Narrow boats – moored in the countryside along a canal
Anyone who has ever been out and about in England and was lucky enough to get close to one of the many canals or smaller rivers may have seen these before: They are colourful, long and extremely narrow “Narrow Boats”.
With a length of up to 22 metres, they are only 2.20 metres wide – which gives them a very special shape, especially when considering their low height. Created originally for the transport of goods on the “Inland Waterways”, they are still built today but no longer as cargo ships, rather as passenger and houseboats. Narrow boats have established themselves as an alternative to permanent housing particularly in metropolises such as London, where rents are sometimes exorbitant.
The opportunity to rent these boats for leisure is particularly attractive. Throughout the country, countless companies offer narrow boat rental along the canals. They are diesel-powered and at a slightly faster pace than walking. You can experience England from a very special perspective while standing at the tiller and meandering the canals through nature and the countryside.
Highlights, for example, are the locks on the Kennet-and-Avon Canal, which are staggered one after each other, or on the same canal the Avoncliff Aquaeduct, or the ship staircase on Caen Hill in Devices which are also described on our website.
An overview of all navigable canals with a lot of additional information is provided by the “Canal and River Trust“, which is also responsible for their maintenance.
Narrow Boats – one after the other
A Narrow Boat passing a Drawbridge (on the Oxford Canal)
Manufacturer’s Badge on a Narrow Boat
Snapshot: The interior of a Houseboat with a width of 2.20 m
Narrow Boats and Nature – a perfect symbiosis if it weren’t for the diesel engines.
