very first time, it’s actually a lot easier than you might think. As long as you choose a reputable canal boat hire company who can walk you through what you need to and provide safety guidance, driving a canal boat is fairly straight-forward. What’s more, canal boating holidays can make for a truly memorable experience regardless of whether you’ll be travelling with your partner, your friends or your family.

So, don’t risk disappointment when it comes to your UK staycation this year – check out these tips on what to look out for when it comes to canal boat hire, step outside your comfort zone and start looking forward to a narrowboat holiday to remember! Read on to find out what you absolutely MUST look out for when it comes to hiring a canal boat!

Canal boat hire: 10 FAQs you NEED to know the answer to

Do you need a license to hire a canal boat?

No. You don’t require any form of boating licence or previous experience to hire a canal boat. You’ll be surprised just how easy it is to navigate the waterways by yourself, once you’ve had full training from your canal boat hire company.

Can anyone hire a canal boat?

Yes. No previous experience is required to hire a canal boat so, as long as you’re happy to follow any instructions and safety guidance issued by your canal boat hire company in advance, you won’t experience any obstacles to hiring a canal boat – even if you’re a complete newbie!

How much does canal boat hire cost?

With a wide selection of canal boats to choose from, from five-berth to twelve-berth options, canal boat hire costs vary widely, so it’s best to consult with your preferred hire company for an exact quote.

Generally, prices tend to be higher during the summer months.

What is the best canal trip in the UK?

With over 3,000 miles of historic waterways, the UK is the ideal destination for canal boating, either for a short weekend break or longer holiday. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the wonders of the great British countryside and sail past big bustling cities, without so much as stepping foot off the barge.

Some of the most popular canal routes in the UK include:

• Kennet and Avon canal, from Bristol to Reading
• Warwickshire Ring, on the Grand Union, Oxford, Coventry and Birmingham canal
• Llangollen canal, which passed over the famous 23 metre-high Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
• Monmouthshire and Brecon canal, from Brecon to Pontymoile

How do you drive a canal boat?

Before you drive a canal boat for the first time, your canal boat hire company will provide detailed instructions and may even carry out a thorough demonstration to show you how to drive the boat.

However, there are a few key points that many first time canal boat drivers find particularly useful to know. You’ll need to consider who would be best to drive the boat – also known as the ‘skipper’ – but it’s also important to remember that smooth sailing requires you to work together as team. In addition, before you set off on any trip, you should always check that your fuel and water levels are topped up.

How do canal locks work?

Canal locks provide a way for canals to travel uphill by adjusting the level of water in the canal. Many first-time canal boat users find the prospect of using canal locks especially daunting, but as long as you know what you’re doing, there’s nothing to worry about at all.

There are several steps involved in using a canal lock. Firstly, when the canal is almost empty of water, steer your boat into the lock and then use the wooden beams to shut the gate behind you. Next, open the paddle doors on the gates opposite by winding the handle. This will cause the water level to either fall or rise (dependent on which direction you’re going) allowing you to open the gates and sail through. Just remember to close the lock behind you afterwards!

How fast will my canal boat go?

By law, canal boats can only travel at speeds of up to 4mph and this should be seen as guide, not a target. Most canal boats travel at around 3mph, which is comparable to a fast walking pace. So, you needn’t worry about speeding off into the distance if you’ve never driven a canal boat before!

Is there a fee to moor a canal boat?

Usually, there aren’t any charges to moor your boat anywhere on canal towpaths for up to 14 days. However, you’ll need to explore getting a home mooring or move on after this time.

Additionally, you might encounter fees if you wish to moor overnight on privately-owned towpath moorings. Normally, the fee will be dependent on boat size and demand. If in doubt, always check with your canal boat hire company in advance.

Another option would be to join a boat club that will let you moor with them. This could also be great way for you to meet other canal boat holiday enthusiasts and make new friends with like-minded interests!

What should I pack for my canal boat holiday?

Packing for a canal boat holiday is almost just like packing for any other holiday. You’ll need to spend some time thinking about what you might need to bring with you for your journey and you might find it helpful to make a list that you can tick off as you’re packing.

Here are a few essentials you might wish to bring with you:

• A reliable canal guide to help you navigate the canals, locks and tunnels – not to mention locate all those wonderful waterside pubs!
• Food and drink, as canal boats are self-catering and will be equipped with stoves, refrigerators, ovens and grills and perhaps even a microwave, alongside cooking utensils, crockery and equipment.
• Bedding, potentially (this is usually provided but it may have changed due to the pandemic)
• Electrical gadgets and items (your canal boat should be fitted with 240v plug sockets, but check with your canal boat hire company beforehand)
• A torch for when it gets dark
• Binoculars for wildlife-spotting
• Your fishing rod, if you’re a keen angler and have a rod license you can bring with you
• Waterproof clothing to ensure you stay dry
• DVDs, games and books to keep you – and any children – entertained)

Can I take my pet with me on a canal boat holiday?

Yes, most of the time, you’ll be able to travel with your pet on-board, although some canal boat hire companies might charge an additional fee for this.

You might need to assist your dog in getting in and out of the boat and you should be mindful of letting them drink canal or river water, as it could make them rather ill!

Have you ever been on a canal boat holiday? Share your canal boat hire tips with other readers by commenting below.

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