Welcome to Southern Narrowboats
The Only Self-Drive Narrowboat Holiday Company on the Grand Union Canal – London stretch.
Whether you are a couple, a group of friends, a mixed group or a family, you will love the experience of a Narrowboat holiday. Working to crew the boat, relaxing and taking in the scenery, enjoying the slow pace of life on the water. As they say, turn up and slow down. Watch your children’s delight to be part of the team working the ropes and locks. Watch with surprise as your teenagers put down their devices and get involved! Relax with a beverage at the bow watching the swans or keep the skipper company at the tiller. Cruise the day taking in the landscape and the sights on the waterway, then at sundown moor up and enjoy the simple pleasures onboard. Preparing and eating dinner together, watching a movie or playing cards or a board. Catch up on reading, relax and unwind. Families or friends enjoy the adventure of sleeping on the boat! Dine together in a waterside pub or restaurant, or take a stroll along the towpath, perhaps with your dog? Visit local shops and attractions. You may wish to actively cruise the waterways or use the boat as a base/floating hotel room. Take it where you want, moor and explore!
‘The boat’ is the holiday on a Narrowboat break, removing the requirement to spend time or money elsewhere, unless you desire to. Along the waterways you will find a myriad of beautiful pubs and restaurants to visit and watch the world go by
Southern Narrowboats, owned and operated by lifelong boaters Richard and Louise Whitaker, who are proud to offer their customers the personal touch.
The Only Self-Drive Narrowboat Holiday Company on the Grand Union Canal – London stretch.
The unique proximity of our Marina to London means that you can choose to head North into the beautiful countryside via an abundance of locks, or enjoy 23 miles of lock free boating and head South into the bright lights and hustle and bustle of London. The canals and rivers are your oyster. Pre-bookable day and overnight moorings are available in many locations including London.
Your boating short break or longer holiday will begin at West London’s Packet Boat Marina in Cowley, Uxbridge. Close to Heathrow Airport and the M4/M25 Motorways and nearby Uxbridge Tube and West Drayton Train Stations take you into Central London in 20 minutes. There is fully a secure car park at the Marina.
The unique proximity of our Marina to London means that you can choose to head North into the beautiful countryside via an abundance of locks, or enjoy 23 miles of lock free boating and head South into the bright lights and hustle and bustle of London. The canals and rivers are your oyster. Pre-bookable day and overnight moorings are available in many locations including London.
BOOK NOWFacebook Reviews
I contacted this company to book a trip for me and my boyfriend. We were visiting from the states and wanted to do something unique. This trip was UNFORGETTABLE and so amazing. Louise and Richard were an absolute joy to work with. They were constantly in touch and so responsive with all our many questions. It was our first time operating a narrowboat (we rented Cassieopeia) and Rich made sure we felt confident before he left us at a nearby Tesco along the towpath. I would recommend this type of trip for any couple, family, or group of friends. You definitely need to be willing to try something new and learn a new skill, but it’s doable and very fun. We had some amazing moments, learned a lot about communication, and saw England from the most unique perspective. Feel free to contact me with questions–I’ll be sure to give you an honest answer about our experience. If you want to learn more about our experience, go to my Instagram page and click on the Canal Boat highlight to see highlights from our trip (and a detailed tour of the boat!). My instagram handle is @janebdiener.
Fantastic winter holiday, despite the awful storm on return day, still enjoyed the whole experience..
Great boat
Well supplied
Great company
Would definitely recommend
5 ***
We had a fabulous time and the staff were all very caring and helped us have a wonderful holiday.
Great week through London and back. Everything we needed on board – very comfortable and well prepared for us. Professional, helpful and friendly owners
Just had an absolutely amazing mid week break on Little Egrit. Such a warm cosy boat and super easy to handle, the beds were so comfy very hard to get up in the morning!! Took the boat up to Kings Cross and back stopping off for coffee at coal drops yard, pizza at Goldborne rd, an amazing night in little Venice and lots of really cute pubs and sights along the way.
We had a super mid week break on Little Egret travelling up the Grand Union in mostly lovely weather. Little Egret is a lovely boat with really comfortable beds- especially the king size double! The boat handles well and was 100% reliable. Our route took us though some beautiful peaceful countryside, all within the M25 ring. Thank you. We’ll be back!
Beautiful weekend away on the water with Little Egret. We were a crew of 4 heading north. Louise was a great help making sure we were prepared in the run up to the trip and Rich was a gent helping us out and showing us the ropes. Fantastic new experience. Thanks you!
Just had an absolutely amazing three night holiday aboard Cassiopeia! Everything supplied, very thoughtful owners! From towels to DVDs. All went like clockwork, the best little holiday ever. Thank you from the Atkinson/ Sabrosa family xxz
We had a great week on The Cassiopeia. Great boat which was brilliantly prepared by Richard & Louise. Highly recommended.
Had a great last minute weekend away on Little Egret. Louise and Richard were both super friendly and efficient. Made sure we were comfortable with the boat before leaving us to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the canal. Great to try something different and the kids loved it. Would fully recommend it!