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
Lock-free cruising on the Lancaster Canal
The Lancaster Canal offers 41 miles of lock-free cruising in the North West. It was built on the natural lie of the land, and along the way there are views of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District mountains. Boats travel at an average of 3 to 4mph, so the pace is slow and unhurried.
The canal runs through the heart of Lancaster, five minutes from the pedestrianised shopping centre. Lancaster began as a Roman settlement and makes a pleasant stop for sightseeing or shopping, with plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes.
Aubergine and cream boats with fitted comforts
Duck Island Boat Company aims to offer luxury canal boat hire. The fleet is painted in aubergine and cream with traditional signwriting, and the interiors have quality fixtures and fittings. The beds are fixed, with comfortable mattresses, duvets, plump pillows and hotel-quality bed linen.
The bathrooms on all the narrowboats and the widebeam have glass shower enclosures, porcelain sinks set in vanity units, and toilets that flush at the touch of a button.
Handover, tuition and who can hire
You don't need any boating experience. Every holiday starts with full tuition and a thorough handover, and the team stays on board until you feel relaxed and confident enough to carry on alone. Before you arrive, you're asked to read the boater's handbook on the Canal & River Trust website.
The company doesn't hire to single-handed boaters, however experienced. Handling the boat and the canal-side equipment can be physically demanding, so there must be two people on board at all times.
Dogs aren't allowed on Piccolo or Glissando. Small and medium-sized well-behaved dogs are welcome on Legato and Calando. Bring your dog's own bedding and bowls, keep dogs off beds and soft furnishings, and never leave them alone on the boat. Please contact the company before booking if you plan to bring a dog.
Duck Island Boats is based at Garstang Marina, Nateby Crossing Lane, Garstang PR3 0JJ.
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.
