With boating holidays on the rise across the UK, many people wonder what it is like for the first-time canal boat holidaymaker. Our team at the Wyvern Shipping Co. Ltd are often asked these common questions:
If you want to experience canal boating for the first time, there couldn't be a better company to choose to go with than us! We have decades of experience helping new and experienced boating holidaymakers explore our beautiful waterways and slow down to enjoy the treasures we have on our doorstep that you never see with a standard holiday.
In a recent article published by the BBC about the rising popularity of UK boating holidays, one participant said that going on his first trip was a surreal experience. After his family Caribbean beach holiday was cancelled, he took his wife, daughter and family dog on a 'staycation' in the UK and chose to hire a narrowboat.
He and his family found the whole experience very peaceful and tranquil, which was a nice change of pace from everyday life. Travelling the waterways at three mph allowed them to see the countryside from a different perspective and was a completely different experience from their usual family holidays.
The family loved their time on the water so much that they plan to return for another family holiday on the canal next year.
According to reports from boat hire firms across the UK, they have seen bookings explode for boating holidays exploring the navigable canals and waterways.
Despite an average 20% drop in bookings from international customers, bookings from UK customers have increased by around 40%. It seems like many new boating holidaymakers have taken the experience to heart, and the number of repeat bookings is at an all-time high.
With booking shooting up, many boating holiday companies haven't needed to work very hard to attract new customers. Yes, the global pandemic has been a contributing factor, but it seems like once people have experienced a boating holiday for the first time, they are entirely sold on the idea and often pre-book for the following year before they have even finished their current boating holiday!
We have helped thousands of holidaymakers to slow down and relax into their canal boat holidays. Even if you have no previous boating experience, you will be amazed at how easy it is to learn how to navigate your narrowboat.
Your boat comes with everything you need for a relaxing break with comfortable bedrooms, ample living space where you can chill out and enjoy the view from the window, and a fully equipped kitchen if you prefer to dine onboard.
Take a closer look at our beautiful boats and what's inside so you can get a better idea of how you will be travelling in style while exploring some of the most beautiful stretches of waterways in the UK.
While you may be tempted onto dry land to try out one of the many pretty canalside pubs and restaurants, you can moor up and wander into the local towns and villages you cruise through to eat out or shop for local ingredients to bring back to your boat to enjoy. Canal boats are designed for enjoying, but also designed for living and have every facility you would expect from any other mobile holiday vehicle, including your oven, hob, fridge, kettle etc.
There is no need to leave your dog behind in kennels either! Your dog is a member of your family and is also welcome to join you on your family canal boat holiday.
If you are looking for a memorable, relaxing canal boat holiday, do not hesitate to contact our friendly team, who will be happy to help. Don't forget that we also have our comfortable Waterside Cottage