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Narrowboat Hire and Holidays

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Choose From One of Our Luxury Canal Boats For Hire

Aqua Spirit (58ft 4+2 berth)
Aqua Saol (58ft 4+2 berth)

Aqua Spirit | Sleeps 2-6 | Star Rating : fivestars| New for 2024

Narrowboat Aqua Spirit, looking from saloon to galley
Narrowboat Aqua Spirit, saloon and galley
Aqua Spirit Galley
Narrowboat Aqua Spirit, galley
Aqua Spirit Mid Cabin twin room
Aqua Spirit Bathroom
Aqua Spirit bathroom shower
Narrowboat Aqua Spirit, looking from bathroom to main cabin
Narrowboat Aqua Spirit, main cabin cross over bed
Aqua Spirit Stern seating
Narrowboat Aqua Spirit, on the water

Aqua Spirit has beautiful interior, and was launched May 2024.

luxury hire boat

dog-32-32   shower-32  hair-dryer-32  compact-disc-32  cooker-32  dvd-32  fire-hose-32  fridge-32  microwave-32     toileticon  tv-32 vacuumcleaner  window-layout-32

 bulletpoint Cabins 2   bulletpoint Sleeps 2 – 6   bulletpoint Boat Length 58ft

bulletpoint Built In 2023   bulletpoint Layout Reverse   bulletpoint Stern Semi-Cruiser

Luxury 58ft narrowboat, built in 2024, continues on with our proven formula for style and quality. The interior is of a modern design that has a bright, contemporary and luxurious look and feel. Internally there is a permanent king size cross bed in bow cabin with wardrobes either side, followed by a bathroom with a basin, toilet and shower. Midship is a permanent twin cabin that can convert to a double on request. The saloon has a large L shaped dinette/ settee converting to either two singles or a double if needed. At the stern there is a beautiful galley area with granite worktops, a full size fridge as well as oven, hob, microwave and kettle. TV/DVD units are provided in the twin bedroom and the saloon. Both bedrooms have wardrobes, additional storage is available under the large L shaped dinette. The semi cruiser stern has two large lockers creating a lovely area to relax and chat whilst cruising. All our boats are centrally heated and the engines are fitted with hospital silencers, to ensure a quieter and more refined cruise.

LIVE TOUR
Check Availability & Book Online

Aqua Saol | Sleeps 2-6 | Star Rating : fivestars| New for 2023

luxury hire boat

dog-32-32   shower-32  hair-dryer-32  compact-disc-32  cooker-32  dvd-32  fire-hose-32  fridge-32  microwave-32     toileticon  tv-32 vacuumcleaner  window-layout-32

 bulletpoint Cabins 2   bulletpoint Sleeps 2 – 6   bulletpoint Boat Length 58ft

bulletpoint Built In 2023   bulletpoint Layout Reverse   bulletpoint Stern Semi-Cruiser

Luxury 58ft narrowboat, built in 2023, continues on with our proven formula for style and quality. The interior is of a modern design that has a bright, contemporary and luxurious look and feel. Internally there is a permanent king size cross bed in bow cabin with wardrobes either side, followed by a bathroom with a basin, toilet and shower. Midship is a permanent twin cabin that can convert to a double on request. The saloon has a large L shaped dinette/ settee converting to either two singles or a double if needed. At the stern there is a beautiful galley area with granite worktops, a full size fridge as well as oven, hob, microwave and kettle. TV/DVD units are provided in the twin bedroom and the saloon. Both bedrooms have wardrobes, additional storage is available under the large L shaped dinette. The semi cruiser stern has two large lockers creating a lovely area to relax and chat whilst cruising. All our boats are centrally heated and the engines are fitted with hospital silencers, to ensure a quieter and more refined cruise.

LIVE TOUR
Check Availability & Book Online

Canal Boat Hire and Holidays

“We can’t thank Justin and his team enough for their help and kindness – such a wonderful boating company – so loved Aqua Vie. We hope to be back – customer services sometimes hard to find – Aqua Narrowboats – you have it in bucket loads.”  

