Cruising at just four-miles-per-hour aboard a canal boat is often described as the ‘fastest way to slow down.’
As a relaxing way to take a break and explore new locations a canal holiday is hard to beat.
And Britain provides a backdrop to some of the best on offer with a 3,000-mile network of peaceful inland waterways that wind through the countryside and into historic waterside towns and cities.
Drifters Waterways Holidays, representing 10 hire boat companies, offers over 500 boats for hire from 40 locations across England, Scotland and Wales.
Here’s a taster of what’s on offer…
Ashby Canal to Shakerstone and back (95 miles, 8 locks, 37 hours)
On a week’s holiday from Drifters base at Braunston on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire, boaters can cruise a section of the Oxford Canal and explore the beautiful Ashby Canal. The route passes the historic town of Market Bosworth and the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field, and takes in a six-mile stretch designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Kennet & Avon Canal to Bath and back (39 miles, 16 locks, 18 hours)
A journey that takes boaters over the magnificent Bath stone Avoncliff and Dundas aqueducts. Once at Sydney Gardens boaters can moor up and take a 15-minute walk into Bath city centre to visit world famous attractions, including the Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent.
Market Drayton and back (42 miles, 12 locks, 20 hours)|
A cruise to the historic market town of Market Drayton taking boaters through the peaceful Staffordshire countryside, past villages with |
historic pubs, including the Boat Inn at Gnosal.
Birmingham city centre and back (22 miles, 0 locks, 10 hours)
The route takes boaters through Edgbaston Tunnel and into the heart of Birmingham where there are over-night moorings at Gas Street Basin. From there, it’s a short walk to Brindleyplace and city centre attractions, including the Sealife Centre, Planetarium and Thinktank Science Museum.
For more information about Drifters boating holidays call 0344 984 0322 or visit www.drifters.co.uk.
For information about visiting the canal network go to www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
And to read more in Exploring More magazine –
https://exploringmore.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/EM_issue1.pdf
