Being on a canal boat holiday in autumn and winter can be one of the most relaxing experiences. Nice,
crisp walks in the countryside, relaxed cruising through the British countryside, a hearty meal in the pub with a fireplace and cosy evenings afloat – the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable winter getaway on the British waterways.
Although most hire boats will have diesel or gas powered central heating, which should be sufficient to keep you warm during the colder months, nothing beats snuggling up in front of a roaring fire for a cosy evening onboard. With the addition of a solid fuel stove you can benefit from reduced prices in the low seasons whilst being toasty and warm on your floating holiday home.
Below we list 5 starting points for an unforgettable low season or winter canal holiday. All of these bases have canal boats with solid fuel stoves fitted to keep you toasty and dry.
Visit one of the most famous World Heritage Sites…
Chas Hardern in Beeston has 6 boats, 2 of which have solid fuel stoves and all of which have diesel powered central heating. Operating year round, it’s the perfect location for a 2 week holiday to explore the whole of the Llangollen canal, including the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Or head out into the quiet Cheshire countryside for simply being onboard and enjoy a unique Christmas experience.
Cruise through the Wiltshire countryside…
Sally Narrowboats in Bradford on Avon is the perfect option to spend a nice holiday in the colder months in the South of England. Rolling hills, stunning canal architecture and plenty of pubs on the way are the perfect ingredients for a relaxing holiday in Wiltshire. There are 3 holiday boats with solid fuel stoves to choose from. Visit the beautiful city of Bath on a romantic canal holiday getaway or spend some quiet days in the rolling hills of Wiltshire – the choice is yours.
Experience the beautiful Pennines…
Pennine Cruisers in Skipton is the perfect base for exploring Yorkshire and the Pennines in the colder months of the year. 3 of the hire boats have solid fuel stoves which makes sure that you can enjoy the stunning landscape while staying nice and toasty on the boat. A one week canal boat holiday takes you down the famous Bingley 5-Rise and right into the bustling city of Leeds. Alternatively, head the other way and enjoy the Yorkshire Dale National Park that borders the area here. Cruise through Gargrave, Bank Newton and all the way to Foulridge Tunnel and experience crisp walks, traditional pubs and canal heritage in the quieter months of the year.
Meander along the South Oxford Canal…
The heart of the British Waterways beats in Braunston, and this is where our partners of Union Canal Carriers have their base. Conveniently located in between the Grand Union and Oxford Canals, this hire base is a good starting point for a great variety of different waterways. 3 of their canal boats boast a solid fuel stove. These are the perfect way to explore this unique corner of the U.K. Meander along the South Oxford Canal, visit the world famous Warwick Castle and the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne and enjoy the quiet countryside, relaxing walks and cosy pubs before returning to your holiday boat and spend a toasty evening in front of the stove.
Enjoy the Four Counties and Black Country Ring…
Norbury Wharf is located in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside – 4 of their boats are fitted out with a solid fuel stove and provide the ideal base for an adventurous exploration of the Four Counties or Black Country Ring. Or why not simply chug along the Shropshire Union Canal, moor up in the middle of nowhere and enjoy a quiet evening on board your canal holiday boat.
Note: We cannot guarantee that the above routes will be available during your hire – especially during the winter when CRT usually carry out essential repairs and maintenance. If you have your heart set on a particular route please get in contact & we will be happy to help you check planned stoppages and recommend a base to give you the best chance of completing your desired route.
Sabrina Anelay is Director and Co-Founder of Roam&Roost Canal Boat Holidays. Roam&Roost Specialise in helping people find the best canal boat holiday from one of their independent hire partners.