Alan & Elaine L

Narrowboat Hire

Little extras included:

Free boat handling tuition

Free delicious cake on arrival to welcome you

Free parking for two cars

Free bed linen & towels

Reviews for Aqua Narrowboats

All our narrowboats are

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Your Luxury Canal Boat Holidays

Your luxury narrowboat hire & holiday will start from our base at Barton Turns Marina, on the Trent and Mersey Canal offering many canal routes such as the Four Counties Ring, Leicester Ring and Black Country Ring. You will be met by one of our friendly handover staff, who will guide you to your parking space and narrowboat. Once you have unpacked (and have started on your complimentary cake) you will have a demonstration of the boat facilities and the skipper will get boating tuition until fully confident.

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Narrowboat Hire
Narrowboat Hire

Your narrowboat holiday hire price includes:

  • Hire of your chosen 5 star narrowboat for the allocated time
  • One set of bed linen and duvets per berth booked – additional linen can be hired
  • Welcome pack of tea, coffee, milk and a cake on arrival
  • Hygiene products including starter pack of toilet roll, washing up liquid, dish cloths and tea towels
  • Free parking for up to 2 cars
  • Free boating tuition as part of the handover
  • One bath mat and hand towel per boat
  • One bath towel per person

Optional extras can be booked such as:

  • Extra towels can be hired: £5 per pack (includes 1 bath & 1 hand towel)
  • Extra bed linen sets: Double £15, Single £10
  • Early cruising £25
  • Bring along a pet £50 for one, £70 for two
  • We can also organise surprise gifts if you require

Compulsory extras that will need to be added to your holiday price include: damage waiver fee of £60 and a fuel and gas charge of £16 per night.

Bookings require a 20% deposit, the remaining balance is due 6 weeks before your narrowboat holiday. You are able to pay by credit or debit card.

Prices: You can check published narrowboat hire prices for 2026 or visit our Special Offers to check our latest offers.

How to book: Click book online and follow the guidance provided. Before booking please read the narrowboat hire terms and conditions and Frequently Asked Questions.

By email or phone: You can check availability and book by emailing admin@aquanarrowboats.co.uk or phone 01283 585718.

Click here to download our latest brochure

Directions to Aqua Narrowboats (on Trent and Mersey Canal) at Barton Turns Marina, Barton Turn, Barton under Needwood, Staffordshire, DE13 8DZ.

Airports & Railways – we are situated 30 minutes drive from East Midlands Airport and the nearest train station is Lichfield Trent Valley or Burton-on-Trent served by Birmingham New Street & Derby Railway Stations. For rail times and connections visit National Rail.

From the North (M1)

  • Exit M1 at J28
  • At junction 28, take the A38 exit sign posted A615/Derby/Matlock
  • At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A38
  • At Little Eaton Island, take the 2nd exit onto Abbey Hill/A38, continue to follow A38
  • At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Kingsway/A38
  • At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto A38, keep right to stay on A38
  • Take the B5016 exit towards Barton-u-Needwood/Walton-u-Trent
  • At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto B5016
  • At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Station Rd/B5016
  • At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on Station Rd/B5016
  • Turn left onto Barton Turn and turn right

From the South (M1)

  • Exit M1 at J19
  • At junction 19, take the M6 exit to Coventry/Birmingham, continue onto M6
  • Take the M42(N) exit on the right towards M6 Toll/Tamworth/Birmingham
  • Keep right continue towards M42 and merge onto M42
  • Keep left at the fork to stay on M42, follow signs for A4097/A446/Kingsbury/Tamworth/M1
  • At junction 9, take the A4097/A446 exit to Kingsbury/Lichfield
  • At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Lichfield Rd/A446, continue to follow A446
  • At the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto London Rd/A38
  • At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A38 slip road to M1 North/Derby/Burton, continue onto A38
  • Take the B5016 exit towards Barton-u-Needwood/Walton-u-Trent
  • At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Station Rd/B5016
  • Turn left onto Barton Turn and turn right

From the North (M6)

