Planning a canal boat holiday

When planning a canal boat holiday, it may feel like that there are so many things to see and do. You’ll come across many cities, marvellous engineering, canal wonders, historic sites as well as beautiful wildlife.

If you are not quite sure where to start when planning your canal holiday, we can provide you with the ultimate canal holiday bucket list. Through this guide, we recommend some of the best routes depending on the type of canal holiday you are looking for.

Canal holiday bucket list

Wildlife

One of the biggest appeals of going on a canal boat holiday is being surrounded by tranquil wildlife – British canals are encircled by nature allowing you to see wildlife such as birds, amphibians and rare mammals. Be sure to bring a pair of good binoculars so you can spot the different creatures.

If you are looking for a canal route that is full of nature, you will love the Glasgow & return from Falkirk Canal. This route sails through a dramatic hilly landscape and is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful greenery. Not only this, but you will also be able to witness the amazing experience that is the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift, which is a masterpiece of engineering.

History

UK canals are steeped in history and you are never far away from a historic site! If history is your top priority, you will love the Audlem & return route. This captivating route will take you back in times to the Romans, let you unravel government secrets and transport you to a time of bickering royals.

On this holiday, you can see the Grade I-listed St Alkmund’s Church, the infamous Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, as well as a plethora of beautiful black and white buildings from the Elizabethan era.

Canal engineering

One of the best part of canals is the marvellous canal engineering and there are plenty to see! It’s hard to recommend just one route for this so we recommend you read our ‘7 Wonders of the Waterway’ blog to find out more. Perhaps the most famous aqueduct is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct that you can find on the Llangollen & return route.

Canal-side pubs and bars

What’s better than a good pub? A pub on the canal-side, of course! Trust us, there are plenty.  If you are looking to bask in some good canal nightlife, or even day drinks by the water, the Black Country Ring from Alvechurch Marina is for you. Here you will find a strip of restaurants, pubs and bars.

Though we’ve given you a few things to put on your canal holiday bucket list, it’s important to note that most routes will likely feature a bit of everything. You can find out more information about canal holidays by contacting our helpful team today.