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Best narrowboat holidays for wildlife spotting

February 14, 2026/in News/by Contact

Britain’s canals and rivers provide homes for many birds, animals, fish and insects

Cruising gently through the countryside on a narrowboat, you can enjoy spotting water birds, dragonflies, kingfishers and bats. Even in city centres, Britain’s network of inland waterways provide safe havens for a wide variety of plants and animals.

We’ve published a guide to the best narrowboat holidays for wildlife spotting.

1. Spot Kingfishers on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, South Wales

Isolated from the main canal network, this beautiful waterway meanders peacefully for 36 miles through the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in Wales provides excellent habitat for many woodland and water birds, including kingfishers. Usually glimpsed as a sudden flash of glistening blue, the ‘King of Fishers’ travels at lightning speeds catching several fish each day.

We have a narrowboat hire base on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal at Gotyre Wharf.

2. Watch out for Bats on the Caldon Canal, Derbyshire

The 17-mile long Caldon Canal in Staffordshire has stunning wooded sections, providing rich habitat for bats. There are 18 different kinds of bat in Britain, including Daubenton’s bats, also known as the ‘water bat’. They use the canal and river network extensively for foraging. Bats can frequently be found roosting in hollowed out tree trunks and in canal bridges and aqueducts. The Canal & River Trust has published a guide on how to spot bats.

We have a canal boat hire base at Stoke on Trent, where the Caldon Canal meets the Trent & Mersey Canal.

3. Count Dragonflies on the Ashby Canal, Leicestershire

A 6-mile section of the Ashby Canal is designated a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI). This recognises the diversity of the canal’s plant, insect and animal life, including 9 species of dragonfly. These colourful insects, whose origins began 300 million years ago, are voracious hunters. They use the reed fringes of our canals and rivers as breeding and hunting grounds.

You can reach the Ashby Canal on a week-long canal boat holiday from our bases at Springwood Haven, Braunston, Napton and Stockton.

4. Look out for Otters on the Montgomery Canal, Shropshire

This beautiful canal runs for 38 miles between England and Wales. It’s designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on both sides of the border. And the entire length in Wales is also recognised as a Special Area of Conservation, making it one of the most important sites for wildlife in Europe. Thanks to the work of conservationists, otters populations are showing healthy signs of growth after their sad decline in the 1950’s. Lakes, rivers and coastal areas are the otters’ natural habitats. But these timid nocturnal creatures can also be seen hunting on quiet stretches of the canals.

You can reach the Montgomery Canal on a short break or week away from our narrowboat rental bases at Blackwater Meadow, Chirk, Trevor. Whitchurch and Whixall.

5. Listen for Reed Bunting on the Droitwich Canals, Worcestershire

Many birds live and nest amongst the reeds that line some canals, including the chirruping reed bunting. Look out for them perched high on reed tops singing at the top of their voices. One of the best places to see these lively little birds are the Droitwich Canals in Worcestershire. These canals offer a linear mosaic of habitats, including substantial reedbeds. Reed buntings are sparrow-sized but slim with long, deeply notched tails. The male has a black head with a white collar in the summer. The black head becomes a dull brown in the winter. Females have a brown head, buff throat and buff-coloured lines above and below their eyes.

You can cruise the Droitwich Canals on a short break or week away from our Stoke Prior and Worcester bases.

6. Keep an eye out for Water Voles on the Oxford Canal, Oxfordshire

The endangered water vole is a special sight on our canals and rivers. Thanks to conservation efforts by the Canal & River Trust and the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, water voles have been spotted along the Oxford Canal. Often mistaken for rats, water voles have distinguishing features, including shorter tails, a more rounded face and small ears, mostly hidden by fur. The Canal & River Trust offers tips on how to spot a water vole.

Drifters has bases on the Oxford Canal at Lower Heyford and Napton.

Canal boat travelling along the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire

May bank holiday weekend breaks on a canal boat

January 20, 2026/in News/by Debbie Ludford

There are hundreds of destinations to visit on a bank holiday canal boating break

Britain’s beautiful 3,000-mile network of inland waterways takes canal boat holiday-makers through the countryside and into historic towns and cities. There are places to moor up in quiet backwaters for the perfect rural retreat, as well as moorings close to attractions and amenities in towns and cities, like Linlithgow and Bath.

Drifters 2026 Top May Bank Holiday Weekend Breaks on a Canal Boat:

1. Cruise the Rochdale Canal to Hebden Bridge

On a weekend break from Sowerby Bridge, you can cruise through the West Yorkshire countryside to Hebden Bridge and back. The journey begins with 3 locks, including Tuel Lane Lock, the deepest in the country. At Luddenden Foot you can stop to visit the Lord Nelson pub, set within a Conservation Area. The route then passes through Mytholmroyd, birthplace of Ted Hughes and through Fallingroyd Tunnel to Hebden Bridge. There you can moor in the centre of town and discover a good choice of pubs, restaurants, cafes and independent shops. There are also some fantastic walks from Hebden, including up to Heptonstall and along Hardcastle Crags.

The journey to Hebden Bridge and back travels 14 miles, passes through 20 locks and takes around 11 hours.

2. Travel along the Union Canal to Linlithgow

From Falkirk at the Junction of the Union and Forth & Clyde canals, you can cruise through the Scottish Lowlands to Linlithgow and back. This route begins by going through a manned lock into the canal basin, and then up the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift. After that, the journey takes you through Roughmute Tunnel, followed by another 2 manned locks. Now on the Union Canal, you’ll travel through the Falkirk Tunnel and across the massive Avon Aqueduct. After enjoying miles of peaceful countryside, you’ll reach the historic town of Linlithgow, where you can visit the beautifully preserved remains of Linlithgow Palace on the shores of Linlithgow Loch, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Linlithgow has some excellent eateries, including the award-winning Four Marys pub.

