Tag Archive for: Grand Union Canal

Canal boating on the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire

Top 8 Easter 2026 narrowboat holidays

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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.

Double cabin in narrowboat

New Narrowboats for hire in 2026

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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 over 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.

*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. 

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.

*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.

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. 

A weekend boating from Stockton on the Grand Union Canal

A weekend boating from Stockton

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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.

A boating holiday scene on the Kennet & Avon Canal

Top 10 narrow boat holidays for 2026

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Cruising at 4mph aboard a canal boat is often described as the ‘fastest way to slow down’.

Many of our operators are offering early booking discounts, so we’ve published a guide to our top 10 narrow boat holidays for 2026.

Britain’s 3,000-mile network of peaceful inland waterways wind through the countryside and into historic waterside towns and cities, so there are hundreds of destinations to choose from.

Our 2026 hire prices start at £599 for a short break (3 or 4 nights) on a boat for up to four people, £875 for a week.

Drifters top 10 narrow boat holidays for 2026:

1. Travel along the peaceful Ashby Canal SSSI to Shakerstone and back (95 miles, 8 locks, 37 hours)

On a week’s holiday from Braunston on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire, you can cruise can explore the beautiful Ashby Canal.  The route begins along the Oxford Canal, soon passing through three locks at Hillmorton. You’ll then transfer onto the Coventry Canal at Hawkesbury Junction and onto the Ashby Canal at Marston Junction. The lock-free Ashby Canal passes the historic town of Market Bosworth and the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field. A six-mile stretch of the Ashby Canal from Snarestone to Carlton Bridge is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its aquatic plants and dragonflies, making it one of the best canals to spot wildlife. Canalside pubs to visit include the Greyhound at Hawkesbury Junction and the Barley Mow at Newbold.

2. Float across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (28 miles, 4 locks, 12.5 hours)

From Chirk on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, you can reach the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains on a short break, crossing the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct along the way.  In Llangollen, you can enjoy visiting the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as its Steam Railway and Horseshoe Falls.  On the return journey, you can head back across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. And on through the 11-mile World Heritage site to Whittington and back. Canalside pubs to enjoy include the Bridge at Chirk Bank and the Sun at Trevor.

3. Cruise through Cannock Chase 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 and back. The journey passes through the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with over 6,800 acres of heath land and ancient woodland to explore.  Canalside pubs to stop off at include the Wolseley Arms at Wolseley Bridge, the Ash Tree at Rugeley and the Swan Inn at Fradley.

4. Navigate the Kennet & Avon Canal to Georgian Bath and back (39 miles, 16 locks, 18 hours)

From the base of the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes in Wiltshire, you can travel along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Bath and back.  As well as 16 locks (eight each way), the journey takes you through a series of swing bridges and over 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.  Once at Sydney Gardens, you can moor up and take a 15-minute walk into Bath city centre to visit world famous attractions, including the Roman Baths.

5. Glide through the Staffordshire countryside to Market Drayton and back (42 miles, 12 locks, 20 hours)

On a week’s 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 takes you through the Staffordshire countryside. And past a series of villages with historic pubs, including the Boat Inn at Gnosall, the Junction Inn at Norbury Wharf and the Boat Inn at Shebdon.  The route also takes you through a series of deep canal cuttings, full of vegetation and wildlife.

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

On a short break from Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire, you can cruise along the leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation to Shepley Bridge and back. The route navigates through wooded valleys and the historic towns of Elland and Brighouse.  At Elland there are two canalside pubs to moor alongside, and at Brighouse there’s a choice of restaurants, pubs and shops.

7. Cruise into Birmingham city centre and back (22 miles, 0 locks, 10 hours)

On a weekend break from Alvechurch on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove, you can travel into Birmingham.  The journey begins cruising through the remains of the Forest of Arden and a series of canal tunnels. The route takes you through Edgbaston Tunnel and into the heart of Birmingham where there are over-night moorings at Gas Street Basin. From there, it’s a short walk to Brindleyplace and city centre attractions, including the Sealife Centre and Thinktank Science Museum.

