Drifters brings you Great British Boating
Drifters is made up of nine independent and professional canal boat holiday operators, handpicked because they uphold the highest standards.
With over 550 narrowboats for hire from 45 bases across England, Scotland and Wales, Drifters offers the choice of the best of British inland waterways boating.
Our operators invest more in new boats each year than all the other UK operators put together, ensuring we offer excellence afloat. We are all independently assessed and accredited by the trade federation for the boating industry British Marine, so you can embark on your canal adventure with confidence.
We work together and with the Canal & River Trust for the good of Britain’s canal network and to promote the enjoyment of canal boat holidays.
To find out more about Drifters and our Standards, please Click here
All Drifters Member companies have to subscribe to the highest standards. Because of this, they invest more than all other operators in the UK put together, in new boats each year.
All members are trained and accredited by British Marine for Hire Boat Instruction and Handover Procedures. Click here for more details about Great British Boating Holidays
We are at the forefront in setting new standards in safety and customer care. Because of this, Drifters are currently taking the lead in introducing a new safety video for the Canal & River Trust. This is the third edition that we have been directly involved in.
We work in partnership with the Canal & River Trust in promoting the canals. We also advise them regarding the greater enjoyment of our customers’ holidays.
Click here to view Drifters Standard
Great British Boating Holidays.
Tuition
Tuition is included in all Drifters holiday packages and if you’ve never been on a canal boat holiday, there couldn’t be a better time to try it. Managed by the charity the Canal & River Trust, Britain’s waterway network is enjoying an incredible renaissance with hundreds of miles of waterways restored in recent years, and over 2,000 miles of fabulous navigable waterways to choose from.Britain’s canals and rivers run through many miles of beautiful unspoilt countryside, as well as passing pretty villages with historic canalside pubs, and finding their way into the regenerated heart of many cities.
The fact that you take your holiday home with you as you travel, and that you can stop more or less where you wish, means you can tailor your holiday adventure to suit your tastes. The countryside looks so different from the wonderful viewpoint of the water that there is a potential adventure round each bend.
On a canal boat holiday you will discover so much more about our wildlife and countryside as you drift along, leaving everyday cares behind.
The world of the waterways is a place of its own, in some ways it is a way to slip back in time, but with a modern boat. Drifters boats are all fully equipped with essential mod cons, including central heating, hot water, TV, fully-equipped kitchens, showers and flushing toilets. And some offer five star accommodation, with extras like WiFi, wider beds, larger showers and solid-fuel stoves.