Discover Luxury Narrowboat Hire with Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays
Welcome to Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays, your home for luxury canal boat hire on the south Grand Union canal in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned boater seeking a new waterway to explore, or a first-timer looking for expert-led canal boat holidays for beginners, we are here to provide you with a stress-free escape on the water.
Our fleet of boutique narrowboats for families and couples are the perfect way to explore this stunning part of the english countryside. As a small family run business, we specialise in gold-standard, tailored training, staying with you until you feel confident to ensure your canal boat holiday is relaxing from start to finish.
Experience the tranquility of the Grand Union
The starting point for all our canal boat holidays is Cowroast Marina. Located near Tring in Hertfordshire, we are the only narrowboat holiday company for three days in either direction. That means you enjoy an exclusive, peaceful stretch of the Grand Union Canal from the moment you cast off.
Enjoy a relaxing short break through the Chiltern Hills with it's scenic countryside, historic towns and quaint villages. Or if you're looking for a longer trip, you can venture further afield to action-packed destinations like Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard.
Embrace the slower pace of life on the waterways while you reconnect with nature and wake up to a stunning new view every day!
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Canal Boat Hire with a Difference
Forget the "cookie-cutter" fleet and hidden fees. As a family-run business we offer a more personal, simple way to enjoy the UK canals.
With our all-inclusive canal boat hire, the price you see is the price you pay—no hidden damage waivers, no surprise diesel bills, just an honest, relaxing experience on the Grand Union Canal.
Our luxury canal boat hire is designed to feel like a true home-from-home. Here is why our guests choose us for their narrowboat holidays:
Homely, Boutique Boats: Our boats are unique, designed by us with bespoke cabins and fully equipped kitchens. They aren’t just rentals; they are floating cottages.
Gold-Standard Training: We provide all safety equipment and hands-on, tailored tutorials for every crew, so you can enjoy a safe and relaxing canal boat holiday, no matter what your experience.
Simple Pricing: Know you're getting great value from the start—our all-inclusive narrowboat hire prices include diesel, parking, bed linen, gas, and much more!
Prime Location: Based in the scenic Chilterns AONB, we’re less than an hour from the big city, making us a perfect quick getaway from London, and ideally located for overseas visitors arriving at London airports.
Flexible Narrowboat Rental: From a quick weekend getaway, a mid-week short break or a full week (or more) adventure, book a canal holiday that suits your schedule.
Optional Skipper Hire: Have one of our qualified crew members do the work on a skippered narrowboat holiday, so you can relax and watch the world float by.
5 Star Service: As a family run business, we pride ourselves in ensuring all guests receive the best service, from booking to departure.
Check available dates for your next narrowboat holiday today!
Your Narrowboat Adventure Starts Here
Our Narrowboats
Explore our bespoke fleet, from the family-sized Narrow Escape to the cosy Mini Escape.
Last Minute Offers
Looking for a spontaneous escape? Check our latest canal boat holiday deals.
Recommended Routes
From the market towns of Hertfordshire to the attractions of Milton Keynes.
Transparent Pricing
No surprises, no hidden extras. See exactly what is included in your canal boat hire.
Beginners Welcome
No narrowboating experience? No problem! We'll show you everything you need to know.
Local Secrets
Discover the best canalside pubs, historic villages, and nature spots in the Chilterns.
Tailored Narrowboat Hire in the UK
Family Narrowboat Adventures: Get the whole crew involved and bond on the water! Safe, educational, and fun for everyone. We provide life jackets and child-friendly training for all ages.
Couples’ Canal Retreats: Romantic, slow-travel escapes with stunning new views every morning. Cosy, unique cabins designed for two, this is the ultimate countryside escape.
Dog-Friendly Boating Breaks: Because the family dog deserves a canal holiday too! We welcome up to 2 small dogs / 1 medium dog with our dog friendly narrowboat hire (available on Narrow Escape).
Self-Drive Narrowboat Adventures: Take the tiller and be the captain of your own journey. We’ll show you the ropes, from steering the boat to operating locks.
Skippered Canal Holidays: Want to relax completely? Let us do the driving while you sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Static Canal Boat Hire: Experience life on the water without leaving the marina (Winter season only - November to mid-March).
Why Choose a Canal Boat Holiday?
Canal holidays are the ultimate "slow travel" experience. It’s about the journey, not the destination. Wake up to the sound of birdsong, moor up outside a historic pub, and reconnect with nature as you float through the English countryside.
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Narrowboat Hire FAQs
Do I need experience or a license to drive a narrowboat in the UK?
The simple answer is no. We specialise in canal boat hire for beginners. Our tailored inductions cover everything from steering to working the locks.
What makes your Grand Union canal boat hire "all-inclusive"?
We hate hidden extras. Your price includes diesel, gas, parking, bed linen, life jackets and much more.
Where can I moor my narrowboat at night?
Anywhere along the towpath, except near bridges, locks and utility points.
Are there any canalside pubs I can stop at?
Yes! We can provide personal recommendations on places to stop throughout your trip with Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays.
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Customer Testimonials
"Our first time on a canal boat. Gareth talked us through everything we needed to know... The boat had everything we needed and we were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the bed and everything else was... Thoroughly enjoyed our few days on the canal and would recommend Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays."
D & S GLOVER
"We had a fantastic week on the boat and would highly recommend it. The owners are really lovely and gave us great training. The boat was nicely decorated and well equipped, and had everything you could possibly need. This will definitely not be our last canal holiday!"
SIMON & SALLY
Booking Terms & Conditions
Mid-March to October: Our skippered and self-drive hires start on Fridays or Mondays. Choose from short breaks, weekly hire, or extended stays of up to 14 nights.
- Check-in: Inductions begin promptly at 2:00 PM.
- Self-Drive Requirements: Minimum party of 2 fit adults (both aged 25+) required to manage the boat and locks. Both must attend the arrival induction.
- Winter Season (Nov – Mid-March): Boats are available as static lets only in the marina. Any start day (excl. Sunday), with check-in between 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
- Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome aboard Narrow Escape only (£35 supplement). Limit: 1 medium or 2 small dogs.
- Payment: 30% deposit and remaining balance due 6 weeks before hire start date; full balance required if booking within 6 weeks.
- Groups: We are a family-oriented fleet; no Stag/Hen parties or booze cruises.
- Small Print: Offers cannot be combined. Booking covers narrowboat hire; access to waterways/facilities is managed by third parties and cannot be guaranteed.
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Ready to Cast Off on your Narrowboat Holiday?
Your Grand Union adventure is waiting. Secure your canal boat holiday dates today with just a 30% deposit.