Looking for a family holiday that offers something a little different? A canal boat break could be a great way to explore the British countryside at a slower pace, with historic towns, nature reserves, castles, village pubs and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way.
Although water shortages are affecting some parts of Britain’s 3,000-mile canal and river network, many hundreds of routes remain open for boating holidays this summer and autumn.
Drifters offers more than 500 boats from 40 bases across England, Scotland and Wales, with boat steering tuition provided and pet-friendly options available.
Nigel Stevens of Drifters says canal boat holidays offer families the chance to escape into the countryside while visiting a variety of destinations along the waterways.
“Canal boat holidays on Britain’s inland waterways offer the chance to escape into the countryside this summer and autumn,” he says.
Families can choose from short breaks of three or four nights or longer week-long holidays. Prices start from £599 for a three- or four-night break for four people, or £875 for a week.
Here are 10 routes to consider.
1. Kennet & Avon Canal to Bradford on Avon
20 miles | 14 locks | 11 hours
Starting from Devizes in Wiltshire, this three-night route follows the Kennet & Avon Canal through the countryside towards the historic market town of Bradford on Avon.
Along the way, families can stop at canalside pubs including the Barge Inn at Seend before exploring Bradford on Avon, which has independent shops, cafés, restaurants, riverside walks and the medieval Tithe Barn.
A 58ft Tibetan Fox narrowboat for up to four people is currently available from Devizes from 1-4 September 2026 for £650, saving £463. The price includes diesel, gas, damage waiver, bed linen, towels, canal map, life jackets, parking and tuition.
2. Calder & Hebble Navigation to Shepley Bridge
22 miles | 32 locks | 16 hours
From Drifters’ base at Sowerby Bridge, families can cruise along the leafy Calder & Hebble Navigation towards Shepley Bridge.
The route passes through wooded valleys and historic towns including Elland and Brighouse.
A 53ft York 4 narrowboat for up to four people is currently available for a break from Sowerby Bridge from 7-11 September 2026 for £1,254, saving £66. The price includes damage waiver, tuition, fuel, gas, parking, buoyancy aids, a first pet and bed linen.
3. Grand Union Canal to Linslade
73 miles | 28 locks | 30 hours
A seven-night break from Weedon in Northamptonshire takes boaters along the Grand Union Canal to Linslade and back.
There are plenty of places to stop along the way, including canalside pubs such as the Narrow Boat at Stowe Hill, Boat Inn at Stoke Bruerne, Navigation Inn at Thrupp, Red Lion at Fenny Stratford and Three Locks at Soulbury.
Families can also visit the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne and Linford Lakes Nature Reserve, while the route passes through the 1.74-mile Blisworth Tunnel.
A 65ft Londonweed narrowboat for up to six people is currently available from Weedon from 21-28 August 2026 for £1,455, saving £784.
4. Across the ‘Stream in the Sky’ to Llangollen
37 miles | 4 locks | 16 hours
This route from Blackwater Meadow on the Llangollen Canal takes boaters towards the Welsh town of Llangollen and across the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which stands 38 metres above the River Dee Valley.
Once in Llangollen, families can explore the independent shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as attractions including the Steam Railway, Castell Dinas Bran and Horseshoe Falls.
A 47ft American Black Swift narrowboat for up to four people is currently available for a break from Blackwater Meadow from 21-23 August 2026 for £1,069, saving £357.
5. Through the Fens to Cambridge
34 miles | 4 locks | 12 hours
Families can cruise from Ely along the River Great Ouse towards Cambridge and back.
The journey takes in Wicken Fen, where visitors can moor up and explore the fenland countryside, marshes and reed beds before continuing towards the River Cam and Cambridge.
Once in the city, there are historic buildings to discover, including King’s College Chapel, alongside shops and restaurants.
A 52ft Princess narrowboat for up to six people is currently available from Ely for 5-9 October 2026 for £799, saving £137.
6. Along the Shropshire Union Canal to Barbridge
84 miles | 58 locks | 42 hours
Starting from Autherley near Wolverhampton, this seven-night route follows the Shropshire Union Canal towards Barbridge.
The journey passes through Staffordshire countryside and villages with historic pubs, while the canal itself travels through deep cuttings surrounded by vegetation and wildlife.
Families can visit Market Drayton, Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker Museum and Dorfold Hall Jacobean Museum at Nantwich before reaching the canalside Olde Barbridge Inn.
A 60ft Grace narrowboat for up to six people is currently available from Autherley from 28 August-4 September 2026 for £1,975.
7. Through Cannock Chase Forest to Fradley
25 miles | 10 locks | 12 hours
From Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stafford, families can cruise towards Fradley Junction and back.
The route passes Cannock Chase Forest, with more than 6,800 acres of heathland and ancient woodland to explore.
At Fradley, visitors can also explore the woodland trail and boardwalk at Fradley Pool Nature Reserve.
A 48ft Pulteney 4 narrowboat for up to four people is currently available from Great Haywood from 28-31 August 2026 for £855, saving £95.
8. Cruise to Georgian Bath
25 miles | 2 locks | 13 hours
Starting from Hilperton on the Kennet & Avon Canal near Trowbridge, families can navigate towards Bath and back.
The route travels through the Wiltshire countryside, Bradford on Avon and across the stone aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas.
Once moored at Sydney Gardens, it’s around a 15-minute walk into Bath city centre, where families can explore the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, museums, shops and restaurants.
A 58ft Ringed Plover narrowboat for up to five people is currently available from Hilperton from 21-23 August 2026 for £1,211, saving £404.
9. Grand Union Canal to Braunston
15 miles | 6 locks | 7 hours
For a shorter route, families can set off from Stockton in Warwickshire and cruise along the Grand Union Canal towards the historic canal village of Braunston.
There are three locks at Calcutt and Napton Junction, where boaters can stop to explore the village, visit the local pubs and browse the village stores.
The route continues through the countryside to Braunston, where families can stop at the canalside Admiral Nelson.
A 58ft Esma Frances narrowboat for up to six people is currently available from Stockton from 28-31 August 2026 for £1,110.
10. Through the Brecon Beacons to Brecon
51 miles | 12 locks | 24.5 hours
The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal runs through Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, an International Dark-Sky Reserve.
Starting from Goytre Wharf near Abergavenny, this seven-night route travels towards Brecon Basin and back, with mountain views, historic villages and canalside pubs along the way.
In Brecon, families can explore the historic market town, including Theatre Brycheiniog, Brecon Cathedral, Brecknock Museum and the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welsh.
A 56ft Red Backed Finch narrowboat for up to five people is currently available from Goytre from 18-25 September 2026 for £1,899.
A slower way to see Britain
Whether you’re looking for a short weekend adventure or a full week’s escape, canal boating offers families the chance to explore some of Britain’s countryside and historic towns at their own pace.
With routes ranging from gentle cruises with just a handful of locks to longer adventures through national parks and across spectacular aqueducts, there are plenty of options for first-time boaters and more experienced canal holiday-makers.
Drifters’ operators provide steering tuition for hirers, and pet-friendly boats are available.
For more information about canal boat holidays, visit Drifters or call 0344 984 0322.
For information about visiting Britain’s canals, visit Canal & River Trust.
