Tag Archive for: Kennet & Avon Canal

Top leafy canals to cruise this autumn

Top leafy canals to cruise this autumn

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Explore our top leafy canals to cruise this autumn

Britain’s 3,000-mile network of inland waterways meanders through some of our best-loved countryside, including anicent woodlands and forests.

To celebrate the beautiful autumn colours in our trees and hedgerows, we’ve listed our top five leafy canals to cruise this autumn:

1. The Calder & Hebble in West Yorkshire

The 21-mile long leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation links Wakefield with Sowerby Bridge.  On a short break from Sowerby Bridge, you can cruise along the Calder & Hebble to Shepley Bridge and back. The route will take you through wooded valleys and the historic towns of Elland and Brighouse along the way.  The journey there and back travels 22 miles, passes through 32 locks and takes around 16 hours.

2. The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in South Wales

This 35-mile long peaceful waterway follows the line of the wooded Usk Valley through the Brecon Beacons National Park.  It has to be one of the most leafy canals to cruise on Britain’s beautiful inland waterways network. On a short break from Goytre, you can cruise to Talybont-on-Usk and back, passing the villages and hamlets of Llaellen, Llanfoist, Govilon, Llangattock and Llangynidr.  The journey there and back travels 39 miles, passes through 10 locks and takes around 18 hours.

3. The Macclesfield Canal in Cheshire

This 26-mile long tree-lined canal runs from Marple in Cheshire to Hall Green, on the Trent & Mersey Canal.  On a week’s break from Stoke on Trent, you can connect to the Macclesfield Canal and cruise to Macclesfield and back.  You’ll pass through the 1.5 mile long Harecastle Tunnel on the Trent & Mersey Canal, before transferring onto the Macclesfield Canal.  Then you’ll meander through the countryside to enjoy a series of wooded sections, as well as views of the distant hills.  The journey to Macclesfield and back travels 42 miles, passes through 26 locks and takes around 21 hours.

4. The Stratford Canal in Warwickshire

This 25.5-mile long narrow canal connects Stratford-upon-Avon with the Worcester & Birmingham Canal at Kings Norton Junction.  The middle wooded section passes through the remains of the Forest of Arden. On a short break from Wootton Wawen, you can cruise through quiet countryside to Hatton Locks and back.  You’ll pass through the village of Lowsonford with its popular Fleur de Lys canalside pub, and Lapworth where you transfer onto the Grand Union Canal. The journey to Hatton and back cruises 21 miles, passes through 34 locks and takes around 14 hours.

5. The Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire

The 87-mile long Kennet & Avon Canal links the Bristol Avon near Bath, with the River Thames at Reading. On a week’s break from Devizes, at the foot of the famous Caen Hill flight of locks, you can cruise to Hungerford and back. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Vale of Pewsey, part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  There are a series of wooded sections to enjoy, including an area of the Savernake Forest.  The journey to Hungerford and back travels 54 miles, passes through 106 locks and takes around 40 hours.

Head to one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways on your next canal boat holiday

Head to one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways

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Cruise to one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways

The list of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’ was compiled over 70 years ago by Robert Aickman. He was the co-founder of the Inland Waterways Association (IWA). These amazing structures make great canal boat holiday destinations. If you’d like to head to one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways on your next narrow boat holiday, here’s a guide to our nearest bases:

1. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Carrying the Llangollen Canal 38 metres high above the River Dee, the UNESCO World Heritage Status Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the highest and longest aqueduct in Britain.  It was built between 1795 and 1805.  It has 18 magnificent stone piers, supporting a 307-metre long trough for the canal to run through.  Our base at Trevor is next to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. You can also reach the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on a short break from Chirk and Blackwater Meadow.

2. The Anderton Boat Lift

Also known as ‘The Cathedral of the Canals’, this extraordinary structure raises (or lowers) boats 15 metres from the River Weaver to the Trent & Mersey Canal.  It was designed by Edwin Clark and opened in 1875. The Anderton Boat Lift consists of two caissons, each large enough to take a barge or pair of narrowboats. The lift is currently closed, but you can go to the Anderton Boat Lift visitor centre to find out more about this fascinating structure and plans to repair it. We have a narrowboat hire base at Anderton Marina next to the Lift.