The journey to Linlithgow and back passes through 6 locks (3 each way) and takes around 8 hours.

3. Navigate the Grand Union Canal to Cosgrove

On a weekend break from Weedon on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire, you can cruise to Cosgrove and back. This route travels through the countryside, passing the Narrow Boat pub at Stowehill Wharf and the Bakers Arms in the village of Bugbrooke. Soon after, you’ll enter the 1.74-mile long Blisworth Tunnel, emerging into the picturesque ‘canal village’ of Stoke Bruerne, home of the Canal & River Trust’s Canal Museum and a choice of canalside pubs. There are then seven locks to go through before reaching Thrupp Wharf and the Navigation Inn. At Cosgrove, boaters can moor up to explore the Ouse Valley Park, the site of Wolverton Medieval Village and the Barley Mow pub.

The journey to Cosgrove and back travels 36 miles, passes through 16 locks and takes around 16 hours.

4. Cruise through the Brecon Beacons to Llangynidr

Isolated from the main canal network, the beautiful Monmouth & Brecon Canal runs through the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. It offers an escape to the country with incredible mountain views. On a weekend’s break from Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny you can cruise to Llangynidr and back. The route goes through a series of small villages with historic pubs, including the Lion Inn at Govilon, deep in the Welsh countryside.

The journey to Llangynidr and back travels 32 miles and takes around 13 hours. There are no locks on this route.

5. Float across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in North Wales

On a weekend break from Chirk, you can cruise the 11-metre section of the Llangollen Canal designated a UNESCO World Heritage site to the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen, on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains. Along the way, you’ll cross the 38-metre high Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, experiencing stunning views of the Dee Valley below. When you reach Llangollen, you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and enjoy visiting the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as its Steam Railway and Horseshoe Falls. Canalside pubs to enjoy along the way include the Aqueduct Inn at Froncysyllte and The Sun at Trevor.

The journey to Llangollen and back travels 14 miles and takes around 6 hours.

6. Boat through the Northamptonshire countryside to Hillmorton

From Stockton on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire, it takes just over 6 hours to cruise to the village Hillmorton. The route takes you past the village of Napton-on-the-Hill, where the village store sells products from the nearby Buffalo Farm, including buffalo burgers, sausages, meatballs, steaks and ice cream. Napton Village Stores also sells bakery and deli products, veg boxes, homemade meals, cider and homemade cakes. Continuing through the countryside, you’ll will next reach the village of Braunston, where there’s a choice of pubs including the canalside Admiral Nelson. Heading on north up the Oxford Canal, you’ll soon reach the village of Hillmorton, home of the Stag & Pheasant pub.

The journey to Hillmorton and back travels 30 miles, passes through 12 locks (6 each way) and takes around 12.5 hours.

7. Travel through the Leicestershire countryside to Stoke Golding

From Springwood Haven on the Coventry Canal, it takes around 6 hours to cruise to the historic village of Stoke Golding. At Marston Junction, you’ll transfer onto the lock-free Ashby Canal to continue travelling on through the Leicestershire countryside. The journey takes boaters through Sutton Cheney, home of the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre & Country Park. Then on past Dadlington and the Dog & Hedgehog pub. Stoke Golding has one of the most beautiful churches in England and there’s a choice of pubs, including the White Swan. Before heading out, you can stock up on local produce at the Poplars Farm shop and café near Nuneaton, selling fruit, vegetables, honey, local cheese, eggs, poultry and jams.

The journey to Stoke Golding and back travels 27 miles and takes around 12 hours. There are no locks on this route.

8. Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Shebdon

From Brewood on the Shropshire Union Canal in Staffordshire, it takes just over 5 hours to reach the village of Shebdon, surrounded by beautiful countryside. The journey takes you through miles of scenic countryside and woodland, and a series of villages, including Wheaton Aston with its Hartley Inn and Gnosall with its Boat Inn. Canal features encountered along the way include Stretton Aqueduct, a lock at Wheaton Aston, Cowley Tunnel, Shelmore Embankment and Grub Street Cutting. At Shebdon, you can moor up to visit the canalside Wharf pub.

The journey to Shebdon and back travels 27 miles, through 2 locks and takes around 11 hours.

9. Navigate through Cannock Chase to Fradley

On a weekend break, from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal, you can cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Fradley Junction and back. You’ll pass through Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along the way. Before heading out, the Canalside Farm Shop at Great Haywood is perfect for stocking-up on local produce, including sausages, fruit, vegetables, free range eggs and baked products.

The journey to Fradley and back travels 25 miles, through 10 locks (5 each way) and takes around 12 hours.

10. Float along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Georgian Bath

From the base of the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes in Wiltshire, you can travel along the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal to Bath and back. As well as 16 locks (8 each way), the journey takes boaters through a series of swing bridges. And across the magnificent Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts. Canalside pubs to enjoy along the way include the Barge Inn at Seend, the Canal Tavern at Bradford on Avon and the Cross Guns at Avoncliff. There are places to moor alongside Sydney Gardens, and from there it’s a 15-minute walk into Bath city centre, home to world famous attractions, including the Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent.

The journey to Bath and back travels 38 miles, passes through 16 locks (8 each way) and takes around 20 hours.

Canal boating on the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire

Top 8 Easter 2026 narrowboat holidays

December 22, 2025/in News/by Contact

Choose from hundreds of Easter canal boat holiday destinations with Drifters

Britain’s beautiful inland waterways are a great place to visit at Easter, when the countryside is bursting with new life.

With over 40 canal boat hire locations, and over 3,000 miles of canals and rivers, there are hundreds of destinations to choose from.

Drifters 2026 Easter break prices start at £689 for a short break (3 or 4 nights) on a boat for up to 4 people, £1,030 for a week.

