Canal holidays, something for everyone?!
How to choose from over 900 different boats and routes
To enjoy a canal holiday, for the first time, you need to ask yourself a few key questions to help narrow down the huge range of available options
How big a boat?
How many of you are going in the adventure- canal boats range from 2 to 12 berths. Generally larger boats cost more in total- but less per head. Do you want one or two bathrooms? How much outdoor space will you need?
When do you want to travel and for how long?
Most boats have a minimum of 3 nights, but 7 or 14 night holidays are typical.
The price per night is lower on longer trips.
Which canal do you want to explore?
Do you want an urban adventure or rural relaxation? A gentle river or lots of locks and swing bridges? An epic ring journey or a sleepy backwater with lots of opportunities for walks and side trips
Time of Year
The hire season generally runs form March to October, but some routes and vessels are suitable for winter cruising too. Peak school holiday periods tend to be more expensive.
Boat Quality
Better equipped boats, with more features, cost more!
Discounts
If you are not tied down to a route or exact date , be sure to shop around for the many tempting offers and special discounts that may be available.
The prices are normally inclusive of all your costs except fuel. Whilst the price might seem high you need to work out the price per head per day, to see the value they offer. If doing a price comparison to other types of holidays please make sure it is a fair comparison of all costs not just a low or misleading headline price.
New hire boats cost well over £100k to hand build , and the low volume of guests and high staff ratio, make all hire boats a premium product!
Addiction
There is a huge unique network to explore, and as the boating enthusiasts will tell you, it is: “the quickest way to slow down”.
Be warned canal holidays are addictive, with many hire boaters coming year after year ; or even enjoying it so much they buy their own boat
Nigel Hamilton: Tourism Consultancy 