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Canal Boat Holidays for Beginners

First Time Afloat?

This is the only guide you need

 

Are you a first-time boater or looking for information about adventures by canal?

Many of our guests are complete newcomers to narrowboats, yet every one of them masters the navigation and has a holiday they will never forget.

Read our guide below to find out what you need to know.

 

(Psssst… You can save on your beginner’s canal boat holiday with our latest discounts!)
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Step 1: Planning 

Budget 

First on your mind is probably budget. Canal boat holidays offer the perfect way to enjoy a memorable getaway without breaking the bank.  

Compared to camping and caravan holidays where you have to scour for entertainment, a narrowboat holiday is your accommodation, transport and entertainment all rolled into one.   

Another way to save is to bunk up with friends or family to share the costs. We recommend a shared boating trip for families who have children of similar ages or adults with similar interests. It makes for a great bonding experience.  

Prices increase in the warmer months, so why not book a narrowboat holiday in March or October instead? Avoid the summer rush and get a cheaper break!  

Browse our discounted trips here.   

Routes 

Next, choose your route and how long you want to kick back and relax for.   

Would you prefer to meander through the heart of Britain’s canal network in Birmingham, where you can stop off at Cadbury World and the Black Country Living Museum? Or perhaps you’d like a calm cruise through the idyllic Cheshire countryside?  

If you’re worried about traffic, you can opt for quieter and easier journeys suitable for beginners. Go lock-free and cruise for as little as four hours a day on our routes.   

Hobbies and special interests 

Do you enjoy bird spotting? How about pointing out critters and creatures for your curious children? Sounds like a wildlife route would be ideal for you.   

Or, if you have an active lifestyle, turn your water adventure to the tracks and trails of South Wales for a walk, hike or cycle.  

Film or TV buffs? Visit filming locations from Harry Potter and Peaky Blinders via canal.  

And don’t forget to marvel at the canal engineering on your travels. Experience the 7 Wonders of the Waterway or see if you can spot the biggest aqueducts on your route!  

How to hire a narrowboat 

There are just 4 easy steps to book a canal boat holiday with ABC Boat Hire. 

  1. Browse our featured routes or our beginner routes, and picture yourself voyaging through the most charming spots in the UK for cheaper than a week in Tenerife for two.  
  2. Once you’ve decided on your route, fill out the booking form (like the one at the very top of this page). 
  3. Choose a marina base from the list of locations provided, this is where you’ll start your journey. 
  4. Add your details, including who’s joining you, and proceed to payment. 

If you’d like us to personally help you, give us a call on 0808 159 1870. If you’re from overseas, call us on +44 1905 610660. 

How much does a canal boat holiday cost? 

Prices tend to rise in summer and on bank holidays when most people are off and want to soak up the UK sun. But you can’t put a cost on a lazy canal-side picnic in the afternoon sun, with the willows near the water’s edge swaying in the breeze and the gentle ripple of the canal adding rhythm between laughter.  

These are the moments that stay with you long after the season ends. They’re priceless.  

On average, our holidays range between £600 and £2,000 for 2-12 people. These prices include gas, electric, bed linen and towels, life jackets, tuition and handover, an accidental damage waiver and 24-hour emergency help. Read more about the full inventory here.  

Our boats are also pet-friendly and the first pet travels free!   

We don’t take an upfront deposit, and you can spread the cost of your holiday in equal instalments through our Easy Pay option on your booking form.   

Why book with ABC Boat Hire? 

Unlike sun-chasing European getaways, our holidays won’t leave you exhausted by the end. Each breath on an ABC boat is a reminder of simpler times. Savour the calm, gentle and content environment of canal cruising.   

If you still have some worries or concerns, no question is ever too silly for our friendly team, who are available to chat seven days a week. Or if we have answered all of your questions already, get ahead and book your next holiday now.   

Choosing the right narrowboat for you 

You’ll be gliding across the water in your second home for up to a couple of weeks, so you’ll want there to be enough space for the things that matter.  

