Here are our selection of the best city breaks afloat this coming half term. Canal holidays offer floating bases to explore vibrant city attractions. Britain’s 3,000-mile inland waterways network connects countryside and city. Drifters provides 500 boats from 40 bases across England, Scotland, and Wales. Tuition is included with every hire.
Oxford
From Lower Heyford on the Oxford Canal, boaters reach Oxford in about eight hours. They pass through 10 locks before mooring near Isis Lock. Top sites include Oxford Castle, Bodleian Library, and Ashmolean Museum.
Bath
Depart Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal. Cruising takes six hours and passes three locks. Boat mooring at Sydney Gardens allows a 15-minute walk into Bath city centre. Best bits include the Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent.
Cambridge
Start from Ely on the River Ouse for a short break.
Cruise to Cambridge and Wicken Fen on a 38-mile round trip taking around 13 hours. Explore King’s College Chapel, antique streets, museums, and tea shops near Jesus Green Lock.
Worcester
Based at Worcester Marina, boaters can cruise the 20-mile Droitwich Ring on a four-night break. This circuit involves 33 locks and uses the River Severn, Droitwich Canals, and Worcester & Birmingham Canal.
Edinburgh
A seven-night break from Falkirk cruises the Union Canal to Edinburgh Quay and back. The route features the Falkirk Wheel, Tunnel, Avon Aqueduct, Linlithgow, and Ratho villages. Once docked, visitors can walk to Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle, and Mary King Close.
A 66ft narrowboat, Desert Lark, sleeps six and is priced at £1,799 for Oct 18–25, 2025. Price includes damage waiver, bedding, towels, parking, two pets, buoyancy aids, and tuition.
Drifters has 10 hire brands offering the best of boats from 32ft to 70ft, accommodating up to 12 passengers. Rates for 2025 start at £630 for short breaks and £875 for seven-night rentals.
Fuel deposit is £60, with average fuel rates about £15 per day. Lane-wide private boats allowed; life jackets supplied.
