We have travelled the world and experienced many amazing things, but this was a first for us. A canal barge is something we have often thought about, but until now, not had the opportunity to experience.
That was about to change and we were beyond excited as for once, we had absolutely no idea what to expect on our first canal barge adventure. Our heads were full of questions; would we like it, how easy was it to steer, where could we moor up for the evening, what should we take? The list was endless, as I am sure it is for every canal barge virgin.
So here’s everything you need to know, from our own personal experience of a family canal barge holiday.
Drifters Waterways Holidays:
If you’re going to do this you might as well book with the best!
The whole trip was arranged through Drifters Waterways Holidays. Drifters is made up of 10 professional canal boat holiday operators, handpicked because they uphold the highest standards. This means they have over 500 narrowboats for hire from 40 bases across England, Scotland and Wales, Drifters offers the choice of hundreds of narrowboat holiday routes and destinations.
We decided to pick up our barge from Napton Narrowboats on the Grand Union Canal in Warwickshire, this gave us a very pretty route which was also easy for us complete novices to navigate. Only three locks each way throughout the whole journey.
Our Barge: Sienna:
After thorough training and a safety briefing, we were let loose, in complete control of a 60 foot beauty called Sienna. She was big!
This four to six berth boat offers fully flexible sleeping arrangements in three sleeping cabins (including wardrobe space for each), with two full bathrooms. It has a reverse layout with saloon and galley at the back of the boat and the spacious rear deck has a table for alfresco dining. There’s a fully equipped galley with full size cooker, refrigerator with ice box, microwave, toaster and coffee maker. There’s also full central heating!
There are 240V sockets throughout the boat and modern electric flush toilets in the bathrooms which also have a shower with bi-fold doors. Yes, it had everything! The only things we needed to supply ourselves were towels and food.
We were pleasantly surprised at the facilities onboard, and once we had settled in and found our feet, we used the galley facilities to the full, whipping up full English breakfasts most morning, which were eaten alfresco on the rear deck.
This was also our favourite space for an evening aperitif before heading out to our chosen pub for dinner!
Tip: take something warm for first thing in the morning and last thing at night if you want to sit outside.
Warning: All of that fresh air each day completely knocks you out. We were not prepared for the 9pm bedtime each day – we were completely shattered at the end of each day, and we slept like babies.
Our Route:
Day one: the route was stunning. We set off from Napton-on-the-Hill on the Grand Union Canal and cruised to Braunston where we moored up for our first night.
Day two: we headed out to Rugby Wharf on the North Oxford Canal, there we topped up with water and moored up for our second night.
Day three: with some experience under our belts, we made our way to Hillmorton and tackled our first three locks! I’ll admit, we were nervous for the first one, but there were plenty of other barges coming through, so we joined the queue and watch everything they did. High five’s all round because it went perfectly! Not only were we getting the hang of this – we were loving it!
Day four: we started our return journey. By this time we were very confident and Dave in particular showed a natural talent for steering a barge! He turned that huge barge around like he’d been doing it all his life. I think this will become a regular family holiday for us.
Day five: we reluctantly gave Sienna back. Our canal barge adventure had come to an end.
From start to end, this journey took us gently (between one and four miles an hour), through gorgeous English countryside. Along the way we saw lots of wildlife, of course there were ducks, geese and swans, all with newly hatched babies in tow. We were even lucky enough to see herons and moorhens. But the biggest surprise was the grazing Alpacas on the canal bank!
We were also pleasantly surprised by the barging community. The friendliest, most helpful people you could meet, we had some great conversations and loved the way everyone waves to each other. We met some memorable characters too – their boats definitely reflected their personalities.
Tip: You need to keep your camara at the ready at all times and take time to wave and chat. This is a slow, gentle pace of life.
Where We Ate:
We did our research before setting off and pre-booked for dinner at our chosen pub/restaurant each day.
Day One: The Admiral Nelson at Braunston. A gorgeous dog friendly canal side pub with excellent food and drink in a beautiful setting.
Day Two: We ate on the barge. We took a pre-made Lamb Stew with lots of buttered crusty bread! This was so easy to prepare in the galley facilities.
Day Three: The Bell Inn at Hillmorton. Excellent food. Great service and an amazing outdoor dining area, complete with open potting sheds. We went back for breakfast!
Day Four: The Folly at Napton. A stunning traditional country pub. A welcome step back in time to a treasure trove of low ceilings, wooden beams, brasses and Toby jugs and a fabulous menu. Not to be missed!
It’s been a long time since we were so completely off grid but this slow pace of life gave us a complete reset. We could have easily done another week!
Would you do a canal barge holiday? We highly recommend!
For more information about Drifters Boating Holidays call 0344 984 0322 or visit www.drifters.co.uk
Canal and River Trust:
Founded in 2012, Canal and River Trust is the UK’s largest canal charity, caring for a 2,000-mile network of stunning canals and navigable rivers.
Connecting many of the UK’s urban and rural areas, we provide essential spaces for wildlife and people, helping us all feel happier and healthier.
The 250-year-old waterways in our care – the canals, embankments, culverts and reservoirs as well as the bridges, locks and towpaths – and their vital ecosystems are threatened by the growing impact of climate change and more extreme weather. They need constant upkeep and investment. Without it, they face decline and closure, and we risk losing the incredible benefits they bring.
Together, with your active support, we can keep canals alive. Join us and protect waterways for nature to thrive and everyone to enjoy. Today and in the future.
For more information about visiting the canals go to http://www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
Review and images by Angela Riches and Dave Riches
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