Here’s a guide to our top 8 Easter 2026 narrowboat holidays:

1. Cruise to Market Drayton, famous for its gingerbread

On a 4-night break from Brewood on the Shropshire Union Canal in Staffordshire you can cruise to the historic market town of Market Drayton and back. The journey through the Staffordshire countryside takes you through a series of villages with historic canalside pubs. These include the Boat Inn at Gnosall and the Junction Inn at Norbury. The route also passes Cadbury’s Wharf at Knighton, where chocolate crumb used to be transported to Bournville. And through Woodseaves Cutting, which is full of vegetation and wildlife. When you reach the Market Drayton visitors’ moorings, you can walk into the historic town, famous for its gingerbread men.

The journey to Market Drayton and back travels 42 miles, passes through 12 locks (6 each way) and takes around 19 hours.

2. Navigate to Hawkesbury Junction and the Greyhound Inn

On a weekend break from Braunston on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire you can cruise to Hawkesbury Junction and back. The route goes up the North Oxford Canal through Hillmorton with its Stag & Pheasant pub and Newbold with the canalside Barley Mow pub. The journey passes through the outskirts of Rugby and close to the village of Brinklow, home to castle ruins. At Hawkesbury Junction, where the North Oxford Canal meets the Coventry Canal, you can moor up to visit the popular Greyhound Inn.

The journey to Hawkesbury Junction and back travels 46 miles, passes through 8 locks (4 each way) and takes around 14 hours.

3. Cruise through the Bath Valley to Claverton and back

On a 4-night break from Devizes in Wiltshire, you can cruise along the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal to Claverton and back. The journey passes a series of canalside pubs. These include the Barge Inn at Seend, the Canal Tavern at Bradford on Avon and the Cross Guns at Avoncliff. There are 8 locks to pass through each way and 2 magnificent Bath stone aqueducts to cruise across. Once at Claverton in the beautiful Bath Valley, you can moor up to visit the American Museum at Claverton House and Claverton Pumping Station.

The journey to Claverton and back travels 32 miles, passes through 16 locks (8 each way) and takes around 16 hours.

4. Boat to Birmingham & visit Cadbury World

On a short break from Alvechurch on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove, you can travel lock-free to Birmingham. Along the way, you can stop off at Bournville to find handmade Easter eggs in the World’s biggest Cadbury shop. With more canals than Venice, canal boats can travel right into the heart of Birmingham and find over-night moorings at Gas Street Basin. From there, it’s a short walk to Brindleyplace and city centre attractions, including Birmingham’s Science Museum Thinktank.

The journey to Birmingham and back travels 22 miles and takes around 10 hours. There are no locks to go through.

5. Join the Easter Gathering at the National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port

Over the Easter Weekend (3-6 April 2026), the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire will celebrate the start of the summer boating season. It will also be the Museum’s 50th anniversary. There will be a large boat gathering, live music, children’s activities and guided tours. The Museum was recently transformed into 19th century graving docks in Dublin for Stephen Knight’s spectacular House of Guinness series on Netflix. From Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley in Cheshire, it’s a 10-hour journey to Ellesmere Port, perfect for a week away. The route takes you through the ancient City of Chester.

The journey to Ellesmere Port and back travels 42 miles, passes through 24 locks and takes around 20 hours.

6. Cruise through the Staffordshire countryside and visit Drayton Manor Theme Park

On a week-long holiday from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire, you can cruise to moorings close to Drayton Manor Theme Park. Along the way, you’ll pass Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Fradley Nature Reserve. There are also a series of villages with canalside pubs, including the Crown at Handsacre. There are visitor moorings between Tolson’s Footbridge and Coleshill Road Bridge on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. From there it’s a short walk to Drayton Manor Park.

The journey there and back travels 48 miles, passes through 10 locks (5 each way) and takes around 22 hours.

7. Star gaze in the Brecon Beacons

The beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal runs through Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, designated an International Dark-Sky Reserve. This peaceful waterway has very few locks, offers canal boat holiday-makers incredible mountain views, a series of historic village pubs to visit and on clear nights, views of the Milky Way. On a weekend break from Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny, boaters can cruise lock-free to Llangynidr and back. The journey takes boaters past the Lion Inn at Govilon and the Bridge End Inn at Llangattock.

The journey to Llangynidr and back travels 32 miles and takes around 13 hours.

8. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ to Llangollen

From Chirk on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, you can reach the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen on a short break. You’ll travel across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct along the way. Standing at 38 metres high above the Dee Valley, this incredible 300-metre long structure consists of a cast iron trough supported by 18 enormous pillars and 19 elegant arches. When you reach Llangollen you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and enjoy visiting the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants. You can also take a journey along the Steam Railway and see the Horseshoe Falls.

The journey to Llangollen and back travels 14 miles and takes around 7 hours. There are no locks, but there are two aqueducts and two tunnels.

Experience Christmas or New Year on a narrowboat

November 1, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Drifters offers winter canal holidays from seven locations in England and Wales

With quiet canals, cosy waterside pubs and festive waterside destinations, why not experience Christmas or New Year on a narrowboat.

We offer winter cruising* from seven of our bases, with boats offering accommodation for between two to 12 people.

All our winter boats have central heating, hot water, televisions, DVD players and Wifi. Some also have multi-fuel stoves. So, whatever the weather, it’s always nice and cosy on board.

Prices over Christmas and New Year start at start at £765 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for up to four, £970 for a week.

1. Cruise through the Welsh mountains to Llangollen

From our canal boat rental base at Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, it takes around 2 hours to cruise to Llangollen. There you can moor up in Llangollen Basin and enjoy visiting this beautiful mountainside town. Things to see include the Llangollen Steam Railway, the National Trust’s Plas Newydd house and gardens and the Horseshoe Falls. There’s a great choice of independent shops and places to eat, including the popular Corn Mill with river and mountain views.

