First-Time Narrowboat Holiday? Here’s What the Internet Wants You to Know

If you’re planning your very first narrowboat holiday, like one adventurous Reddit user heading out on the cut with their partner and two dogs, you’re probably already picturing peaceful canals, quaint villages, and slow travel. And you’re not wrong! But beyond the glossy brochures, there’s a wealth of real-world wisdom from boaters who’ve been there, done that, and dropped their windlasses in the water, (more common than you’d think!)

So here’s your unofficial, no-nonsense guide to your first canal boat adventure—compiled from seasoned boaters and Reddit wisdom, and brought to you by us at Fox Narrowboats.

1. Pack and Plan for Off-Grid Moments

One common tip? Stock up on food before you set off. You won’t always be moored near a shop, and that riverside country pub may not appear when you’re actually hungry. Think easy meal plans, snacks, and tea and coffee.

You can either visit the supermarket when you arrive in March, or have a full grocery shop delivered to your boat. There will be opportunities for shopping along the way as you travel, but you don’t want to be moored in an idyllic rural location and find there’s no milk for your tea! There is no freezer on board, but our boats come with fully equipped galleys; crockery, cutlery, oven, hob, microwave and a fridge.

Board games, playing cards, and books are a great idea—especially if you’re planning on avoiding screen-time. And if you’re bringing children, bring more entertainment than you think you’ll need.

2. Locks: Friend, Foe, or Fitness Plan?

If you’ve heard of famous lock flights, like the Caen Hill flight, you will be pleased to discover that boating on the Middle Level is a lot less work. For example, there are only two locks between March Marina and Denver Junction.

Any boater will tell you, that when doing locks, always watch out for the cill (the ledge inside the lock chamber). Boats can get caught on it when descending, which may not only cause damage, but can even sink a boat surprisingly quickly. Don’t use the bow to open a lock gate, get a crew member on the bank to prepare the lock for you.

3. Keep Calm and Cruise Slowly

March to Denver Junction will take about five hours cruising, but that’s the charm. If you can walk faster than your boat, you’re doing it right.

As for other boaters: slow down to tickover when passing moored boats, and hope that others will do you the same courtesy for you, when you are moored up. A passing boat in a hurry can spill your drinks or even knock objects off shelves! (Some people will moan at hire boats no matter what. Don’t take it personally if you know you’re going slow enough. Smile and wave.)

4. Mind the Dogs (and the Ducks)

Dogs are welcome on our boats; just let us know at the time of booking. Small dogs may need a life jacket, and all dogs should be kept on a lead, or inside, when mooring up or operating a lock. More than one Redditor has experienced a dog jumping ship—sometimes into a very deep lock. You may see liveaboard boaters with dogs happily living afloat, but your own dog may not be so aware of the dangers.

Lead your dog carefully, and never leave enough slack for them to leap in after a duck.

5. Other Pro Tips You Might Not Expect

Gloves are your friend. Steering all day can get chilly—even in summer. The British weather is famously unpredictable.

Don’t leave stuff on the roof. Low bridges and branches will knock it right off.

Use toilets at pubs or water points when you can, therefore leaving more room in your on-board toilet tank.

Reverse, don’t rev, if you get stuck on an underwater obstacle. Trying to move forward when aground will only dig you in deeper.

Wave at everyone—especially grumpy fisherman. Some of them have forgotten the waterways were built for boats. Always remain respectful to other navigation users.

And Finally: Enjoy the Ride

Whether you’re cruising to Peterborough or Ely, the point of a narrowboat holiday isn’t how far you go—it’s how much you enjoy the journey. Unplug, unwind, and maybe even strike up a canal-side conversation or two. The best tips often come from fellow boaters you meet along the way.

Ready for your first adventure? At Fox Narrowboats, we’re here to help make your first-time cruise as smooth and memorable as possible. There’s still time to book for this summer season!

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Credits: Narrowboat quaint village Fox, green canal boat cruising David Edkins on Unsplash, canal lock Andrew Hall on Unsplash, Dog Trev Morris on Unsplash