Head to one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways on your next canal boat holiday

3. The Caen Hill Flight

With 16 of its 29 locks falling in a straight line, the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes is visually the most impressive in the country.  The locks were the final link in the Kennet & Avon Canal’s construction, opening in 1810.  Sadly by 1950 they had become derelict, but after a major restoration effort, they were reopened HM The Queen in 1990. Our canal boat hire base at Devizes is at the base of the flight. You can also reach the bottom of the Caen Hill flight on a short break from Hilperton and Bradford on Avon.

4. The Bingley Five-Rise Locks

This spectacular staircase of locks on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal was completed in 1774. The locks raise (or lower) boats 18 metres in 5 cavernous chambers. They open directly from one to another, with the top gate of one forming the bottom gate of the next. You can head to this wonder of the waterways from our base at Silsden, just 6 miles away. It takes around 3.5 hours to head to this wonder of the waterways from Silsden.

5. The Standedge Tunnel

The incredible Standedge Tunnel runs for over 3 miles beneath the Pennines.  This incredible feat of engineering is the longest, highest and deepest tunnel on the canal system. Cutting through solid rock, it took the navvies 16 years to build. It opened in 1811, but sadly in the 20th century, the Huddersfield Canal fell into disrepair, becoming un-navigable by 1948. After a long restoration programme, both the canal and tunnel were reopened in 2001. Today narrow boat holiday-makers need to book their passage through with a Canal & River Trust chaperone. There’s also a trip boat operating from the Marsden end. Our nearest canal boat rental base is 20 miles and 65 locks away at Sowerby Bridge. The journey to Standedge from Sowerby Bridge takes around 21 hours (3 days).

6. Barton Swing Aqueduct

The 100-metre long Barton Swing Aqueduct was built in 1761 by James Brindley to take the Bridgewater Canal across the River Irwell.  It was considered a marvel at the time of its opening.  In 1863 the Manchester Ship Canal company decided to use the course of the Irwell at Barton as part of its navigation channel. So Brindley’s Aqueduct was replaced by the Barton Swing Aqueduct.  The 1,450 tonne aqueduct swings open, full of water, to allow the passage of ships along the Manchester Ship Canal. Our nearest base is at Acton Bridge, on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Cheshire. From there, it takes around 13 hours, travelling 35 miles and passing through 2 locks, to reach the Barton Swing Aqueduct. NB The Bridgewater Canal is currently closed between Agden Bridge No. 26 and Dunham Town Bridge No. 27 due to a breach. 

7. The Burnley Embankment

The mile-long Burnley Embankment carries the Leeds & Liverpool Canal over 18 metres high across part of the town. It’s also known as ‘The Straight Mile’. It offers boaters breath-taking panoramic views of the Calder Valley and surrounding countryside. The Burnley Embankment spans the Calder Valley. Though costly and difficult to build, it avoided the need for a series of locks. Designed by Robert Whitworth, the embankment was built between 1796 and 1801.  It involved the mammoth task of transporting (by horse and cart) around half a million tons of earth from the nearby canal cutting at Whittlefield and tunnel at Gannow. Our narrowboat hire base at Silsden is 30 miles, 22 locks and 18 hours away from Burnley.

Narrowboat on the Chirk Aqueduct next to Chirk Tunnel on the Llangollen Canal

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 Northamptonshire countryside to Cosgrove

On a weekend break from Weedon on the Grand Union Canal you can cruise through a series of Northamptonshire villages to Cosgrove and back.  Pubs to stop off along the way include the Narrow Boat at Stowehill Wharf, the Bakers Arms at Bugbrooke and the Navigation Inn at Thrupp Wharf. You can also stop off to visit the Canal & River Trust’s fascinating Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne. The journey to Cosgrove and back travels 36 miles, passes through 16 locks and takes around 16 hours.

3. Float along the Llangollen Canal to Llangollen

From our base at Chirk on the Llangollen Canal, you can float through the Welsh Mountains 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.

children on a narrowboat holiday in Britain

Best family canal boat holiday escapes this summer

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Canal boat holidays offer the chance to escape into the countryside for a nostalgic outdoor family adventure

To help plan your next adventure afloat, we’ve published a guide to our best family canal boat holiday escapes this summer.

There are over 3,000 miles of historic navigable waterways to explore in Great Britain, passing through some of our best loved countryside. Escaping into the country aboard a narrowboat gives you the chance to go off grid and connect with nature and each other.