8. Navigate the Grand Union Canal to Thrupp Wharf and back (33 miles, 14 locks, 14 hours)

On a short break from Weedon in Northamptonshire, you can cruise to Thrupp Wharf and back. The journey takes you through the Northamptonshire countryside. And past a series of canalside pubs, including the Narrow Boat at Stowe Hill, the Boat Inn at Stoke Bruerne and the Navigation Inn at Thrupp Wharf. The route also goes through the 1.74-mile long Blisworth Tunnel, the third longest navigable tunnel on the UK canal system. And past the Canal & River Trust’s Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne, telling the story of the working boat people.

9. Travel round the Black Country Ring (75 miles, 79 locks, 43 hours)

On a week’s break from Autherley, near Wolverhampton, you can cruise around the Black Country Ring.  The journey begins cruising along the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal, through the village of Gailey and the market town of Penkridge.  At Great Haywood Junction, you’ll transfer onto the Trent & Mersey Canal and cruise through Rugeley and Cannock Chase.  At Fradley Junction, you can transfer onto the Coventry Canal and head towards Tamworth.  At Fazeley Junction, close to Drayton Manor Adventure Park, the route follows the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal into central Birmingham. You can moor up in the centre of Birmingham at Gas Street Basin to explore the city.  Then heard north up the New Birmingham Mainline canal to take on the Wolverhampton flight of 21 locks. After that, you’ll reconnect with the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal to return to Autherley.

10. Boat through the Scottish Lowlands to Edinburgh Quay and back (64 miles, 6 locks, 22 hours)

On a 7-night break from Falkirk, you can cruise along the Union Canal to Edinburgh Quay and back.  The route starts at the site of the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first rotating boat lift.  The journey then takes you through the Falkirk Tunnel and across the magnificent Avon Aqueduct. Next you’ll cruise through the historic villages of Linlithgow and Ratho. Once in Edinburgh, you can moor up in Edinburgh Quay and walk into the city centre to visit attractions including Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle and Mary King Close.

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

A short break from Weedon

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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‘.

Chirk Castle close to the Llangollen Canal in Wales

Castles to visit on a narrowboat holiday

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There are many castles close to canals and rivers in England and Wales

From prison cells and dungeon tours, to ramparts and banqueting halls, there are some great castles to visit on a narrowboat holiday.

1. Explore the 18th century prison cells at Oxford Castle & Prison

Cruising from our base at Lower Heyford on the Oxford Canal, it’s a tranquil 8-hour cruise to moorings at Hythe Bridge, close to Oxford Castle.  The journey to Oxford and back travels 29 miles and passes through 20 locks (10 each way).  Oxford Castle was founded by the Norman baron Robert D’Oilly the elder in 1071, but most of the fortress was destroyed in the English Civil War. By the 18th century, the remaining buildings had become Oxford’s local prison.  Today, as well as exploring the castle’s tower, crypt and mound, you can take a guided tour of the old prison.

2. See the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle

You can visit Windsor Castle on a narrowboat holiday departing from Aldermaston on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Berkshire. It takes 2 days to reach Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.  The journey travels 39 miles and passes through 22 locks.  With 1,000 years of Royal history to discover, including Charles II’s magnificent State Apartments, Windsor Castle is packed with treasures from the Royal Collection.  The Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays at 11am, is a colour spectacle of British pageantry.

3. Climb the ramparts at Warwick Castle

From Stockton on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire, it’s a 7-hour journey, passing through 20 locks, to Warwick Castle on the banks of the River Avon. This is an amazing castle to visit on a narrowboat holiday! Dating back to William the Conqueror, Warwick Castle has ramparts to climb, the spooky Castle Dungeon tour to experience and the Great Hall and Staterooms to explore.  You’ll also find the sights, sounds and smells of the medieval period to witness in the Kingmaker exhibition.  And there are soaring birds of prey displays to watch, landscaped gardens wonder through and regular special live action performances.

4. Find out about the siege at Skipton Castle

Cruising from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, it takes around 3.5 hours to reach Skipton Castle.  This 900-year old fortress is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England. And it’s very close to the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, so it’s a great castle to visit on a narrowboat holiday. Skipton Castle withstood a 3-year siege during the English Civil War.  Today, visitors can climb from the depths of the Dungeon up to the top of the Watch Tower, and explore the magnificent Banqueting Hall, Kitchen, Bedchamber and Privy in between.

