How to live your cottagecore dreams on a canal boat holiday

Do you love to romanticise your life with idyllic, countryside charm? A narrowboat holiday is the perfect way to embrace the cottagecore style. Immerse yourself in slow living, cosy interiors and retreat in the winding waterways of the UK. Whether you relish a week away or a weekend break, live your cottagecore fantasies with a rural holiday on a canal boat.  

What is cottagecore? 

Cottagecore is more than an aesthetic. The phrase refers to a mindful, slower-paced lifestyle rooted in the allure of the countryside. It celebrates wholesome activities such as baking, walking and crafts to escape the distractions and fast pace of our modern world. 

Do you love the simple comforts in life? Like the fuzzy glow of kicking off muddy boots and walking into a warm room, knowing there’s a fresh pair of fluffy socks waiting for your chilled toes. Or those moments when time slows, getting lost in catchups with friends and noticing how the candle flames sway between fits of laughter. 

A narrowboat holiday carries this dreamy nostalgia to the water.  

Why are narrowboats ‘cottagecore’? 

Narrowboats allow you to cruise through serene surroundings and rustic landscapes in a slower, more traditional method of transport. They encourage mindfulness by being aware of your surroundings and managing a boat.  

Drop yourself into a classical novel by admiring the storybook exteriors of the boat. Rich, traditional paint hues and detailing from the roses and castles artwork transport you to a vintage era.  

Embrace nostalgia by visiting villages filled to the brim with character and history. Whether you prefer Georgian architecture, theatre and culture, or a hint of urban amenities, you can stroll through cottagecore artwork in real life. 

Feel enchanted by nature’s melody as you play, make and explore. Birds chirp along to the hum of the boat’s motor, while duckweed rustles against the gentle water ripples next to the bilge. 

Cottagecore activities on your canal holiday 

• Scrapbook: Capture pictures of your holiday, press flowers and keep a journal about your travels. 

• Crafts: Bring your yarn to crochet, grab your oil pastels to paint the landscapes, or learn how to make origami boats and flowers!  

• Nature walks: Grab your walking boots and follow a hiking trail in the British countryside. 

• Cook from scratch: Explore local villages to find farm shops and baked goods to make your favourite comfort foods onboard.  

• Visit historical locations: Step back in time and learn about the heritage of the area or visit culture hotspots like Shakespeare’s birthplace. 

• Eat outside: Picnic on the hills by day and stargaze with charcuterie by night. 

Book your cottagecore holiday with ABC Boat Hire  

Whether you want to knead dough in a sun-kissed galley, sip tea on the narrowboat’s deck or explore the lush greenery cushioned next to the canals, a narrowboat holiday is sure to enhance your cottagecore style. 

Browse our rural routes or contact one of our friendly team members at ABC Boat Hire and book your holiday today.