Christmas on the Canals: A Magical Festive Narrowboat Escape
If you fancy swapping the usual festive routine for something a little different this year, a winter escape on Britain’s peaceful canal network could be rather magical. Think crisp morning walks along the towpath, afternoons exploring historic towns and villages, a warming drink beside the fire in a canalside pub, then back on board to snuggle up as the winter evening draws in.
Drifters Waterway Holidays offers Christmas and New Year cruising from five of its bases, with narrowboats sleeping up to 12 people – making it an option for a romantic festive escape, a family Christmas with a difference, or even a New Year getaway with a group of friends.
And while it might be chilly outside, you won’t have to sacrifice your home comforts. Drifters’ boats come with central heating, hot water, televisions, DVD players and WiFi, while some also have multi-fuel stoves for an extra cosy winter feel.
Christmas and New Year breaks start from £970 for a week on a boat sleeping up to four people – and with the canal as your ever-changing view, it could be a festive break you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Cruise along the Kennet & Avon Canal to Georgian Bath
From Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, canal boat holiday-makers can navigate to Georgian Bath and back. The route travels through the beautiful Bath Valley and across the magnificent Bath stone aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas. When they reach Sydney Gardens, boaters can moor up and take the 15-minute walk into Bath city centre to explore this UNESCO World Heritage City, with its cobbled streets, Abbey, Roman Baths, shops, restaurants, museums and Bath on Ice in Royal Victoria Park. The route to Sydney Gardens and back travels 18 miles, passes through two locks (one each way) and takes around eight hours.
***The Hamilton narrowboat for up to six people is available 28 December 2026 to 4 January 2027 for £1,385. Price includes bed linen, towels, parking and tuition on arrival and first pet. There’s a compulsory £50 damage waiver and £70 fuel deposit for a short break, £110 for a week. Fuel charge is based on use, circa £15 per day.
Cruise through the Welsh mountains to the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen
From Drifters’ canal boat rental base at Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales, it takes around two hours to cruise to the historic market town of Llangollen, nestled in the Berwyn Mountains. There boaters can moor up in Llangollen Basin and visit the Llangollen Steam Railway, the National Trust’s Plas Newydd house, Castell Dinas Bran and the Horseshoe Falls. There’s a great choice of independent shops and places to eat, including the popular Corn Mill with river and mountain views.
***The Nelson narrowboat for up to two people with solid fuel stove is available 21-28 December 2026 for £970. Price includes bed linen, towels, parking and tuition on arrival and first pet. There’s a compulsory £50 damage waiver and £70 fuel deposit for a short break, £110 for a week. Fuel charge is based on use, circa £15 per day.
Cruise through the countryside to Staffordshire’s foodie capital
Heading north from Drifters’ narrowboat hire base at Great Haywood on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Staffordshire, boaters can reach the historic market town of Stone in around five hours. The journey passes through eight locks (4 each way) and passes through 10 peaceful miles of Staffordshire countryside. Pubs to enjoy along the way include the Saracen’s Head at Weston and the Dog & Doublet at Sandon. Once at Stone, considered to be Staffordshire’s foodie capital, boaters can explore a great choice of places to eat and shop.
***The Pegasus narrowboat for up to six people with a solid fuel stove is available 28 December 2026 to 4 January 2027 for £1,385. Price includes bed linen, towels, parking and tuition on arrival and first pet. There’s a compulsory £50 damage waiver and £70 fuel deposit for a short break, £110 for a week. Fuel charge is based on use, circa £15 per day.
Boat along the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal to Shakespeare’s Stratford
From Drifters’ narrowboat rental base on the Stratford Canal at Wootton Wawen in Warwickshire, it’s a six-hour cruise to Stratford upon Avon. The journey takes boaters through the Warwickshire countryside, passing through 17 locks along the way. Once in Stratford, boaters can moor up in Bancroft Basin, just a short walk from this popular tourist town’s excellent choice of theatres, restaurants, markets and museums.
***The Duncan narrowboat for up to four people with a solid fuel stove is available 22-29 December 2026 for £1,265. Price includes bed linen, towels, parking and tuition on arrival and first pet. There’s a compulsory £50 damage waiver and £70 fuel deposit for a short break, £110 for a week. Fuel charge is based on use, circa £15 per day.
Navigate through the Cheshire countryside to Chester
On a short Christmas break from Drifters base at Bunbury on the Shropshire Union Canal near Tarporley, boats can cruise to Chester and back. The 12-mile return journey through the Cheshire countryside passes through 18 locks (nine each way) and takes around 14 hours. Pubs to enjoy along the way include the Shady Oak at Wharton’s Lock and Cheshire Cat at Christleton. Once at Chester, boaters can moor up to experience Christmas or New Year in this ancient city with Roman Walls, Chester Rows shops and a great choice of places to eat and drink.
***The Chertsey narrowboat for up to four people is available 22-29 December for £970. Price includes bed linen, towels, parking and tuition on arrival and first pet. There’s a compulsory £50 damage waiver and £70 fuel deposit for a short break, £110 for a week. Fuel charge is based on use, circa £15 per day.
For more information about Drifters boating holidays call 0344 984 0322 or visit www.drifters.co.uk.
For more information about visiting the canal network go to www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
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*NB some routes may be affected by winter maintenance work on the canal network.
