Narrowboat Holiday Packing List

Sorting transport for Narrowboat Holiday? Compare rental cars with Carla — book now, pay later.

Car hire — Carla

Compare rental cars for Narrowboat Holiday — Book Now, Pay Later.

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate publisher and AWIN publisher, we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links. Full disclosure.

🛒 Top picks for this trip

🧥

Waterproof Jackets Essential for British weather. Pack one regardless of forecast.

Amazon ›

✅ Essentials Checklist

✓Waterproof jacket (locks and towpaths in the rain)
✓Waterproof Trousers ↗ or over-trousers
✓Deck shoes or old trainers — canvas sole ideal for non-slip decks
✓Warm layers (canals are windier than they look)
✓Windlass (provided by hire company — confirm)
✓Mooring pins and hammer (usually provided)
✓Rope shoes or wellies for wet locks
✓Smaller bags rather than one large suitcase (storage is awkward)
✓Food and provisions (plan meals ahead — canal-side shops are limited)
✓Canal map or app (Nicholson's Canalguide series)

🛒 More kit for this trip

☕ Insulated Flasks View › 🩹 First Aid Kits View ›

👕 Clothing Checklist

→Waterproof jacket
→Old, comfortable clothes you don't mind getting wet or oily
→Deck shoes (non-marking rubber soles)
→Warm jumpers and fleeces
→Thermal layers for early mornings and cool evenings
→Wellies or waterproof ankle boots for lock operation

⭐ Nice to Have

○Folding bikes (many hire companies allow them — great for reaching pubs)
○Binoculars for wildlife
○Fishing gear (check Canal & River Trust licences)
○Portable speaker
○Card games and board games
○Good canal-side pub guide
○Good books — pace of life invites reading

Ovago

Flights — SUMMER50 deal

Search 500+ airlines. Save up to $50 with code SUMMER50.

Search flights › AWIN · Airparks

UK airport parking

Gatwick, Luton, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle — book ahead and save.

Compare parking ›

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure

🔒 Hotel and airport Wi-Fi is a security risk when travelling. Protect yourself with NordVPN ›

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a licence to hire a narrowboat in the UK?

No boating licence is required to hire a narrowboat. The hire company provides a full training session before you set off. The Canal & River Trust (CRT) does require a waterway licence for the boat itself, which is included in your hire fee. Driving competence comes quickly — most people feel confident after a few hours.

How many miles can you travel on a narrowboat per day?

On the UK canal network, the typical cruising speed is 4mph and locks take 10–20 minutes each. A day's comfortable cruising is 15–20 miles and 10–15 locks. Don't over-plan — the joy of a narrowboat holiday is the slow pace.

What should I pack for food on a narrowboat holiday?

Plan your meals before you go. The galley kitchen is small but functional — most have a cooker, oven and fridge. Stock up at the start of your hire before you get remote. Bread, pasta, tins and one-pot meals work well. Canal-side pubs are a genuine highlight and worth building your route around.

Check the weather and best time to visit before you finalise your Narrowboat Holiday packing list — and see country facts and travel info for entry requirements and local tips.

Not sure which suitcase size or clothing sizes you need? Check 247Sizing's luggage and clothing size guides before you pack.