2. Navigate through the Bath Valley to Georgian Bath

From Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, it takes around 4 hours to cruise to moorings at Sydney Gardens, just a 15 minute walk from Bath City Centre. They journey passes through just one lock and across the Avoncliff and Dundas Aqueducts. There’s so much to see and do in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, including a visit to the Roman Baths and Pump Rooms.

3. Cruise through the countryside to Staffordshire’s foodie capital

Heading north from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire, you can reach the historic market town of Stone in around 5 hours. The journey passes through 8 locks (4 each way) and passes through 10 peaceful miles of Staffordshire countryside. Pubs to enjoy along the way include the Saracen’s Head at Weston and the Dog & Doublet at Sandon. Once at Stone, considered to be Staffordshire’s foodie capital, you can explore a great choice of places to eat and shop.

4. Travel through the Shropshire Lake District to Ellesmere

From Whixall on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, it takes around 4 hours to reach the historic town of Ellesmere in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District. Along the way, the route passes Lyneal Moss and Colemere Country Park. Once at Ellesmere, there’s a choice of independent shops and restaurants, as well as gardens, woods and castle grounds to explore at the Mere.

5. Float to through the Warwickshire countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon

From Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal in Warwickshire, it’s a 6-hour cruise to Stratford-upon-Avon. The journey takes you through the Warwickshire countryside, passing through 17 locks along the way. Once in Stratford, you can moor up in Bancroft Basin, just a short walk from this popular tourist town’s excellent choice of theatres, restaurants, markets and museums.

6. Cruise through the Aire Valley to Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales

On a short winter break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal near Keighley, you can cruise to Skipton and back. The 6.5 mile journey through the Aire Valley takes around 3.5 hours and there are no locks. Pubs to enjoy along the way include the Slaters Arms at Bradley and the Bay Horse at Snaygill. Once at Skipton, you can moor up to explore this ancient market town and its medieval castle.

7. Navigate through the Cheshire countryside to Chester

On a short Christmas break from Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley, you can cruise to Chester and back. The 12 mile (6 each way) journey through the Cheshire countryside passes through 18 locks (9 each way) and takes around 14 hours (7 each way). Pubs to enjoy along the way include the Shady Oak at Wharton’s Lock and Cheshire Cat at Christleton. Once at Chester, you can moor up to experience Christmas or New Year in this ancient city with Roman Walls, Chester Rows shops and a great choice of places to eat and drink.

*NB some routes may be affected by winter maintenance work on the canal network.

New Narrowboats for hire in 2026

October 28, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Every year new boats are added to the Drifters fleet.

We offer the choice of over 500 canal boats for hire from 40 locations across England, Wales and Scotland. Every year we build new boats overs the winter, ready to launch the following spring.

Here’s a guide to our new narrowboats for hire in 2026:

The new ‘Princess 2 Royal’ will launch at Falkirk

This 47ft cruiser stern narrowboat for two will be available from Falkirk on the Scottish Lowland Canals. The Princess 2 Royal is perfect for couples and beginners, as the shorter length makes it easier to steer. The boat features a galley kitchen at the back of the boat with microwave, 4-ring gas cooker, oven, grill, small fridge, toaster and cooking equipment. There’s a full-sized double bed in the front of the boat (which can be extended to king size). The saloon has a smart TV, and a seating/dining area that can be converted into a double-bed. The boat also has a bathroom with a full sized shower, wash basin and flushing toilet.

*2026 prices for the new Princess 2 Royal start at £1,049 for a short break, £1,499 for a week. Price includes boat hire, gas, car parking, tuition on arrival, damage waiver, buoyancy aids, bed linen, towels and first pet. Fuel is charged on return, circa £10-15 per day.

The new ‘Crown Royal’ narrowboat will be available from Stoke Prior

This new 65ft Royal range ‘Crown’ cruiser stern narrowboat for up to six people will be available from Stoke Prior on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Worcester. The Crown is a great choice for friends holidaying together as there are two separate bedrooms with full-sized double beds (or two singles) and two toilet and shower rooms. The Crown also features a spacious galley kitchen with microwave, a large flat screen TV and DAB/Bluetooth Radio.

*2026 prices for the new Royal range Crown narrowboats start at £1,249 for a short break, £1,849 for a week. Price includes boat hire, gas, car parking, tuition on arrival, damage waiver, buoyancy aids, bed linen, towels and first pet. Fuel is charged on return, circa £10-15 per day.

The new ‘Crown Royal’ narrowboat will be available from Napton

This new 65ft Royal range ‘Crown’ cruiser stern narrowboat for up to 6 people will be available from Napton, where the South Oxford Canal meets the Grand Union Canal. The Crown is a great choice for friends holidaying together as there are two separate bedrooms with full sized double beds (or two singles) and two toilet and shower rooms, allowing for more space and privacy. The Crown also features a spacious galley kitchen with microwave, a large flat screen TV and DAB/Bluetooth Radio.

A new ‘Ocean Class’ narrowboat will launch at Trevor

A new 60ft ‘Ocean’ Class cruiser stern narrowboat for up to 10 people will be available to hire from Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales. The boat will feature: two double cabins and three sleeping areas that can either be configured as a doubles or singles; a toilet/shower room; and an extra toilet.

*2026 ‘Ocean’ Class prices start at £1,245 for short break, £1,615 for a week. Price includes bed linen, towels, first pet, parking and tuition on arrival. A fuel deposit (£70 for a short break, £110 for a week) is extra. Fuel charges are based on use, circa £15 per day. There’s a compulsory £50 damage waiver. Second and third pets are charged at £25 each for a short break, £35 each for a week.