Nigel Stevens of Drifters explains: “Families tend to arrive at our boat yards in a stressed and rushed state of mind.  But once they’ve settled into the slower pace of life of a canal boat holiday, cruising slowly through the countryside, they unwind and become focused on the journey and each other.

“Parents often say how much they enjoyed seeing their children getting away from their screens and instead watching out for wildlife, noticing their surroundings and helping with the locks, steering and mooring up. They also enjoy playing cards and board games together in the evening, bringing back memories of their own family holidays when they were children.”

2026 summer holiday prices start at £910 for a short break (3 or 4 nights) on a boat for four people, £1,265 for a week.

Here’s a guide to our top 9 family canal boat holiday escapes this summer:

1. Cruise through the Fens to Cambridge and 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, where there are many beautiful buildings, including King’s College Chapel. Cambridge also has a great choice of shops and restaurants to visit, including the Ivy Brasserie and Bills.

2. Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ (28 miles, 4 locks, 12.5 hours)

From Chirk on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains can be reached on a short break. Along the way, you’ll cruise across the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. 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’ll head back across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and can continue on past Chirk Marina to experience more of the 11-mile World Heritage site, going through Chirk Tunnel and over Chirk Aqueduct and on to Whittington. Canalside pubs to enjoy include the Bridge at Chirk Bank and the Sun at Trevor.

3. Cruise up the Shroppie to Barbridge and back (84 miles, 58 locks, 42 hours)

On a week-long break from Autherley near Wolverhampton, you can cruise up the Shropshire Union Canal to Barbridge and back. The route takes you through the Staffordshire countryside and a series of villages with historic pubs. These include: the Lesters Arms at Brewood; the Hartley Arms at Wheaton Aston; the Boat Inn at Gnosall; and the Shroppie Fly at Audlem. The canal goes through a series of deep cuttings, full of vegetation and wildlife. Along the way, you can visit Market Drayton, famous for its gingerbread, the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker Museum and the Dorfold Hall Jacobean Museum at Nantwich. At Barbridge you’ll find the canalside Olde Barbridge Inn.

4. Navigate to Bradford on Avon & back (20 miles, 14 locks, 11 hours)

On a short break from Devizes on the Kennet & Avon Canal you can navigate to the medieval market town of Bradford on Avon and back.  The route takes you through the Wiltshire countryside, and a series of locks and swing bridges. Bradford on Avon on the edge of the Cotswolds, often described as a ‘mini Bath’, is the perfect destination for a family canal boat holiday escape this summer. The town has a great choice of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as riverside walks and historic buildings, including a stunning medieval Tithe Barn. Canalside pubs to enjoy include the Barge Inn at Seend and the Canal Tavern at Bradford on Avon.

5. Boat through the Yorkshire countryside to the old mill town of Hebden Bridge (14 miles, 20 locks, 11 hours)

On a short break from Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire, you can travel along the Rochdale Canal to the old mill town of Hebden Bridge and back.  Climbing through woods, fields and small stone towns, the journey there and back covers 14 miles, passes through 20 locks (10 each way) and takes around 11 hours. Once at Hebden, you can enjoy a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, as well as stunning countryside walks with woods and crags to explore. Canalside pubs to visit include the Shoulder of Mutton at Mytholmroyd and the Stubbing Wharf at Hebden Bridge.

6. 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 explore the beautiful Ashby Canal. The route starts with navigating a section of the Oxford Canal and passing through three locks at Hillmorton. You’ll then transfer onto the Coventry Canal at Hawkesbury Junction and the Ashby Canal at Marston Junction. This peaceful 22-mile long waterway passes the historic town of Market Bosworth and the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field. A 6-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 Admiral Nelson at Braunston, the Greyhound at Hawkesbury Junction and the Barley Mow at Newbold.

6. 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. They journey passes through the Cannock Chase Forest with over 6,800 acres of heath land and ancient woodland to explore.  At Fradley you can follow the woodland trail at boardwalk at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve. Canalside pubs to visit include the Wolseley Arms at Wolseley Bridge, the Ash Tree at Rugeley and the Swan Inn at Fradley.

7. Boat to the ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’ & back (23 miles, 6 locks, 12.5 hours)

On a short break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, you can cruise to Gargrave ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’ and back.  The route takes you through the beautiful River Aire Valley and Skipton with its medieval castle and woods. At Gargrave you can moor up and walk into the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Pubs to enjoy include the White Lion at Kildwick, the Slaters Arms at Bradley and the Mason’s Arms at Gargrave.

