95% of holiday-makers say canal boat holidays are value for money

According to research carried out by the Canal & River Trust, the charity that works to protect and preserve the nation’s historic canals, 86 per cent of people who took a hire boat holiday would definitely recommend it to others, while an impressive 95 per cent felt their holiday was value for money.

Once people have discovered the delights of spending time on the water, they are very likely to come back, with 80 per cent of respondents to the Trust’s ‘Hire Boat Customer Survey 2022’ being return visitors.

Matthew Symonds, national boating manager at Canal & River Trust, says:

“Our unique British canals are enjoying a second golden age. Still navigated by boats just as they were hundreds of years ago, these days people recognise that spending time on the water is a tonic for mind and body.

“Boating holidays are a way people can step back in time and connect with our nation’s living heritage, and it’s fantastic to see that people find them so rewarding.

“At a time where we’re becoming more aware of our impact on the world, exploring the varied landscapes of Britain aboard a narrowboat is a holiday that is great for our wonderful historic canals and better for the environment than jetting overseas.”

Drifters’ 2023 hire prices start at £590 for a short break (three or four nights), £815 for a week on a boat for up to four people.

To check availability go to www.drifters.co.uk or call 0344 984 0322.

For more information about the work of the Canal & River Trust, including how you can volunteer or donate visit canalrivertrust.org.uk.