A new ‘Ocean Class’ narrowboat will launch at Wootton Wawen

A new 60ft ‘Ocean’ Class cruiser stern narrowboat for up to 10 people will be available to hire from Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal in Warwickshire. The boat will feature: two double cabins and three sleeping areas that can either be configured as a doubles or singles; a toilet/shower room; and an extra toilet.

The ‘Ringed Plover’ will launch at Hilperton

The 58ft ‘Ringed Plover’ semi-traditional stern narrowboat for up to 5 people will be available to hire from Hilperton, on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Trowbridge. The ‘Ringed Plover’ will have two cabins: the rear can be configured as one double or 2 singles, with optional wider beds; and the mid cabin will have a permanent double bed. The seating/dining area in the saloon can be converted into a single bed in the evening, if required. The bathroom has a hand basin, flush toilet and shower with bi-fold doors. The boat has a fully equipped galley kitchen, two televisions and free wifi.

*2026 prices for ‘Ringed Plover’ start at £899 for short break, £1,999 for a week. Price includes bedding, towels, non-refundable accidental damage waiver, two pets, car parking, tuition, buoyancy aids, helmsman’s waterproofs and a welcome pack with cleaning materials. Fuel is extra: a £60 deposit is taken for a short break, £110 for a week’s holiday. Actual cost based on use, circa £15 per day.

The ‘Oriental Plover’ will launch at Whitchurch

The 58ft ‘Oriental Plover’ semi-traditional stern narrowboat for up to 5 people will be available to hire from Whitchurch on the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire. The ‘Oriental Plover’ will have two cabins: the rear can be configured as one double or 2 singles, with optional wider beds; and the mid cabin will have a permanent double bed. The seating/dining area in the saloon can be converted into a single bed in the evening, if required. The bathroom has a hand basin, flush toilet and shower with bi-fold doors. The boat has a fully equipped galley kitchen, 2 televisions and free wifi.

*2026 prices for ‘Oriental’ start at £899 for short break, £1,999 for a week. Price includes bedding, towels, non-refundable accidental damage waiver, two pets, car parking, tuition, buoyancy aids, helmsman’s waterproofs and a welcome pack with cleaning materials. Fuel is extra: a £60 deposit is taken for a short break, £110 for a week’s holiday. Actual cost based on use, circa £15 per day.

The ‘Peregrine Falcon’ will navigate from Gayton

The 69ft ‘Peregrine Falcon’ semi-traditional stern narrowboat for up to 8 people will be available to hire from Gayton on the Grand Union Canal near Northampton. The ‘Peregrine Falcon’ will have three cabins. Two at the front which can either be configured as a double or 2 singles, with the option to make them wider. The mid cabin has a permanent double bed and the seating area can be converted into a double bed in the evening, if required. There are two bathrooms with hand basins, flush toilets and showers with bi-fold doors. The boat has a fully equipped galley kitchen, two televisions and free wifi.

*2026 prices for ‘Peregrine Falcon’ start at £1,249 for short break, £1,799 for a week. Price includes bedding, towels, non-refundable accidental damage waiver, two pets, car parking, tuition, buoyancy aids, helmsman’s waterproofs and a welcome pack with cleaning materials. Fuel is extra: a £60 deposit is taken for a short break, £110 for a week’s holiday. Actual cost based on use, circa £15 per day.

‘Bamboo Partridge’ will cruise from Blackwater Meadow

The 66ft ‘Bamboo Partridge’ semi-traditional stern narrowboat for up to six people will arrive at Blackwater Meadow on the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire. The ‘Bamboo Partridge’ will have two double cabins that can be made up as singles or doubles (with optional wider beds), and the seating/dining area can be converted into a double bed. She will have two shower/toilet rooms, a front deck table, LED lighting, two televisions and WiFi.

*2026 prices for ‘Bamboo Partridge’ currently start at £1,199 for a short break, £1,649 for a week. Price includes bedding, towels, non-refundable accidental damage waiver, two pets, car parking, tuition, buoyancy aids, helmsman’s waterproofs and a welcome pack with cleaning materials. Fuel is extra: a £60 deposit is taken for a short break, £110 for a week’s holiday. Actual cost based on use, circa £15 per day.

‘Blackpoll Warbler’ will be bookable from Aldermaston

The new 69ft ‘Blackpoll Warbler’ semi-traditional stern narrowboat for up to 8 people will arrive at Aldermaston on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Berkshire. The boat will have three cabins: one fixed as double; and two which can be configured as doubles or singles. ‘Blackpoll Warbler’ will have LED lighting, a front deck table, optional wider beds, two shower/toilet rooms, WiFi and two TV’s.

*2026 prices aboard ‘Blackpoll Warbler’ currently start at £1,249 for a short break, £1,799 for a week. Price includes bedding, towels, collision damage waiver, two pets, car parking and tuition. Fuel is extra: a £60 deposit is taken for a short break, £110 for a week’s holiday. Actual cost based on use, circa £10-15 per day.

The new ‘Duchess 6 Royal’ will be available from Acton Bridge & Stoke Prior

The new Duchess 6 Royal cruiser stern narrowboat for up to six people will be available from Acton Bridge on the Trent & Mersey Canal and Stoke Prior on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. The Duchess 6 Royal features full-sized double beds (which can be extended to king size) in two cabins, and two toilet and shower rooms. The saloon seating area can be made up into an extra double bed at night. There’s a spacious galley kitchen with microwave, a large flat screen TV and DAB/Bluetooth Radio.

*2026 prices for the new Duchess 6 Royal start at £1,249 for a short break, £1,849 for a week. Price includes boat hire, gas, car parking, tuition on arrival, damage waiver, buoyancy aids, bed linen, towels and first pet. Fuel is charged on return, circa £10-15 per day.