8. Navigate the Grand Union Canal to Linslade and 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. These include: the Narrow Boat at Stowe Hill; the Navigation Inn at Thrupp; the Red Lion at Fenny Stratford; and the 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.

9. Travel through the Scottish Lowlands to Edinburgh & back (64 miles, 6 locks, 22 hours)

On a week’s break from Falkirk you can cruise along the peaceful Union Canal to Edinburgh Quay and back. The journey begins with a passage through the Falkirk Wheel, and then passes through the lovely Scottish Lowland villages of Linlithgow, Broxburn and Ratho.  Visitor moorings are available at Edinburgh Quay, just a 5-minute walk from Princes Street. From there, you can visit the City’s many attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and Mary King Close. Pubs to enjoy along the way include the Bridge Inn at Ratho and the West Port Hotel at Linlithgow.

Enjoy a spring day out afloat on a canal boat

Spring days out afloat

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Drifters offers canal boats for day hire at 19 locations in England and Wales

Spring is a great time of year to get family and friends together for a day out boating.

Britain’s 2,000-mile network of canals and rivers in England and Wales wind through some of the nation’s best-loved countryside. You can pack a picnic or stop off at a canalside pub for lunch.

We offer day boat hire at 19 locations in England and Wales. Full tuition is included and all our day boats are equipped with cutlery, crockery and a kettle. Most also have a toilet, cooker and fridge.

Boats range in size and can accommodate between 8 and 12 people. Our boats are pet-friendly and many have electric engines.

Here’s a guide to some of our best spring days out afloat:

Cruise through Shakespeare country to Wilmcote (Warwickshire)

On a day out boating from 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. You can visit the Mary Arden Inn at Wilmcote or the View Restaurant at Hill Farm Marina, close to Edstone Aqueduct.

*Day boats ‘Dolly’, ‘Charlie’ and ‘Emma’ can carry up to 10 people each. Weekday hire is £120. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire is £165.

Boat through the Shropshire Lake District to Prees (Shropshire)

From Blackwater Meadow Marina on the Llangollen Canal near Ellesmere, you can cruise through the Shropshire Lake District to Prees and back. The lock-free return journey takes around 6 hours and goes through one short tunnel. The route passes Blake Mere and Cole Mere where there are some great walking and picnic spots.

*Day boat ‘Lazy Days’ can carry up to 10 people. Weekday hire starts at £119. Weekend and bank holiday day hire starts at £149.

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 2 hours and goes through 2 locks. You’ll pass through the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And you’ll pass the popular Wolseley Arms pub at Wolseley Bridge. When you reach the village of Rugeley, you walk to the canalside Colliers pub.

*Day boats ‘Daphne’ and ‘Abi’ can carry up to 10 people each. Weekday hire is £120. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire is £165.

Glide along the leafy Worcester & Birmingham Canal (Worcestershire)

On a day out from Alvechurch Marina near Bromsgrove you can cruise 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 enjoy a walk around the Bittell Reservoirs, a haven for bird life. The route is lock-free and takes you through Wast Hills Tunnel, which is over 1.5 miles long.

*Electric day boats ‘Away Day’ and ‘Fun Day’ can carry up to 10 people. Weekday hire starts at £131. Weekend and bank holiday day hire starts at £164. 

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 2.5 hours to reach moorings close to the popular Star pub at Mamhillad, a short walk from bridge 62.

*Electric day boat ‘Golden Day’ can carry up to 10 people. Weekday hire starts at £131. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire starts at £164. 

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

On a day boat from Braunston in heart of the canal network you can reach the historic village of Napton-on-the-Hill. The lock-free journey goes through the Northamptonshire countryside and into Warwickshire. When you reach Napton, you can moor up and walk into the village where there’s a choice of pubs, including the Kings Head. There’s also a shop with a deli, local produce and homemade meals. The journey to Napton and back takes around 6 hours.

*Day boat ‘Ouzel II’ can carry up to 12 people. Weekday hire is £150. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire is £195. 

Float across ‘The Stream in the Sky’ (Wrexham)

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 across the Aqueduct, there are 2 tunnels and another aqueduct to cross, before you reach the Bridge Inn at Chirk Bank. The journey to Chirk and back takes around 5 hours.

