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
The Kennet & Avon Canal
The Kennet & Avon Canal runs from the historic centre of Bath out into rural Wiltshire, and it's the setting for these self-drive narrowboat holidays. Foxhangers is a family-owned and family-run business. It has been hiring out boats on this canal since 1997, and its fleet is made up of modern 4 and 5-star narrowboats.
Choosing your boat
The original Foxy Class has eight cruiser-style narrowboats, from a 45ft two-berth up to a 69ft nine-berth. A cruiser stern is easier to get on and off at the back, so it suits young families and anyone less mobile. When you're not cruising, the bench around the stern safety rail seats up to four people. There's also a newer Foxy Plus Class, with alfresco decks and a semi-cruiser stern.
The Silver Fox Class is a fleet of semi-traditional narrowboats. Foxhangers designed and built them from new and maintains them itself. The semi-traditional stern raises the steering position, which gives you a better view and more shelter from the weather. There's no guard rail around the back deck, but the locker benches seat two or three people while you're under way. These boats are popular with dog owners because the lockable doors double as a handy pen.
The Platinum Fox Class
The Platinum Fox Class is the top of the range, built to Foxhangers' own bespoke design. Outside it looks like a traditional narrowboat, while inside the style is clean and modern. Features include a king-size bed, a hydraulic bow thruster, granite surfaces, underfloor heating in the bathrooms and three televisions.
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.