5. Discover murder holes at Chirk Castle

From Chirk on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, it takes just 40 minutes to cruise to Chirk Bank visitor moorings.  From there, it takes around 30 minutes to walk up to Chirk Castle.  Owned by the National Trust, Chirk Castle is one of several medieval marcher fortresses built on the Welsh-English border.  Started in 1295, Chirk Castle had the most up-to-date defences of the time. These include round ‘drum’ towers that allowed archers a wide firing field, and created a ‘killing zone’ where the fields of fire overlapped.  Today, you can explore the Castle’s lavishly furnished rooms and Adam Tower, complete with two-level dungeons, medieval toilets and murder holes.  There’s also 480 acres of parkland with walking trails to enjoy, and glorious gardens to stroll through.

Take to the water on a canal boat holiday

Take to the water this August bank holiday

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There are over 3,000 miles of beautiful inland waterways to explore by canal boat in Britain

Take to the water this August bank holiday weekend for an adventure afloat.

We still have plenty of narrowboats available to hire in August, many at a discounted rate.

To celebrate, here’s our guide to our top 6 weekend breaks afloat:

1. Cruise the Kennet & Avon to Georgian Bath

On a 4-night break from Devizes, you can cruise the Kennet & Avon Canal to the World Heritage City of Bath.  The route passes a series of canalside pubs and the historic market town of Bradford on Avon.  You’ll also cross over the beautiful Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts.  There are over-night moorings at Sydney Wharf, a 15-minute walk from Bath City centre. The journey to Bath and back travels 39 miles, passes through 20 locks (10 each way) and takes around 19 cruising hours.

2. Glide through the Staffordshire countryside to Tixall Wide lake

On a weekend break from Kings Orchard on the Coventry Canal, you can cruise to the beautiful waters of Tixall Wide and back.  Along the way you’ll pass through the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).  The journey to Tixall takes you through 16 miles of peaceful Staffordshire countryside and 5 locks. It takes around 8 hours.

3. Float along the Llangollen Canal to Llangollen

From our base at Chirk on the Llangollen Canal, you can float through the Dee Valley AONB to the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen in North Wales.  Along the way you’ll pass over the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Chirk Aqueduct.  The journey to Llangollen takes around 4 hours, travelling 7 miles, with no locks.

4. Cruise the Grand Union and Oxford canals to Hillmorton

From our base on the Grand Union Canal at Stockton, it takes around 7 hours to reach the historic canal village of Hillmorton.  The route takes you through a series of villages with historic pubs.  These include the Kings Head at Napton and the Admiral Nelson at Braunston.  There are 6 locks to pass through, including the 3 at Hillmorton where volunteer lock keepers help you through.  There’s a choice of pubs at Hillmorton, including the Stag & Pheasant.

5. Navigate the Shropshire Union to historic Chester

From Bunbury, it’s a 7-hour, 9-lock journey to the ancient city of Chester.  The route passes through miles of beautiful Cheshire countryside and a series of villages with country pubs, including The Ring O’Bells at Christleton and The Shady Oak at Bates Mill Bridge.  In Chester, you can take time to explore the city’s attractions, including its Roman city walls and Chester Rows shops.

6. Drift along the Calder & Hebble to Shepley Bridge

On a weekend break from Sowerby Bridge, you can travel along the leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation to Shepley Bridge and back. The route takes you through wooded valleys, and the historic towns of Elland and Brighouse.  The journey there and back travels 22 miles, passes through 32 locks (16 each way) and takes around 16 hours.

Best summer days out canal boating

Best summer days out canal boating

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We offer canal boat day hire from 19 locations

Drifters offers day boat hire from 19 places across England and Wales for the best summer days out canal boating.

Full tuition is included, so if you’re new to narrow boating, you can 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. So you can plan a picnic afloat or stop-off for lunch at a canalside pub along the way.

Boats range in size and can accommodate between eight and 12 people. Day boat prices start at £99 on week days, and £150 on weekends and bank holidays.

