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
Starting at Barton Turns
Barton Turns Marina, on the Trent and Mersey Canal in Staffordshire, is the base for these luxury narrowboat holidays. From here you can choose from many canal routes, among them the Four Counties Ring, the Leicester Ring and the Black Country Ring.
When you arrive, a member of the handover team shows you to your parking space and your boat. Once you've unpacked, and made a start on the complimentary cake, you'll be shown how everything on board works. The skipper then gets boating tuition until fully confident.
What's provided on board
Each berth booked comes with one set of bed linen and a duvet. You can hire more linen if you need it, and extra towels are available to hire in packs of one bath towel and one hand towel. There's also a starter pack of toilet roll, washing-up liquid, dish cloths and tea towels.
A damage waiver fee and a nightly fuel and gas charge are compulsory, and they're added to the holiday price.
Bookings and getting there
You can book online, or check availability and book by email or phone. It's worth reading the hire terms and conditions and the frequently asked questions first. A deposit secures your booking, the balance is due six weeks before your holiday, and you can pay by credit or debit card.
The marina's address is Barton Turn, Barton under Needwood, Staffordshire, DE13 8DZ. It's about 30 minutes' drive from East Midlands Airport. The nearest railway stations are Lichfield Trent Valley and Burton-on-Trent, which are served from Birmingham New Street and Derby.
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.
