About this trip.
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
Wootton Wawen sits on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal near Henley-in-Arden in Warwickshire. From here you can cruise south to Stratford-upon-Avon, north towards Birmingham, or across to the Grand Union Canal. The base suits beginners and experienced boaters alike, whether you're after a weekend break or a longer cruising holiday.
Short breaks and mid-week cruises
On a short break you can head south through the Warwickshire countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon and back. The route passes through Wilmcote and over the Edstone Aqueduct, and you can moor in Bancroft Basin to explore the town, famous for its links with Shakespeare.
A four-night mid-week break gives you time to cruise to the flight of locks at Hatton on the Grand Union Canal and back, passing through Lapworth on the way. Along the canal you'll find villages such as Lowsonford, Lapworth and Henley-in-Arden, with canalside pubs including The Fleur de Lys and the Navigation Inn.
Week-long routes and the longer rings
A week opens up several options: - The Birmingham Mini-Ring takes you into the heart of the city through 83 locks, in around 35 cruising hours. - You can join the Grand Union Canal at Lapworth via Kingswood Junction and climb the Hatton flight to Warwick and back. - You can follow the Stratford Canal to Stratford-upon-Avon, then carry on along the River Avon to Tewkesbury and back.
With 10 days or two weeks you can take on one of the rings. The Warwickshire Ring covers 116 miles and 128 locks in around 59 cruising hours, using stretches of the Stratford, Grand Union and Coventry canals. The Avon Ring runs 109 miles through 131 locks in around 61 hours, taking in the River Avon, the River Severn, the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and the Stratford Canal.
Boats and finding the base
The narrowboats come in Standard, Premium and Elite grades. They range from 48ft to 69ft and sleep between two and 12 people. A new Premium Harmony Class boat for up to eight people arrives for 2027. There are also three day boats, each taking up to 10 people.
The boatyard is at Canal Wharf, Wootton Wawen, Henley-in-Arden, B95 6BZ. The entrance is on the A3400, next to the Navigation Inn. The operator's brochure covers boats, routes and packing advice, along with tips for first-time boaters.
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.