  • Exit M6 at junction 16, take the A500 exit to Crewe/Nantwich/Newcastle-u-Lyme/Stoke-on-Trent (North)
  • At Barthomley Interchange, take the 1st exit onto A500
  • Slight left onto A50 onto the slip road to Derby
  • At Sideway, take the 1st exit onto A50, keep right
  • At Tean Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Uttoxeter Bypass/A50
  • At McDonald’s Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Doveridge Bypass/A50
  • At Sudbury Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A515
  • At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Main Rd/A515, continue to follow A515
  • Slight left onto B5017
  • At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit
  • Continue onto Rangemore Hill
  • Continue onto Forest Rd
  • Turn left onto Barton Gate/B5016, continue to follow B5016
  • Turn Right onto Barton Turn and turn right

From the South (M5)

  • Keep right to stay on M5
  • Keep left at the fork to continue on M42, follow signs for M1/London/M40/Airport/4A
  • Keep left at the fork to stay on M42, follow signs for Solihull/Birmingham (E)/Airport
  • Keep left at the fork to stay on M42, follow signs for A4097/A446/Kingsbury/Tamworth/M1
  • At junction 9, take the A4097/A446 exit to Kingsbury/Lichfield
  • At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Lichfield Rd/A446
  • At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on Lichfield Rd/A446, continue to follow A446
  • At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto London Rd/ A38
  • At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A38 slip road to M1 North/Derby/Burton, continue onto A38
  • Take the B5016 exit towards Barton-u-Needwood/Walton-u-Trent
  • At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Station Rd/B5016
  • Turn left onto Barton Turn and turn right

Arrival Procedures: Finding Our Premises 

Upon arrival follow the A board sign towards the Tea Room and Reception where you will be met by one of our friendly handover staff who will guide you to your parking space and narrowboat.

Other useful narrowboat holiday information

There is a Morrison’s store just under 4 miles away (post code: DE14 2AR) for grocery shopping with free parking. Should you arrive early there is also a number of shops, a tea room, café, and a bar bistro on site – See the main marina website www.bartonmarina.co.uk.

Useful Narrowboat Hire Information recommended to read

The Boater’s Handbook By Canal River Trust: Download Handbook
The waterways code By Canal River Trust: Download Waterways Code

Any contract to hire a narrowboat incorporates Conditions 1 – 6 below and is between Aqua Narrowboats (UK) Ltd and you as the hirer. The contract does not take effect until written confirmation of your booking is sent to you. This contract is made in England and is governed by English Law.

1. Reservations

Quality Narrowboat Holidays from Aqua Narrowboats (UK) Ltd.
Our narrowboats provide luxury canal boat hire.
Please note that we do not accept single sex bookings of more than 2 without prior approval.

Initial payment
The confirmation of a narrowboat booking will be given once the fully completed booking form along with a deposit of 20% of the total price has been received by Aqua Narrowboats (UK) Ltd. The hirer will then be responsible for paying the full balance at least 6 weeks prior to the start date of their narrowboat holiday. We accept payments by card or bank transfer, please be aware we do not accept credit card payments over £3000 due to the card provider charges.

Damage waiver payment
This compulsory scheme ensures that for a single £60, non-refundable premium you will be protected from any liability for damage/loss or accident to your boat or its inventory during your holiday period. The premium will be shown on your booking confirmation along with the final balance of hire.

Special exclusions to Damage Waiver
Speeding (reported or witnessed)
Damage to the boat and/or any other boat or structure of the waterway due to false information being given during booking and/or handover with regard to previous level of narrowboating experience
Malicious, negligent or intentional damage to the boat, its equipment, the waterway, other boats or structures
Late return of narrow boat, after 8.30am (see below)
Return of narrow boat in unclean condition
Failure to carry out daily checks as instructed during the handover process
In the event of any of the above being reported, we shall claim the full cost of repairs, replacement or compensation.

Hire Period – Collection and Return of narrow boat
The hire period commences at 3.00pm (unless a 1pm early boarding time has been paid for) on Saturday and ends at 8.30am on the following Saturday. Please note, that this is boarding time, a member of staff will join you as soon as possible to handover the boat (normally 1.30pm for early cruising or 3.30pm for standard cruising time). We may not always be able to offer early boarding if we are short of staff, we’ll contact you beforehand and offer a refund if this is the case.

Failure to return the narrow boat by this time will result in a charge of £30.00 per half hour overdue. The boats must be returned in a clean condition i.e. all bins emptied, all pots, pans and crockery cleaned and put away, all surfaces and carpets cleaned and vacuumed.

