Our Narrowboat Holidays on the Grand Union Canal
Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays provide bespoke narrowboat holidays on the south Grand Union Canal, starting near Tring, Hertfordshire in the heart of the Chiltern Hills. Our family-run business is here to help you discover the beauty of the countryside and Grand Union canal, with all its hidden gems.
What type of narrowboat holiday are you looking for today?
Family Canal Holidays
Grab your crew and make memories to last a lifetime
Dog Friendly Boat Hire
Bring your four-legged friend along for the adventure
Self Drive Boat Holidays
Take the tiller and be the master of your own slow-paced destiny
Skippered Trips
Enjoy total tranquility whilst our qualified experts take the helm for you
Static Boat Rental
All that cosy canal boat charm without having to untie a single knot
Why Guests Love Our Narrowboat Holidays
No Narrowboat Experience Necessary
Our canal boat holidays for beginners are created specifically for those with no previous experience. We provide a tailored introduction at the start of your canal boat holiday to ensure you are confident with operating the boat and locks before you cast off on your own. Alternatively contact us about our private skippered narrowboat trips, where you can just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Luxury Narrowboats for Hire
Our canal boats provide private accommodation for 2 to 5 people, and are beautifully designed to be a delightful home from home during your trip. Whether your choose the larger 5 berth narrowboat hire, Narrow Escape, or our smaller boat, Mini Escape, each one is completely unique and comes fully equipped with everything you need so you can enjoy your canal boat holiday in comfort. You won't find another canal boat like ours available to hire from elsewhere, making our luxury narrowboat holidays a one of a kind experience for you and your crew.
Great Value Narrowboat Holiday Prices
Our prices include everything you need for an enjoyable narrowboat holiday on your privately hired vessel - from diesel to bed linen, secure parking to life jackets and a boat load more. Click here to see everything that's included and a comparison of our luxury canal boat hire prices.
Lots To Do in the Chilterns Countryside
Discover the beauty of the Chilterns when you cruise through the counties of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Take a stroll in the countryside and find a historic landmark, enjoy some bird spotting in a local nature reserve, or moor up in town and check out the boutique shops and great restaurants. With a range of holiday routes to choose from, the Chilterns Hills is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where you can enjoy some of the best of the English countryside on an unforgettable narrowboat holiday.
Short Breaks & Weekly Canal Boat Hire
We have a range of great value narrowboat holidays available including weekend boat hire (Friday to Monday), mid-week breaks (Monday to Friday) full week hire and longer (starting either Monday or Friday). We also offer just 1 or 2 night static canal boat hire during the winter season (November to mid-March). Take a look at our prices and book online today with just a 30% deposit.
Great Family Boating Holidays (including the dog!)
When you cast off on a canal boat holiday, it's a trip where the whole family can get involved. From driving the narrowboat, planning the route along the canals and working the locks, it's a great way to work as a team and bring the family together to learn some new skills and explore new places along the way. We provide life jackets and full instruction, so you can rest assured that even the smaller family members can enjoy their UK canal boat holiday safely. We also offer dog friendly narrowboat hire.
Self-Drive, Skippered and Static Narrowboat Boat Hire Available
During the main boating season (mid-March to October), our canal boats are available to hire as either self-drive or skippered holidays allowing you to experience life on the water. During the winter season (November to mid-March) the narrow boats are available to book as static hire where they remain moored in the marina, providing unique self catering accommodation whilst you explore the beautiful local area by car or public transport.
Simple Online Availability and Booking System
You can check availability of our luxury canal boats online and book your holiday in just 5 simple steps. Plus, we only require a 30% deposit at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 6 weeks before the start of your narrowboat holiday.
Ready to plan your canal boat holiday along the Grand Union Canal? Discover our recommended cruising routes, charming waterside pubs, and family-friendly itineraries.
What our Previous Guests Say...
"My husband and I had a brilliant experience onboard Mini Escape. Communication was great prior to our trip. Corinne also provided us with thorough and encouraging tuition prior to setting off. We loved the fit out and size of the boat - perfect for building up ones confidence boating. Exploring the canals and doing the locks was so much fun; we enjoyed it so much and can't wait to come back!"
Hiranya
"We had a great time in the 'Narrow Escape' 5 berth boat. The boat was clean and in good order, and we got good instruction on how to use it, do the locks, etc, as well as good advice on where to go. Highly recommended if you want to enjoy a slower pace in beautiful countryside!"
John Harbour
Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question?
Check out our dedicated narrowboat hire questions page to find out more or take a look at some of the articles in our canal boat travel journal.
Take a look at our Luxury Narrowboats
Booking Terms & Conditions
Main Season = Mid-March to October: Our skippered and self-drive hires start on Fridays or Mondays. Choose from short breaks, weekly hire, or extended stays of up to 14 nights.
- Summer Bookings: From mid-March to the end of October, all of our skippered and self drive canal boat hires start on either a Friday or Monday. Guests must be available to check in and start their induction at 2pm promptly.
- Winter Bookings: From November to mid-March, our narrow boats are available to hire as static lets only. Bookings may start any day of the week (excluding Sunday) with check-in available 1pm - 4pm.
- Self-Drive Requirements: A minimum party size of 2 fit adults (aged 25+) is required to manage the boat and locks. Both must be present for the arrival induction.
- Restrictions: No Stag / Hen party or booze cruise bookings.
- Dogs: Welcome aboard Narrow Escape only (£35 per break). Limit of 1 medium dog or 2 small dogs.
- Payment: A 30% deposit is required if the holiday is more than 6 weeks away; otherwise, the full balance is due immediately.
- Promotions: Offers and discounts cannot be used in combination. The best available offer will be applied at the time of booking.
- Hire Constraints: Booking is for hire of the boat. Access to external waterways or facilities cannot be guaranteed.