Discover the Secret Side of the South Grand Union with Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays
Whether you’re a seasoned boater seeking a hidden route or a first-timer looking for expert-led canal boat holidays for beginners, we are here to provide you with a stress-free escape on the water.
With our boutique narrowboat hire for families, couples, and first-time captains, we specialize in gold-standard, tailored training, staying with you until you feel confident to ensure your canal holiday is relaxing from start to finish. Experience the quiet charm of the Chiltern Hills with a family-run business that puts your journey first.
A Quieter Way to Cruise the Grand Union
Most canal boat holidays start at crowded hubs with rushed inductions and busy waters. We do things differently. Located near Tring in the heart of the Chilterns, we are the only hire base for three days in either direction. That means you enjoy an exclusive, peaceful stretch of the Grand Union Canal from the moment you cast off.
Forget the "cookie-cutter" fleet and hidden fees. We are a family-run business offering a more personal, honest way to travel. With our all-inclusive canal boat hire, the price you see is the price you pay—no hidden damage waivers, no surprise diesel bills, just an honest, relaxing experience on the Grand Union Canal.
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Canal Boat Hire with a Difference - Expertly Guided & Family Run
We don’t just hire narrowboats; we share our passion for the waterways. As a family-run business, our "one big promise" is a memorable, stress-free canal holiday.
We’ve reimagined luxury canal boat hire to feel like a true home-from-home. Here is why our guests choose us for their narrowboat holidays:
Homely, Boutique Boats: Our boats are unique, designed by us with bespoke cabins and fully equipped kitchens. They aren’t just rentals; they are floating cottages.
Gold-Standard Training: Nervous about steering? Don’t be. We provide hands-on, tailored tutorials for every guest. We take the time to ensure you’re confident with the boat and the locks before you set off.
Stress-Free Pricing: Enjoy cheap canal boat holidays in the sense of "best value"—our all-inclusive rates include parking, bed linen, gas, and fuel.
Prime Location: Based in a stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we’re less than an hour from London and perfectly placed for overseas visitors arriving at London airports.
Your Adventure Starts Here...
Our Unique Narrowboats
Explore our bespoke fleet, from the family-sized Narrow Escape to the cosy Mini Escape.
Last Minute Offers
Looking for a spontaneous escape? Check our latest cheap canal boat holiday deals.
Recommended Routes
From the market towns of Hertfordshire to the attractions of Milton Keynes.
Transparent Pricing
No surprises, no hidden extras. See exactly what is included in your canal boat hire.
Search Availability
Find the perfect dates for your next canal boat rental in just a few clicks.
Local Secrets
Discover the best canalside pubs, historic villages, and nature spots in the Chilterns.
Tailored Narrowboat Hire UK - Your Holiday, Your Way
Family Adventures: Get the whole crew involved and bond on the water! Safe, educational, and fun for all ages. We provide life jackets and child-friendly training for all ages.
Couples’ Retreats: Romantic, slow-paced escapes with stunning new views every morning. Cosy, unique cabins designed for two, this is the ultimate slow-travel escape.
Dog-Friendly Breaks: Because the family dog deserves a canal holiday too! We welcome up to 2 small dogs / 1 medium dog with our dog friendly narrowboat hire (available on Narrow Escape).
Self-Drive Adventures: Take the tiller and be the captain of your own journey. We’ll show you the ropes, from steering the boat to operating locks.
Skippered Trips: Want to relax completely? Let us do the driving while you sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Static Canal Boat Hire: Experience life on the water without leaving the marina (Winter season only).
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Planning Your Canal Holiday
Do I need experience for narrowboat hire in the UK?
Absolutely not. We specialize in canal holidays for beginners. Our tailored inductions cover everything from steering to working the locks.
What makes your Grand Union canal boat hire "all-inclusive"?
We hate hidden extras. Your price includes fuel, gas, parking, bed linen, and even the damage waiver.
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Customer Testimonials
D & S Glover
Our first time on a canal boat. Gareth talked us through everything we needed to know... The boat had everything we needed and we were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the bed and everything else was... Thoroughly enjoyed our few days on the canal and would recommend Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays.
Sally & Simon
We had a fantastic week on the boat and would highly recommend it. The owners are really lovely and gave us great training. The boat was nicely decorated and well equipped, and had everything you could possibly need. This will definitely not be our last canal holiday!
Why Choose a Canal Boat Holiday?
Canal holidays are the ultimate "slow travel" experience. It’s about the journey, not the destination. Wake up to the sound of birdsong, moor up outside a historic pub, and reconnect with nature as you drift through the English countryside.
Booking Made Simple
We know you might have questions about canal boat hire. Whether you're wondering what to pack or how the locks work, we’ve got you covered.
- Simple Booking: Secure your dates with just a 30% deposit.
- Availability: Short Breaks and Weekly hire, starting on either a Monday or Friday
- Minimum Requirements: For self-drive, you need two active adults (aged 25+).
- Check-in: 2:00 PM promptly for your expert induction.
- Quiet Season: Enjoy static hires from November to mid-March for a unique winter stay (no minimum nights and check-in any day except Sunday).
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Ready to Cast Off and Drift Away on your Canal Holiday?
Your Grand Union adventure is waiting. Join our family for a narrowboat holiday that focuses on quality, care, and the quiet beauty of the Chilterns. Secure your dates today with just a 30% deposit.