Cancellation
Aqua Narrowboats strongly recommends that clients purchase suitable insurance to cover cancellation charges for circumstances beyond the client’s control, such as, but not limited to, medical expenses arising whilst on holiday, loss of luggage or money and personal liability, jury duty, incarceration, change in personal or employment circumstances, military service, death or illness (including Covid-19**), shielding / isolation, family emergencies and travel delays. Insurance should be taken out at the time of the holiday booking. If a client chooses not to purchase travel insurance, then the client accepts responsibility for any loss they may incur due to their cancellation.

You can cancel your holiday at any time, however the following charges will be incurred:

Number of weeks before your hire boat holiday Cancellation Charge
More than 6 weeks: Full deposit as paid (20% of your narrowboat hire payment)
Less than 6 weeks: 100% of your narrowboat hire payment. You will be refunded damage waiver fee, fuel and gas charge and optional extras such as pet fees.

2. Conditions of Use

Embarkment
Free tuition will be given by a member of the Company to the hirer who will ensure that the narrow boat is in good working order. Where the hirer is not familiar with the working locks, they will be taken through the first lock. Hirers will be provided with a link to a virtual handover at the point of booking. All hirers will need to watch this video in full and confirm that they have watched it. On arrival the hirer will be asked to watch this video again. The hirer will have the opportunity to ask any further questions on the handover day and discuss any concerns if they have any.

Minors
Bookings from persons under the age of 21 cannot be accepted. No person under the age of 18 may control the narrow boat, unless under the direct supervision of a responsible adult member of the party.

Cycles/ Canoes
Unfortunately, due to the high value of our narrow boat and its’ equipment, we are unable to allow cycles or canoes on board. However, this is at the Company’s discretion and may be admitted under certain circumstances.

Pets
We allow pets on board most of our boats for an additional charge of £50 for one pet or £70 for two pets. All pets must be kept off beds, seating and soft furnishings. We ask that owners bring with them blankets/bedding for their pets to sleep on. Pets are not allowed on Aqua Te Ora.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on board the boats.

Toilet Tank Pump Out
The boat’s toilet tank will be provided empty at the start of your holiday. Should the tank become full before the end of the holiday the hirer is responsible for the cost to empty the tank. The boat can be returned with a full tank without charge. The toilet must not be used once the tank is full – any damage caused by its continued use once the tank is full will be charged to the hirer.

Fishing
Fishing may be carried out from the foredeck of the boat with normal licensing applying (the hirer is requested to provide evidence of licenses before commencing their cruise.) Live fish bait must not be taken inside the boat or stored in the vessels fridge or larder areas.

Cruising Limits
The boat may be taken on canals. Experienced hirers will need to agree with the Company any cruising on rivers, prior to the start of their holiday. Disregard of this hiring condition leaves the hirer responsible for all damages, recovery and third party claims not covered by insurance.

3. Safety Rules, Common Sense and Navigation Bye Laws

The hirer agrees to the following:

  • Travel no more than 4 mph
  • Never create a wash that breaks on the bank (even at 4mph this is possible)
  • Slow right down past moored boats
  • No cruising between sunset and sunrise
  • No smoking inside the boat
  • Only carry those named on the Reservation Form
  • Do not carry portable heaters, toasters and other electrical appliances not agreed by the Company, inflammable substances or other hazardous items.
  • Comply with CRT/Environment Agency bye-laws: these specifically include leaving lock paddles in the correct position, and being considerate to other waterway users and property
  • Although we want you to enjoy yourselves may we draw attention to the fact it is illegal to be drunk in charge of any vessel on British Waterways.

4. Company Regulations

  • We reserve the right to refuse to hand over a narrow boat to any person who, in our opinion, is not suitable to take charge of the vessel, or has given false information with regard their experience level. In the event of this happening, all payments will be refunded to the proposed hirer unless cancellation is due to false information with regard to their narrowboat experience – in which case the deposit payment will be forfeited. The proposed hirer will then have no further claim against Aqua Narrowboats (UK) Ltd.
  • Please note that we do not take bookings from single sex groups without prior permission before booking, for example hen or stag party.
  • Aqua Narrowboats (UK) Ltd reserve the right to repossess the boat at any time if, in our opinion, the boat is being mishandled, misused illegally or if the crew’s behaviour is considered detrimental to other waterway users. In the event of this happening, no portion of the hire fee will be refunded.

