Narrowboats typically have a beam (width) of between 6ft 10in – 7 ft, whereas a barge can typically be around twice the width – often around 14.5 ft. If you come across a boat which is in between, this range of vessels is typically known as ‘wide beam’ canal boats.
How much does it cost to hire a narrowboat in the UK?
Hire boat prices vary depend on time of year and boat size but are probably between £350 to £450 per person per week. Hotelboat Holidays are usually all inclusive, fully catered and serviced, costing between £1,000 to £1,500 per person per week.
Which is the prettiest canal in UK?
5 Best scenic canal routes UK
- Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal from Goytre Wharf.
- Kennet & Avon Canal from Hilperton Marina.
- Chester return from Gailey Wharf.
- Llangollen Canal from Whitchurch Marina.
- Forth & Clyde Canal from Falkirk.
Where can you travel on canal boat in UK?
The best scenic canal routes in the UK
- Cheshire Ring.
- Kennet and Avon Canal.
- Oxford Canal.
- Forth and Clyde and Union Canals.
- The Norfolk Broads.
- River Wey.
- The Llangollen Canal.
What is the difference between a canal boat and a barge? – Related Questions
Are canal boat holidays fun?
A canal boat holiday is a wonderful way to bring the family together as there is something for every age group to enjoy. With constantly changing scenery and a new destination daily – if you choose – narrowboat holidays offer an amazing variety of sights, attractions and activities.
How much does it cost to rent a narrowboat?
Average monthly cost of renting a narrowboat in London: £650
Sharing a houseboat with the owner can help you learn more about boat maintenance and can result in incredibly cheap rent of as little as £300 per month, but the average rental is around double this.
Where can you go on a canal boat?
Best canal boat holidays
- Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Where better to start than with a famous feat of industrial engineering and a renowned World Heritage Site.
- Yorkshire Dales.
- Gloucester Docks.
- Little Venice.
- River Thames.
- Bath to Devizes.
- Mon & Brec.
- Rugby to Oxford.
How far can you travel in a canal boat in the UK?
How far can I travel? During the summer months you can expect to cruise for anywhere between four and seven hours a day. Travelling at 3-4mph for four hours a day will mean you cover around 80 to 100 miles in a week.
Where can you go on a narrowboat?
The most popular Out and Back routes are: Llangollen Canal, Kennet and Avon Canal, Leeds-Liverpool Canal, Oxford Canal, Grand Union Canal, Mon and Brec Canal. You can also take a canal narrowboat on the River Thames.
How far can you go on canal UK?
The longest river in the UK is the River Severn, stretching 220 miles from Plynlimon in Wales to the Bristol Channel. The longest canal in the UK is the Grand Union Canal, stretching 137 miles from London to Birmingham. Cruising the whole length, non-stop, would take you 74 hours.
Can you travel all over UK in canal boat?
Yes, they totally can, it is just not always socially acceptable as there are many people that are sleeping in their boats along the canals.
Can canal boats travel at night?
Can I drive a canal boat at night? If you own a canal boat, it is not illegal to drive your canal boat in the dark – however, if you are renting from a canal boat supplier, such as ABC Boat Hire, these hire boats are not permitted to be driven at night.
How far in a day on a canal boat?
How far can you travel on a canal boat in a day. Typically, you can expect to cruise on a canal boat anywhere between 4 – 7 hours a day. However, this can depend on a number of factors, especially the time of year.
Can one person drive a narrowboat?
Yes you can go boating alone; however it is recommended that you choose a lock-free route, like the Norfolk Broads as locks can be tricky to operate on your own.
What do you wear on a canal boat holiday?
What to wear. As well as a torch, bring non-slip deck shoes, hard-wearing gloves (for working the locks), waterproof clothing, a camera, and a waterways guide. Wet weather overalls are sometimes provided for the person steering the boat (the ‘skipper’ or ‘helmsman’).
How many people can sleep on a canal boat?
They range from smaller craft, sleeping just two people, to longer boats that can sleep up to 12.
Do you need a license to drive a canal boat?
Canal and River Trust Licence
When you keep a boat on water you do need to hold a licence from the waterway owner / manager. As a canal boat holiday provider, Black Prince has a licence from the Canal & River Trust for each vessel.
Are canal boats easy to drive?
The idea of being in control of a canal boat can feel a bit scary, but in reality it’s much simpler than driving a car and you don’t need a licence.
How do canal holidays work?
Boats are normally available for a week, or a short break. A weekend short break is 3 nights, usually from Friday afternoon to Monday morning, with a midweek shortbreak of 4 nights, usually from Monday afternoon to Friday morning. Weeks can be combined or a short break added to make longer holidays.
How far can you go in a day on a narrowboat?
Narrowboat hire
You can expect to be able to travel at about two miles per hour and are likely to want to cruise for around four hours a day – so in a week don’t plan to cover more than about 50 miles.