Longer Canal Holidays
Canal Boat Holidays - Life in the Slow Lane
One of the many delights of canal cruising is the wide choice of routes available. Indeed, in England and Wales there are over two thousand miles of rivers and canals that can be navigated aboard our narrow boats. Take your time and enjoy the slow and relaxed pace viewing the best of the beautiful British countryside, all aboard a Wyvern Shipping canal boat.
The Grand Union Canal
Linslade is situated on the Northern Edge of the Chiltern Hills, just an hour's journey by road or rail from London. Linslade adjoins the Market Town of Leighton Buzzard, which over the last hundred years, has become famous for its sand. Much of this sand was transported by Narrow Gauge Railway to the canal and loaded aboard narrow boats. Many of these loading wharves can still be seen today.
The Grand Union Canal was one of the last canals to be built and opened in 1806 to provide a direct route from The Oxford Canal at Braunston to the River Thames at London. It has many outstanding engineering achievements, like the Blisworth and Braunston tunnels, the aqueducts at Cosgrove and Wolverton in Milton Keynes and the Weedon embankments.
Many of our experienced customers returning from holiday have commented on how the southern Grand Union Canal is one of the most beautiful, varied and quietest of canals with excellent pubs and leisure facilities.
Recommended Routes for Longer Cruises
The following are recommended 7 nights, 10-11 nights, 10-14 nights and 14-17 nights canal boating holidays:
| Route | Nights | Destination | Distance | Locks | Also on this route |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Union South | 7 | Cassiobury Park & return | 26 miles each way | 51 each way | — |
| Grand Union North | 7 | Braunston Junction & return | 46 miles each way | 27 each way | 2 aqueducts, 2 tunnels |
| North Oxford & Ashby Canals | 10–11 | Snarestone Tunnel & return | 95 miles each way | 31 each way | 2 aqueducts, 4 tunnels |
| Foxton & Market Harborough | 10–11 | Market Harborough & return | 72 miles each way | 21 wide, 17 narrow each way | 2 aqueducts, 3 tunnels |
| South & London | 10–14 | Paddington Basin & return | 51 miles | 63 | — |
| Leicester Ring | 17 | Circular route | 239 miles | 92 wide, 44 narrow | 2 aqueducts, 6 tunnels |
| Warwick | 14 | Warwick | 60 miles | 50 | 2 aqueducts, 2 tunnels |
| Warwick Ring | 17 | Circular route | 187 miles | 148 | 2 aqueducts, 6 tunnels |
| Thames Circular Cruise | 21 | Circular route | 248 miles | 102 wide, 37 narrow, 36 Thames | 2 aqueducts, 2 tunnels |
| Banbury | 10–14 | Banbury & return | 73 miles each way | 27 wide, 22 narrow each way | 2 aqueducts, 2 tunnels |
| Lechlade | 14 | Lechlade & return | 126 miles each way | 74 each way | 2 aqueducts, 2 tunnels |
| Oxford | 14 | Oxford & return | 101 miles each way | 27 wide, 39 narrow each way | 2 aqueducts, 2 tunnels |
| Stratford-upon-Avon | 14 | Stratford-upon-Avon & return | 81 miles each way | 73 wide, 36 narrow each way | 2 aqueducts, 3 tunnels |
2-6 Week Canal Boat Holidays
An extensive six week cruise is a fantastic way of touring the heart of England at an affordable price with no expensive car hire or hotel bills, contact us for more information.
Remember our prices are inclusive of fuel, gas, car parking, TV, DVD player, VAT, bedding and damage waiver!
