Charter Canal Boats, Narrow Boats and Barges in the UK and across Europe

Boatbookings.com has searched throughout the UK, Ireland and continental Europe to find the best Canal Boat operators to offer you a fabulous holiday - a memorable journey on the beautiful canals and rivers of England, Scotland and other destination across Contintental Europe.

Canal boats are comfortable, self-contained vessels that are easy and economical to operate. Canal boat holidays offer complete freedom and flexibility, and are perfect for singles, honeymooners, families, groups, and everyone in between. They are known by a variety of names, including Canal Boat, Canal Barge, House Boat, Hotel Barge, River Boat, Cruiser, Narrow Boat, Holiday Boat or Clipper. Moorings can be along the towpath side, in a marina, loch, lake, quay, pier, or near a lock or other navigation landmark out of the main shipping channel on an inland waterway.

Many boats are luxuriously appointed and can feature satellite navigation, central heating, air conditioning, a galley with refrigerator and freezer, microwave, TV, video, DVD, stereo, radio, generators, awnings, a sun deck, bicycles, comfortable cabins, sundeck, and all the comforts of home. Others are more basic, but all that we recommend will offer you a great value and excellent holiday!

As the boats are self-contained, guests can buy local produce including fruit, cheese, wine and delicacies of each region, from local markets, specialty shops and supermarkets, and eat gourmet food without the cost of restaurants. Hot or cold drinks are always available - either on board, or passengers can disembark and dine in the waterside restaurants or pubs or hotels, entirely at their leisure. Guests are assured of a comfortable bed and an exciting new view every time they stop at a destination. There is plenty of storage space available on board.

All Narrow Boats share a commanding steering position (sometimes a choice of both inside and outside) that allows great visibility for navigating and for viewing the countryside. This adds to the safety and pleasure of cruising. There is a type and style to suit everyone including both self skipper and Hotel barges complete with a Captain (Skipper), crew and private chef.

Canal tours are usually from one to three weeks in duration. Boats come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit all occasions. They are a fabulous, cost effective way to tour in comfort and security wherever there is navigable water and wherever your desire takes you.

A typical barge layout

Barges offer privacy in staterooms with separate wc's and plenty of space for relaxing and enjoying the company of your family or friends. This particular one has 4 double cabins and even has a hot tub. The crew is accomodated in separate quarters.

Chartering a Barge

Boatbookings.com is happy to find you the perfect canal boat, in a variety of popular destinations in many countries throughout Europe (including France, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Scotland and England/UK). Simply contact us and we’ll take care of all the details.