5. Exemptions

The company shall not be liable for matters arising beyond the Company’s reasonable control, or not due to the Company’s negligence or wilful default including without limitation: death or personal injury of hirers, their crew and passengers; loss or damage to property; non-fulfilment or interruption of the reservation; delays; breakdowns; mechanical problems; defects; damage; restrictions on cruising; obstructions; repairs to waterways; non-availability of routes; storms, floods, drought, ice shortage of water and other weather conditions; non-availability of fuel; or in respect of any loss, damage, expense, injury or claim.

Insurance
Hirers are recommended to take out personal insurance cover against injury/ loss of belongings.

Delays and Restriction
No liability can be accepted by the company for any delays or non-completion of planned cruising caused by restrictions, obstructions, or repair to the waterways system or any unforeseen cause. The company reserve the right to restrict the cruising area without prior notice should any unusual or hazardous conditions prevail.

Breakdown and Repairs
We take great care to ensure our boat is serviced at regular intervals and in good working order. In case of breakdown or repairs needed contact the Company immediately where upon appropriate action will be taken. All repairs are the responsibility of the Company and should not be put into the hands of others without our authority.

You must not tow or be allowed to tow any other vessel without the Company’s permission.

The toilet provided on board is a macerator type. Instructions on its use will be provided during the handover. Should Aqua Narrowboats (UK) Ltd need to be called out due to misuse i.e. wipes causing a blockage or continued use of the toilet when gauge is showing full then a callout fee of £60.00 will be charged to the hirer.

Accidents
If the hirer is involved in an accident the following procedure should take place:

  • Contact the Company immediately giving the following information
  • Full details of the boats involved: index numbers, names and person/ persons involved and name and address of any witnesses.
  • Full details of the accident including time, date, actions and damage caused.
  • Under no circumstances must the hirer admit any liability.

6. Hirer’s Motor Cars, Motorhomes and Property

Free parking is provided for the convenience of our customers (max of 2 cars per boat), but we accept no liability for loss or damage to customers’ vehicles. You are advised not to leave valuables in your vehicles. Motorhomes are not permitted at Barton Turns Marina.

When is the best time to book our narrowboat holidays to get the best value?

Booking early always gives you the best value. We run an offer from April through to October offering 20% off if you book 12 months in advance and 15% for 9 months. This discount applies to a maximum of 2 weeks at a time. The booking can be made on any narrowboat holiday at any time of year, so is most popular with school holidays. Therefore, booking 12 months in advance will give you the best deal.

Special offers, ‘Deal of the week’ and competitions can be found via our special offers page, on Twitter and Facebook. You can either just keep track of one of these pages or sign up to our e-newsletter and get offers sent to you every month. We love to hear from our customers so do connect with us via your favorite site.

Can I see more interior photos of the narrowboats for hire?

Yes there are plenty of interior photos of the narrowboats for hire on the ‘our boats’ section of the website. You can also see more photos on Facebook and there are also some short videos of each of our narrowboats for hire on YouTube.

Are the canals open all year round?

No, canals undergo a maintenance programme over the winter season from about mid October to the end of March. The programme can be viewed online at the Canal and River Trust so you can see if any stoppages will effect your narrowboat holiday. Occasionally work also needs to be carried out during the holiday season due to emergency such as flooding or lock damage. Again check with the Canal and River Trust before you set off for any last minute stoppages.

Can I bring electrical items with me onboard my narrowboat?

The system on board is a 240v system so does operate a number of electrical items. However we ask that no other electrical items are brought without the prior consent of Aqua Narrowboats. The electrical items already provided onboard include: hairdryer, microwave, TV, stereo and fridge. The oven and hob are gas operated and a whistling kettle is heated via the gas hob. Mobile phones can be plugged in and charged with no problem at all, we recommend doing this whilst cruising as the engine is generating power.

Do I get any boat handling tuition before my canal boat holidays?