*Day boats ‘Jacob’, ‘Daniel’ and ‘Lotty’ can carry up to 10 people. Weekday hire is £155. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire is £199.

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 stop off at the Angelfish café. The journey there and back travels 9 miles and takes around 4 hours.

*Day boats ‘Jacy’, ‘Emily’, ‘Katherine’, ‘Sally’ & ‘Grace’ can carry up to 10 people each. Weekday hire is £185. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire is £199.

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

From Aldermaston on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Reading you can cruise through the West Berkshire countryside to Theale and back. There you can take a 10-minute walk to enjoy lunch at the Spring Inn at Sulhamstead. The total journey takes just over 4 hours and passes through 2 locks each way.

*Day boat ‘Happy Days’ can carry up to 10 people. Weekday hire starts at £149. Weekend and bank holiday hire starts at £249.

Enjoy views of the Peak District on the Peak Forest Canal (Derbyshire)

On a day out boating from New Mills Marina you can cruise to Marple and back, enjoying fantastic views of the rolling countryside along the way. There are moorings at the bottom of the Marple Lock flight and the chance to watch boats passing through one of the steepest lock flights in Britain. The Hatton Arms in Marple is a short walk away. The journey to Marple and back takes 5.5 hours and there are no locks.

*Electric day boat ‘Field Day’ can accommodate up to 10 people. Weekday hire starts at £119. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire starts at £149.

Float along the Shropshire Union Canal to Nantwich (Cheshire)

From Bunbury Wharf near Tarporley you can cruise south for 6 miles to Nantwich and back. The journey travels across the impressive Grade II* listed Nantwich Aqueduct, with panoramic views across the town, and passes the canalside Olde Barbridge Inn. The journey to Nantwich takes around 2.5 hours and there are no locks.

*Day boat ‘Bella’ can carry up to 10 people. Weekday hire is £99. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire is £165. 

Boat along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Avoncliff Aqueduct (Wiltshire)

From Hilperton Marina, near Trowbridge you can cruise west through the Bath Valley to Avoncliff and back. Along the way you’ll pass through the medieval market town of Bradford on Avon. There’s just one lock to pass through at Bradford on Avon. When you reach the impressive Bath stone Avoncliff Aqueduct you can moor up visit The Cross Guns pub. Or the No.10 canalside cafe. The journey to Avoncliff and back takes around 6 hours.

*Electric day boat ‘Seize the Day’ can carry up to 10 people. Weekday hire starts at £131. Weekend and bank holiday day boat hire starts at £219. 

Cruise through the countryside to Atherstone (Warwickshire)

On a day out from Springwood Haven Marina on the Coventry Canal near Nuneaton you can cruise through the Warwickshire countryside to the historic market town of Atherstone and back. The route passes the canalside Anchor Inn and return journey takes around 3 hours.

*Electric day boat ‘Sunny Day’ can accommodate up to 10 people. Weekday hire starts at £119. Weekend and bank holiday hire starts at £149. 

Navigate to the Fenn’s, Whixall & Bettisford Mosses National Nature Reserve (Shropshire)

From Whitchurch Marina on the Llangollen Canal you can cruise through the Shropshire countryside to the Fenn’s, Whixall and Bettisford Mosses National Nature Reserve. The journey there and back takes around 6 hours. There are no locks but there are 3 lift bridges to negotiate. Whixall Mosses Nature Reserve is the perfect spot for a walk and a picnic.

*Electric day boat ‘Perfect Day’ can accommodate up to 10 people. Weekday hire starts at £131. Weekend and bank holiday hire starts at £219. 

Family opening Tardebigge Top Lock on a canal boat holiday

Top of the locks

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There are over 1,800 locks on Britain’s canal network

Locks enable canal boats to travel up and down hills. There’s no mystery to using locks – just a series of step-by-step tasks.

A lock is simply a chamber with gates at either end. By emptying or filling the chamber with water, boats can move up or down onto a new section of waterway.

There are many different kinds of locks, but they all on work on a similar principle. With the lock gates closed, boaters should open the sluices (paddles) to let the water in or out.  When the water level under the boat is the same as the level it’s moving to, the boat can move in or out of the lock.

Some locks are operated by boaters, others by lock keepers. Some are staircase locks where one lock opens directly onto the next.

Tuition is included in all our canal boat holiday packages. During your boat handover, our boat yard staff will usually be able to take you through your first lock.

