Boutique Narrowboats

• Sleeps: 2
• Bedroom: 1
• Bathroom: 1
• Minimum stay: 3 nights

If you’re tired of living life to somebody else’s timetable, a holiday aboard your very own canal boat signifies the ultimate in freedom. You get to cruise wherever you like, and stop whenever you choose.

Oh, and if said canal boat also boasts facilities and indulgences that are worthy of a five-star hotel suite, then so much the better! Think downy kingsize beds, rainfall showers, toasty central heating, and plenty of sleek tech to make holiday life easy.

Perfect for complete beginners and expert boaters alike, Boutique Narrowboats comprises an exquisite selection of luxury boats for romantic couples, and a more traditional boat that’s ideal for a family and their beloved pets.

You’ll board your chosen vessel at Union Wharf Marina, at the heart of Market Harborough’s canal basin… a wonderful starting point for exploring the shimmering waterways of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.

Your training will be tailored to your level of previous experience, so if you’ve never operated a narrowboat before, no problem! Many people haven’t, and the friendly owners know exactly how to help you tackle the – reassuringly straightforward – process, until you feel confident about setting out on your chosen route.

All you have to do now is decide which beautiful boat you’ll choose! Brand new in 2022, Marbled White features a bespoke-commissioned Elton Moss shell, along with expert interior carpentry (not to mention a wine fridge and a large deck for sunbathing!)

Chalkhill Blue evokes plenty of continental chic, with an antique French stove, real wooden floors, and a muted Farrow and Ball colour palette. Meanwhile, the indulgent Woodland Grayling is a pet-friendly boat, with one small well-behaved dog welcome to join you on board.

At a glance

• A luxurious selection of five-star cruising narrowboats for romantic couples, with full training provided.
• The boats are moored at Union Wharf Marina at Market Harborough; the perfect base from which to explore Leicestershire and Northamptonshire’s beautiful waterways.
• On-board facilities include kingsize beds, rainfall showers, central heating and generous kitchens – and of course, a deck for relaxing and sunbathing!
• Woodland Grayling is pet-friendly, with one small, well-behaved dog welcome to join the two of you. Gosling, a family-sized boat sleeping up to 6 guests, is also pet-friendly, with one or more well-behaved dogs permitted.
• Choose your route in advance (there is a map on the owner’s website) or discuss with your trainers when you arrive. No pre-planning is required.
• Day boat hire is also available for 2-12 people, again with full training provided.

Features

• Adults Only
• Dog Friendly
• Off-Grid

Accommodation Options

More information

If you’re looking for even more romantic luxury, Paper Kite is the fleet’s newest addition; a generous 47-foot narrowboat with a prestigious Tim Tyler hull, designer accessories, and a stylish induction hob that removes the need for gas altogether.

Last but by no means least is Gosling, a traditional, family-sized boat that sleeps up to six guests and their well-behaved pets. With a full kitchen and two showers on board, there’s plenty of scope to live life just the way you want, with plenty of added adventure thrown in!

What about your route? Your trainers will be very happy to discuss the best ones as they teach you the tricks of the trade, so you won’t have to plan ahead. Though if you’re a novice, the route through Foxton Locks and South is particularly lovely, with lock-keepers on hand to help, and mile upon mile of scenic countryside to explore.

Whichever combination of boat and route you decide to opt for, you can expect a truly memorable and beautiful stay… of which you are in complete control!

Things to note

Check in on Monday or Friday at 2pm, to disembark on Monday or Friday at 9:30am. Free car parking is available at the marina.