A Holiday That’s Fun for All The Family

• A canal holiday has plenty to keep all ages interested, both on and off the boat.
• Those who want to relax can just enjoy the fresh air and watch the countryside float by.
• Younger children can be supervised in the safe environment while they play.
• Older children can help with the boat and help with working locks and enjoy the countryside.
• For your peace of mind everyone can wear a comfortable lifejacket.

Is Canal Boat Hire A Good Holiday For Families?

While cruising the canals and waterways is the perfect way to relax, unwind and take in some of the most beautiful scenery that England, Scotland and Wales have to offer, there’s plenty of enjoyable activities to occupy the youngsters and the not so young, and the dog!
Throughout your holiday you will meet people from all walks of life, helping to make your holiday the most memorable for years to come, and most importantly you have no itinerary to keep to. You set the pace. You choose when and where to moor. In fact you do whatever you like! The sense of freedom that canal cruising offers is not to be underestimated. And all this with no language barriers to cross and no airports or flight delays!

Is It Safe For Young Children?

Canal boat holidays are suitable for just about everyone, including young children. Lifejackets should be provided by the hire company and can be used for children, non swimmers and possibly everyone when they’re out on deck. Obviously all children should be properly supervised.

What Will The Kids Do?

Boating activities are many and varied for children, from planning the route, casting off, steering, navigating the locks and generally keeping the boat in shipshape condition. There’s always something to see too, tunnels, castles, viaducts and other boats – their heritage that they’d never normally come into contact with. Older children will usually try to take over steering the boat if you let them (under supervision!) and they’re normally first in line when it comes to working the locks. After all, it’s not every day you’re let loose with a £100,000 boat. Beyond the canal boat itself, kids are spoilt for choice for things to do. Activities available to you include fishing, cycling, walking, pony trekking, hill walking, climbing and canoeing. When the weather isn’t good there’s drawing, playing games, chatting to adults, and if all that fails, watching TV or a DVD! See the Things To Do FAQs page for more info.

What Facilities Do Canal Hire Boats Have?

All canal boats have flush toilets and hot and cold running water. Many have central heating, fridges, microwave cookers and televisions plus DVD. The boats really do offer all the home facilities you need in for a comfortable holiday. See the facilities FAQs page for more info.

Can We Bring Our Dog?

It’s a great holiday for dogs! The countryside around the canal network is teeming with lovely walks, and because canal boats travel at about 3 or 4 miles per hour it is not difficult to keep up if you want to walk your dog along side. Many hire firms allow dogs on some of their boats. There may be a small additional charge for the extra cleaning involved, but it’s usually minimal. See our Canal Dogs page!