To celebrate these marvels of canal engineering, we’ve put together a guide to our top of the locks:

1. Caen Hill on the Kennet & Avon Canal

Caen Hill at Devizes in Wiltshire is one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’ and a scheduled monument. With 29 locks spread out over 2 miles, raising the canal by 72 metres, it takes around 6 hours to passage through. The 16-lock section clustered together up the hill is truly a magnificent site, and one of the most iconic on the waterway network. Our Devizes narrowboat hire base is at the base of the Flight at Foxhangers Marina.

2. Hatton on the Grand Union Canal

The Hatton Flight in Warwickshire was nicknamed ‘The Stairway to Heaven’ by the boaters who once carried cargos on the canals. This impressive flight of 21 locks raises boats up 45 metres over 2 miles, and takes around 4.5 hours to travel through. Just below the Top lock, you’ll find the Hatton Locks Café. Our nearest canal boat hire base is 8 hours away at Stockton. The journey travels 11 miles and passes through 22 locks.

3. Wolverhampton on the Birmingham Canal Navigations Main Line

This epic flight of 21 locks rises and lowers the canal by 40 metres. The locks stretch for one and three quarter miles between Broad Street Basin and Aldersley Junction. It takes around 4 hours to navigate through the flight. Our base at Autherley is just 15 minutes away from Wolverhampton Bottom Lock No.21.

4. Tardebigge on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal

With 30 locks spread out over two-and-a-quarter miles, this awesome flight of locks in Worcestershire is the longest on the inland waterways system.  In total, the locks raise and lower boats 67 metres and it takes around 5.5 hours to travel through them. Our nearest canal boat hire base is an hour’s cruise away at Alvechurch.

5. Bingley Five Rise on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Another one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’, this spectacular staircase of 5 locks is near Bradford. It raises (or lowers) boats 18 metres in 5 cavernous chambers. The locks open directly from one to another, with the top gate of one forming the bottom of the next.  It takes around one-and-a-half hours to work through.  The size of the chambers can be intimidating even for experienced boaters, but friendly lock-keepers are on hand to help. You can reach the Bingley Five Rise Locks on a short break from Silsden.

6. Foxton on the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal

Surrounded by stunning views of the Leicestershire countryside, this set of 10 locks raises boats up 23 metres in just a quarter-of-a-mile. Foxton Locks is the longest set of staircase locks in the UK, and is a Grade II Listed structure. In staircases, the locks open directly one from another so that the top gate of one forms the bottom of the next.  It takes around 45 minutes to pass through. There are lock keepers on hand to help. They offer key advice when it comes to opening the paddles: “Red before white, you’ll be alright. White before red, you’ll be dead.” Our nearest narrowboat boat hire base is around 14 hours away at Weedon. The journey to Foxton Top lock travels 27 miles and passes through 13 locks.

7. Marple on the Peak Forest Canal

One of the steepest flights on the system, the 16 locks at Marple in Cheshire raise boats by 64 metres over just one mile. The locks are built of local stone and are mostly tree-lined, giving the canal a lovely secluded feeling. The Peak Forest Canals is said to be one of Britain’s most scenic waterways, running through beautiful countryside on the edge of the Peak District National Park. From Stoke on Trent it takes around 19 hours to reach Marple Bottom Lock. The journey there travels 28 miles and passes through 14 locks.

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 (three or four 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. 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.

10. Travel to Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales and back (23 Miles, 6 locks, 12.5 hours)

On a short break from Silsden on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, you can cruise to Gargrave and back. Along the way you’ll pass through the stunning scenery of Airedale and the village of Kildwick with its White Lion pub. When you reach the ancient market town of Skipton, you can moor up to visit Skipton Castle. Three miles further along at Gargrave there are plenty of pubs and you can easily access the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Canal boat holiday on Britain's inland waterways

Best spring canal boat holidays 2026

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Drifters guide to the best spring canal boat holidays in 2026

Cruising Britain’s beautiful inland waterways aboard a canal boat is a great way to see the spring countryside bursting with new life.

Travelling at just 4mph, you can enjoy watching out for nesting birds, waterfowl chicks, spring lambs and blossom on the trees and hedgerows that line our waterways.

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

2026 hire prices start at £713 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for up to four people, £980 for a week. Tuition is included in all our holiday prices and most of our boats are pet-friendly.

