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At a glance

Duration
7-12 days
Cost
$POA
Arrival Airport
London Heathrow (LHR)
Grade
river grade
Air Temp
20°C (68F)
Water Temp
15°C (59F)
Camping
4
Hotel
5

Overview

A gorgeous way to explore the gorgeous English countryside and heritage on a stunning canal boat experience. All the trips we design are bespoke, so get in touch with your requirements and we’ll make the rest happen. The peace and tranquility of a canal boat vacation is unrivalled. Awake to the sound of birdsong and explore the quiet and remote reaches of the river for a real insight into this wonderful canal system. Our captain is well versed in English history and your trip has the possibility to explore iconic and well known historic centers such as London and Bath when exploring the Avon & Kennet canal system.

Our itinerary below is merely an insight into what can be done. Cross the country, explore the many canal systems this country has to offer at just 3mph. If you are between 2-6 people and would love to explore the real English countryside with its fascinating history and stop at local pubs and inns for a pint, this might just be your next adventure.

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What you will be up to

1

Arrival into London Heathrow and a day being shown around the sights of London town. Overnight in London.

Included: Dinner

2

Drive to Devizes where we’ll become acquainted with our new home for the week, a 69 foot canal boat. With our provisions in place, we’ll have a full briefing onboard the canal boat. We depart for our first destination at Seend, where we’ll enjoy a first evening meal together at one of the local pubs. Sleep well on our first night aboard the boat.

Included: All meals

3

After a filling breakfast from your captain, we’ll take the gorgeous journey to Bradford-On-Avon where we’ll overnight and dine at ‘The Barge’. We’ll be treated to some fabulous wildlife today including kingfishers and herons if we are fortunate. Sleep well in your gorgeous hotel bed in this stunning village.

Included: All meals

4

Today we’ll take a magical cruise through the Bath Valley where the canal is perched on 2 wooded hillsides connected with two impressive aqueducts, the Avoncliff and Dundas Aqueduct. An opportunity for a short inflatable kayak paddle today in this stunning area if you would like to. We’ll moor up, just outside Bath and have a wonderful dinner on board.

Included: All meals

5

After breakfast on board, standby for one of the highlights of our trip. One of two visits to this fabulous town on our trip. We’ll arrive early to take in a Day Spa at the Baths in Bath, a world heritage site. You’ll have the afternoon at leisure before we meet for dinner and stay in the heart of this great town, tucked up in our barge.

Included: All meals

6

An early start as we have breakfast on the go as we make our way to Bristol where we moor up in the harbour, famous for its maritime history. Bristol is a fascinating and Vibrant city, you’ll enjoy exploring. Overnight hotel in the heart of the port.

Included: All meals

7

Today after breakfast at your hotel, you’ll have the chance to explore this fun town, before we head off just after lunch to Saltford. Here, we’ll stop at a local pub with a few drinks.

Included: All meals

8

This morning after breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to bike ride on the canal path for a few miles if you’d like to. We arrive into Bath for the evening where we’ll stay in a stunning riverside location, and explore one of the many restaurants on offer.

Included: All meals

9

After breakfast, we’ll depart back over the impressive aqueducts and back through the valleys to Semington Brook, our final nights destination on our boat.

Included: All meals

10

After a leisurely trip back to Devizes, we’ll depart back to London with a brief stop at Stone Henge.

Included: All meals

11

After breakfast, you’ll have the day at leisure departing on what time your return flight is scheduled for.

Included: Breakfast

Speak to a WBN Advisor

UK +44 1709 802 203

USA +1 303 261 8896

Dates & Prices

DatesDuration
May - June or September7-9 days£POA€POA$POA

FLIGHTS TO LONDON, ENGLAND

In order to give you increased flexibility for your holiday please call our UK or US office’s for advice on who to book your flights with. Alternatively, why not use your frequent flyer miles for your adventure? There are many options for your flight to London Heathrow (LHR) with BA , Virgin, or US airlines United, Delta or American depending on where your most convenient hub is. Alternatively we have teamed up with Exito Travel who can provide you with a competitive flight quote by filling out this form on the Water By Nature website. Please ensure you DO NOT book your flights until your trip is CONFIRMED.
We have price and departure information about the following trips in England (river prices only – flights not included).

Once an itinerary is arranged a deposit of $1000 is payable per person. 50% of the balance due is payable at 180 days prior to the trip departure date and again the last 50% at 90 days prior to trip departure.

Get in touch & we'll get back to you

What you should bring

Don’t panic too much if you forget something – it’s likely you’ll be able to pick stuff up at the local canal-side village if it’s essential!

Clothes/accessories

  • Trainers (non-slip)
  • Slippers/warm socks for evening
  • Sunglasses
  • Cap or hat
  • Raincoat
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Fleece/hoody

Download equipment file

English Canal Boat Vacations reviews

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Historic Locks and Picturesque Scenery on a Canal Boat Adventure

Rated 5.0 out of 5
17th June 2023

The canal boat vacation was a unique opportunity to experience the historic locks and swing gates in person while slowly absorbing the various colors of green in the countryside and the rich history of each stopover town. We ate well, enjoyed time together onboard, and also had time to explore on our own–the best of both worlds. Hamish is a capable captain, and he provided a fun atmosphere, delicious meals, and loads of background information, making for a memorable trip.

Maren and Jerry Smith

Canal boating - a unique and delightful experience

Rated 5.0 out of 5
13th June 2023

Our dream trip, and Hamish made it come true. The canal boat affords a relaxing journey through the English countryside, with charming towns, great pub food, and friendly people. Enjoy the history and Baths of Bath. Don’t miss the SS Great Britain in Bristol. You’ll experience history firsthand as you help to operate the canal locks. A truly memorable trip.

John and Anne Olden

Ready to take the next step

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