The Inland
Waterways of Southern England did not play the same major role in the Industrial revolution as did those further North, and a number of routes
South and West of the Thames have been lost, falling into disuse many years ago. But what remain open up some beautiful countryside.
The splendid
Kennet and Avon Canal which strides across the Berkshire Downs, was
reopened in 1990 after 40 years of dereliction, and hopefully others will follow. The
Grand Union Canal was part of the late 18th century 'canal boom',
linking London and Birmingham. The
Oxford Canal twists and turns through beautiful Oxfordshire
countryside and villages. The River Thames of course, has long been a major route for trade,
most of the non tidal Thames above Teddington is now used mainly for
leisure purposes, passing through beautiful water meadows in the
meandering stretch above Oxford, and cutting spectacularly through the
southern end of the Chilterns around Marlow.
Based
at Napton Junction,
Napton
Narrowboats
family-run fleet now gives you the widest choice of boats and
routes.
Oxfordshire
Narrowboats.
Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the beautiful, rural and
friendly South Oxford Canal with its Cotswold stone villages and
pubs. Oxford is 7 hours cruising south.
Your hire firm
could be prominently listed here.
Listings in Canal Junction are free for
basic contact info to £200pa for this
enhanced listing and many extras.
College
Cruisers
are a long
established hire fleet based right in the centre of the historic City of
Oxford. Routes include the peaceful Oxford Canal and the beautiful River
Thames.
Copt Heath Wharf
near Solihull offer flexible short break hire on 8 berth
Wildwood
for as long as you like (minimum two days), and with flexible
start and finish times.
Kate Boats,
a family run business, with quality narrowboats from two bases
on the Grand Union Canal, ideally situated on the Warwickshire
ring. Beginners welcome, full instruction given.
The
Wyvern Shipping Co. have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 berth luxury
narrow boats on the Grand Union Canal. Weekend and short breaks a
speciality. Transport arranged from all London airports.
The
Blue
Riband Club
comprises two owner operated companies who guarantee to give you
the highest standards of both comfort and service. All boats are
Tourist Board annually inspected.
Fox
Narrowboats a family run firm offer 4-5 star graded
narrowboats on the Cambridgeshire Waterways. Short breaks
and weekly hire. Cruise to Ely and Cambridge or explore The
Fens.
Nene Valley
Boats Small family run business near Oundle, Northants offering
2-6 berth traditional narrowboats for holiday hire on the River Nene.
Explore the river from Northampton to Peterborough, the Fens and the
River Great Ouse.
Lee
Valley Boat Centre's East London base on the Rivers Lee
& Stort offers unique views of London and the Thames or a
welcome escape to the countryside.
Topsail Charters: Historic Thames Sailing Barges for
hire for individuals and groups (Max12) exploring the Rivers
of the Essex and Suffolk Coast. Crew provided, choose
catered with hostess or self-catered.
Galleon
Marine offers superb 2 - 8 berth narrowboats on this
beautiful canal in Surrey/Hampshire. Family run business pride
themselves on that personal service. Happy customers return all
the time.
Bath Canal
Boat Co. Luxurious widebeam canal boats. Beginners welcome,
advice/guidance given by an Inland Waterways instructor. Based in Bath
and operated by a small family business, providing outstanding service
with a personal touch.
Canal
and Tipi Experience. Narrow boat hire on the Kennet and Avon
Canal near Reading and Newbury. Short term rentals and longer term
holidays. (We do tipi hire too! - Berkshire and surrounding areas.)
Foxhangers
in Central Wiltshire below famous Caen Hill Locks, excellent selection of
2/9 berth well equipped narrowboats. Comfortable cruising to Roman city
of Bath & Bristol. Weekly, weekend & short breaks.
Moonraker Canalboats - 5 star canal boat holidays on the beautiful Kennet &
Avon canal. Our boats are traditional style wide-beam narrowboats with
fabulous accommodation, including Jaccuzzi Whirlpool baths.
The Bruce Trust
provides accessible holidays to disabled, disadvantaged and elderly
groups on four wide beam canal boats. 12, 10 and 6 berth boats from
either Great Bedwyn or Lower Foxhangers. Wide access ramps, grab rails,
hoists etc.
The Inland
Waterways of Southern England did not play the same major role in the Industrial revolution as did those further North, and a number of routes
South and West of the Thames have been lost, falling into disuse many years ago. But what remain open up some beautiful countryside.