Canal boats on the Ashby Canal at Sutton Cheney in Leicestershire

A short break from Springwood Haven

October 13, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Mary & Kevin of Luxe Beat review their first canal boat holiday

Departing from Springwood Haven Marina on the Coventry Canal near Nuneaton, Mary and Kevin of Luxe Beat Magazine have reviewed their Drifters holiday.

It was their first canal boat holiday experience. After their boat handover and tuition, they began their four-day cruise through the Warwickshire and Leicestershire countryside.

Mary and Kevin’s review describes the facilities on board their boat, their route and the wildlife they saw along the way. They provide information about the history of the canal network, and the area they visited.

After transferring onto the Ashby Canal at Marston Junction, they cruised to Stoke Golding and back. Pubs they visited along the way include the Lime Kilns and George & Dragon.

You can read ‘Touring English Canals – Our First Narrowboat Adventure’ here.

You can also read the Little Wandering Wren’s review of a holiday from Springwood Haven Marina here.

Spot kingfishers winter cruising on the Kennet & Avon Canal

Winter cruising on the K&A

October 12, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Allways Travellers describe the experience of winter cruising on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire

Ashley Gibbin and Ann Mealor of the International Travel Writers Alliance have reviewed their winter cruising on the K&A experience.

Setting off from our canal boat hire base on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire, Ashley and Ann spent four days aboard ‘Centaurus’.

In their article, they describe the facilities on board their narrowboat, including central heating and a multi-fuel stove.

They travelled to the village of Seend and back, and visited the canalside Barge Inn at Seend.

Along the way, they negotiated five locks and a series of swing bridges. And they spotted six kingfishers!

Ashley and Ann have previously been on two canal boat holidays with Drifters.

They explored Cheshire’s waterways in the autumn and the Grand Union Canal in the spring.

This was their first experience of winter cruising on the K&A. Ashley says:

“We found the winter experience on the canal different, though equally rewarding, to other seasons on the water. One has to be prepared for weather that could be chilly and somewhat inclement, and towpaths that might be a little more muddy.

“Warm clothing and sensible footwear can easily accommodate for this. Then one can embrace a waterway with relatively few other boaters and surrounding countryside that is silently serene in its stark winter garb.”

You can read Ashley and Ann’s full ‘Plying the Kennet & Avon Canal in Winter’ article here.

Drifters offers winter cruising from 7 locations

Our narrowboat hire centres remain open all year round at:

Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire;
Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal in Warwickshire;
Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire;
Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire;
Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales;
Whixall on the Prees Branch of the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire; and
Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal in Cheshire.

Our other articles about holidays on the Kennet & Avon Canal

Ashley and Ann returned to the K&A in the spring, this time departing from our Devizes base https://www.allwaystraveller.com/allways-features/the-canal-community-is-truly-one-of-a-kind

Kim Jones’s review of a short break from Bradford on Avon A dog-friendly holiday on the Kennet & Avon Canal – Drifters

Mark Whitley cruised from Hilperton to Keynsham Exploring the Kennet & Avon Canal from Hilperton – Drifters

Nicola from Globalmouse Travels navigated from our Bath base A family holiday on the Kennet & Avon Canal – Drifters

5 Star Stories cruised from Hilperton to Bath 5 Reasons Why You Should Go Canal Boating in the UK – 5 Star Stories

Foxy Lark, and canal boat available for hire from Drifters boating holidays

Holidaying on the Ashby Canal

September 30, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Little Wandering Wren has reviewed a canal boat holiday on the Ashby Canal

Setting off from our canal boat hire base at Springwood Haven, on the Coventry Canal near Nuneaton, Jenny and her crew enjoyed holidaying on the Ashby Canal.

Jenny’s article describes their boat, Foxy Lark and the facilities on board. She provides details about the route, places to moor up and the pubs they visited. Along the way, they visited the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre.

One of the aspects of canal boat holidays that Jenny loves the most is the wildlife you see. She says. ‘The immersion in wildlife and nature is to be treasured. From swans and their cygnets to dragonflies darting amongst the reeds, our canals are teeming with life. In spring and summer, the towpaths’ wildflowers put on their own special show.’

The Ashby Canal is one of the most important for wildlife, with the section from Snarestone to Carlton Bridge designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The Ashby Canal is lock-free, making it a great waterway to explore for canal boat holiday beginners.

You can read Jenny’s ‘Stree-Free Narrowboat Escape’ article here.

Jenny has also published an article about the Canal & River Trust, the national charity that cares for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers in England and Wales.

Autumn events to visit on a canal boat holiday

September 17, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Drifters offers over 500 boats for hire from 40 locations across England, Scotland and Wales.

We’ve published a guide to autumn events to visit on a canal boat holiday.

Our autumn 2025 hire prices start at £713 for a short break (3 or 4 nights) on a boat for up to four people, £980 for a week. Tuition is included in our prices.

Enjoy Taste Worcestershire afloat

From 6-26 October 2025, Worcestershire restaurants and food producers will be offering exclusive deals through a Golden Ticket, free to download from the Visit Worcestershire website. Drifters offers canal boat hire from Worcester, giving boaters the chance to cruise through the City of Worcester and the Worcestershire countryside, stopping off at participating venues along the way.

Take part in a Peaky Blinders Night

On 27 September 2025, the Black Country Living Museum in Birmingham will host a special Peaky Blinders evening event, inviting visitors to step back in time in search of the Shelby family. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress in their finest flat caps, threads and frocks, and to immerse themselves in the industrial world of 1920s Birmingham, with an evening of live music, immersive street drama and vintage food and drinks. From Drifters canal boat hire base at Alvechurch, on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove, it takes around nine hours to cruise to the Black Country Living Museum.

