Anglo Welsh - The Narrowboat Holiday Company

06/09/2026

FAQ's: What is a winding hole?
A winding hole is a place where the canal is wide enough to turn. Many of our routes are ‘out and back’ so you’ll need to plan where you turn your boat, roughly half-way through your holiday.

03/09/2026

FAQ's: How deep is a canal?
Canal depth varies and some canals are deeper than others. But most of the UK’s canals were built to take fully laden freight-carrying vessels with a 6ft draft.
With a build-up of silt over the years, it’s usually much shallower at the sides of canals.
When cruising the canals, it's best to steer along the centre of the waterway.
To pass another boat, move to the right.

01/09/2026

Dylan from 'Shoot from the Trip' has reviewed his canal boat holiday on the Shropshire Union Canal in Cheshire.
He departed from our Bunbury base and cruised to Chester and back on a weekend break.
2026 prices from Bunbury start at £840 plus fuel on a boat for up to 4 people.
As always, look out for our offers - discounts will be listed when you search online for the boat, base and dates you are looking for.

Meander through the peaceful Cheshire countryside, taking an Anglo Welsh narrowboat trip to Chester on the Shropshire Union Canal.

30/08/2026

What is a windlass?
A windlass is an L-shaped handle used to open and close lock paddles. Remember to keep a firm grip on the windlass and never leave it unattended on the paddle gear.

25/08/2026

FAQ's: How does a lock work?
A lock is a chamber with gates at either end.
By emptying or filling the chamber with water, boats can move up or down a canal. With the lock gates closed, open the sluices (paddles) to let the water in or out.
When the water level under your boat is the same as the level it’s moving to, you can move your boat in or out of the lock.

24/08/2026

FAQ's: How fast does a canal boat go?
Canal boats travel at around three miles per hour (walking pace), but you’ll need to slow down when passing moored boats.

18/08/2026

We love these photos of a super cute guide dog puppy holidaying on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal!
This 50ft narrow boat for up to 5 people - Gwen's Drum - is available to hire from Silsden.
First pet travels free. Second and third are charged at £25 each for a short break (3 or 4 nights), £35 for a week.
2026 canal boat hire prices at Silsden start at £840 (including damage waiver) for a short break on a boat for up to 5 people. Plus fuel.

17/08/2026

Here's Squishy the hamster enjoying a holiday on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal aboard John's Drum from Silsden.
Our holidays are pet friendly, and as well as many dogs we’ve accommodated rabbits, hamsters, caged birds, goldfish, cats, lizards and tortoises.
The first pet travels for free. You can have up to three well behaved pets. Second and third are charged at £25 each for a short break, £35 for a week. Don’t forget to bring their bed/cage, food, bowls and any toys they might need to stay comfortable.

16/08/2026

A day out boating on the Trent & Mersey Canal aboard our day boat Abi, with space for up to 10 people.
Day boat hire from Great Haywood near Stafford is £120 on a week day, £165 at weekends and bank holidays.
All our day boats are equipped with a fridge, toilet, cutlery, crockery, a kettle and a hob. There's indoor and outdoor seating.
Tuition is included as part of our day boat hire fee.

11/08/2026

Our canals and rivers are still open for boating holidays!
Water shortages may be affecting some parts of Britain’s 3,000-mile canal and river network, but there are still many hundreds of routes and fantastic destinations available for narrowboat holidays this summer and autumn.
We are committed to making sure everyone gets a great holiday, though in some places it may not be the route first planned for.
We continually monitor the situation and work closely with the relevant navigation authorities to keep our customers up to date.
So please do go ahead and book your holiday afloat this summer or autumn and make the most of the sunny weather on a UK boating break!
Please do get in touch with us if you’d like to know more.
Our 2026 summer and autumn holiday prices start at £945 for a short break (3 or 4 nights) on a boat for 4 people. But do check out our late deals and offers of the week.