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Canal hire firms on the canals of Southern England
Many of the Inland Waterways and canals of Southern England did not play the same major role in the Industrial revolution as those further North, and a number of routes south and west of the Thames have been lost, falling into disuse many years ago. However much remains and now creates a very popular and varied network of cruising routes.
The Grand Union Canal and the Oxford Canal however were part of the late 18th century 'canal boom', linking London and Birmingham and today are very popular holiday cruising routes. The Oxford Canal twists and turns through beautiful Oxfordshire countryside. The Grand Union Canal crosses the Chilterns on its way to the capital. Neither, strictly speaking, are simply 'southern' canals, both reaching into the Midlands. The River Thames of course, has long been a major route for trade, most of the non tidal Thames above Teddington is now used mainly for leisure purposes, passing through beautiful water meadows in the meandering stretch above Oxford, and cutting spectacularly through the southern end of the Chilterns around Marlow. The splendid Kennet and Avon Canal which strides across the Berkshire Downs, was reopened in 1990 after 40 years of dereliction, and hopefully others like the Cotswolds Canals will follow.
Galleon Marine offers superb 2 - 8 berth narrowboats on this beautiful canal in Surrey/Hampshire. Family run business pride themselves on that personal service. Happy customers return all the time.
Topsail Charters; Historic Thames Sailing Barges for hire for individuals and groups (Max12) exploring the Rivers of the Essex and Suffolk Coast. Crew provided, choose catered with hostess or self-catered.
Copt Heath Wharf near Solihull offer flexible short break hire on 8 berth Wildwood for as long as you like (minimum two days), and with flexible start and finish times.
Kate Boats, a family run business, with quality narrowboats from two bases on the Grand Union Canal, ideally situated on the Warwickshire ring. Beginners welcome, full instruction given.
The Wyvern Shipping Co. have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 berth luxury narrow boats on the Grand Union Canal. Weekend and short breaks a speciality. Transport arranged from all London airports.
The Blue Riband Club comprises two owner operated companies who guarantee to give you the highest standards of both comfort and service. All boats are Tourist Board annually inspected.
Bath Canal Boat Co. Luxurious widebeam canal boats. Beginners welcome, advice/guidance given by an Inland Waterways instructor. Based in Bath and operated by a small family business, providing outstanding service with a personal touch.
Canal Experience. Check-out our flexible, friendly and reliable service for experienced boaters or beginners. Holidays, short breaks on Kennet & Avon plus Thames and Oxford. Expert instruction. Booking all year round!
Foxhangers in Central Wiltshire below famous Caen Hill Locks, excellent selection of 2/9 berth well equipped narrowboats. Comfortable cruising to Roman city of Bath & Bristol. Weekly, weekend & short breaks.
Moonraker Canalboats - 5 star canal boat holidays on the beautiful Kennet & Avon canal. Our boats are traditional style wide-beam narrowboats with fabulous accommodation, including Jaccuzzi Whirlpool baths.
The Bruce Trust provides accessible holidays to disabled, disadvantaged and elderly groups on four wide beam canal boats. 12, 10 and 6 berth boats from either Great Bedwyn or Lower Foxhangers. Wide access ramps, grab rails, hoists etc.
Lee Valley Boat Centre's East London base on the Rivers Lee & Stort offers unique views of London and the Thames or a welcome escape to the countryside.
College Cruisers are a long established hire fleet based right in the centre of the historic City of Oxford. Routes include the peaceful Oxford Canal and the beautiful River Thames.
Based at Napton Junction, Napton Narrowboats family-run fleet now gives you the widest choice of boats and routes.
Oxfordshire Narrowboats. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the beautiful, rural and friendly South Oxford Canal with its Cotswold stone villages and pubs. Oxford is 7 hours cruising south.
Rose Narrowboats are a family firm with a fleet of 20 luxury narrowboats for weekly or shortbreak rental in the heart of the Midlands canal system. On-line brochure here now.
Twyford Wharf Narrow Boats Ideally situated on the Oxford Canal, just below Banbury at Twyford Wharf. 4-6 berth, well equipped narrowboat available throughout the year. Expert tuition, ideal family holiday.
Willow Wren are one of the oldest established waterways businesses and specialise in offering larger, specially equipped, hire boats to families, school and youth groups, and running training courses.
Calmer Cruising Barge Hire. The newly built Sancerre Widebeam canalboat offers a spacious and luxurious alternative to a narrowboat. Based on the beautiful section of the River Thames near Marlow.
