Your first time on a canal boat is the start of a whole new way of travelling — slow, scenic, and full of unexpected joys.Here’s everything you need to know to feel confident and excited as you set off. Setting Off: A Gentle Start to Your First Narrowboat Holiday No experience? No problem.Your first canal boat holiday should feel exciting — not overwhelming. That’s why we send you a short online training course ahead of Read more…
In today’s fast-moving world, where schedules are packed and notifications never stop, a canal boat holiday offers a refreshing way to slow down. A narrowboat adventure isn’t just an escape from the hustle of daily life—it’s a chance to find balance, immerse yourself in nature, and savour the simple pleasures of slowing down. Why a Canal Boat Holiday is the Ultimate Slow Travel Experience Imagine cruising along a peaceful waterway at just 4 mph, surrounded by Read more…
Winter on the canals is a true hidden gem, where the beauty of nature and the serenity of the waterways come together to create a magical experience. While most are huddled indoors, you can enjoy the calm of the canals during this season. Here’s why you should consider a narrowboat getaway this winter… 1. Cosy Vibes Abound When it comes to comfort, winter on a narrowboat is hard to beat. Imagine curling up in Read more…
A canal boat holiday offers a unique and tranquil way to explore the UK’s picturesque waterways. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned boater, planning a successful canal boat getaway involves a few key steps, so here’s our guide to help you plan the perfect canal boat adventure. 1. Choose the right time to go Choosing the right time for your canal boat holiday can enhance your experience. While spring and early autumn offer Read more…
Arriving for your UK canal boat holiday on public transport Finding your way to your UK canal boat holiday start point can be a little daunting, especially when you are arriving on public transport. We hope the following information will make it as easy as possible for you. Boutique Narrowboats is based at Union Wharf marina in Market Harborough, which is about a 10 – 15 minute walk from the historic town centre and under Read more…
Types of canal boat for holidays If you are planning a canal boat holiday in the UK, your search will uncover a range of different boats. Take a look at our top tips for choosing the best canal boat for your group. Your holiday is a big investment and the right canal boat is crucial. Canal boats for a group of friends If you are looking for a canal boat for a group of Read more…
Are canal boats the next big thing in unusual places to stay in the UK? That big milestone birthday is looming and the hunt begins for a quirky place to stay in the UK. Or perhaps one of you remembers the date of your anniversary. Those sorts of events trigger a desire to find a particularly special bolthole; something out of the ordinary. When yet another treehouse or log cabin fails to inspire, you’ll need Read more…
The refurbishment of narrowboats and widebeams is an increasingly important part of our business at Boutique Narrowboats. We offer an interior design service for private clients which pulls together the skills of the whole team – engineering, joinery, electrics, plumbing and of course the design itself. The images below help to illustrate a typical narrowboat refurbishment. Narrowboat and widebeam refurbishments In this narrowboat refurb, we gutted the interior and set to work rebuilding it to Read more…
Layouts for canal boats can be controversial. Narrowboat purists like to see room layouts which mirror most closely the old working narrowboats of the industrial revolution. And other traditionalists prefer canal boat layouts which hark back to the early holiday boats of the mid-twentieth century. But what arrangement makes most sense for modern life? How have our tastes changed, and should we be afraid to go against the grain if a layout no longer suits Read more…
This testimonial for a Boutique Narrowboat build has brought genuine tears to our eyes. We’ve worked so hard on creating the perfect boat for our clients. We couldn’t be happier at the result, and most importantly, we are absolutely delighted that that Jane, Richard and Rufus are happy too! You can read more about the design and build process in this journal entry. Read on to find out why we shed a few tears this Read more…