Boat Hire
Norbury Wharf
The Wharf, Norbury Junction, Stafford ST20 0PN.
Boat Hire
#1 Rated Boat Hire on the Birmingham Canal Navigations
Boat Hire Companies on the Birmingham Canal Navigations
The Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) is one of the largest and most complex canal networks in the United Kingdom. Built mainly during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it was designed to connect Birmingham with surrounding industrial towns and provide an efficient way to transport coal, iron, and manufactured goods during the Industrial Revolution. At its peak, the BCN stretched for over 160 miles (257 km) of canals, linking factories, mines, and warehouses across the West Midlands. The network includes many locks, tunnels, and junctions that allowed boats to travel through the region’s varied landscape. Today, while it is no longer used for large-scale industry, the canals are popular for leisure boating, walking, and cycling, and they remain an important symbol of Birmingham’s industrial heritage.
Boat hire in the UK is a unique, relaxing way to explore over 3,000 miles of historic canals, rivers and waterways. Boats—ranging from narrowboats to wide-beam barges—are available across England, Scotland, and Wales, with no experience needed and full training provided. Modern amenities, flexible rental periods, and a range of prices make it accessible for families, couples, and groups. Popular bases include Bath, Trevor, Great Haywood, and Wootton Wawen. Cruising at 3-4 mph, boaters enjoy scenic routes, waterside pubs, and hidden countryside, making canal holidays a memorable alternative to traditional travel.
Birmingham Canal Navigations's Best Boat Hire Companies in 2026