Canal bit trip - what to pack?

[Equimum]

We are going on a four night canal boat trip in half term. I am trying to plan packing, but don't really know what to take. Dove canal boats get hit to do they tend to be freezing at night? is there normally much room to store food?

We are going as a party of four with - 10 year old and 7 year old (& dog).

If you have done this type of holiday, what are your must take items, or what did you not take that you wish you had?

TIA

Something cosy for sitting out in the evening. Best holiday ever!

Be a bit like camping clothes wise. Layers

The nice thing about doing it in the UK is that because there tends to be an older clientele, so much has already been thought about for you, playing cards, spare blankets - even things like baking tins in case you fancy making a cake and a full tea set for afternoon tea.

I would check the inventory to be sure and ask if they allow you to order a grocery delivery to put in the boat before you arrive. Makes such a difference to not have to bother with that when you bring your bits on board.

It can be cold and a bit damp at night, and it can be smelly if the toilets go into a tank you have to pump out, so bring an air-freshener or incense. Bring a spare quick-drying blanket if you have one.

Make sure you have raincoats, sunhats and sunglasses and warm fleeces. Make sure everyone has footwear that grips properly.

The thing about the boat is your itinerary- how far you plan to drive the boat. With children and a dog you will need to make full use of any places you can get out and have a run-around, because you can’t move around inside, so you may need to do a less ambitious itinerary, involving less cruising with longer stops.

If you have them, bring binoculars- very useful for wildlife as well as making out landmarks at a distance.

Bring things to keep the kids and dog amused indoors if need to cruise in the rain.

Plan everything with a good margin for error, so you don’t get stressed needing to reach your planned mooring in the afternoon.

Have a lovely, relaxing time.

Thank-you DreamingCatTwitches, HappiDaze and coodawoodashooda. There is some great advice here. We are experienced campers so good to know my camping clothes list will work!

Not particularly cold, mist have heating onboard. The kitchen is usually adequate for a short stay with storage under bunks if needs be,

They're quite comfy (although tall people will bang their heads). Take smaller bags or squashy bags. There's generally plenty of storage but nowhere to put rigid suitcases.

Dressing gown to save embarrassment with early morning walkers on the tow path! Shoes you can slip on and off that are grippy (Crocs are ideal). If you have to keep taking trainers on and off it's a pain and if you don't, it'll get muddy inside.

If you have or can borrow a folding bike like a Brompton, it's very handy for getting groceries. Non folding bikes take up too much space.

Good rainwear/hat for the person stuck outside at the back manning or womaning the tiller. Plenty of suncream.

The app OpenCanalApp is very handy to be sure where you are.

Enjoy yourselves! It's addictive.

Just seen you have kids. Big bag of entertainment that doesn't need Internet. Games, colouring, quiz books. Even if the boat has TV and WiFi, canals tend to be in deep cuttings so not much signal.

We used to enjoy collecting boat names.

Our favourite was Sir Osis of the River!

Thanks LIZS and Phineyj, that's all super helpful. Love the idea of collecting boat names - that'll be right up my youngest's street.

Waterproofs, spare jumper, hat, sunglasses, clothing layers, games, Bluetooth speaker, any food items you want to have , towel if not provided.