Late summer breaks on Britain’s canals

There are still hundreds of fantastic destinations open for late summer boating holidays

Water shortages may be affecting some parts of Britain’s 3,000-mile canal and river network, but there are still hundreds of destinations open for late summer breaks on Britain’s canals.

Nigel Stevens of Drifters says: “Canal boat holidays on Britain’s inland waterways offer the chance to escape into the countryside this summer and make the most of the sunny weather.

“As well as cruising slowly through the countryside and enjoying peaceful evenings on board, there are hundreds of destinations to visit along the way, including historic villages, market towns, castles, nature reserves and canalside pubs.”

“Our canal boat hire operators are committed to making sure everyone gets a great holiday, though with water shortages affecting some parts of the canal network, it may not be the route first planned for.

“We continually monitor the situation and work closely with the relevant navigation authorities to keep our customers up to date. Do get in touch if you’d like to know more.”

2026 summer and autumn holiday prices start at £599 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for four people, £875 for a week.

1. Navigate the Kennet & Avon Canal to medieval Bradford on Avon & back (20 miles, 14 locks, 11 hours)

On a 3-night break from Devizes on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire you can navigate to the historic market town of Bradford on Avon. The route takes you through the Wiltshire countryside past a series of canalside pubs, including the Barge Inn at Seend. At Bradford on Avon there’s a great choice of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. As well as riverside walks and English Heritage’s stunning medieval Tithe Barn.

2. Boat along the Calder & Hebble to Shepley Bridge & back (22 miles, 32 locks, 16 hours)

The leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation links Wakefield with Sowerby Bridge.  On a short break from Sowerby Bridge you can cruise to Shepley Bridge and back. The route takes you through wooded valleys and the historic towns of Elland and Brighouse.

3. Cruise along the Grand Union Canal to Linslade & back (73 miles, 28 locks, 30 hours)

On a 7-night break from Weedon in Northamptonshire you can cruise along the Grand Union Canal to Linslade and back. The journey takes you past a series of canalside pubs, including the Narrow Boat at Stowe Hill and Three Locks at Soulbury. Places to visit along the way include the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne and Linford Lakes Nature Reserve at Great Lindford. The route also goes through the 1.74-mile long Blisworth Tunnel, the third longest navigable tunnel on the UK canal system. At Linslade, next to Leighton Buzzard, there’s an arts centre and a choice of places to eat and shop.

4. Glide across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in North Wales (37 miles, 4 locks, 16 hours)

On a short break from Blackwater Meadow on the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire you can reach Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains. The route takes you across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, 38 metres high above the River Dee Valley. At Llangollen you can enjoy visiting independent shops, pubs and restaurants. As well as its Steam Railway, Castell Dinas Bran and Horseshoe Falls. Canalside pubs to visit include the Bridge at Chirk Bank and the Sun at Trevor.

5. Float through the Fens to Cambridge & back (34 miles, 4 locks, 12 hours)

On a weekend break from Ely on the River Great Ouse you can cruise gently through the countryside to Cambridge and back. The journey begins on the River Ouse to Wicken Fen, one of the National Trust’s beautiful wetland nature reserves. There you can moor up to enjoy walking through fenland and farmland, past marshes and reed beds. The journey then connects to the River Cam, and goes into the famous university city of Cambridge. There are many beautiful buildings to visit in Cambridge, including King’s College Chapel. There’s also has a great choice of shops and restaurants to visit, including the Ivy Brasserie.

6. Go up the Shroppie to Barbridge & back (84 miles, 58 locks, 42 hours)

On a 7-night break from Autherley near Wolverhampton you can cruise up the Shropshire Union Canal to Barbridge and back. The route travels through the Staffordshire countryside and a series of villages with historic pubs, including the Lesters Arms at Brewood and the Shroppie Fly at Audlem. The canal passes through a series of deep cuttings, full of vegetation and wildlife. Places to visit include Market Drayton, famous for its gingerbread and Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker Museum. At Barbridge you’ll find the canalside Olde Barbridge Inn.

7. Cruise through Cannock Chase Forest to Fradley & back (25 miles, 10 locks, 12 hours)

On a short break from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford you can cruise to Fradley Junction. They journey passes Cannock Chase Forest with over 6,800 acres of heath land and ancient woodland to explore.  And at Fradley you can explore the woodland trail at boardwalk at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve. Canalside pubs to enjoy include the Wolseley Arms at Wolseley Bridge and the Swan Inn at Fradley.

8. Boat to Georgian Bath & back (25 miles, 2 locks, 13 hours)

On a short break from Hilperton on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Trowbridge you can navigate to Georgian Bath. The route goes through the Wiltshire countryside and the medieval town of Bradford on Avon. You’ll also cross the magnificent Bath stone aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas. Canalside pubs to enjoy include the Barge Inn at Seend and the Canal Tavern at Bradford on Avon. At Sydney Gardens, boaters can moor up and take the 15-minute walk into Bath City Centre. There you’ll find cobbled streets, Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, shops, restaurants and museums.

9. Meander along the Grand Union Canal to Braunston & back (15 miles, 6 locks, 7 hours)

On a short break from Stockton in Warwickshire you can cruise to Braunston in the heart of the canal network. There are three locks at Calcutt. At Napton Junction you can moor up to visit the village where there’s a choice of pubs, Napton Cidery and excellent village stores selling home cooked meals. The route travels on through the countryside to the historic canal village of Braunston. There you’ll find a choice of pubs, including the canalside Admiral Nelson.

10. Navigate through the Brecon Beacons to Brecon & back (51 miles, 12 locks, 24.5 hours)

The beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal runs through Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. This peaceful canal with very few locks features incredible mountain views. There are a series of historic village pubs to visit and on clear nights, views of the Milky Way. On a 7-night break from Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny you can cruise to Brecon. The route goes through a series of villages with historic pubs, including the Lion Inn at Govilon and the Royal Oak at Pencelli. At Brecon Basin you can moor up to explore this historic market town. There’s you’ll find Theatre Brycheiniog, Brecon Cathedral, Brecknock Museum and the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welsh.