To help you plan your family day out afloat, we’ve listed our best summer days out canal boating:

1. Navigate through the Staffordshire countryside to Hopwas

From Kings Orchard Marina, on the Coventry Canal near Lichfield, you can cruise through the Staffordshire countryside to Bonehill Bridge and back.  The route takes you through the villages Huddlesford, Whittington and Hopwas.  At Hopwas there are two pubs to choose from – the Tame Otter and the Red Lion.  The journey to Bonehill and back takes 5.5 hours and there are no locks.

2. Glide along the leafy Worcester & Birmingham Canal to Kings Norton

On a day out from Alvechurch Marin near Bromsgrove, you can cruise north through the remains of the Forest of Arden to Kings Norton Junction.  There’s a choice of pubs to visit along the way, including the canalside Crown and Weighbridge pubs at Alvechurch.  The route is lock-free but there are 3 tunnels to pass through, including Wast Hill Tunnel, which is nearly 2.5km long.

3. Navigate to The Star Inn at Mamhillad in the Brecon Beacons

Heading out for a day afloat from Goytre Wharf, day boaters can travel along the beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, enjoying incredible mountain views.  It takes around 2.5 hours to cruise to moorings close to the popular Star pub at Mamhillad, a short walk from bridge 62.

4. Cruise along the Grand Union Canal to Napton-on-the-Hill

From our day boat hire centre at Braunston in heart of the canal network, you can cruise to the historic village of Napton-on-the-Hill.  The journey, which takes around 3 hours, 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.

5. Boat along the Shropshire Union Canal to Nantwich

From our canal boat hire base at Bunbury Wharf on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley, you can cruise south for 6 miles to Nantwich.  There you can travel across the impressive Grade II* listed Nantwich Aqueduct, enjoying panoramic views across the town.  You’ll pass the Barbridge Inn along the way, and there’s a choice of places to eat and drink in Nantwich.  The journey to Nantwich takes around 2.5 hours.

6. Cruise through Shakespeare country to Wilmcote

From Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal, you can cruise to the pretty village of Wilmcote, home of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s Mary Arden Farm.  The journey takes 2.5 hours, and crosses over the Edstone Aqueduct with amazing views across the Warwickshire countryside.  From moorings at the top of the Wilmcote lock flight, it’s a short walk into Wilmcote and the Mary Arden Inn.

7. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ in North Wales

From Trevor on the Llangollen Canal, day boaters can cruise across the UNESCO World Heritage status Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.  Standing at over 38 metres high above the Dee Valley, this incredible structure offers stunning views of the Dee Valley below.  After cruising over the Aqueduct, there are two tunnels and another aqueduct to cross, before reaching the Bridge Inn at Chirk. It takes around 2.5 hours to reach Chirk.

8. Boat along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Avoncliff Aqueduct

From Hilperton Marina, near Trowbridge in Wiltshire, you can head west to the picturesque town of Bradford on Avon.  You pass through one lock and then on to the impressive Bath stone Avoncliff Aqueduct. The No.10 Cafe is next to the Aqueduct.  The journey to Avoncliff takes around 3 hours.

9. Cruise the Peak Forest Canal to Marple Junction

From New Mills Marina on the Peak Forest Canal in Derbyshire, you can cruise to Marple Junction and back. You’ll enjoy fantastic views of the rolling countryside along the way. At Marple Junction, you can visit the Hatters Arms. And walk up along the Marple Lock flight, to see boats passing through one of the steepest lock flights in Britain.

10. Glide through the Warwickshire countryside to Marston

On a day out boating from Springwood Haven Marina on the Coventry Canal in Warwickshire, you can cruise to Marston and back. You can stop off at the canalside Horseshoes pub along the way. 

For more information about Drifters day boat hire, go to https://www.drifters.co.uk/day-boats/

Top 10 aqueducts to glide across on a narrowboat holiday

Top 10 aqueducts to cruise across on a narrowboat holiday

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Britain’s 3,000-mile canal network is made up of thousands of historic structures, including dozens of aqueducts.

Aqueducts were originally invented by the Romans. The idea of a ‘canal in the sky’ was initially ridiculed by the canal builders.  They were concerned about the amount of masonry required to support the weight of the water above.

However, the engineers found a way and built dozens of canal aqueducts across the canal network.

