Looking for Something Unique This Half-Term? Try a Day on a Narrowboat!

How about a train ride from Euston and a day on a narrowboat? It's a one-of-a-kind adventure that's sure to spark your family's curiosity.

The last week of May is here. School's out. You're already dreading the words: "I'm bored." We’ve all been there. Even the most phone-addicted kids get bored eventually.

You could choose the usual theme parks or visit a garden centre cafe for a boring meal. Another walk may sound tempting, but what if you swapped the tarmac for the towpath?

Explore the Beauty of Canals

Let's talk canals. Not the bustling city canals filled with broken glass and yeasty smells. We’re talking about the serene, green canals of the countryside. Here, ducks have the right of way, and time seems to slow down. Sounds like a peaceful escape, doesn't it?

We Took the Kids Boating

We booked a day boat from a place called Cowroast Marina.

Yes, Cowroast is a real place name. It’s just over 30 minutes from Euston by train, or if you insist, only 20 minutes from Junction 1 of the M25.

With a name like Cowroast, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I felt a bit nervous about driving a boat, but the Narrowboat Day Hire team, a friendly bunch, gave us a thorough briefing. They showed us everything we needed to know, and they were patient and understanding. Because of them, we felt confident and ready for the adventure.

And then we were off, drifting out past the stunning Chiltern countryside. The water was glassy, the trees were thick and leaning in, and I experienced that magic feeling—the sensation of being away before we've even gotten anywhere.

The Kids? Obsessed!

The kids were into it straight away. They helped work the locks and took turns steering (under watchful eyes, don’t worry). We waved at literally every moored boat we passed, and they even cheered the first time we went through a lock.

We spotted plenty of wildlife: ducks, swans, geese, a heron, and I’m assured a cormorant—it looked like a little dinosaur! We also saw people, dogs, and cats snoozing on (different) boat roofs.

A Delightful Stop at the Pub

We stopped at a pub, The Grand Junction Arms, for ice cream and modest adult refreshments. The kids climbed, ran, swung, and whooped in the pub's enclosed garden (right by the canal), with boats bobbing in the background. It felt like a scene out of a film, but even more relaxed.

Was It Stressful?

Nope, not at all! It was slower than walking pace. Imagine a picnic that moves. The best part? There are zero ants!

And there's a loo on board. Trust me, that matters when you’re out with kids. A kitchen is onboard, too. We brought sandwiches but should’ve thought ahead and packed some cake.

Would We Do It Again?

YES! We have already booked another trip for the summer. Gran is coming along next time, along with my sister's kids and a friend. They will all totally love it.

The kids keep asking if we can live on a boat. (We can’t, but for one day… we did! It was kickass!)

Thinking About It?

You should definitely consider it. It's different and outdoors. You will smile throughout the entire experience.

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys fresh air, family time, and doing something a bit out of the ordinary, this is for you. Make sure to book your day-hire boats at Cowroast Marina. Spots fill up quickly, especially during school holidays!

Click here to check availability

Have you tried this before? Do you have a special boating memory? Are you thinking about giving it a go this half-term? Share your thoughts in the comments below. You can also tag your photos with #CowroastCanalDay—we’d love to see what you experience!