Unleash Your Family's Inner Explorer: Canal Boat Hire in Leighton Buzzard
Imagine a family holiday where teenagers ditch their screens for the great outdoors!
Canal boat hire in Leighton Buzzard unlocks a world of outdoor adventure perfect for families with older children. Cruise along the tranquil Grand Union Canal, navigating locks and immersing yourselves in the beauty of the Chiltern Hills. Explore hidden villages brimming with history, cycle scenic towpaths, or simply relax on deck and soak in the fresh air. Leighton Buzzard offers a captivating blend of nature, exploration, and family fun, guaranteeing an unforgettable escape for everyone.
About Leighton Buzzard
Leighton Buzzard, a charming historical market town and a fantastic base for exploring the canals by narrowboat, offers a delightful escape for couples and families. Steeped in history and adorned with charming buildings, this Bedfordshire town boasts a rich heritage dating back to Roman times. The town is also famous for its distinctive red and brown bricks, used in iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.
The town is renowned for its picturesque Grand Union Canal, a perfect waterway to explore at your own pace with our canal boat hire. While exploring the canals by narrowboat, Leighton Buzzard's central location allows for easy day trips to nearby Woburn Safari, Rushmere Country Park and other interesting attractions. Leighton Buzzard beckons with a captivating blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and canalside tranquility, promising a memorable UK canal holiday.
The Grand Union canal in Leighton Buzzard
This historic Bedfordshire town boasts a delightful 2-mile stretch of the Grand Union canal, making it perfect for exploring by narrowboat. The Leighton Buzzard section features a single, user-friendly lock, making it ideal for both seasoned boaters and first-timers.
Historically, the Grand Union Canal played a crucial role in Leighton Buzzard's development in the 18th century, transporting goods and fueling the town's growth. Today, the canal offers a tranquil escape, allowing you to experience the ultimate in slow travel.
Numerous mooring spots are scattered along the banks, inviting you to discover Leighton Buzzard's historical town centre, enjoy a leisurely pub lunch by the water, or simply relax and soak in the picturesque surroundings.
Best Places to visit in Leighton Buzzard by narrowboat
Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway: This charming miniature railway offers a scenic 1.25-mile journey through Leighton Buzzard countryside. Kids will love the train ride, while adults can appreciate the well-maintained locomotives and the picturesque setting. Distance: A 5-minute walk from the canal at Linslade Wharf.
Leighton Buzzard Museum: Delve into the rich history of Leighton Buzzard at this museum. Explore exhibits showcasing the town's Roman and medieval past, the famous red and brown bricks used in iconic landmarks, and the canal's role in the town's development. Distance: A 7-minute walk from the canal near the Linslade Road bridge.
Woburn Safari Park: Craving a thrilling family adventure? Woburn Safari Park, just a short journey from Leighton Buzzard, offers an unforgettable day out! Encounter amazing animals from around the globe as you explore exciting foot safari trails, and experience exhilarating animal shows. Distance: Take the bus line 150 from Leighton Buzzard Bus Station towards Woburn Sands. The journey takes about 45 minutes, and the bus stop is just a short walk from the Woburn Safari Park entrance.
Leighton Buzzard Sculpture Trail: Embark on a unique treasure hunt with the Leighton Buzzard Sculpture Trail. Search for quirky and creative sculptures hidden throughout the town center, some within walking distance of the canal. Distance: The trail starts near the canal at the Linslade Road bridge and winds through the town center.
Independent Shops and Cafes: Leighton Buzzard boasts a charming high street lined with independent shops and cafes. Browse unique gifts and souvenirs, indulge in a delicious afternoon tea, or enjoy a pub lunch with a canal view. Distance: Scattered throughout the town center, most within a 10-minute walk from the canal.
Click here to see more recommended things to do and places to visit on our canal boat holidays>>
About our canal boat holidays near Leighton Buzzard
Flexible Canal Boat Hire Options
Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a fun-filled family vacation, or a longer exploration of the waterways, we offer narrowboat rentals for short breaks, week-long holidays, and even extended adventures. Choose from our selection of luxurious narrowboats perfectly suited for couples and families.
Click here to find your dream canal boat holiday! >>
Great Value Canal Holiday Prices
Book your dream canal getaway with complete peace of mind. Our simple all-inclusive pricing means everything you need is included in the quoted holiday price – no hidden extras to worry about upon arrival or boat return. Unlike some other Milton Keynes narrowboat rentals that might charge for parking, firewood, diesel, or other essentials, everything is covered with us!
Plus, securing your adventure is easy! We only require a 30% deposit to book, with the remaining balance due just 6 weeks before your trip. We also offer flexible payment options and methods for your convenience.
Click here to see our canal boat hire prices and a full list of what's included! >>
No Experience Necessary - Full Training & Equipment Provided
Prepare for Your Adventure with Confidence! At Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays, we go beyond providing information – we equip you for a successful and safe canal adventure.
Our experienced crew will guide you through everything you need to know:
How to operate all onboard facilities with ease.
Master the art of driving and mooring your narrowboat.
Navigate a canal lock under our supervision, gaining hands-on experience before setting off independently.
Provide life jackets, safety equipment, and essential water safety information.
Family-Friendly Focus: We understand the concerns of parents with young children near water. As a narrowboating family ourselves, our introductory session caters to the entire crew!
We'll help you establish a routine that works for your group.
Younger family members can participate safely in appropriate activities, feeling like valuable members of the crew.
Ready to learn more? Find out more about narrowboating in our Beginners Guide here! >>
What our guests say...
Thank you for a lovely holiday. Mini Escape was so well equipped and super cosy with the log burner going. Gareth proved an excellent tutor and the boat was really easy to handle. His recommendation of the Old Swan at Cheddington was spot on too!! We loved our mini escape on "Mini Escape"
David & Vicky
Perfect way to relax for 4 nights. The canal boat has everything you need and working the locks is great fun.. Stopping along the canal each night near a pub is perfect and they are either right on the water or just a short walk.Driving the boat even for those who are newbies like us is really easy and you feel like a pro after a day.Highly recommend Chiltern Canal Boat Holiday if you looking for a unique experience and a really amazing time .
Martin
Really enjoyed our long weekend on the Mini Escape canal boat. It had everything we needed, nice comfy bed and hot shower. The instruction was excellent and we were soon working the boat and locks without too much difficulty. A perfect way to spend a relaxing Easter.
Sian & Steve
Narrowboating in Leighton Buzzard - FAQs
How long is the canal through Leighton Buzzard town?
The Grand Union Canal through Leighton Buzzard is a charming 2-mile stretch.
How many locks are there in Leighton Buzzard?
The Leighton Buzzard town section of the Grand Union Canal boasts just one lock.
Where can you moor a canal boat in Leighton Buzzard?
Leighton Buzzard offers numerous mooring spots scattered along the the towpath.
Blog Date: 26 May 2024
Author: Corinne Newman, Co-Owner of Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays (author biography)