Canals get gradual release from Covid lockdown

Canals will get a gradual release from lock-down over the next few months, provided that the level of Covid infections keeps dropping. What does that mean for your canal holiday and cruising this year?

We try to summarise how all canal holiday activities will be affected in 2021, based on the implications of the 22nd February and subsequent announcements by the UK Government. Dates are provisional ‘no sooner than’ dates which assume no unexpected developments. This covers England only, Wales and Scotland may differ. Some facilities and operations may take longer to respond. Check with operators before making your plans!

The Canals
8^th March – emergency boating use only. Towpaths open for socially distanced users.
29^th March – local boating journeys now allowed.
12^th April – locks and facilities fully open and cruising can be done freely with overnight stays. Requirement reinstated for all boats to move every 14 days unless on their home mooring. Some closures possible due to the effect of Covid on winter maintenance and repair works. Social distancing restrictions relaxed.
21^st June – restrictions lifted.

Marinas and Boatyards
8^th March – access for emergency visits to your boat only, no overnight stays,  prior permission from marina may be required.
29^th March – marinas open and you may travel to your boat for general maintenance. Must comply with social distancing and no overnight stays.
12th  April – overnight stays allowed. Boat brokerage can operate.
19th July – restrictions lifted. (Info updated 16th  June)

Private boating
8^th March – emergency boating only.
29^th March – local cruising with no overnight stays, single household or bubble on board.
12^th April – overnight stays allowed for single household or bubble.
17^th May – up to 6 people or 2 households/bubbles may stay onboard overnight.
21^st June – restrictions lifted19th July – restrictions lifted. (Info updated 16th  June)

Liveaboards
8^th March – emergency travel only, to get water or empty rubbish etc.
12^th April – all movement allowed, normal mooring restrictions reinstated so boats must move every 14 days.

Day Hire Boats
29th March – day hire allowed up to 6 people or 2 households/bubbles. However if there is more than one household or bubble onboard all passengers must sit outside and any indoor space used only for limited reasons such as use of the toilet.
17^th May – day hire including inside space allowed for up to 6 people or 2 households/bubbles.
19th July – restrictions lifted. (Info updated 16th  June)

Weekly Holiday Hire Boats
12^th April – weekly or short break hire allowed for a single household or bubble.
17^th May – weekly or short break hire allowed for up to 6 people or 2 households or bubble.
21^st June – restrictions lifted.

Hotelboat Cruises
12^th April – boat charters allowed for single household or bubble.
17^th May – cruises available for up to 6 people or 2 households/bubbles.
19th July – restrictions lifted. (Info updated 16th  June)

Skippered Trip Boats
29^th March – trips on enclosed boats may operate with a single household provided compliance with social contacting and distancing rules.
17th May – enclosed trip boats may operate provided passengers do not mix beyond groups of 6 people or two households.
19th July – restrictions lifted. (Info updated 16th  June)

Outdoor events
17^th May – outdoor events like boat rallies and gatherings may take place with limitations on attendance numbers and compliance with current social contacting and distancing restrictions.
19th July – restrictions lifted. (Info updated 16th  June)

Indoor attractions
17^th May – Indoor entertainment and visitor attractions such as museums and landmarks can reopen provided they comply with social contacting and distancing restrictions.
19th July – restrictions lifted. (Info updated 16th  June)

This is our interpretation of information provided by Canal and River Trust, British Marine Federation and HM Government. Please let us know if you think anything is incorrect.