About this trip.
Oxford Canal restrictions: Napton Locks open on Mondays and Thursdays only, 9am to 2pm, with last entry at noon. Cropredy Lock 25 and Little Bourton Lock 27 are closed for works from 2 November to 18 December 2026, which cuts the canal between Cropredy and Banbury. Bridge 128 is being replaced for HS2 from 4 January to 12 March 2027. The summer drought closure between Claydon and Aynho has been lifted. From Canal & River Trust notices, as listed on canalplan. Source
Planning the route? Read our Oxford 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
Napton Junction on the Oxford Canal is home to Napton Marina, one of Napton Narrowboats' two hire bases. From the marina, in the heart of Warwickshire, you can reach the Oxford, Grand Union, Coventry, Stratford and Ashby Canals. The second base is at Autherley Junction in Wolverhampton, where the Shropshire Union meets the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal. It's the starting point for the Shropshire Union, Staffs & Worcs, Birmingham, Llangollen, Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canals.
Choosing your cruise from Napton
The shortest break runs from Friday to Monday, so a long weekend is possible. You can also book weekly trips, and two weeks or more lets you cover a surprising amount of the canal system. Routes from either base range from relaxed, easy trips to more energetic ones that suit a young family. The operator's website has a map and route descriptions, and waterways guides are sold in the shop.
You don't need a licence to steer the boat. Each boat is licensed for all Canal and River Trust canals and rivers. The Thames and the Avon need extra licences, which you pay for yourself. If you want to fish, you'll need a rod licence and a fishing permit. The Canal and River Trust website explains which permit you need and how to get one.
On board and getting started
If you've never been boating, the staff will show you how everything on board works. They'll also teach you to steer, moor up and work the locks, and can come out with you for some hands-on practice if you need it. Every boat also carries an instruction manual. Each boat comes with:
- crockery, cutlery and kitchen equipment for everyone on board - a domestic-sized fridge with a small icebox - a four-ring gas cooker with oven and grill - free wifi over the 4G network, where there's signal - duvets, pillows and bed linen - cleaning products, washing-up liquid, cloths and toilet rolls
Boats in the luxury fleet also have a toaster, a coffee maker and a bottle of Champagne to welcome you. Bring your own towels, unless you're an overseas customer or have booked a Regency class boat. Wellingtons, waterproofs, rubber-soled shoes and torches are all worth packing. If you order groceries online, you can have them delivered to the boat for your arrival.
Arrival, departure and directions
Boats are normally ready from 2.30pm on your first day, and it helps to tell the base when you expect to arrive. You need to return the boat and leave it by 9am on your last day. A damage waiver comes as standard.
The marina's address is Napton Marina, Stockton, Southam, Warwickshire CV47 8HX. That postcode takes sat-navs too far down Tomlow Road. Use CV47 8NJ instead, which brings you to Napton Crossroads. The marina is about 300 metres down Tomlow Road from there, just before the canal bridge.
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.
