by Janis / 2 comments - Orginally published:16th June 2020
The reasons why you should be barging on the British waterways
So you are looking for an idyllic holiday away from it all that is suitable for every generation (You even be may be able to pull your teenagers away from their phones).
A break that is a breath of fresh air, great for your well-being, slows your pace of life and an opportunity to be at one with nature.
Yes, a narrowboat holiday is the ultimate quintessential British getaway. Meandering along the winding canals at a few miles an hour, passing through the lush English countryside.
Here’s why a canal boat trip is for you.
Why not Pin it for later?
All change, and no change
This post was original conceived as an inspiration for a post-lockdown getaway in the weeks and months following the relaxing of the rules after the Covin-19 outbreak of 2020.
That inspiration is as true today as it was then. Trust us.
A UK holiday for all the family
Everyone can pitch inA barging holiday is the ideal multi-generation break; that's our experience and the experience of others we have met on Britain's waterways.
The slower pace of life may take a few hours to get used to, but once you do, just accept the quiet life of Britain's waterways.
Preparing a lock on the Kennet & Avon Canal
It may bring the heads of teenagers from their phones; however, we're offering no promises, but again we have witnessed generations of families working together to prepare the lock, just like our own.
The perfect way to get away from it all
Ideal for your well-beingThis is an essential reason why you should be embarking on a narrowboat holiday. I’ve never known a break to force you to slow down and relax so much.
There are just two paces of life really, one is slow, and the other is stop. It does wonders for your mental health. You are at one with nature, and you’ll be hard pushed to keep up with the ducks wading by your porthole.
The fast and slow pace of life
The DIY chores are a distant memory, and it’s the cows, otters and kingfishers that you’ll be dreaming about, once you’ve savoured your gin and tonic sundowner.
Kingfisher on the banks of the Kennet & Avon Canal
Boaters are a friendly bunch too, giving you a little nod or a wave as they drift by.
Want more than the Kennet & Avon canal?
Discover the British canals and waterways for yourself. Our adventures were with luxury Moonraker Canalboats. During our first trip with them, we ventured to the UNESCO City of Bath.
If you want to spend a few hours in Bath then we may have a little inspiration for you. Check out out post - Bath, our top 15 places to visit.
A pet friendly UK holiday
Your pooch can come tooCheck with you chosen barging operator prior to arriving, but more often than not your pet can hop along for the cruise too.
There may be a charge; however, that’s a small price to pay for your creature comforts.
Enjoying the countryside
When moored up for the evening, you and your four-legged friend can go and discover the surrounding footpaths and parks.
Map, guides and more
Whether you’re planning a road trip, plotting a hiking route or cycling one of UK’s scenic trails, there’s nothing quite like using a tactile paper map.
The Ordnance Survey folk are here to help, with maps, guides, gadgets and more. Take a browse through their vast array of maps and grab your ideal companion for your adventure.
Alternatively, why not purchase and download the OS Maps App, which covers all of Great Britain.
An active holiday in the UK
Family and friendsOne of the things that pleased me when we headed off on our family trip was that everyone, young and old wanted help out. It was all hands-on deck when it came to the steering of the barge and the cooking.
Then when it was time to jump off and open the locks, we were fighting over whose turn it was. All shipmates wanted to get involved, it was just great fun for everyone.
All hands!
Canal boating is such a fantastic option for a family holiday, particularly if you are celebrating a special occasion.
I celebrated a significant birthday some years ago on our 2009 trip; my parents their 50th wedding anniversary.
Father & Son managing a lock
Enjoying a holiday on the British waterways
Be safe and be awareDon’t worry if this is your first time on a canal boat, you’re given all the training you need before you head off along the waterways.
The Skipper (Dad) guiding the boat
You’ll receive a demonstration on how to operate the locks. However, by the end of the trip, you’ll be a professional at this.
How to manoeuvre your trusty steed and all the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ to make this a memorable trip for everyone to enjoy.
Deep in the lock
Just be aware of your surroundings and others, don’t be complacent at the strength of the barge and watch your speed.
Managing costs of your canal boat trip
Cooking and suppliesA canal boat holiday can be 100% self-catering. You will have all the facilities you need. In fact, on our family trips, we treat ourselves to a full-English cooked breakfast, bringing our own provisions.
