English Canal Boat Vacations
"The canal boat vacation was a unique opportunity to experience the historic locks and swing gates in person while slowly absorbing the various colors of green in the countryside and the rich history of each stopover town."Maren and Jerry Smith
A gorgeous way to explore the gorgeous English countryside and heritage on a stunning canal boat experience. All the trips we design are bespoke, so get in touch with your requirements and we’ll make the rest happen. The peace and tranquility of a canal boat vacation is unrivalled. Awake to the sound of birdsong and explore the quiet and remote reaches of the river for a real insight into this wonderful canal system. Our captain is well versed in English history and your trip has the possibility to explore iconic and well known historic centers such as London and Bath when exploring the Avon & Kennet canal system.
Our itinerary below is merely an insight into what can be done. Cross the country, explore the many canal systems this country has to offer at just 3mph. If you are between 2-6 people and would love to explore the real English countryside with its fascinating history and stop at local pubs and inns for a pint, this might just be your next adventure.
Itinerary & Map
Arrival into London Heathrow and a day being shown around the sights of London town. Overnight in London.
Included: Dinner
Drive to Devizes where we’ll become acquainted with our new home for the week, a 69 foot canal boat. With our provisions in place, we’ll have a full briefing onboard the canal boat. We depart for our first destination at Seend, where we’ll enjoy a first evening meal together at one of the local pubs. Sleep well on our first night aboard the boat.
Included: All meals
After a filling breakfast from your captain, we’ll take the gorgeous journey to Bradford-On-Avon where we’ll overnight and dine at ‘The Barge’. We’ll be treated to some fabulous wildlife today including kingfishers and herons if we are fortunate. Sleep well in your gorgeous hotel bed in this stunning village.
Included: All meals
Today we’ll take a magical cruise through the Bath Valley where the canal is perched on 2 wooded hillsides connected with two impressive aqueducts, the Avoncliff and Dundas Aqueduct. An opportunity for a short inflatable kayak paddle today in this stunning area if you would like to. We’ll moor up, just outside Bath and have a wonderful dinner on board.
Included: All meals
After breakfast on board, standby for one of the highlights of our trip. One of two visits to this fabulous town on our trip. We’ll arrive early to take in a Day Spa at the Baths in Bath, a world heritage site. You’ll have the afternoon at leisure before we meet for dinner and stay in the heart of this great town, tucked up in our barge.
Included: All meals
An early start as we have breakfast on the go as we make our way to Bristol where we moor up in the harbour, famous for its maritime history. Bristol is a fascinating and Vibrant city, you’ll enjoy exploring. Overnight hotel in the heart of the port.
Included: All meals
Today after breakfast at your hotel, you’ll have the chance to explore this fun town, before we head off just after lunch to Saltford. Here, we’ll stop at a local pub with a few drinks.
Included: All meals
This morning after breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to bike ride on the canal path for a few miles if you’d like to. We arrive into Bath for the evening where we’ll stay in a stunning riverside location, and explore one of the many restaurants on offer.
Included: All meals
After breakfast, we’ll depart back over the impressive aqueducts and back through the valleys to Semington Brook, our final nights destination on our boat.
Included: All meals
After a leisurely trip back to Devizes, we’ll depart back to London with a brief stop at Stone Henge.
Included: All meals
After breakfast, you’ll have the day at leisure departing on what time your return flight is scheduled for.
Included: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Duration | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May - June or September | 7-9 days | £POA | €POA | $POA |
What you should bring
- Soft bags instead of hard suitcases (easier to store)
- Torch (for darkened towpath in the evenings)
- Hard wearing gloves (for working the locks)
- Mobile phone
- Phone charger
- Camera
- Toiletries
- Sun cream
- Trainers (non-slip)
- Slippers/warm socks for evening
- Sunglasses
- Cap or hat
- Raincoat
- Comfortable clothes
- Fleece/hoody
English Canal Boat Vacations Reviews
Historic Locks and Picturesque Scenery on a Canal Boat Adventure
The canal boat vacation was a unique opportunity to experience the historic locks and swing gates in person while slowly absorbing the various colors of green in the countryside and the rich history of each stopover town. We ate well, enjoyed time together onboard, and also had time to explore on our own–the best of both worlds. Hamish is a capable captain, and he provided a fun atmosphere, delicious meals, and loads of background information, making for a memorable trip.
Canal boating - a unique and delightful experience
Our dream trip, and Hamish made it come true. The canal boat affords a relaxing journey through the English countryside, with charming towns, great pub food, and friendly people. Enjoy the history and Baths of Bath. Don’t miss the SS Great Britain in Bristol. You’ll experience history firsthand as you help to operate the canal locks. A truly memorable trip.
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