They have survived to become some of the most iconic sights on our waterways.

To help plan your next adventure afloat, we’ve listed the top 10 aqueducts to glide across on a narrowboat holiday:

1. The Stream in the Sky in North Wales 

Standing 33 metres high above the Dee Valley, the awesome Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales has UNESCO World Heritage Status.  Designed by Thomas Telford, its 305-metre long cast iron trough in which narrowboats float, is supported by 19 enormous hollow pillars.  Ox blood was added to the lime mortar used to bind the masonry together.  It was believed the blood of a strong animal would help strengthen the structure.  You can reach this aqueduct from our hire boat yards at Trevor, Chirk, Blackwater Meadow, Whitchurch, Wrenbury and Whixall.

2. Avoncliff Aqueduct in Somerset

Designed by canal engineer John Rennie, the beautiful Bath stone Avoncliff Aqueduct carries the Kennet & Avon Canal across the Avon Valley near Bath.  It is over 100 metres long and 18 metres wide.  You can reach this aqueduct on a canal boat holiday from our bases at Bath, Monkton Coombe, Bradford on Avon, Hilperton and Devizes.

3. Chirk Aqueduct on the Welsh border

Also part of the Llangollen Canal World Heritage site, the striking Chirk Aqueduct was completed in 1801.  It was designed by William Jessop and Thomas Telford.  It is 220 metres long and carries the Llangollen Canal 21 metres high above the River Ceiriog, using 10 circular masonry arches.  You can easily reach the Chirk Aqueduct from our bases at Trevor, Chirk, Blackwater Meadow, Whitchurch, Wrenbury and Whixall.

4. The Iron Trunk Aqueduct in Buckinghamshire

This magnificent engineering structure was the world’s first wide canal cast iron trough aqueduct.  It takes the Grand Union Canal 12 metres high across the River Great Ouse, close to the village of Cosgrove.  It was built in 1811 by canal engineer Benjamin Beavan, and is made up of two cast iron trough spans, with a single masonry pier.  Our nearest narrowboat hire base is a five hour cruise away at Gayton.

5. Dundas Aqueduct in Somerset

Another magnificent Bath stone aqueduct designed by John Rennie, this structure on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Bath was completed in 1810.  It’s designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument and connects the Kennet & Avon Canal to the Somerset Coal Canal.  You can easily be reach Dundas Aqueduct on a canal boat holiday from our bases at Bath, Monkton Coombe, Bradford on Avon, Hilperton and Devizes.

6. Edstone Aqueduct in Warwickshire

Carrying the Stratford Canal across three railway tracks, a minor road, a stream and a field, this 146 metre long structure is the longest cast iron aqueduct in England.  Completed in 1816, it was amongst the earliest prefabricated structures, made up of 35 separate sections bolted together.  Our nearest canal boat hire base is just under an hour away at Wootton Wawen.

7. The Lune Aqueduct in Lancashire

This Grade I listed iconic structure carries the Lancaster Canal 16 metres high above the River Lune.  It was designed by John Rennie and has five 21 metre high semi-circular arches.  The nearest Drifters’ base is a week’s cruise away at Acton Bridge on the River Weaver.

8. Nantwich Aqueduct in Cheshire

The Nantwich Aqueduct offers canal boat holiday-makers panoramic views across the historic market town of Nantwich.  This Grade II* listed historic structure carries the Shropshire Union Canal over the A534 Chester Road.  It was designed by the famous canal engineer Thomas Telford and completed 1826.  You can reach Nantwich Aqueduct in just two hours from our base at Bunbury.

9. Barton Swing Aqueduct in Greater Manchester

This Grade II* listed aqueduct carries the Bridgewater Canal across the Manchester Ship Canal.  It opened in 1893 and was the first and only swing aqueduct in the world.  Weighing 1,450 tonnes, the 100-metre long aqueduct swings open, full of water, to allow the passage of ships along the Manchester Ship Canal.  Our nearest base is a nine-hour cruise away at Acton Bridge.

