Canal Holidays

Canal Cruising from Leighton Buzzard

Canals are unique in many ways. Since their construction in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, they have mellowed and matured into a heritage of beauty, framed by every bridge and changing at every bend.

Canal Boat Holidays Grand Union Canal

Another intriguing feature is that they pass along and over the side of hills and sometimes over the top, giving the boater a superb view of the surrounding countryside. You can moor anywhere out of the way of passing barges.

Narrow boat holidays have something for everyone, whether you are an artist, fisherman, walker, helmsman, lock operator or out to sample the local ale in the many canal-side pubs. People are always friendly on the canals and good company can be enjoyed at the locks and villages. We hope you will discover good food, drink and entertainment to make the perfect holiday, whether it be wet or fine.

Locks

A series of locks carry the different levels of waterway over the hills, each with its own particular charm. The locks are unmanned and simple to operate and combine pleasant breaks in the cruise with some gentle exercise.
On the day of departure, all novices and those wanting a refresher are given practical instruction through their first lock from one of our experienced instructors. We are members of the British Marine Federation and take part in their 'Hire Boat Handover Audit'.

Canal narrowboat hire - Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

Architecture

Canal architecture is a subject of great interest. The aqueduct at Cosgrove, only a day's boating north from our yard in Linslade, is a masterpiece of engineering and the canal tunnels are an exciting experience, whilst the many canal-side villages and country 'pubs' are great to explore. The different shapes and sizes of bridges, from the hump-backed to the motorway bridge, add to the ever-changing environment.

The All-Weather Holiday

Refreshments on canal boat holidayPerfect weather helps any holiday. Unfortunately, we can only guarantee the canal boat and not the weather, but even in wet or cold conditions, our boats have ample room inside with large sliding or hopper windows and full central heating. The open front cockpits are able to seat all the crew in comfort for outdoor meals, and the rear deck has seats for the helmsman and crew. We are often complimented for our very comfortable steering position.