Taking a canal boat holiday in the UK is unlike any other vacation. It’s a unique blend of slow-paced travel, hands-on navigation, and beautiful surroundings. We recently embarked on a three-night adventure with Drifters Waterway Holidays in the UK from ABC Boat Hire‘s base at Hilperton Marina to Bath and back and here are 5 reasons why we’d do it all over again.
1. Time Slows Down on the Water
The first thing I discovered was how much the pace of life changes on a canal boat. With an average speed of about 4 miles (6.5km) per hour, everything is forced to slow down, giving you time to appreciate the scenery, the quiet, and the simplicity of the journey. On a canal boat, you have to let go of any sense of urgency. Waiting at locks, maneuvering through narrow sections, or simply taking the time to appreciate your surroundings all require patience. This slower pace was a welcome change from our usual fast-paced life.
2. You’ll Immediately Feel Part of a Wider Community
The canals in the UK and are littered with canal boats, whether they are being rented out for a weekend escape or belong to lifelong liveaboards. The slow pace you’ll navigate the river allows you to interact with fellow boaters along the way while locks become more than just a boating necessity; they’re social hubs. Every time we stopped at a lock, there were other boaters around, and it wasn’t long before we exchanged tips, stories, and a helping hand. The sense of community on the canals is one of the most unexpected but delightful aspects of a holiday rent from ABC Boat Hire.
3. A Chance to Disconnect
One of the joys of traveling by canal is the serene environment where you can connect with nature, and it’s one of the highlights of the trip. The WiFi and cellphone signal is limited along the canals so you are left with no choice but to sit back and just enjoy the moment. We enjoyed spotting and feeding the swans and ducks along the route. We also made sure to keep an eye out for herons or farm life, like cows and sheep, along the banks.
4. A Great Way to Get to Know Your Travel Companions
Being confined to a relatively small space with your travel companions forces you to connect and interact much more than traditional holiday accommodation. You’ll also learn to work as a team as you operate locks, an integral part of the experience. Whether it’s steering, handling ropes, or managing locks, everyone needs to pitch in. After a bit of practice, you’ll find your rhythm together and will be better bonded for it, making the experience even more rewarding.
5. You’ll Learn to Pack Light
Space on a canal boat is limited, so packing efficiently is a must. Essentials like comfortable clothes, a good waterproof jacket, and practical shoes are all you need. The compact space teaches you to appreciate simplicity, and you’ll find you don’t miss the excess luggage at all.
By the end of the holiday, I realized that I hadn’t just enjoyed the experience – I wanted more. The tranquillity, the beauty, and the novelty of canal boat life had me hooked. Whether it’s another route or returning to familiar waters, a canal boat holiday with Drifters Waterway Holidays is something I’ll definitely do again.
About Drifters Waterway Holidays: Drifters Waterway Holidays offers over 500 canal boats for hire from 40 bases across England, Scotland and Wales. There are over 3,000 miles of waterways for you to discover, all at your own pace and you don’t need to be an expert. Tuition is included as part of Drifters’ holiday packages. 2025 hire prices start at £630 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for four, £875 for a week. Narrowboats range from 32ft to 70ft and can accommodate from two up to 12 people. For more information visit https://www.drifters.co.uk/ or call +44 344 984 0322.