Don’t worry if you haven’t driven a boat before. Many of our guests are newcomers, and each one masters the controls pretty quickly. 

What you need to know before booking 

There are 5 main things to consider before booking a canal boat holiday: 

 

Types of boats 

There are three different-sized boats to choose from, depending on how many of you are travelling.  

Two to five 

Example layout: Alvechurch Grebe 

 

Six to eight 

Example layout: Falkirk Spirit 

 

Up to twelve 

Example layout: Alvechurch Swan 

Most of our boats include full radiator central heating with cold and hot running water and a double-filtered drinking water system.   

Much of the fleet features a private master bedroom and bathroom, carpets in the bedrooms and saloon area, and a fully equipped galley kitchen. Onboard amenities include a shower, free Wi-Fi, and a welcome pack of necessities for your boating holiday.  

Step 2: Best Beginner Canal Routes 

If it's your first time afloat, you might feel a bit daunted by driving a boat as well as navigating locks. But don't fear, we've picked out the most suitable lock-free and low-lock routes so you can leave the stress behind when you're cruising on the canals.

Alvechurch Marina – England 

Our short break on the Birmingham and Return route is the perfect lock-free canal boat holiday. Leaving from Alvechurch Marina, you’ll cruise for around five hours a day, making your way through Birmingham’s stunning city centre and back again. It’s a relaxing three-night break where you can focus on enjoying the canals without focusing too much on boating techniques.  

This route takes you past Cadbury World, so chocolate lovers are in for a real treat. You can also moor up and explore Edgbaston’s Botanical Gardens’ 15 acres of biodiverse land, or head to Brindley Place for a gourmet meal by the water. 

Anderton Marina – England 

Breeze through just two locks on the Lymm Return route from Anderton Marina. Focus your time on drifting through the countryside, with the odd tunnel in between, and cherish the scenery through your slower pace. 

This cruise will take you past the Lewis Carroll Centre in Daresbury where the author spent his childhood, and you can discover the origins of classic tales like Alice in Wonderland. Although, the Anderton Boat Lift is the real showstopper here. As one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways, you just have to see it in action.  

Goytre Wharf – Wales 

A Welsh route perfect for canal boat beginners is the Brecon & Return from Goytre Wharf. This landlocked canal keeps things simple, with just a handful of locks to pass through. Reach levels of peace and quiet you could’ve only imagined with this seven-night trip through the Welsh countryside. 

Based in South Wales, Goytre Wharf sits on the edge of the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to tick off your must-see landmarks to visit. Brecon also has a reputation as the capital of outdoor activity in Wales. Moor your canal boat and spend your days cycling, hiking or kayaking between stretches of your cruise.  

Step 3: Packing, Catering and Food Options

Cooking and Dining

All our boats are equipped for self-catering and are award-nominated! Self-catering holidays offer food freedom, less waste, and cost savings. 

From cosy dinners, made with fresh village market produce, to baked breakfasts prepared in the fully equipped galley, you'll have everything you need.   

Whether it’s a quiet night for two or a lively lunch with family, every meal becomes part of the adventure.   

You’re welcome to bring your own appliances but do so at your own risk. Find the list of all kitchen equipment included in your package here.  

If you don’t fancy washing dishes or would love a pint at the pub, there are plenty of places to dine out near our boat hire locations. Here’s a list of the best canalside restaurants; are there any on your route?  

Packing 

There’s more space than you think on a narrowboat, especially with hand-crafted storage space designed for you and your family to live comfortably during your canal adventure. 

With your itinerary building up, we know you’ll be tempted to pack a bit more. But it’s important to think about the essentials first.   

Here’s a downloadable essentials checklist so you know you won’t forget anything. And just in case your bags are splitting at the seams, here are seven more ways to save space.  

Download Here

 

Step 4: Your arrival and site information  

Your boat will be ready for collection at your chosen marina by 2:30pm on the start day of your holiday. If you’re unable to arrive on time, please contact the marina base, or speak with the Booking Office ahead of your start date if you need any special arrangements for your holiday. 

