Family Boating Holiday Adventures
If you are looking for a memorable holiday where you can spend quality time with your loved ones, a boating holiday is a great choice!
Get Everyone Involved
From learning to drive a boat, working together to operate the locks and planning your daily route, there is something for everyone to get involved in - even the smallest members of your crew. As you learn new skills and work as team, it's a great way to bring the family together and make new memories.
And, with so many family friendly attractions within easy reach of the south Grand Union canal too, there'll always be plenty to keep the whole crew entertained.
Make it Your Own
When you hire a canal boat for a self-drive holiday, you can explore at your own pace. So whether you want to spend every day boating to see how far you can get, or whether you want a more leisurely cruise with plenty of time to get off the boat and explore the beautiful Chiltern Hills, a boating holiday can be whatever you want it to be.
Click here to see our recommendations on local places to visit>>
A Home from Home
Our boats come fully equipped with everything you need - think of it as a floating holiday cottage! So you can stock up the cupboards and whip up a family feast in the kitchen, spend the evenings around the dining table playing one of the board board games or watching your favourite film, and then curl up in a cosy bed at night for a peaceful rest below the star. Because let's face it, it's these moments when the best family memories are really made!
Safety First...
Even if you've never been on a canal boat before, with our tailored introduction to narowboating at the start of your holiday, we'll show you everything you need to know from how to steer to how to work the locks.
If you're bringing the kids, we'll also get them involved to teach them how to be safe around the locks and water and show them how they can help out on the boat too.
We provide all life jackets and safety equipment as part of your holiday price so you can rest assured that the whole family can enjoy a safe holiday on the canal.
To find out more about what we will cover in your introductory session, take a look at our Beginners Guide to Narrowboating>>
So why not do something different this year and book a canal boating holiday on the south Grand Union Canal? It's a unique type of holiday that will be remembered forever.
Make memories, not dreams!
Take a look at our family boat
Customer Reviews
Thank you Corinne, Gareth ( and we can’t forget Scott) for letting us experience life on your canal boat on a lovely stretch of water and in a beautiful boat. We almost achieved our aim having the children screen free by end of week. The kids have asked if we’ll be doing another canal boat trip so cannot think of any higher praise.
Bentley Family
We booked a 5 berth narrow boat for 3day hire.We were given a tour of the boat and shown where everything was and how it worked.We were then given a lesson on navigating the boat and locks.We opted to travel towards Wendover and went through the Wendover arm.As first time barge drivers it was fairly easy but nerve racking when coming up against oncoming boats and kayaks....that always seemed to be in narrow spots and under bridges! 🤣 We moored at different points and had some local walks and completed some geocaching along the way.My 16 year old Nephew spent much of his time at the Helm, he navigated the Boat like a pro! Being taller he found it easier to see over the top and sides of the boat, something which at 5'4 I struggled with even when standing.We saw some beautiful wildlife including Otters, Herons, Red Kites, Deer and Toads.They were a few open areas where cross winds were difficult but slow going is the way forward.Would definitely go again albeit for myself I'd like to Try the Mini Escape boat in the hopes of a better 360° view when driving!Owners were lovely and helpful. Boat was well equipped. Fifth sleeping spot is suited to a child. Couldn't fault the service.
M Wallsworth