About this trip.
Kennet & Avon closure in Bath: Closed at Bath No. 1 tunnel, where the canal enters Sydney Gardens, since 9 October 2026, after roadworks above damaged the tunnel arch. The Canal & River Trust says the navigation and towpath stay closed until further notice. Until it reopens, boats can't pass between Sydney Wharf and the Bath locks on one side and Bathampton, Bradford on Avon and Caen Hill on the other. Source
Planning the route? Read our Kennet & Avon Canal guide. Weighing up hire firms? UK narrowboat hire, compared lists 32 firms by canal, dog fees and fuel.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Bradford on Avon to Bath, Devizes and beyond
Bradford on Avon Marina is on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, less than a mile from the town centre. From here you can head west into Bath or east through the Wiltshire countryside towards Devizes, Pewsey and further on. The routes suit both beginners and experienced boaters.
On a short break you can cruise through the Bath Valley to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath and back, or stop at the edge of the city and return. Another short break takes you through the Wiltshire countryside to the foot of the Caen Hill flight of locks at Devizes and back. A week gives you time to climb the Caen Hill flight and carry on through the Vale of Pewsey before turning round.
Longer cruises east and west
Two routes going west are for experienced boaters only. A four-night break takes you through Bath to Saltford on the Bristol Avon and back. A week away takes you through Bath and along the Bristol Avon to Bristol Floating Harbour and back.
With 10 days or two weeks you can head east, up the Caen Hill locks and through the Vale of Pewsey and Savernake Forest. From there you can turn back at Great Bedwyn or Hungerford, or carry on to Newbury. The longest route continues past Newbury to Reading and the River Thames before returning.
Boats at Bradford on Avon
Anglo Welsh bought Sally Narrowboats in 2024, so most boats at this base carry Sally Narrowboats branding. Anglo Welsh still runs and maintains them. The fleet has two Elite 65ft narrowboats, Constellation Class and Admiral Class, each sleeping up to 4. There is also an Elite 67ft Admiral Class that sleeps up to 6. The Premium boats are the 67ft Bond Class and 60ft Gem Class, each sleeping up to 6, and the 69ft Ocean Class, which sleeps up to 10. A Premium 68ft Harmony Class sleeping up to 8 is new for 2027.
All the narrowboats have gas central heating with radiators throughout, so they work for holidays at any time of year. Some also have a multi-fuel stove. There's plenty of storage on board.
Day boats and planning
The base also has four day boats, each taking up to 10 people. They are family and pet friendly.
Anglo Welsh's Canal Boat Holidays brochure covers its boats, routes and destinations. It also has tips for beginners and advice on what to pack. If you've never worked a lock, it's simple in principle: close the gates, then open the paddles to let water in or out. Once the water under your boat matches the level you're moving to, you can take the boat in or out.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in England. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
