Narrow boating in England is the ultimate in slow travel.
The canals are narrow, often winding, and the boats move at a pace slower than walking speed. Life on the water is unhurried…and that is exactly the point. Every lock takes minutes to fill or empty, so progress is measured not in kilometres but in moments.
Boating has been part of my life since childhood, with our family holidays spent predominantly on the canals (I did not set foot overseas until I was 14) and the unhurried pace of the waterways still feels second nature.
There is something profoundly calming about steering an 18 metre boat at just six kilometres per hour, even though it can be surprisingly challenging given there are no brakes!
The views from the canals are outstanding, carrying you through England’s green and pleasant land. One moment you might be passing the Whipsnade White Lion (no, it’s not a pub!), the next you are gliding past rolling fields of corn, spotting a flash of a kingfisher, or being greeted by royal swans.
And then, almost without noticing the transition, the waterways guide you straight into the heart of towns and cities. It is this contrast that makes narrow boating so unique: from sheep grazing quietly in the fields to stepping ashore into a bustling market town, the journey is always full of surprises.
It is rare to travel more than a couple of hours without finding a canal side pub, many of them centuries old and brimming with character.
These stops are part of the joy: a pint by the water, hearty pub food and conversations with locals who are as much a part of the canal network as the boats themselves. Stopping at one of these waterside inns for a drink or a meal is the quintessential English experience, combining tradition, hospitality and charm in a way that feels timeless.
Another great charm of the waterways is the towpath. Originally built for horses pulling the boats, the towpath now accompanies the canals throughout the entire network.
It offers some of the most scenic walking routes in the UK, threading through countryside, villages and cities alike.
For boaters, it is the perfect way to stretch your legs, walk between locks, or even cycle ahead. For walkers, it is a chance to explore hundreds of kilometres of waterside trails with the added bonus of pub stops along the way.
In many places you can even still see the rope marks worn into the stone walls of bridges, a reminder of the horses that once pulled boats along these very paths.
What also makes narrow boating special is how it allows you to unplug. Most boats do not have Wi-Fi or television and that absence becomes a gift rather than a limitation. While you will still have mobile coverage for essentials, the pace of life encourages conversation, board games and simply sitting back to watch the world drift past.
Entire days can be spent journeying just a few kilometres, an experience that reminds you how rich travel can be when measured in scenery, encounters and moments rather than distance.
A narrowboat holiday offers the best of many worlds: the outdoors, exercise, the chance to learn a new skill and even an opportunity to finish that book you’ve been reading for the last year!
Steering through locks, winding your way past bridges and mastering a long steel vessel on a narrow waterway all bring a sense of adventure.
At the same time, it provides ample opportunity to discover the real England, its villages, its traditions and of course, its pubs.
Above all, it offers the kind of relaxation that only comes with moving at lifes slowest pace.
Practical Tips for Narrowboat Holidays
- Best routes: The Grand Union Canal is considered the heart of the canal system, extending from London to Birmingham with multiple branches leading to other destinations. Other popular stretches include the picturesque Llangollen Canal in Wales, the Kennet and Avon Canal linking Bath to Reading, and the Oxford Canal for a classic English countryside experience.
- When to go: April to October offers long days and the best weather, with spring and autumn being quieter and often more atmospheric.
- Who it suits: Perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends who enjoy the outdoors and do not mind a bit of hands on adventure. Children especially love helping with locks.
- How long to book: A week is ideal for first timers, giving enough time to settle into the rhythm of life afloat without rushing.
- Do not miss: Evening walks along the towpath, sunrise on the water and of course, sampling a different canal side pub every day.
- Hire options: There are a number of narrowboat hire companies across the country offering a wide range of options. Boats can be hired for a few days, a week, or longer, with different layouts and sizes available to suit couples, families, or larger groups.
