Journal

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
honeymoon or minimoon special occasion canal boat

Why you should consider a luxury canal boat holiday for your special occasion

The Boutique Narrowboats are often booked for all sorts of special occasions – honeymoons, anniversary surprises and birthday weekends. How lovely! What better way to celebrate a special occasion, than with a gentle adventure learning new skills together and enjoying luxury on the English waterways? Planning a loved-one’s special birthday or anniversary gift needs a thoughtful touch and it can be hard to dream up a trip that you will both enjoy. A luxury canal Read more

By Sharon Peach, ago

The latest Boutique Narrowboats news – our newest narrowboat build

Our latest Boutique Narrowboat for hire is currently being created and we are working towards getting it ready to welcome guests in 2022. At the moment, it is still in the design and fit out stage. We have welcomed your feedback on all our hire boats over the years and this boat will be a combination of many of the “best bits” of our small fleet. We have named it after a butterfly – Marbled Read more

By Sharon Peach, ago
A couples getaway weekend

Why a luxury canal boat is a perfect weekend getaway for couples

Couple’s weekend getaway Making time for just the two of you is essential to every relationship, whether it be a date night at a restaurant, a trip to the cinema or a couple’s weekend getaway. It seems to be in our nature to often get carried away with the chaos of everyday life. So much so, that we sometimes forget to find the time to spend a little bit of quality time together. Our Boutique Read more

By Simon Youthed, ago
Foxton Locks canal boat holidays uk narrowboat breaks

Everything you need to know about canal boating and more at Foxton Locks

Foxton Locks in the heart of Leicestershire attracts over 4000 boaters each year and is considered one of the most extraordinary heritage sites in the country. A flight of ten locks comprises the longest staircase of the English canals and whilst the feat of engineering is not in doubt, to a novice narrowboater it can be a little daunting. On a busy day, up to 40 boats can make it up and down the flight; Read more

By Sharon Peach, ago