5 Reasons why self-catering beats half-board on a canal boat holiday

Picture this: you’re wandering through the canal waterways, morning coffee in hand, and not a breakfast queue in sight. On ABC Boat Hire’s canal boat holidays, self-catering isn’t just about food. It’s about freedom.   

Find out how self-catering works on a narrowboat and why it could suit you more than other types of holiday accommodation.   

What is self-catering on a canal boat? 

A self-catering holiday means your accommodation has a home-away-from-home kitchen to prepare, cook, and dish up your favourite meals on holiday. ABC Boat Hire’s narrowboat galleys are equipped with a gas hob, grill and oven, a fridge, a sink and drainer, and ample work surfaces with storage space. You’ll also find a microwave, toaster, cafetière, saucepans, cooking utensils, crockery, and cutlery.  

ABC Boat Hire was recently nominated for Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year (and for good reason). 

Why are self-catering holidays better than half-board? 

There are 5 reasons why self-catering is better than half-board holidays. 

1. Freedom and flexibility to eat whatever you want, whenever you want 

Getting the family ready for set mealtimes can be a hassle when you’d thought that you had signed up for easy dining. Self-catering means you can eat whenever you want and aren’t rushed for time to get your orders in. If you want a midnight snack under the stars or fancy some comforts from home, you can do that on a canal boat holiday. 

You can lounge in bed for as long as you like. No more sprinting to get the last hash browns when you can cook them yourself, and you don’t even need to get out of your pyjamas. Plus, if you’re cruising the canals in what feels like the middle of nowhere, there’s no need to get hangry when you can rustle up something tasty in the galley. 

2. Support local and independent businesses 

As you weave and wind through the waterways, you’ll encounter many independent shops and markets, like Harborough Indoor Market, easily accessible from the Market Harborough route from Gayton Marina. It’s open 6 days a week and was voted ‘Best Small Indoor Market 2025’. Grab some locally grown juicy fruits and crisp vegetables to add to your recipes, dive into delicatessens for cheese and wine on the narrowboat deck or indulge in ocean-fresh seafood for dinner. 

Self-catering holidays are the best option to enjoy the taste of regional foods and support the livelihoods of the locals.  

3. Catering to dietary needs and preferences 

You’ve spent your day adventuring and having fun and can’t wait to fill your belly. You’ve worked up an appetite from the excitement of your holiday. You glance at the half-board menu. Nothing appeals. Worse still, your dietary needs? Completely overlooked. 

When you self-cater on ABC Boat Hire’s holidays, you don’t have to rely on limited options or feel like you’re being a difficult guest with allergies or intolerances. You can eat the foods you enjoy, to your own tastes, and feel confident about what’s in your meal. And even if you do pop out for a meal or two in the local area, there are no rules to say you can’t bring back leftovers!  

4. Bond over cooking together   

On a canal boat, life slows down. So even overlooked things like meal prep become an opportunity to chat, laugh, and get along. While everyone’s in the same place, why not all get involved? Give the kids roles like sous chef or chief taster and transform a boring chore into something fun for them. 

5. Cost savings 

Self-catering holidays are often a more budget-friendly option than half-board or all-inclusive holidays. Especially if you value activities or experiences rather than being tied to meals at certain times at specific places. It also makes dining out feel special by breaking up your narrowboat holiday with cooking from your new floating home, instead of feeling the financial pressures of eating out every day.  

Local produce is often a similar price to your average supermarket shop, too, so your pennies can stretch further to spend on the fun stuff.  

Curious about where to travel with your own 5-star menu? 

Browse ABC Boat Hire’s regional routes and book your canal boat holiday today. If it’s your first time booking with us, click on the link for our latest guide to canal boat holidays.