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
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
Braunston and its routes
Braunston, in Northamptonshire, is a canal village known for its landmark church steeple. Braunston Junction links the Oxford and Grand Union Canals, so there are plenty of route options from Union Canal Carriers' base here. The base offers 10 different routes, from relaxing to more energetic. Some are nearly lock free, while others have multiple locks and tunnels to negotiate. Routes are grouped into day trips, short breaks, week-long holidays and circular routes.
Boats built in Braunston
The company has 57 years of experience as a hire boat firm. It builds and fits out its fleet of 17 narrowboats at its own boat yard in Braunston. The hulls are built on traditional fine lines, which makes them easy to handle, and the company's cabinet maker designs the interiors to make good use of space. The hire boats have large front decks with seating and tables, and semi-traditional rear decks where children and dogs can safely join in. Boats suit groups of 2 to 12 people and can be hired for a short break, a week or longer.
The Barney Boats and the wider fleet
Three of the boats, Wrekin, Cheviot and Malvern, are Barney Boats. These are traditional in design, with a simple layout, plenty of storage, a front cover on the foredeck and an extended hatchway. They also have slow-revving single cylinder engines, solid fuel fires (fuel included) and traditional painted decoration. They are among the busiest boats in the fleet, so it's worth booking early. Wrekin has a traditional feel and room for up to three. Cheviot is one of the smallest, with a compact interior that suits a couple. Malvern is the largest of the three but is still easy to manoeuvre into the smaller moorings outside pubs.
The rest of the fleet covers a range of sizes. Clee is a 41ft boat with a semi-traditional stern and a large front deck. Wenlock is set up for families, with a fixed double in the rear cabin, two bathrooms, two cabins with bunk beds and a convertible settee in the saloon. Laughton has an ash finish, sleeps 4 to 6 and has central heating and a skylight over the galley. Berwyn sleeps six in three cabins plus two in the saloon. Hemplow was new for 2023 and has a modern interior with a flexible layout. For a single day out, the day boat Ouzel II takes up to 12 people, and a pet is welcome too.
Viewing and brochures
You can visit the yard to see the boats at any time. Boats may be out on hire, though, so phone first to check that the one you want to see is there. A brochure covering the boats and frequently asked questions can be downloaded, or you can ask for a copy by post.
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.