 We provide our own 24-hour emergency helpline, so you’re never on your own on the waterways. Our offices are open 7 days a week, between 8:30am–6pm on weekdays, and 9am–5pm on weekends. 

You’re free to set your own schedule as a canal boat beginner. In a week by canal, you’re likely to cover the distance you could cover in an hour by car. But the journey on the water is a much richer one! 

Watch the video below to see what life is like on a narrowboat holiday, or read a diary entry from Waterways World writer, Rebecca McGrath. 

Step 5: How to drive, moor and secure 

Your boat will be prepared for you, such as fuel and water top-ups, but it’s worth knowing the rules of the waterways and the safety checks. The Canal and River Trust’s Boater’s Handbook is a key resource for boat handling, safety and good boating behaviour.   

Driving a narrowboat 

Who’s the skipper? Or will you share the role between the group? While it’s important to have a dedicated driver, it can also be fun to share the responsibility or have little ones help out around the boat. Delegating responsibilities is a great way to get everyone involved.  

Steering a narrowboat is simple, but there is canal etiquette to follow. Here are six tips for a smooth ride:  

 

Mooring a narrowboat 

Mooring your boat also translates to parking up. You should:  

  1. Approach slowly: As you near your mooring spot, direct the front of the boat towards the bank and stop the boat gently as it makes contact with the bank.  
  2. Secure the boat: The crew should then disembark, carrying the mooring ropes. 
  3. Tie up: Using the mooring ropes, secure the boat by tying it to bollards or rings on the bank. Position the ropes at about 45° from the boat, then loop them back onto the boat and tie them securely. 

Most visitors mooring on the canals and rivers can do so free of charge. This means you’re permitted to moor anywhere on the towpath side of the canal without causing an obstruction. The Canal and River Trust governs most visitors’ moorings, which means you can moor for free. Although, you may be required to pay at some feature mooring sites or private areas.   

Read more information on where you can and can’t moor your boat, and how long you can stay there.  

Navigating safely 

You should consider the safety and security of yourself, your passengers and other people on the water.   

Here are four safety tips:  

 

Three crucial things to remember:  

Just as you would when leaving home, a hotel or your car, you should shut and lock all accessible entry points to protect your belongings.   

Booking your first canal boat holiday? 

Enter your destination and dates in the pink banner above, or contact our booking office. 

We’re open 7 days a week. No question or query is silly, we’re all ears! 

 

Canal Boat vs Other Holiday Types 

Canal boats offer something different from your usual holiday. Coastal cruisers move faster and cover more ground, but canals let you slow right down and notice the details. Cottages and caravans plant you in one spot, which is great for relaxation, but you're stuck with the same view all week. 

What makes canal holidays stand out is the pace. You're moving, but slowly enough to actually take things in. Every day brings new scenery without the hassle of packing up and driving somewhere else. It's also easier on the wallet than most adventures, you get accommodation and transport rolled into one price. 

There's a community feel to the canals too. Boaters wave as they pass, lock-keepers stop for a chat and you'll find yourself talking to people moored nearby. It's the kind of holiday where strangers become mates over a cup of tea on the towpath. 

Is A Canal Boat Holiday Right For You?

Canal holidays suit more people than you'd think. Including you! Canal boats are perfectly safe and enjoyable for families, and the whole trip becomes a team effort that’ll be talked about for months. Couples can enjoy a private getaway, while friends can spend more time together and still stop off at canalside pubs.  

Dog owners don't need to leave pets behind. Most boats welcome them, and mooring stops give plenty of opportunities for walks along the towpath. If mobility's a concern, many boats now feature accessible layouts with ramps and handrails. Moorings tend to be flat and easy to manage too. 

International visitors often worry they'll need special knowledge or licences. You don't. We’ll give you full tuition before you set off and no boating licence is required. Our marinas are not far from major airports, so getting there from overseas is straightforward.