Day out from Euston

Looking for something unique this Half-Term? 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.

Last week of May. School's out. You're already dreading the words: "I'm bored." Been there. Even phone-addicted sprogs get bored eventually.

You could go to the usual theme parks or the garden centre cafe. Another walk. But what if you swapped the tarmac for the towpath?

Let's talk canals.

Not the bustling city canals you might be used to, with their broken glass and yeasty smells. We're talking about the serene, green canals of the countryside. Where ducks have the right of way and time seems to slow down. Sounds like a peaceful escape, doesn't it?

Here's the story.

We Took the Kids Boating

Booked a day boat from a place called Cowroast Marina.

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

But with a name like Cowroast... Honestly? Didn't know what to expect.

Feeling a bit nervous about driving a boat? Don't worry, we were too. 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. They made us feel confident and ready for the adventure.

And then we were off. Drifting out past the sublime Chiltern countryside. The water? Glassy. Trees are thick and leaning in. That feeling when you're away before you've even got anywhere? That.

The Kids? Obsessed

They were into it straight away. Helped work the locks. Took turns steering (under watchful eyes, don't worry). We waved at literally every moored boat we passed. They even cheered the first time we went through a lock.

We saw ducks, swans, geese, a heron - and I am assured a cormorant. It looked like a dinosaur. We saw people, dogs and cats asleep on (different) boat roofs.

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 film but more relaxed.

Was It Stressful?

Nope. Slower than walking pace. Like a picnic that moves. But it's better because there are no ants.

And there's a loo onboard. Trust me, that matters.

A kitchen, too. We brought sandwiches. Should've brought cake.

Would We Do It Again?

YES! We are already booked for the summer. Gran's coming next time, and my sister's kids and a guy, too. They will all totally love it.

The kids keep asking if we can live on a boat. (We can't.)

Still, for one day... we did! It was kickass!

Thinking About It?

You should. It's different. It's outdoors. You will smile.

And if you're the kind of person who likes fresh air, family time, and doing something a bit unusual—yeah. It's for you.

Day-hire boats at Cowroast Marina. Book one. It'll be gone if you wait too long. School holidays go fast, you know?

JA - Acton

Click here to check availability

Have you tried it? Do you have a boating memory? Are you thinking about giving it a go this half-term? Tell us below. You can also tag your photos with #CowroastCanalDay—we'd love to see what you see.