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 AONB.

Our fleet of luxury narrowboats are the perfect way to explore this beautiful part of the english countryside. With their bespoke cabins and fully-equipped kitchens, you'll have everything you need to enjoy a comfortable and relaxing break afloat.

Stern of a canal boat in front of countryside view with pink skies

Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly adventure, Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays has the perfect canal holiday for you. Enjoy a slower pace of life on the waterways while you reconnect with nature and wake up to a stunning new view every day!

About our Canal Boat Holidays

Bespoke, luxury narrowboats
Spacious cabins with comfortable beds
Fully-equipped kitchens
All-inclusive boat hire prices
Experienced skippers
Hands-on tutorial on how to drive a narrowboat
Stunning countryside location to explore
A wealth of knowledge about the local area
5* customer service from a family-run business

Luxury Canal Boat Hire on the Grand Union Canal

Offering full week, mid-week and weekend canal holidays, our canal boats (also commonly referred to as narrow boats, long boats or barges) are all unique and designed by us for a memorable and luxury boating holiday on the UK's famous Grand Union canal. Located in south east England, less than 1 hour from London, you can enjoy a relaxing cruise through the Chiltern Hills AONB with it's beautiful countryside, historic towns and quaint villages.

Canal Boating Holidays for Everyone

Whether you are an experienced boater looking to hire a canal boat to explore a new part of the UK canals, or a beginner wanting to experience your first narrow boat holiday, our canal holidays are perfect for you! We provide all safety equipment and a free introductory session at the start of your holiday which is tailored to you, so you can enjoy a safe and relaxing break on the inland waterways, no matter what your experience.

Holiday canal boat moored opposite traditional canalside pub

Please note - Summer season bookings (March to mid-November) are for self-drive or skippered boating holidays. Winter bookings (mid-November to end of February) are for static hire only. Please see our Static Hire page for more details.

About Canal Boating Holidays in the UK

Drift Away on a Relaxing Escape

Unwind on a peaceful getaway where you can live among nature and experience a slower pace of life.

Cast Off and Explore

Wake up to a stunning new view every day when you discover beautiful nature spots and historic towns.

Enjoy a Boating Holiday Adventure

Make new memories and get the whole crew involved in boating safely (even the smallest members!)

"Narrow boat holidays are all about the journey, not the destination"

Watch our video to get a feel for how relaxing a canalboat holiday is!

Customer Testimonials

We had a very enjoyable trip using one of Chiltern Canal Boats- Narrow Escape. We were on the water for 8 days and even though things were a little hampered by CV19 we spent some glorious days up the Wendover Arm with all its splendor and great walking areas. We will be back!

Milroy Family

Lovely boat, organised and administered by Gareth and Corinne who were so helpful and friendly. Well equipped and well priced. Can't wait for our next visit!

Campbell Family

We had a fantastic week on the boat, and would highly recommend it. The owners are really lovely and gave us training as we were first timers! The boat was really nicely decorated and well equipped, and had everything you could possibly need. This will definitely not be our last boating holiday!

Sally & Simon

Short Breaks & Weekly Canal Boat Hire - We have a range of great value canal boating holidays available including long weekends (Friday to Monday), mid-week breaks (Monday to Friday) and full weeks (starting either Monday or Friday). We also offer just 1 or 2 night static canal boat hire during the winter season. Take a look at our prices and book online today with just a 30% deposit.

Great Family Boating Holidays (including the dog!)- When you cast off on a canalboat holiday, it's a trip where the whole family can get involved. From driving the narrowboat, planning the route and working the locks, it's a great way to work as a team and bring the family together to learn some new skills and explore new places along the way. We provide life jackets and full instruction, so you can rest assured that even the smaller family members can enjoy their canal boat holiday safely. Take a look at some of our previous customer reviews here.

Self-Drive, Skippered and Static Boat Hire Available - During the main boating season (March to mid-November), our canal boats are available to hire for either self-drive or skippered holidays allowing you to experience life on the water. During the winter season (mid-November to end of February) the boats are available to book as static hire where they remain moored in the marina, providing unique self catering accommodation whilst you explore the beautiful local area by car or public transport.

Great Value Grand Union Canal Holidays - You can hire one of our luxury canal boats for either short break, full week, 10 days or a fortnight and explore the Grand Union canal at your own pace. Or, our static boat hires are available for just 1 or 2 nights. The prices you see on the website are the cost for hiring the entire narrowboat, and includes basics such as parking, bed linen, gas etc. The only additional charge is for the diesel you use during your trip, which is payable when you return the boat. Click here to see everything that's included and a comparison of our luxury canal boat hire prices.

Outstanding Countryside Location - Discover the beauty of the Chilterns when you cruise through the counties of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Take a stroll in the countryside and find a historic landmark, or moor up in town and check out the boutique shops and great restaurants. The Chilterns Hills is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where you can enjoy some of the best of the english countryside.

Luxury Canal Boat Rental in the UK - Our canal boats provide accommodation for 2 to 5 people, and are beautifully designed to be a delightful home from home during your trip. Whether your choose the larger family boat, Narrow Escape, or our smaller boat, Mini Escape, each boat is completely unique and comes fully equipped with everything you need so you can enjoy your canal holiday in comfort.

No Experience Necessary! - We provide a tailored introduction at the start of your canal boat hire to ensure you are confident with operating the boat and locks before you cruise off on your own. Alternatively contact us about a skippered canal boat holiday where you can just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Simple Online Availability and Booking System - You can check availability of our luxury canal boats online and book your holiday in just 5 simple steps. Plus, we only require a 30% deposit at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 6 weeks before the start of your canal holiday.

Book Your Canal Boat Holiday in 5 easy steps!

Click the 'Book Now' button below.
Enter your preferred holiday dates, the number of guests and click 'Search'.
Select your favourite holiday boat and hit the 'Book Now' button
Add any extras (or select the 'Skip' button)
Enter your contact and payment details

Book now

Holiday Hire Canal Boat and bridge on the Grand Union Canal

Do you have a question about our canal boat hire, or just prefer to speak to a real person? Give us a call - we’re happy to assist you!

01296 486216

Send us a message

Key Booking Terms & Conditions:

From March to mid-November, all of our skippered and self drive canal boat hires start on either a Friday or Monday and are available to book for 14 days, 12 days, 11 days, 7 days or short breaks (mid-week or weekend).
During the winter season (mid-November to end of February), boats are available to hire as static lets only and must remain moored in the marina. There is no restriction on the minimum number of nights, and bookings may start any day of the week, excluding Sunday.
For self-drive holidays, a minimum party size of 2 adults aged 25 or over at the time of booking is required to manage the boat and locks. No Stag / Hen party or booze cruise bookings.
Dogs are welcome aboard Narrow Escape only. We allow either 1 medium dog or 2 small dogs at an additional charge of £35 per break.
A 30% deposit is required to book if your canal boat holiday is more than 6 weeks away. If the first day of your canal boat hire falls within the next 6 weeks, the full balance is payable immediately.
Offers and discounts cannot be used in combination with any other promotions. The best available offer will be applied at the time of booking (based on the entry of promotional codes where applicable).