Top 5 Tips For Booking Canal Boat Cruises

Are you planning to book your next narrowboat holiday Are you looking to know what you need to know before heading out? Find our top 5 tips to use the canal safely and respecting other canal-users.

5 Tips for narrowboat holidays
1. Prepare for your trip beforehand
Preparation is key before you go on the canal boat trip. This includes:

Route - Before you start, identify the route you'd like to follow. There are many circular routes, and will likely indicate how long these would take, e.g. 4 nights, 7 nights, longer. It's important to plan your canal trip ahead of time if you have a list or an agenda.

Are you having difficulty deciding what to pack for your canal boat trip? Our detailed guide has you covered. You'll have everything you require to have fun along the waterways, such as toilet roll, map books and torches, as well as clothes, accessories, and entertainment.

Questions If you are at your marina you will be provided with an induction which will answer the majority of questions. But, make sure you're aware of everything you need to before leaving - maybe write down a few questions to inquire about our staff, like the operation of canal locks or where you can moor your narrowboat.

Choose hire a canal boat with care
Even though narrowboating is a fantastic method of travel but it's also a relaxing way of living. Before leaving the boat, your crew should be ready to assist in boating and to understand their roles in the narrowboat.

Be respectful of canal users
It is essential to follow the proper protocol for canal boats when you're on your canal boat hire. Here are a few ways you can do this:

Time to travel: It's essential to avoid travelling to the wrong time or too late, as it can disrupt sleep of the passengers on narrowboats. It is best to only travel during daylight hours.

Slow down - speed down as you travel by canal vessels. This will make sure that the water doesn't shake their boats.

Relax - adopting a relaxed attitude when you are on the water is an ideal suitable Canal boat manners.

Noise levels - remember to be mindful of how loud your narrowboat is particularly at night, particularly if you're moored close to other boats. Playing loud music or shouting can create disturbance for other vessels along the canals.

Boats on canals
Driving a canal boat isn't an easy job, especially for beginners. It is beneficial to refresh your skills of how to steer a canal boat, so you're ready to go on your voyage across the waters.

Mooring your narrowboat
Many owners of narrowboats are brand new to the region and want to know if there's a charge for mooring. That's why we've put together an in-depth guide to canal mooring FAQs that explain the steps to moor your canal boat, areas where you should not moor your canal boat along with mooring costs explained, and many other.

In general, there is generally no charge to moor - you can moor virtually anywhere along the canal with free. Private sites, such as those on the River Thames, will have their own mooring rules. For tips on how to use the site, refer to our FAQs Guide to Canal Boat Mooring.