Canal Trips on the UK Waterways
Canal trips have become a popular leisure activity in the UK, offering a relaxing way to explore historic waterways. Day boat hire is available across England, Wales, and Scotland, with no license or experience needed—operators provide basic training. These self-drive adventures are ideal for families, friends, or couples, as narrowboats cruise slowly past countryside, villages, and industrial sites. For a more luxurious option, restaurant and hotel boats serve gourmet meals while gliding along the canals. Major routes include the Kennet and Avon, Oxford, Llangollen, and Caledonian canals, each with unique scenery. Longer holidays are also available, letting guests create their own itineraries and stop at waterside pubs and villages, making canal boating a distinctive and tranquil British holiday.
UK Waterways's Best Canal Trips in 2026
Skippered Boat Trips
Restaurant Boats and Skippered Boat Trips
Restaurant Boats and Skippered Boat Trips
Bridgewater Cruises
Day Boat Hire
Skippered Boat Trips
Skippered Boat Trips
Skippered Boat Trips
Day Boat Hire
Skippered Boat Trips
Day Boat Hire
Day Boat Hire
CanalAbility
Skippered Boat Trips and Visitor Centres
Cafe, Day Boat Hire, Restaurant Boats and Skippered Boat Trips
Cafe, Day Boat Hire, Restaurant Boats and Skippered Boat Trips
Chichester Canal Centre
Restaurant Boats and Skippered Boat Trips
Restaurant Boats and Skippered Boat Trips
BMK Waterway Trust Electra
Skippered Boat Trips
Day Boat Hire, Restaurant Boats and Skippered Boat Trips
Day Boat Hire, Restaurant Boats and Skippered Boat Trips
Skipton Boat Trips
Skippered Boat Trips
Skippered Boat Trips
JGF Passsenger Boats
Day Boat Hire and Skippered Boat Trips
Skippered Boat Trips