The history of canal boating holidays really begins in the 1940's, but canal boating itself dates back to the British Industrial Revolution when horse drawn narrow boats maneuvered the many canals of Great Britain to deliver goods and parcels to people around the country. These narrow boats were no wider than six feet ten inches and were first used in the English midlands. The narrow boats were able to manage the locks and bridge holes which were a minimum of seven feet wide and very plentiful in this part of the country.

The wooden boats were led by a crewmember who was guiding a horse that was pulling the boat. Sometimes these boats would also carry passengers. The real history of canal boating holidays begins right here. Eventually, boatmen and their families began living aboard these narrow boats and sometimes they would rent rooms to others. During the early twentieth century diesel and steam replaced the tow horse. It soon became much easier to transport cargo with the use of one steersman and a diesel engine.

The Beginning

Boating holidays took off in the late 1940's and the history of canal boating holidays began its reign. Cargo hauling by narrow boats was basically extinguished at this point with all of the new technological advances of the era. But many people were dedicated to restoring the old boats and reviving their traditional designs of roses and castles. The few who started refurbishing the boats and renting them out realized there was a market in this new area of travel.

The rear of the boats which had once housed the boatman's family could be redone with some current amenities and painted in bright fresh paint and an individual could have a very relaxing and cozy trip down one of the UK's many canals. The majority of the canals were eventually eliminated completely of any commerce trade due to the advancement of trucking, trains and airplanes so the waterways were free to cruise its new customers. Canal boating holidays are full of history.

The countryside they wind through is picturesque and many estates and castles were built next to canals. A traveler can stop and visit any number of historical locations while cruising down a canal. The families who live along the canals have sometimes lived there for generations. These people are very friendly to travelers and tend to cater to their needs. Many times a boat will stop for a catered lunch at one of these canal families and hear the folklore of the history of canal boating holidays and long before.

There are haunting tales for the youngsters and more romantic ones for the adults. When the stops at favorite castles became a favorite, the boating canal trips seemed to pick up more customers. Eventually, canal boating holidays expanded to barges that traveled on the larger rivers. Canal boating holidays have now become a way of life in the UK.