Cruise down the Oxford Canal to Banbury and back (46 miles, 44 locks, 25 hours)

On a week’s holiday from Napton you can cruise through the spring countryside to Banbury and back. The route begins cruising past Napton-on-the-Hill with is canalside Folly pub and excellent village shop selling local produce. Next you’ll encounter the nine-lock Napton Flight, which stretches for two miles. At Fenny Compton there’s another canalside pub – the Wharf Inn. The route then goes through Fenny Compton Tunnel and the Claydon Flight of five locks. The village of Claydon is home to the quaint Marton Museum of Country Bygones. At Cropredy, famous for its annual folk music festival, you can visit the Brasenose Arms. In Banbury you’ll find Tooley’s Boatyard Museum, the Banbury Cross and a choice of historic pubs, including Ye Olde Reindeer Inn.

Navigate the Llangollen Canal UNESCO World Heritage site (28 miles, 4 locks, 12.5 hours)

From Chirk on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, Llangollen on the edge of the Berwyn Mountains can be reached on a short break, crossing the UNESCO World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct along the way. When you reach Llangollen you can visit the town’s independent shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as its Steam Railway and Horseshoe Falls. On the return journey, you’ll 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.

Travel through the Staffordshire countryside to Drayton Manor Theme Park and back (48 miles, 10 locks, 22 hours)

On a 7-night break from Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford, you can cruise to moorings next to Drayton Manor Theme Park. The journey takes you through the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a series of villages with canalside pubs. These include: the Wolseley Arms at Wolseley Bridge; the Ash Tree at Rugeley; the Swan Inn at Fradley; and the Plough Inn at Huddlesford. After turning right at Fazeley Junction, you can moor up close to Coleshill Road Bridge and then walk to Drayton Manor Theme Park, home to over 50 rides and attractions.

Cruise through the Fens to Cambridge and 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 and you’ll soon reach 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, where there are many beautiful buildings, including King’s College Chapel. Cambridge also has a great choice of shops and restaurants to visit, including the Ivy Brasserie and Bills.

Navigate the Kennet & Avon Canal to Georgian Bath and back (25 miles, 2 locks, 13 hours)

On a weekend break from Hilperton on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, you can cruise to Syndey Gardens in Bath and back. The journey takes you through Bradford on Avon Lock and across the magnificent Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts. Canalside pubs to enjoy along the way include the Canal Tavern at Bradford on Avon, the Cross Guns at Avoncliff and the George at Bathampton.  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 and the Royal Crescent.

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. The journey travels slowly through the peaceful Staffordshire countryside, 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 rough a series of deep canal cuttings, full of vegetation and wildlife.

Boat along the Rochdale Canal to Hebden Bridge and back (14 miles, 20 locks, 11 hours)

On a short break from Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire, you can cruise along the Rochdale Canal to Hebden Bridge and back. The route navigates slowly along the side of the valley, passing the Lord Nelson pub at Luddenden Foot and Mytholmroyd, birthplace of Ted Huges. At Henden Bridge, there’s a choice of independent restaurants, pubs and shops and fantastic walks up to Heptonstall and along Hardcastle Crags.

Navigate the Grand Union Canal to Linslade and 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 through the countryside past a series of canalside pubs, including: the Narrow Boat at Stowe Hill; the Boat Inn at Stoke Bruerne; the Navigation Inn at Thrupp; the Red Lion at Fenny Stratford; and the Three Locks at Soulbury. 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.

Canal boat travelling along the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire

May bank holiday weekend breaks on a canal boat

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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

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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.

Experience Christmas or New Year on a narrowboat

Experience Christmas or New Year on a narrowboat

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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.

 

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 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.

*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. 

Spot kingfishers winter cruising on the Kennet & Avon Canal

Winter cruising on the K&A

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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

 

Autumn events to visit on a canal boat holiday

Autumn events to visit on a canal boat holiday

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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 40th 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.

Best autumn days out boating on the canals

Best autumn days out boating on the canals

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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.

Blue Light Card Discount

Blue Light Card holders save 10% with our Blue light card discount. It’s our way of saying thanks to our NHS, social care & emergency workers.

Blue Light Card Discount

Drifters price promise

If you see the same holiday elsewhere at a lower price, we will match it. It would be good to flesh out this offer a little more to balance out

Drifters Price Promise

Hire Boat Survey

The national waterways charity wants to know about your experience of hiring a boat on the canals and rivers in its care, to help make the experience better.

Launch Survey

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