10. Avon Aqueduct in Scotland

At 247 metres long, the impressive Avon Aqueduct in Scotland is the second longest aqueduct in Britain.  It carries the Union Canal 29.5 metres high above the River Avon near Linlithgow.  Designed by Hugh Baird, with advice from Thomas Telford, the aqueduct was constructed between 1819 and 1821.  Our nearest canal boat hire base is around three cruising hours away at Falkirk.

To find out more about visiting the canals in England and Wales, go to https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/

Interior of Chirk Tunnel on a narrowboat holiday

Top tunnels to navigate on a canal boat holiday

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There are over 50 canal tunnels, ranging in length from 23 metres to over 3 miles

Drifters has published a guide to the top tunnels to navigate on a canal boat holiday.

The construction of tunnels was one of the most difficult tasks faced by the early canal engineers.  The dangerous and difficult work led to the death of many navvies, including 14 when a section of the Blisworth Tunnel collapsed in 1896.

We’ve published a guide to the top tunnels to navigate on a canal boat holiday in England and Wales:

The Standedge Tunnel (5,210 metres/5,698 yards)

Tunnelling for 3.24 miles beneath the Pennines, this incredible feat of 18th and 19th century engineering is the longest, highest and deepest tunnel on the canal system.  Cutting through solid rock, it took the navvies 16 years to build and opened in 1811.  In the 20th century, the Huddersfield Canal fell into disrepair, becoming un-navigable by 1948, but after a long restoration programme, both the canal and tunnel were reopened in 2001.  It takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to navigate through Standedge Tunnel.  Narrowboat holiday-makers need to book their passage though with a Canal & River Trust chaperone.  Our nearest base is at Sowerby Bridge, 20 miles and 65 locks away. The journey to Standedge takes around 21 hours (3 days).

Blisworth Tunnel (2,794 metres/3,056 yards)

At 1.74 miles long, Blisworth Tunnel on the Grand Union Canal at Stoke Bruerne in Northamptonshire is the second longest navigable tunnel on the canal system.  Construction began in 1793, and it was opened in 1805.  It’s wide enough to accommodate two narrowboats, so it’s not necessary to book a passage through it.  From Gayton it takes around 38 minutes to reach the northern entrance of the Blisworth Tunnel.

Netherton Tunnel (2,768 metres/3,027 yards)

Tunnelling for 1.72 miles, Netherton Tunnel is on the Birmingham Canal Navigations Netherton Branch in Birmingham.  It was the last tunnel constructed during the canal age, and was built with towpaths on both sides.  From Alvechurch, it takes around 8 hours to reach Netherton Tunnel.

Harecastle Tunnel (2,676 metres/2,926 yards)

Harecastle Tunnel on the Trent & Mersey Canal is 1.65 miles long and it takes around 30 minutes to navigate through.  Designed by Thomas Telford, it was completed in 1827. Passage through the tunnel is in a single direction at a time, because only one of the two original Harecastle Tunnels is in operation. Access is controlled by the Canal & River Trust’s Tunnel keeper team, allowing groups of boats to pass through in convoy, before reversing the flow of traffic.  Our nearest base is at Stoke on Trent. From there it takes around 1.5 hours to reach the southern entrance of Harecastle Tunnel.

Wast Hills Tunnel (2,493 metres/2,726 yards)

At 1.55 miles long, it takes around 37 minutes to navigate through Wast Hills Tunnel, on the Worcestershire & Birmingham Canal.  Designed by Thomas Cartwright and completed in 1796, Wast Hills is wide enough to accommodate two narrowboats, so it’s not necessary to book a passage through it.  From Alvechurch it takes about 1.5 hours to cruise to the southern entrance of Wast Hills Tunnel.

Braunston Tunnel (1,867 metres/2,042 yards)

Braunston Tunnel on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire is 1.17 miles long and was completed in 1796.  It takes around 20 minutes to navigate and it’s wide enough to accommodate passing narrowboats, so there’s no need to book a passage.  Our Braunston base is 1.5 hours away.

Chirk Tunnel (421 metres/460 yards)

Chirk Tunnel on the Llangollen Canal in Wales is one of the longest tunnels on the waterways system to have a towpath running through it. This tunnel is next to the magnficent Chirk Aqueduct, which carries the canal across the English/Welsh border. Chirk Tunnel’s north portal is just over a mile from our base at Chirk Marina.