Visit the Stoke-on-Trent 100: Heritage Festival for the Centenary

From Autumn 2025 until March 2026, Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary Heritage Festival will celebrate 100 years of the city’s rich cultural legacy. Autumn 2025 events include the 40^th Stoke Beer & Cider Festival 15-18 October and Festival of Craft on 18 October. Drifters has a canal boat hire base in Stoke-on-Trent on the Trent & Mersey Canal at Etruria.

Experience Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein horror event

From 18 October to 1 November 2025, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein in Bath will be hosting its notorious After Dark horror event. You can reach moorings on the edge of Bath city centre in four hours from Drifters base at Bradford on Avon.

A weekend boating from Stockton

September 15, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Holidaying on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire and Northamptonshire

Suzanne Jones (AKA The Travel Bunny) has reviewed her weekend boating from Stockton. She and her husband travelled aboard the 50ft narrowboat Madeleine, with accommodation for up to four people.

They set off from our canal boat hire base at Stockton Top Lock Marina, on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire. It was their first canal boat holiday. Suzanne’s article reviews the tuition she received and experience of learning how to steer the boat and work the locks.

Her review includes information about the route, where they moored for the night and pubs they visited. These included the Admiral Nelson in Brauston and the Folly at Napton-on-the-Hill. She also describes the facilities on board and the people they met along the way.

You can read Suzanne’s full review on the Travel Bunny website here.

canal boat holidaying on the Llangollen Canal

Love Travelling’s guide to holidaying on the Llangollen Canal

September 3, 2025/in News, Uncategorized/by Debbie Ludford

A week-long narrowboat holiday on the Llangollen Canal

Setting off from our canal boat hire base at Wrenbury on the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire, Marion from Love Travelling cruised to Llangollen and back.

Love Travelling’s guide to holidaying on the Llangollen Canal describes the boat, the locks and places to moor up for the night. The review describes how far they travelled each day and the canal structures they encountered. There are lots of photos showing the canal and its surroundings, as well as life on board a narrowboat.

The week-long journey from Wrenbury Mill to Llangollen and back travels 76 miles, passes through 24 locks (12 each way) and takes around 38 hours.

The route includes navigating the 11-mile section of the Llangollen Canal that is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The incredible Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is within this site, so on this holiday you’ll experience cruising across it. Marion says, “The aqueduct is known as the ‘stream in the sky’ and it definitely felt like that as we crossed it, making it a truly memorable experience.”

Along the way, Marion and her family also visited the historic market town of Ellesmere in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District.

Love Travelling’s review includes advice on planning the route, where to moor up at night and where to fill up with water.

You can read Part 1 of Love Travelling’s guide to holidaying on the Llangollen Canal here.

You can read Part 2 of Love Travelling’s Llangollen Canal narrowboat holiday guide here.

Visit Edinburgh on a canal boat holiday

September 3, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Cruise to Edinburgh on a week-long break from our boat hire base at Falkirk

From Drifters canal boat hire base at Falkirk, you can visit Edinburgh on a canal boat holiday.

The journey takes you up the famous Falkirk Wheel, and along the Union Canal to Edinburgh Quay, travelling 32 miles in around 12 hours.

The route passes through the Falkirk Wheel, through two locks, two tunnels and five major aqueducts. And takes you through the lovely lowland villages of Linlithgow, Broxburn and Ratho.

Canal history

The Union Canal opened in 1842 and was built to bring coal and other minerals to Edinburgh. It is linked to the Forth & Clyde Canal at Falkirk by the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift.

Both canals were closed in the 1960’s until their Lottery-funded restoration was completed in 2001. The Falkirk Wheel opened a year later.

Replacing a flight of 11 locks, the lift is like a giant ferris-wheel, moving boats between the two canals in two massive gondolas, raising or lowering them 35 metres.

Moor up close to the City Centre at Edinburgh Quay

Visitor moorings are available at Edinburgh Quay, just a five-minute walk from Princes Street in Edinburgh City Centre.

From there, it’s easy to reach the City’s many attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyrood, Mary King Close and The Royal Mile.

Journey highlights include:

Outstanding views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the Falkirk Wheel
Rough Castle Tunnel with its psychedelic lighting
The Falkirk Tunnel with dripping water, stalactites and rock hewn sections
The Avon Aqueduct, the longest and tallest in Scotland, carrying the Union Canal 26 metres above the Avon valley
Seeing many types of birds, including herons, swans, ducks, moorhens and gulls
The historic town of Linlithgow, with Linlithgow Palace, where Mary Queen of Scots was born and St Michael’s Church with its unique Crown of Thorns spire
The Four Marys pub in Linlithgow, named after the four ladies in waiting to Mary Queen of Scots
The canalside Bridge Inn at Ratho, serving food made with fresh Scottish produce from local suppliers

For more information about canal boat holidays on the Scottish Lowland Canals, go to Canals of Scotland. Interactive map of the Scottish Lowland Canals (drifters.co.uk)

Narrowboats are like floating holiday cottages

What it’s like on board a narrowboat

August 28, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Narrowboats are like floating holiday cottages

Marion Collinson of Love Travelling has described what it’s like on board a narrowboat when reviewing her latest Drifters canal boat holiday.

She says, “it felt like spending a week in a holiday cottage with the benefit of waking up to a different view from the windows each morning.”

Marion and her family spent a week on board the 66ft ‘Sand Lark’ narrowboat for up to six people. Sand Lark is based at Wrenbury on the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire.

She has published images showing the interior of a holiday hire narrowboat, including the kitchen, also known as a galley.

You can see Marion’s review of our Sand Lark narrowboat here.

You’ll find more images of our canal boat interiors here.

You can see Marion’s guide to The Four Counties Ring here.

