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.
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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!
We had a fantastic holiday with Southern Narrowboats! With our three boys 4, 8 & 10, it was such an adventure and found our way into the country very exciting and relaxing. The boat was beautiful with a gold brass tiller that mage us feel a step up in the narrow boat style steaks ! Warm cosy and easy to manage it was a very restful holiday. Highly recommend both Louise and Richards very experienced and well managed excursions. ! The family Cox
We had a most amazing time! Thank you so much to Louise and Richard. The boat was so cool!!
We chose to sail into London ( no locks!) and moored at Paddington basin. Great way to see London and just an amazing experience overall. The kids ( 4 & 7) are already asking when we can do it again. We will be back soon xx
Very friendly, lovely boat and easy pick up. We had Cassiopeia which is a lovely boat. Clean, comfortable and smart. We went up to Rickmansworth and had a great weekend. Thank you Louise and Rich.
My girlfriend and I stayed on Cassiopia just after lockdown restrictions were removed. The owners were really understanding, responsive and helpful. The boat was immaculate and really good fun. Highly recommend a stay on one of these narrowboats.
We had a amazing family weekend on Little Egret. The boat is modern, super clean, comfortable and fully equipped, perfect for our family of 5. Louise and Richard are wonderful hosts, explained everything thoroughly and on hand if we needed. We had a perfect hassle free weekend, the kids enjoyed something different and enjoyed the unique experience. Looking forward to returning for a longer break next time.
Great week through London and back. Everything we needed on board – very comfortable and well prepared for us. Professional, helpful and friendly owners
Incredible long weekend a few weeks ago on the Little Egret. We had a great family trip with our 4 and 6 year old daughters. We went north away from London and the scenery beside the canal and peace and tranquillity was exceptional. It was great fun working the locks and learning to drive a narrowboat. We would definitely go again and are looking forward to it already! Thanks a lot Louise and Rich – wonderful experience…and all before the rain set in…very lucky!
Fabulous 4 day rental. A terrific operation.
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!