We also bring a selection of alcohol, to be consumed in moderation obviously.
On the outskirts of Hungerford
Having said that this is also an excellent opportunity to support the local farm shops and independent stores that maybe dotted along the canal side.
Moor up and have a stroll into the local town or village, you never know what ingenious ideas folk are coming up with now.
A canalside rest stop
And, of course, you can't beat a canalside pub, especially when moored up at the end of the day. Make sure you include this in your planning.
The UK family holiday that gives you time to reflect
Your own private spaceNow, for some, the thought of being cramped up with other members of the family on a canal boat is the stuff of nightmares. However, in our experience, it's not like that at all.
Looking out from your narrowboat
Depending on the side of the boat and how many 'hands' in the crew, (look at me, getting all nautical!), you can find your own space. You'll have someone skippering, a first mate, maybe some walking the towpath to prepare the next lock or someone planning the pub lunch.
Moored at Hungerford on the Kennet & Avon Canal
I think the slower pace of life lets you unwind.
A well-being break for the family
Exercise and relaxationAnother reason canal boating is a great way to exercise is that you can stroll or jog along miles of footpaths once your boat is moored up. You can also bring along your push bikes to explore further afield.
Of course, operating the locks gives you a little workout, but one shared with the rest of 'the crew'
Negotiating a swing bridge on the Kennet and Avon canal - it's all exercise!
If peace and quiet is your thing, then find yourself a quiet bank to moor up against, away from the towpaths, and you'll be surprised how tranquil it can be.
A bit more info?
The Canal River Trust website is particularly useful for planning your trip. It gives detailed information on the canals and the surrounding facilities.
A few tips on planning your canal boat adventure
And mistakes we madeIf you are new to boating holidays or even if you are an ‘old hand’, ensure you check out the route you wish to take.
Have a plan of where you would like to stop along the way or moor up overnight. As you don’t want to be manoeuvring your barge in the dark.
Exiting the Bruce Tunnel - all part of the plan
Allow plenty of time for your route as you are only travelling at a few miles an hour, and you want to make the most of this slower pace of life. You may find that if the waterways are busy, that it will take longer to negotiate the locks than you expected.
My brother had created a spreadsheet of where we would be at given times. This plan was immediately scuppered when we had to travel a couple of miles in the wrong direction to turn the barge around.
It can be slow going at times
This leads me on to other key factors. Firstly, you will probably not be on a circular route, so you will need to bear in mind that you will have to turn the narrowboat around. Some of the canal boats are long, so ensure the turning point is large enough.
Secondly, if there are a few of you on board, you may need to top up your water levels or dispose of your rubbish. Therefore, make a note of the stopping points and boating facilities en-route.
A few tips on canal boating etiquette
So everyone enjoys Britain's waterwaysFirst and foremost, respect your fellow bargers; some folk live on narrowboats 365 days a year.
Home to many - the British Waterways
One of the most important issues is your speed; on British canals the speed limit is 4mph.
When passing moored boats, you must slow down further as you do not want to create a swell when you cruise by as this may rock the moored barge and dislodged the mooring pegs/stakes.
Enjoy the wildlife
Ensure you dispose of your own rubbish sensibly, as I mentioned, there are facilities along the canal for you to utilise. You should not be leaving your waste for the wildlife to discover.
A personal narrowboat moored up
Always read the signs on the locks, as some operate differently from others. You may be required to leave a lock open.
Lastly, and by no means least, help your fellow bargers. If there are only two people on a boat, it will help them if you were to assist in opening one of the locks.
Handy to know
Take a peek at our post ’12 useful tips for your canal boat adventure’, it’s often the little details that make a holiday perfect.
Inspired to take to the British waterways?
A getaway to create beautiful memories
Enjoying life on the waterways
Enjoying life on the waterways
It’s a really great way to unwind, relax and slow life down a little.
If you’re interested in reading our adventures from our Kennet and Avon Canal trip, then why not check out our post ‘I would do it all again.’
* This post may contain links to affiliated sites where we earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.
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Loved it!!!
We did too, looking forward to the next one.