Narrowboat holiday

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Has anyone done this with kids and, if so, where did you do it and would you recommend?

we are considering trying it for a few days in May half term. We have done a day trip before and all really enjoyed it. Now thinking it might be fun to try a few days. DC are 7 & 10, both sensible etc. we like the idea of playing board games, reading, goi g for walks and some pub meals. Basically, just want to bond and enjoy being on and around the boat.

TIA for any thoughts.

We did a day trip and had a great time, but I feel activities would have to be well planned and consider what if it rains?
Kids drove ours!

I don't know where you live

Look at boating holidays on the Norfolk Broads, you can hire lots of different types of boats. Lots of pubs & things to do along the way

I went as a child, mainly Norfolk Broads but a couple of times on a Narrow Boat in Wales. I remember really enjoying it.

We actually booked through Hoseasons and got a lovely boat on the Oxford canal in Summer 2021. I also looked at an amazing company in the Brecon Beacons called Beacon Park Boats but they were all booked up - some of their boats had hot tubs! Our kids were 4 and 7 and loved the adventure. Being able to get out and walk alongside the boat when you needed to stretch legs, ‘helping’ with the locks and making friends along the way. We’d definitely do it again. The speed of the boat just forces everyone to slow down and it’s so peaceful. Definitely get a boat where you can sit out the front away from the engine too as that’s the best.

My house backs onto the (Kennet & Avon) canal in Bath and I see plenty of families touring in the warmer months as well as the kids that live on a boat all year. Many of the boats have wifi (which always surprises me when the network pops up on my phone).

May seems to be a good time to pick as it won't be baking hot or freezing cold.

I did a holiday with my cousins when I was about 14 and cousins were 12 and 16. We had a great time (I read a lot of books sat/laying on top of the boat). We took a canoe and bikes.

Where to go? I would choose an area with several tourist boatyards as that usually means that the canal will be well maintained.

We went when dc were about 8.
I realized on day one I was absolutely terrified. I had actual nightmares about navigating locks and hated being left in charge of steering the boat.
DH who had it booked for him as a birthday treat had to spend five days rain or shine navigating the thing.
But the kids and dog liked it well enough.
We went from Skipton and the scenery was lovely.

we had a may half term on a canal boat on the Llangollen canal a few years ago and it was a great holiday with the kids. Glad you say your kids are sensible, as looking back there was definitely scope for disaster, although luckily we stayed the right side of adventure / mishap and no limbs were lot. The dog kept jumping off the boat, and I kept banging my head, but it was a lovely way to see some beautiful country side. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was spectacular (enjoyed it more with a GandT in my hand). Lots of pubs for nice meals, and cosy evenings in the boat with some board games. We all look back on it extremely fondly.

I've done this a few times with kids and it's an absolute delight. The last time was with two phone obsessed kids: 14 and 10. The electrics wouldn't work in properly for the first couple of days so there were no distractions and they declared it the best holiday EVER! We were in Cambridge and I think we booked via Hoseasons. The boat goes so slowly they can even help steer. You see the most amazing countryside that you don't see from roads. Waking up with ducks floating by or a cow peering in is just wonderful. Treating yourself to a meal every night in a pub is the cherry on top.

I did as a child and loved it. If you are not used to locks then maybe Norfolk Broads for the first time, whilst you get used to driving a boat.