Chart your own course along the scenic Leicestershire waterways, aboard a family-and-pet friendly canal boat with full training – and plenty of freedom! – provided.
  • Sleeps: 4 or 6 per boat
  • Bedrooms: Varies
  • Bathrooms: 1 or 2 per boat
  • Minimum stay: 2 -3 nights

You’ll find Union Wharf Narrowboats in Market Harborough, on a tranquil stretch of the shimmering Grand Union Canal. This is your base for a memorable holiday that puts you firmly at the helm!

Here you’ll find a selection of luxurious boats that sleep up to four or six people (children and pets are welcome), all primed for cruising along the scenic waterways. All you have to do is choose a boat, then plan your favourite route – though if you can’t decide or aren’t sure, the friendly team will happily talk you through some options.

You’ll also receive full training before you embark on your canal boat holiday, with instruction tailored to your level of previous experience (if you have none at all, don’t worry! Many people haven’t, and guiding complete beginners is all part of the service).

So, which beautiful boat will you opt for? At 66ft and 63ft long respectively, Gosling and Mallard each sleep up to six people, with plenty of comfy space for TV-watching and family games alike. Private, versatile sleeping space means you can choose from a dinette double and four singles, or two doubles – and you’ll have not one but two shower rooms!

Shelduck, meanwhile, is a 49ft vessel that sleeps up to four guests, again with flexible sleeping arrangements that mean you can travel as a couple, a family, or a group of friends.

Whichever boat you choose, on-board facilities include a full kitchen with a microwave, free unlimited Wi-Fi, and a Smart TV. Toasty central heating is also included, along with fresh towels and bedding, that means not only can you pack perfectly light, but wherever you go, you’ll only have to unpack once!

Each of the canal routes available to take from Union Wharf Marina will lead you through peaceful, unspoilt Leicestershire and Northampton landscapes, right through the rural heart of England. Better still, both the length and the destination are completely up to you.

Keep reading

At a glance

  • A selection of canal boats and full instruction, based at Union Wharf Marina in Market Harborough for a freedom-rich holiday that puts you in full control.
  • Each boat features full self-contained facilities, and is family and pet-friendly.
  • Gosling (66ft) and Mallard (63ft) sleep up to 6 guests, and Shelduck (49ft) sleeps up to 4.
  • Flexible sleeping arrangements mean the boats are suitable for couples, families, and groups of friends.
  • Routes can be planned in advance or discussed with the friendly team, each leading through rural Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.

Features

  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
  • Off-Grid

Facilities

Gosling (66ft, up to 6 guests): family-sized seating area, 2 shower rooms, 3 private sleeping areas with flexible layout, bedding and towels provided, full kitchen with microwave and Nespresso coffee machine, free unlimited Wi-Fi, Smart TV, central heating.

Mallard (63ft, up to 6 guests): family-sized seating area, 2 shower rooms, 3 private sleeping areas with flexible layout, bedding and towels provided, full kitchen with microwave, free unlimited Wi-Fi, Smart TV, central heating.

Shelduck (49ft, up to 4 guests): lounge space, 1 shower room, flexible sleeping space, bedding and towels provided, full kitchen with microwave, free unlimited Wi-Fi, Smart TV, central heating.

Local activities

Please visit the property website for information about the many different canal routes and activities available.

Accommodation Options

Shelduck

  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
  • Off-Grid

Gosling

  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
  • Off-Grid

Mallard

  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
  • Off-Grid

More information

For a short and traditional city break, head straight into nearby Leicester and immerse yourselves in its history and culture (not to mention its many bars and restaurants!). Or ascend the historic Foxton locks – with a little help from the lock-keepers – and revel in the notorious canal tunnels.

Rather not expend too much effort and energy? No problem. There are plenty of idyllic, meandering countryside routes that provide plenty of opportunity for rambling in nature, taking epic photos, or simply relaxing with a good book. There’ll also be a ready supply of towpath pubs and restaurants for refreshments, as part of a relaxing and fulfilling holiday that’s designed by you.

Things to note

Please visit the property website for pre-instruction guides for the boats, and to plan your favourite route in advance. You may need to check for canal closures/restrictions on your chosen travel dates.

Where you'll be staying

Market Harborough, Leicestershire

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