Best autumn days out boating on the canals

August 15, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Hire a canal boat for the day this autumn

Drifters members hire canal boats for the day from 19 narrowboat hire bases across England and Wales, offering the chance to enjoy a family day out boating on the canals this autumn.

Our best autumn days out boating on the canals include cruising along the Stratford Canal to the historic village of Wilmcote. On a day out canal boating, you can see the beautiful autumn colours in the trees and hedges that line our canals reflected in the water.

Full tuition is included, so if you’re new to canal boating, day boat hire is a great way to get the hang of steering, mooring up and working the locks.

All our day boats are equipped with cutlery, crockery and a kettle, and most also have a toilet, cooker and fridge. Boats range in size and can accommodate between eight and 12 people.

Our day boat hire prices start at £99 and are pet-friendly.

1. Cruise through Shakespeare country to Wilmcote (Warwickshire)

From our day boat hire centre at Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal, you can cruise to the village of Wilmcote and back. The journey takes 2.5 hours each way and crosses the impressive Edstone Aqueduct with beautiful views across the Warwickshire countryside. For refreshments, The Mary Arden Inn is at Wilmcote and The View Restaurant is at Hill Farm Marina, close to Edstone Aqueduct.

*Day boats ‘Dolly’, ‘Charlie’ and ‘Emma’ can carry up to 10 people each and prices start at £99.

2. Navigate through Cannock Chase to the Wolseley Arms (Staffordshire)

From Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford, you can cruise to the historic market town of Rugeley and back. The journey takes around two hours and passes through two locks. It takes you through the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and past the popular Wolseley Arms pub at Wolseley Bridge. At Rugeley, you can walk to the canalside Colliers pub.

*Day boats ‘Daphne’ and ‘Abi’ can carry up to 10 people each and prices start at £99.

3. Glide along the leafy Worcester & Birmingham Canal (Worcestershire)

On a day out from Alvechurch Marina near Bromsgrove, you can cruise north through the remains of the Forest of Arden to Kings Norton Junction and back. Along the way, you can stop off at the canalside Hopwood House pub. And take a walk around the Bittell Reservoirs. The route is lock-free but passes through Wast Hills Tunnel, which is over a mile-and-a-half long.

*Electric day boats ‘Away Day’ and ‘Fun Day’ can carry up to 10 people and prices start at £155.

4. Navigate to The Star Inn at Mamhillad in the Brecon Beacons (Monmouthshire)

On day out boating along on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal from Goytre Wharf, you can cruise through the beautiful Usk Valley. It takes around two-and-a-half-hours to reach moorings close to the popular Star pub at Mamhillad, a short walk from bridge 62.

*Day boats ‘Robin’ and Rooster’ can carry up to eight people each and prices start at £149.

5. Cruise along the Grand Union Canal to Napton-on-the-Hill (Northamptonshire)

From Braunston in heart of the canal network, you can reach the historic village of Napton-on-the-Hill. The lock-free journey takes you through the Northamptonshire countryside and into Warwickshire. Once at Napton, you can moor up and walk into the village where there’s a choice of pubs, including the popular Kings Head. The journey to Napton and back takes around six hours.

*Day boat ‘Ouzel II’ can carry up to 12 people and prices start at £150.

6. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ (Denbighshire)

From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, you can travel across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Standing at over 38 metres high above the Dee Valley, this incredible structure offers amazing views of the Dee Valley below. After cruising over the Aqueduct, there are two tunnels and another aqueduct to cross, before you reach the Bridge Inn at Chirk Bank. The journey to Chirk takes around two-and-a-half hours.

*Day boats ‘Jacob’, ‘Daniel’ and ‘Lotty’ can carry up to 10 people each and prices start at £120.

7. Boat along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Brassknocker Basin (Wiltshire)

From Bradford on Avon Marina, you can cruise west through the Bath Valley to Brassknocker Basin and back. The route takes you through Bradford on Avon Lock and across the magnificent Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts. At Brassknocker Basin, you can visit the Angelfish café for lunch. The journey there and back travels nine miles and takes around four hours.

*Day boats ‘Jacy’, ‘Emily’, ‘Katherine’, ‘Sally’ & ‘Grace’ can carry up to 10 people each and prices start at £185.

8. Navigate through the West Berkshire countryside to the Spring Inn (Berkshire)

From our day boat hire centre at Aldermaston on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Reading, you can cruise to Theale and back. Along the way, you can stop off to enjoy lunch at the Spring Inn at Sulhamstead, a 10-minute walk from the canal. The total journey takes just over four hours and passes through two locks each way.

*Day boat ‘Happy Days’ can carry up to 10 people and summer prices start from £155.

A short break narrowboat holiday from Weedon, with Drifters canal boating holidays.

A short break from Weedon

August 11, 2025/in News/by Debbie Ludford

Angela Riches of H&N Magazine reviewed her narrowboat holiday on the Grand Union Canal

Setting out on a short break from Weedon, Angela Riches from H&N Magazine has published an article reviewing the route, the boat and the pubs!

Angela travelled with her partner Dave and her brother Glenn. Their journey along the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire took them through a series of villages. These included Bugbrooke, Stoke Bruerne and Cosgrove.

They also went through Blisworth Tunnel, one of the longest tunnels on Britain’s canal network.

In her review, Angela describes the facilities on board their 62ft narrowboat Jasmin, which offers accommodation for up to four people.

The route they travelled covered 36 miles (18 each way) and passed through 16 locks (8 each way). There were Canal & River Trust volunteer lock keepers on hand to help at the flight of locks at Stoke Bruerne. This pretty village is home to a choice of canalside pubs and the Canal Museum.

You can read Angela’s article ‘We fell in love with Narrowboat Life’ here.

Earlier this year, Angela also reviewed a Drifters canal boat holiday setting out from Napton ‘Heaven is Going Totally Off-Grid on a canal barge‘.