Barge Hire in the UK

Where to hire a barge

A wide choice of self-drive barge holidays throughout the Waterways, (Canals and Rivers) of England and Wales.

Welcome to one of Britain's best kept secrets, the 2000 mile network of waterways and navigations, for which the canal barge, also known as Narrowboats and canal boats, was specially designed.

These man made waterways meander across some of the most beautiful countryside, and take you past pubs, cottages and warehouses.

First time boaters are given a friendly welcome by everybody on the canal. But you won't be inexperienced for very long, for within a short time you will be gliding serenely around the first bend into a whole new and different world.

The specially designed barges (also known as narrowboats and canal boats) are easy to handle and of course, everything happens at a relaxed pace.  You will be given all the instruction you need by the holiday company and will soon head off on your very own adventure like a seasoned boater.

Your holiday barge will be fully equipped, so self-catering becomes a pleasure, but there are also many canalside pubs, which make great watering holes for thirsty holiday boaters; and most offer great food at reasonable prices.

Most newcomers to the inland waterways appreciate the independence, the peace and tranquillity of 'getting away from it all'.  You can choose between the challenge of some of the stretches of canal that have plenty of locks - quite astounding feats of engineering in their own right, or choose lazy days drifting along the many stretches of canal with very few locks.  The canals and rivers go through the heart of cities as well as through open countryside, and your boat will become a mobile base for exploring the parts of Britain that so many tourists miss.

Barge Hire & Barge Holidays

Barge holidays are quite unique and there can be few holidays anywhere else that give you so variety. You set the pace and ca do as much or as little as you like. Meet new friends and discover new places, it is a holiday of total contrasts.r Every bend brings fyou something new and you can never see it all, no matter how many times you return.

Barge holidays are for relaxation, for unwinding from the pressures of your usual working life and for doing what you like, when you like.

Check the availability of barge holidays