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The canals, rivers, and waterways of the Midlands and South Wales played an important role in Britain’s industrial development. Major waterways such as the River Severn and the River Wye were used to transport goods like coal, iron, and timber between towns and ports. During the Industrial Revolution, a network of canals was built to improve trade and travel, including important routes such as the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. These waterways connected factories, mines, and cities, helping industries grow and making transport cheaper and more efficient. Today, many of these canals and rivers are used mainly for leisure activities such as boating, fishing, and walking, but they remain an important part of the region’s history and landscape.

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.

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Boat Hire
#1 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

Grand Union Narrowboats

The Boatyard, High St, Weedon Bec, Weedon NN7 4QD.

Hire Company
#3 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

Road House Narrowboat Hire

50 Main Road, Gilwern, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 0AS

Hire Company
#4 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

Trinity Narrowboat Holidays

Wharf Ln, Tardebigge, Bromsgrove B60 1LR.

  • Electric Boats
Boat Hire
#5 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

Beacon Park Boats

Hillside Rd, Llangattock, Crickhowell NP8 1EQ.

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#6 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals
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Backwaters Canoe and Kayak Hire

River Severn and Mon & Brec Canal

Hire Company
#7 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

Jones Family Cruising

Penkridge

Boat Hire
#8 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

Worcester Marina

Worcester

Boat Hire
#9 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

Cambrian Cruisers

Ty Newydd, Llanfrynach, Pencelli, Brecon LD3 7LJ.

Boat Hire
#10 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

Cafwin Cruisers

Droitwich Spa Marina, Droitwich Spa, Droitwich WR9 7DU.

Boat Hire
#11 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

UKvacationsAfloat

The Wharf, Watling St, Penkridge, Stafford ST19 5PR.

Boat Hire
#12 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

Ashby Boat Company Ltd

89 Station Rd, Stoke Golding, Nuneaton CV13 6EY.

Boat Hire
#13 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

Midland Mallard

Midland Mallard, bosworth marina, Carlton Rd, Market Bosworth, Nuneaton CV13 6PG.

Boat Hire
#14 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

Cheshire Cat Narrowboats

Overwater Marina, Coole Ln, Nantwich CW5 8AY.

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#15 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

Canal Cruising Company

Crown St, Stone ST15 8QN.

Hire Company
#16 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

Goytre Wharf

Old Abergavenny Rd, Abergavenny NP7 9EW

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#17 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

Chas Hardern Boats

Beeston Castle Wharf,, Beeston,, Tiverton, Tarporley CW6 9NH.

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#18 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals
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Narrowboat Escapes Holidays And Training @ Braunston Marina

Braunston Marina, The Wharf, Braunston, Daventry, NN11 7JH

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#19 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

Lyons Boatyard

Stratford Canal

  • Accessible Entrance
Boat Hire
#20 Rated Boat Hire on the Midland & South Wales Canals

Norbury Wharf

The Wharf, Norbury Junction, Stafford ST20 0PN.

  • Winter Hire
  • Accessible Entrance