How much does it cost to hire a canal boat?
Find yourself a canal boat holiday at a great price with our latest offers and last-minute deals
Here at Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays, we have a range of narrowboats and holiday options to suit every budget. So whether you are looking for a great value narrowboat holiday for the whole family, or you want to indulge on a relaxing skippered canal boat holiday in the countryside, we can help you create your dream canal holiday on the Grand Union.
The cost of our canal boat holidays varies depending on the size of your crew and whether you want to book a full weekly hire, a flexible mid-week getaway, or a weekend short break. But rest assured, our simple pricing structures shown below include everything you need to enjoy your trip, so you'll never be surprised by hidden charges for essentials like diesel, bedding, and parking!
For full details of what's included in the price of your boat hire with Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays, take a look at the full list below the pricing tables.
2026 Narrowboat Hire Prices
Mini Escape
| Short Break Monday - Friday or Friday - Monday | Sale Price | Weekly Hire Starting Monday or Friday | Sale Price | |
| 29 Jun - 3 Sep | £795 | £715 | £1,150 | £1,035 |
| 4 Sep - 1 Oct | £750 | £1,085 ! Only 1 Left ! | ||
| 2 Oct - 22 Oct | SOLD OUT | SOLD OUT | ||
| 23 Oct - 3 Nov | SOLD OUT | SOLD OUT |
From November to mid March, this boat is available for static hire from just £110 per night. Please see our section 'Static Narrowboat Hire Prices' below for further details.
Narrow Escape
| Short Break Monday - Friday or Friday - Monday | Sale Price | Weekly Hire Starting Monday or Friday | Sale Price | |
| 29 Jun - 3 Sep | £1,105 | £995 ! Only 1 Left ! | SOLD OUT | |
| 4 Sep - 1 Oct | £985 | £1,415 | ||
| 2 Oct - 22 Oct | £815 | £1,150
! Only 1 Left ! | ||
| 23 Oct - 3 Nov | £895
! Only 1 Left ! | SOLD OUT |
From November to mid March, this boat is available for static hire from just £135 per night. Please see our section 'Static Narrowboat Hire Prices' below for further details.
Book your next canal boat holiday today
2027 Narrowboat Hire Prices
Mini Escape
| Short Break Monday - Friday or Friday - Monday | Weekly Hire Starting Monday or Friday | |
| 15 Mar - 25 Mar | £655 | £985 |
| 26 Mar - 29 Apr | £745 | £1,100 |
| 30 Apr - 27 Jun | £790 | £1,140 |
| 28 Jun - 2 Sept | £835 | £1,205 |
| 3 Sept - 3 Oct | £790 | £1,140 |
| 4 Oct - 21 Oct | £655 | £985 |
| 22 Oct - 31 Oct | £745 | £1,100 |
From November to mid March, this boat is available for static hire from just £110 per night. Please see our section 'Static Narrowboat Hire Prices' below for further details.
Narrow Escape
| Short Break Monday - Friday or Friday - Monday | Weekly Hire Starting Monday or Friday | |
| 15 Mar - 25 Mar | £850 | £1,200 |
| 26 Mar - 29 Apr | £940 | £1,400 |
| 30 April - 27 Jun | £1,035 | £1,500 |
| 28 Jun - 2 Sept | £1,160 | £1,650 |
| 3 Sept - 3 Oct | £1,035 | £1,500 |
| 4 Oct - 21 Oct | £850 | £1,200 |
| 22 Oct - 31 Oct | £940 | £1,400 |
From November to mid March, this boat is available for static hire from just £135 per night. Please see our section 'Static Narrowboat Hire Prices' below for further details.
What's included in the hire price?
The narrowboat hire price you are quoted includes all of the following (some of which may be charged additionally with other boat hire companies, so please bear this in mind when comparing holiday prices!)
- A bespoke holiday boat for your own private use
- A full tank of diesel at the start of your holiday
- Gas, coal, kindling and other heating essentials
- All bedding and bed linen
- Secure parking (for up to 2 cars)
- Life-jackets and buoyancy aids
- A selection of items to keep you entertained including a TV with DVD player, books, board games and DVDs
- Kitchen essentials including all crockery, cooking equipment, plus tea, coffee, sugar and condiments
- Cleaning essentials including tea towels, washing up liquid and sponges, and toilet rolls*
- All required boating equipment such as windlasses, mooring pins and a mallet*
- Plus, a comprehensive introductory training session at the start of your narrowboat holiday
*To see the full inventory of onboard items, refer to the handbook for either Mini Escape or Narrow Escape.
Get yourself fully prepared with our guide on what to pack for your canal boat holiday.
Discover the Art of Slow Travel on the Grand Union
Whether you are looking for an immersive week-long digital detox or a restorative weekend break, curating your perfect escape is entirely within reach. First-time boaters can take comfort in our dedicated, expert-led canal boat holidays for beginners. From selecting a route via our canal boat travel journal to our comprehensive canal boating frequently asked questions, every detail is considered. For active families or small groups, our elegant Narrow Escape provides an unmatched standard in 5 berth narrowboat hire, including fully integrated options for dog friendly canal boat holidays.
Customer Reviews
"Really enjoyed our time on the grand union canal. Gareth was helpful and came with us for the first couple of locks. Would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to experience narrowboating."
S Randell
"We absolutely loved our spring week on Mini Escape. It is compact and comfortable with all you need for a canal trip for 2. We slept well on the pull out bed and cooked several meals in the cute kitchen. Once I got my confidence with the locks it was a pleasure. A unique way to see the countryside. Absolutely recommend"
Nid & Nick
"Great boat, and Corinne and Gareth were fantastic with giving advice and instruction on how to drive and operate the boat. Will definitely be returning for more 👍"
Compass57146536964
Want to find out more about our canal holidays in the UK?
Static Narrowboat Hire Prices
During winter months (November to mid-March) the narrowboat hire prices quoted are for static boat hire only. Breaks are bookable for a minimum 1 night stay, starting any day of the week, except Sunday. You can book static hire online here or by calling us.
If you have any questions about narrowboat hire, or problems when booking your canal holiday online, please contact us.
