Why a Canal Boat is Ideal for Multi-Generational and Large Family Holidays

If you’re planning to travel as a large family, bringing different generations and age groups together on one trip, it can be a challenge to find suitable accommodation to house everyone. Booking multiple hotel rooms is expensive and may not offer the space for you to relax and enjoy time together.  

But what if there was a more suitable option that not only fits your budget but also gives you more space and amenities than a hotel?  

Discover how one narrowboat beats a hotel for large family holidays of up to 12 people and offers an experience of a lifetime rather than just a place to sleep.  

5 Reasons why you should consider a narrowboat for your large family holiday 

A canal boat holiday is your transport and accommodation rolled into one, with all the benefits of self-catering and the freedom to explore at your own pace.  

1. Keeps everyone together 

A family reunion should also bring everyone under one roof. When organising a large family holiday, one of the biggest challenges is to find space where everyone can relax without feeling on top of each other, as well as finding enough beds to sleep everyone comfortably.  

A 10-12 berth narrowboat offers:

• Multiple private cabins which are much more comfortable than sharing sofa beds. 

• A fully equipped kitchen so you’re not relying on restaurants for every meal and can keep your holiday in budget with self-catering. 

• A shared living and dining space designed for time together.  

• Outdoor seating for relaxing by the water.  
  
  

Rather than splitting your group across different locations or hotel room floors, you can keep everyone under the same roof without sacrificing privacy or being too cramped. 

2. Family-friendly without the chaos 

A canal boat holiday is adventurous for families with children, but it’s not overwhelming. Children can help operate the boat and locks under supervision, learn how the waterways work, and spot wildlife along the way. There’s space to play board games in the evening or simply enjoy being outdoors without strict schedules to return to hotel rooms. 

Unlike large holiday parks or busy resorts, you’re not battling crowds or queuing for entertainment, especially during school holidays. The activity and fascination start from the moment you all step onboard, unfolding at the pace you choose.  

Canal boats are far less intimidating compared to bigger outdoor adventures for younger ones but still exciting for everyone to get involved. It’s calm, engaging, and manageable for all ages.  

3. A cost-effective alternative to hotels 

Depending on the time of year you travel and how many people you share the cost with, hiring a narrowboat may work out cheaper than having to pay for multiple hotel rooms.  

For example, paying for three hotel rooms at £140 a night for four nights would cost £1,680 before food.  

A canal boat offers: 

• More space 

• Full kitchen facilities 

• Shared living areas 

• Better value when costs are split between families 
  
  

ABC Boat Hire’s fully equipped kitchens for self-catering mean you can balance visiting canal restaurants with your own recipes onboard. Cooking your own wholesome food isn’t something you can do with just a mini fridge in your room! 

Read more tips for how else you can boat on a budget.  

4. Bring your dog along 

A multi-generational family is often going to include a furry friend or two, with 36% of UK households having at least one dog, according to The Good Kennel Guide. ABC Boat Hire welcomes up to two dogs per boat, free of charge. Let your canine companion join you on your journey to soak up the sights of the British countryside.  

Read our guide on dog-friendly breaks. 

5. No boating experience needed 

Full handover training is provided by the ABC Boat Hire team before departure, and they’re only a call away if you need assistance during your trip. Many families start off having never stepped foot on a British narrowboat, and most return year after year.  

CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE AND HOLIDAY DATES

How to find the best deal for a large family holiday in the UK   

There are three things to consider when planning a large family holiday in the UK. You may be planning a staycation or travelling across the world from Australia or the USA, but regardless of the distance, you want to make it a worthwhile trip.  

We’ve welcomed thousands of families in our 40+ years of operating, and our ‘Exceptional’-rated Feefo reviews show we know what we’re talking about. These are the things you should look at when planning an affordable UK family holiday to get the best value so you can venture far and wide with extra cash in your pocket but also have a unique and fulfilling experience:

• Choose dates just outside of summer for more availability and good weather. 

• Split the cost per cabin or family rather than per person. 

• Opt for low-lock or lock-free routes if travelling with babies or older relatives. 
  
  

Booking outside of peak school holidays, like in April, May, September and early October, offers lighter traffic on the waterways and better availability for larger boats.  

If you’re travelling from overseas for a multi-generational reunion, planning your canal boat holiday early ensures you get a boat with a layout that suits your group, especially for boat berths up to 12.  

Start planning your large family canal boat holiday  

For larger groups on holiday, having balance matters. Large family holidays can easily become hectic with everyone’s different routines, different bedtimes, and different expectations. Cruising at four miles per hour slows everything down. You have time to talk, cook, and play together. You wake up to birdsong rather than the banging of hotel doors. 

Grandparents can relish peaceful mornings with a coffee, while teenagers can help steer the boat or cycle along the towpath. The days are a breeze, as there are no plans unless you want there to be, and every night you can share laughter under the stars on the British waterways.  

If you’re looking for advice and information on how to plan a big family holiday on a budget or how a canal boat holiday can work for your family, here are some more resources:

• The best low-lock and lock-free canal boat holiday routes 

• Best canal routes for families with kids 

• How to save more on a low-cost narrowboat holiday in the UK 

• How to plan and book your canal boat holiday from overseas 

• How to plan a canal boat holiday staycation 

FAQs about large family canal boat holidays 

What is a multi-generational holiday? 

A multi-generational holiday is a holiday that includes at least three generations, such as grandparents, parents, and children.  

Is a canal boat holiday suitable for families with young children? 

Yes, a canal boat holiday is a great getaway for families with toddlers and younger children. ABC Boat Hire also has several boats which are suitable for a travel cot.  

Can I bring my dog on a canal boat holiday? 

Yes, ABC Boat Hire allows dogs onboard for no extra cost, so you and your pooch can explore Britain’s waterways together. 

How many people can sleep on a narrowboat? 

ABC Boat Hire's narrowboats can sleep up to 12 people on certain boats. Other boats can sleep up to 5, 8 or 10, as well as 12-berth boats being available.