Yes, all our guests are greeted by a member of our handover team and once you have unpacked you will get a full run through of your narrowboat, so you know how everything works. Then the allocated skipper will cruise the narrowboat for about 2 hours whilst undergoing narrowboat handling tuition. In addition, your full crew will be shown how to work a lock. You should be confident to handle your narrowboat at the end of the handover period and be able to fully enjoy your canal boat holiday. We also recommend that you read the following guide books before your canal boat holiday begins:
The Boater’s Handbook By Canal River Trust: Download Handbook
The waterways code By Canal River Trust: Download Waterways Code

Can I go on the river on my canal boat holidays?

Yes if you are an experienced narrowboater, then you are able to go along the river section on your canal boat holidays, please speak with the team at Aqua Narrowboats first so we can ensure you have an anchor onboard.

Can my canal boat holidays be longer than 2 weeks?

Yes we are happy to book canal boat holidays up to 3 weeks. We don’t usually take bookings for a longer period than this, but please feel free to contact us with your requirements on 01283 585718 or email admin@aquanarrowboats.co.uk.

What happens if my canal boat breaks down?

It is unlikely that your canal boat will break down as we maintain our narrowboats to the highest standard. However if this does happen, or you are concerned about anything whilst onboard you can call the office during opening times Tel 01283 585718 or the marine repairs team on a mobile phone number provided within your boat handbook. Your marine engineer will assess your situation via the phone, in many cases the problem is resolved at this stage. If the problem is not resolved a marine engineer will visit your canal boat as soon as possible. There are no charges for a marine engineer callout unless in connection with a toilet blockage which is caused by misuse i.e. wipes blocking the toilet. Please see our terms and conditions for further details.

Are there many canal routes to choose from for my canal boat holidays?

There are lots of canal routes to choose from as we are based in the heart of the Midland canal network. If your canal boat holidays is one or 2 weeks long then you can choose from many of the canal rings on the system including the Staffordshire Ring, Four Counties Ring and Leicestershire Ring. For canal boat holidays of less than a week, then you can discover the Trent and Mersey canal up to Great Haywood and back visiting Shugborough Hall, Fradley Junction and the pretty village of Alrewas. See our canal routes page for ideas.

Where is Aqua Narrowboats based?

Aqua Narrowboats is based at Barton Turns Marina on the Trent and Mersey Canal. For directions to our base please see our ‘find us’ page.

Can I cancel my canal boat holiday once booked?

Please see our terms and conditions about cancelling your canal boat holiday.

How many narrowboats does Aqua Narrowboats have?

At the moment we have 2 narrowboats for hire. These are all based at Barton Turns Marina, Staffordshire, on the Trent and Mersey Canal.

Can I bring extra people on my luxury canal boat holidays?

You need to add the details of all the people who will be joining your narrowboat holiday when booking, even if they will be joining for only part of the holiday. The maximum number of people at any one time should not exceed the stated limit, therefore if the boat is a 4-6 berth, the max is 6 people, if it is a 2-4 berth the max number is 4 people. For safety and insurance reasons we cannot exceed this limit.

How easy are the narrowboats to get on and off?

We have an accessibility statement that may help you decide if you are mobile enough for a narrowboat holiday. Our narrowboats have been particularly well thought out to improve access with graduating stairs & hand rails at both entrances, stable doors to improve the safety of small children and pets who can look out without being near the water; and an apron at the rear. You are welcome to arrange a visit to take a look at the narrowboats before booking your narrowboat holiday.

Do I need to bring food on my narrowboat holidays?

Yes, enough food for a couple of days, remember storage on board a narrowboat is limited. We do provide a welcome pack of tea/ coffee and milk on arrival, plus a complimentary cake. There are places where you can buy food nearby Barton Turns Marina including a Morrison’s just under 4 miles away (DE14 2AR). There are many places to shop as you are cruising along the canals and many of our guests like to eat out at the many pubs, restaurants and tea rooms as part of their narrowboat holidays. Recommendations can be found in the visitor books onboard the narrowboats.

What will I need to bring on my luxury canal boat holidays?

