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
Routes from Weedon
Weedon gives you a good choice of routes, and the team will help you pick one to suit the kind of break you have in mind. The local routes include wide and narrow locks, staircase locks, tunnels, aqueducts, swing bridges and museums. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants along the way, all set in Northamptonshire countryside. You can steer, work the locks or explore ashore, or simply relax and watch the world go by. Children tend to love the locks, and your dog is welcome on board too. A small charge applies for pets.
Learning to handle the boat
You don't need any experience. Before you set off you'll be shown how everything on the boat works and given the essential safety instructions. You'll also get practical steering tuition, and someone will meet you at your first lock to talk you through working it. There's no fixed time limit on the handover, and the team won't leave until you feel comfortable at the helm. The boats are built to be easy to manoeuvre. You'll also be sent a DVD to watch at home before your trip. Lifejackets are provided, and you'll be shown how to fit them. Grand Union Narrowboats is a member of the British Marine Federation, and its handover procedures are externally audited.
On board
There are boats for most group sizes. The 2/3-berth boats have a double plus a dinette that converts into a single berth for a child up to 12. The 2/4-berth boats have two doubles and more room than many six-berth boats. The 4/6-berth boats have three doubles in three cabins. All the beds are 6'3" long. The doubles are 4' wide and the singles 2' wide, which is generous for a narrowboat. Each galley has a four-burner hob, oven, grill, toaster and microwave, plus a fridge with a small freezer compartment. Every boat has a 240V mains supply, though you're asked to charge devices during the day while the engine is running. There's also diesel-fired central heating.
Hire periods and fuel
You can hire a boat for a weekend (Friday to Monday), midweek (Monday to Friday), Friday to Friday, or for several weeks. Diesel is charged when you return the boat. The engine uses between 1.25 and 1.7 litres per cruising hour, and running the central heating uses more.
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.
