Canal Boat Holidays and Day Hire
Freedom. Adventure. Tranquility.
A Union Wharf Narrowboat holiday gives you the freedom to go wherever the waterways take you. Choose your own adventure – where to cruise, when to stop, at a pace that suits you, all while enjoying the tranquillity of life on the water.
We operate across some of England’s best canals, and we pride ourselves on providing the best experience to match. Let the journey become the destination.
Explore with us
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Day Boat Hire
A unique day out for groups of 2-12 people, with all training included and no experience necessary. Gather your crew and set off for an unforgettable experience, with the freedom to explore at your own pace and moor up wherever you like. Our day boats are perfect for family days out, celebrations, team building events, and group gatherings.
Wonderful narrowboat experience
First time on a canal boat so we didn’t know what to expect. From start to finish we were supported by Union Wharf Narrowboats with comprehensive induction and lots of information to make us confident for the adventure ahead. The weekend itinerary mapped out our route so that we had a wonderful experience and got to try everything – locks, swing bridges, tunnels and best mooring sites to take in the local pubs & scenery. The boat was fully equipped with everything we needed. We recommend booking with them and hope to be back soon. Thank you.
FarAway
So friendly, helpful and accommodating
Had a fabulous holiday on the Mallard with our dogs. We have four dogs and not every barge company will allow them but Union Wharf Narrowboats were so welcoming and accommodating. They were helpful in giving us route ideas and helping us choose a boat that suited our needs. The boat was spotless, modern and comfortable with a surprisingly low sounding engine and we found the canal route peaceful and quiet, despite us not being able to sail quite as far as we’d have liked due to low water levels and closed locks after a particularly dry summer. Would definitely recommend this company and we will return!
Malfie
Highly recommend for absolute beginners
We had a company away day, hired 3 boats and we went from Market Harborough Union Wharf to Foxton Locks, had lunch and came back again. 10am to 4:45pm. Had a great day and everyone enjoyed the experience of driving the boats and a day on the canal. Great cafe at Foxton Locks too! Thank you to Lee, Sophie and the team for their briefing in the morning, we’d never been on narrow boats before but the steering etc. was super easy to pick up.
R C
Amazing Day Out
Amazing day, 8th time we have used the day hire boats and each time is never the same. Very helpful hand over, nice and clean inside with everything you would need (and more). Going on the boat again in September, would highly recommend. Great day out for all ages.
Andrew K
Excellent Holiday
Had a great week on the narrowboat Shelduck. The holiday was easy to book with lots of advice and information from Union Wharf beforehand. Very friendly and helpful team at their office assisted us with our belongings when boarding and after a tour of the boat away we went for a weeks cruising. The boat was spotlessly clean and comfortable and well equipped with everything we could possibly need. Handover of the boat on return was made effortless by a very helpful team member who reversed the boat onto a pontoon for me as it was very windy and I didn’t fancy my chances due to my inexperience. All in all had a wonderful time, thanks to everyone at Union Wharf.
Doug M
A wonderful trip
This has to be one of the best family days out for the ten of us. The boat is clean and very well-equipped, and the staff is very welcoming. We have had the same boat for three years and will definitely return for our annual day out. Age range 5 – 83 10/10.
Andy P
