Journal

Boutique narrowboat luxury canal boat holiday hire and build

How we beat winter canal restrictions – Static canal boat stays press release

Press release Leicestershire canal business beats restrictions A Leicestershire waterways business is offering a new way to experience a narrowboat mini-break, following the announcement of winter canal restrictions. Boutique Narrowboats runs its unique holiday hire business from Union Wharf in Market Harborough, but has been forced to rethink its business model for a few weeks, because of canal closures in the new year. For a reduced cost, it will now be possible to book a Read more…

By Sharon Peach, ago
Grand union canal leicester section in winter

5 reasons you should take to the water on a winter narrowboat cruise

There are so many wonderful reasons to enjoy the canals in winter, that we are totally amazed to have the waterways to ourselves at this time of year. I love the peace and tranquillity so much, that it really is one of England’s best kept secrets. Here are a few more reasons to climb aboard during the English winter… 1. #hygge The Danish word for “cosy” has been been hashtagged left, right and centre all Read more…

By Sharon Peach, ago
things to do on a canal boat holiday include mooring outside a pub

Our top picks for the best canalside pubs to visit on your narrowboat holiday

Is there ever a better location for a pub than on the canalside? Every waterway boasts its favourite pubs and the canals around Market Harborough are no different. Although the locations attract visitors from far and wide, most of these will come by car. But there is no greater pleasure than arriving on a narrowboat, mooring up on the towpath, and taking a little wonder through a garden gate into the back entrance of the Read more…

By Sharon Peach, ago
latest boat build ready for top coat

Painting the latest narrowboat build

The latest narrowboat build is now in the painting sheds of John Barnard, a leading expert in narrowboat exterior paint. We have been planning with our clients the colour scheme of the boat exterior and they have chosen complementary Epifane colours, made up especially in a hard wearing formula. The primer has gone on well, and the boat is nearly ready for those glossy top coats. Now that the boat is off its hard standing, Read more…

By Sharon Peach, ago

How our boutique narrowboats are built for couples

Luxury narrowboat holidays in the UK are perfect for couples looking for romance and seclusion. A luxury canal boat should offer all the pleasures of a five star retreat, with the added bonus of a different view each morning. This sort of getaway involves time spent “off grid” so you can enjoy your adventure together, uninterrupted by others. Luxury narrowboat holidays in the uk Narrowboats for couples have some unique traits in the UK. Generally, Read more…

By Sharon Peach, ago
Marbled White narrowboat for hire

Why you should consider an autumn canal boat holiday

Canal boat holidays in the autumn can be quite different from a summer break. I’m not just talking about the change in the weather which can be welcome after the heat of August. I’m more thinking of your fellow boaters, and the change from families to couples. The summer holidays see the full range of narrowboat hires, from people with young children, older enthusiasts, and everyone in between. During the summer you will see parties Read more…

By Sharon Peach, ago
Union Wharf Marina Market Harborough home of Boutique Narrowboats

How Boutique Narrowboats began

Some of you will know Aaran and myself as the naïve narrowboat enthusiasts who embarked on a boat restoration back in 2016, only to fall utterly in love with the waterways and decide to launch a one-boat holiday hire company. The Boutique Narrowboats concept was borne out of a love of five star hotels as well as the canals and it seems that many of you felt the same way. Our first year saw an Read more…

By Sharon Peach, ago
Narrowboat build from Boutique Narrowboats

Our latest luxury narrowboat build – Marbled White

Narrowboat build Our latest luxury narrowboat build, Marbled White, began life last year as a beautiful steel shell from reknowned manufacturer, Elton Moss. The Cheshire based company worked with us to build a bespoke hull; we specified a 12mm base plate to help with stability and longevity, and cut outs for large picture windows to make the most of the natural light. We turned to the engineering next, and opted for a diesel Beta 38, Read more…

By Sharon Peach, ago
A posh posh posh narrowboat or canal boat hire

Why canal boat hire has become so popular

Canal boat hire is increasingly popular with a younger age group. In the last few years, we’ve noticed more and more couples under 40 who are interested in learning how to drive a narrowboat and take an adventure together. And this is great for the waterways. Not so long ago the canals were associated with an older demographic and of course this is completely understandable. Generally, canal boat hire can be a slow-paced holiday which Read more…

By Sharon Peach, ago
Canal boat holidays with boutique narrowboats

Barge holidays vs narrowboat holidays – what is best?

Choose your barge holiday Barge and narrowboat holidays are becoming one of the most popular staycations in Britain and with good reason – they provide a romantic, relaxing break in nature. UK barging holidays offer a unique blend of adventure and comfort as you travel along winding canals and past picturesque countryside views. Meandering at a leisurely pace, visitors can soak up amazing scenery while never having to worry about finding a place to stay Read more…

By Sharon Peach, ago