You will need to bring your clothing, be sure to pack a variety of warm and cool clothing as the weather can change throughout the week, waterproofs are especially useful as a narrowboat holiday is very much outdoors. Sun cream is an essential item even if it doesn’t look sunny you can easily get burned when cruising along. Binoculars can be useful for spotting birds along the canals, a torch can be useful although there are some onboard too and a camera for capturing the memory of your narrowboat holidays. You will also need to bring enough food to last a couple of days. Lastly good footwear such as walking boots is best, but wellies or other good walking shoes are also suitable.

Can I bring a bike on my narrowboat holidays?

If you would like to bring a bike, please contact us first to discuss arrangements. It very much depends on the capacity of people onboard and your security arrangements. If we do agree please be aware that you are bringing your bike at your own risk.

Can I bring along a pet on my narrowboat holidays?

Yes, pets are welcome on most of our narrowboats at a charge of £50 for one pet or £70 for two pets. We ask that you bring your pets own bedding and ensure they don’t go on the beds or seating. Pets are not allowed on Aqua Te Ora.

What’s included in the price of my narrowboat hire?

The price shown online includes the hire of your narrowboat, all bed linen and duvets, towels, a welcome pack of tea/coffee/milk and hygiene products (washing up liquid, hand soap, toilet paper, dish cloths and tea towels), a cake on arrival, free parking for up to 2 cars and free boating tuition as part of the handover.

Compulsory extras that will need adding to the cost of your narrowboat hire price include:
Damage waiver fee of £60
Fuel and gas charge of £16 per day

Optional extras that can also be purchased include:
Early Cruising, board at 1pm £25
Extra Bed Linen Sets: Double £11.00, Single £9.50
Towels, a pack of 1 bath towel and 1 hand towel £5 per person
Bring along one pet for £50, or two pets for £70

What time does my luxury canal boat hire period start and end?

Your narrowboat hire period starts from 3pm on your collection day, unless you have paid for early cruising as an optional extra, in which case you can board at 1pm. All narrowboats need to be disembarked by 9am on your day of departure.

Narrowboat Hire

Canal Routes

The map opposite can be used to help you plan your canal boat trip.

Canal Routes information:

Four Counties Ring (yellow routes). Distance 145 miles & 118 locks, cruising: 10 days- 2 weeks

Stoke-on-Trent & Return. Distance 70 miles & 50 locks, cruising: 1 week

Attractions: Fradley Junction Nature reserve, Shugborough Estate, Stoke-on-Trent Potteries. 

Staffordshire Ring (purple routes). Distance 86 miles & 93 locks, cruising: 1 week
Stafford  & return. Distance 44 miles & 26 locks, cruising: 3-4 days
Attraction: Fradley Junction Nature Reserve, Shugborough Estate, Drayton Manor Park, Sea Life Centre

Leicestershire Ring (brown route). Distance 154 miles & 101 locks, cruising 2 weeks
Leicestershire & Return. Distance 96 miles & 60 locks, cruising 1 week
Attractions: Shardlow Heritage Centre, Leicester City, Foxton Locks Staircase.

Caldon canal to froghall winding hole & Return (blue route). Distance 106 miles & 94 locks, cruising 10 days.
Attractions: Shugborough Estate, Stoke-on-Trent Potteries, Churnet Steam Railway.

Ashby canal bridge No 7 & Return (green route). Distance 135 miles & 74 locks, cruising 10 days.
Attractions: Fradley Nature Reserve, Drayton Manor Park, Bosworth Battlefields.

From our base at Barton Turns Marina on the Trent and Mersey Canal, there is a wealth of canal networks to choose from.

Aqua Narrowboats is based on the Trent & Mersey Canal at Barton Turns Marina between the brewing town of Burton and approximately 3.5 hours cruise from the inviting pub, tea rooms and nature reserve at Fradley Junction (the meeting point of the Trent and Mersey and Coventry canals). An ideal location for your canal boat holiday hire.

We are ideally situated for you to choose from a wealth of canal boat cruises including: the Black Country Ring, Four Counties Ring and Leicester Ring. Return routes include the picturesque trip to Great Haywood passing Fradley Junction; alternatively you could attempt the 11 locks at Atherstone on the Coventry Canal; or take the children to Drayton Manor Park along the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal.

We also provide Collins Nicholson Waterway Guides on board the boats. These guides are similar to a road atlas but for canals – as well as illustrating each section of canal they also provide information on bridge and lock numbers, boatyards, refuse and water points, mooring locations, water hazards, shops, pubs and grocery stores and finally, areas of local interest. If you wish to plan ahead these can be purchased via Amazon – our base is covered in Guides No 3 & 4 (this will be dependent on your route).

Places to Visit

Shugborough Estate
At Great Hayward on the Trent and Mersey Canal. Pat and Colin Hassall recommend this as ‘well worth a visit’.

Drayton Manor Park
On the Birmingham and Fazley Canal. Recommended by us. Our three children love the park as it caters for the younger children with Thomas Land and the teenagers with the white knuckle rides. There is even a zoo for some peace and tranquility.

Harecastle Tunnel
On the Trent and Mersey Canal. Ian and Julie Cresswell says this ‘is an amazing experience’.

Stoke On Trent Potteries
On the Trent and Mersey Canal. Including Wedgewood, a driving force behind the construction of the Trent and Mersey Canal in 1777.

Fradley Junction Nature Reserve
On the Trent and Mersey Canal. A good stop off to visit the nature reserve for a walk or a spot of bird watching, there is also a visitors centre, 2 tea rooms and a pub. Usually a cluster of people observing the narrowboats passing through

Sea Life Centre
In Birmingham on the Birmingham Canal Navigation.

Churnet Steam Railway
On the Caldon Canal.

Bosworth Battlefield
On the Ashby Canal. The site of the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 and the infamous place where King Richard III lost his life.

Narrowboat Hire
Narrowboat Hire

Places To Eat

The Apple Tree Tea Room
At Barton Turns Marina. Light meals and cakes, plus breakfast menu. A great stop off if you arrive for your canal boat holiday early or to have breakfast before you leave. Recommended by us!

The Waterfront Pub & Restaurant
Fabulously designed pub overlooking Barton Turns Marina offers a range of traditional pub meals. Open from 9.30am for breakfasts, coffee and cakes. Freshly-cooked food available from noon until 9pm.

Thai Marina
An authentic Thai food restaurant at Barton Turns Marina, again offers great views of the marina.

La Dolce Vita
At Stone. A very good Italian, not cheap but good value. Recommended by Graham and Lyn Precious.

The George and Dragon
At Alrewas. Peter and Lynda Wagner rated this pub as ‘excellent’.

The Wolseley Arms
5 mins walk from Bridge 70. Peter and Lynda Wagner rated this pub as ‘very nice’.

Leisure Activities

Many leisure activities can be enjoyed on your canal boat holiday, such as walking, cycling, bird watching and fishing. All are free except fishing for which a fishing licence can be obtained from the post office. Some customers have also participated in Geocaching as part of their canal boat holiday as there are now many places where wifi is accessible along the canal. Geocaching is a treasure hunting game. The idea is to locate hidden containers called geocaches and then share your experience online. For more information visit the geocaching website www.geocaching.com

Narrowboat Hire

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Narrowboat Holiday Special Offers

Narrowboat Hire

Our Price Promise –

We always provide our very best discount to our EARLY BIRD customers.

10% off any weekly holiday in 2026

Online prices include the discount where you can book using our Online Booking System, alternatively you can call 01283 585718 or email admin@aquanarrowboats.co.uk.

T&Cs: Discount available until 31st January 2026, does not apply to fuel, DWF or optional extras. Booked holidays are non- transferable.

Check Availability & Book Special Offer

Prices, Availability and Book Online

How to Book:

  • We offer weekly holidays starting on Saturday.
  • To book, select your chosen weeks (max 2) from the grid below by selecting the start day and end day (Saturday to Saturday), then click ‘BOOK NOW’.
  • Alternatively email: admin@aquanarrowboats.co.uk or Tel 01283 585718 (weekdays between 9am and 4pm), get in touch if you want to book for more than 2 weeks.
  • Click the calendar forward > to find 2026 dates. The week is only available if it is green (grey tiles are booked).
  • 2026 SPECIAL OFFER – 10% off any weekly holiday in 2026 when booked before 31st January 2026, prices below include discount (T&Cs: does not apply to DWF, Fuel or optional extras, offer ends 31-01-26).