Drifters Waterway Holidays will launch 10 new narrowboats for 2026, expanding its fleet to over 500 canal boats. Boaters can rent from 40 locations across England, Wales, and Scotland, discovering the beauty of Britain’s historic canals.
Across the UK, more than 35,000 canal boats cruise navigable waterways. Around 1,000 of these are available for holiday hire, offering unforgettable adventures afloat.
Drifters brings together 10 leading hire boat companies: ABC Boat Hire, Anglo Welsh, Black Prince, Countrywide Cruisers, Foxhangers, Grand Union Narrowboats, Kate Boats, Napton Narrowboats, Shire Cruisers, and Union Canal Carriers. Together, they operate from 40 bases nationwide, offering diverse cruising routes and a wide choice of boats.
For 2026, short breaks start at £713, while a week’s hire costs from £980 for up to four people. Narrowboats range from 32ft to 70ft, sleeping up to 12 guests.
Every operator provides life jackets, steering tuition, and pet-friendly options.
Boaters can pick between cruiser stern or semi-traditional stern designs.
Cruiser sterns offer open space for socialising, while semi-traditional decks provide shelter and enclosed seating.
Top 10 New Boats for 2026
Princess 2 Royal – Falkirk
This new 47ft cruiser stern narrowboat suits couples and first-time boaters. Its shorter length makes steering easier. Features include a galley kitchen with full cooking facilities, a king-size double bed, and a convertible saloon berth. A full shower room completes the layout. Popular Routes: From Falkirk, cruise the Falkirk Wheel and the Union Canal to Linlithgow or Edinburgh.
Crown Royal – Stoke Prior
The 65ft Crown Royal sleeps six and suits groups or families. It has two cabins, each with double or twin beds, plus two bathrooms. Enjoy a spacious galley, flat-screen TV, and Bluetooth radio. Popular Routes: From Stoke Prior, explore Worcestershire’s countryside or complete the Mid-Worcestershire Ring via the River Severn and Droitwich Canals.
Crown Royal – Napton
Another 65ft Crown Royal joins the fleet at Napton, ideal for friends seeking privacy. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms ensure comfort on long trips. Modern extras include a microwave, large TV, and DAB radio. Popular Routes: Cruise from Napton through Warwickshire to Fenny Compton, or continue south along the Oxford Canal to Thrupp.
Ocean Class – Trevor
This 60ft cruiser stern boat sleeps up to 10 guests. It features two double cabins, three convertible sleeping areas, and two toilets. Popular Routes: From Trevor, cruise the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to Chirk or extend your journey to Whitchurch or Wrenbury.
Ocean Class – Wootton Wawen
The second Ocean Class boat launches at Wootton Wawen on the Stratford Canal. It offers the same 10-person layout with two doubles, three flexible sleeping areas, and two toilets. Popular Routes: From Wootton Wawen, travel to Stratford-upon-Avon or enjoy a week-long cruise to Warwick Castle via the Hatton flight.
Ringed Plover – Hilperton
The 58ft Ringed Plover sleeps five and launches from Hilperton on the Kennet & Avon Canal. It features two cabins, a convertible saloon, full kitchen, two TVs, and WiFi. Popular Routes: Cruise through Bath Valley to Bath or tackle the Caen Hill Locks toward Pewsey Vale.
Oriental Plover – Whitchurch
Also 58ft, the Oriental Plover accommodates five and launches from Whitchurch on the Llangollen Canal. It mirrors the Ringed Plover’s layout with two cabins, a convertible saloon, shower room, and WiFi. Popular Routes: From Whitchurch, cruise through the Shropshire Lake District to Ellesmere or continue to Llangollen via the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Peregrine Falcon – Gayton
At 69ft, the Peregrine Falcon sleeps up to eight people. It has three cabins, two bathrooms, and a full galley kitchen. Enjoy WiFi and two TVs for evenings onboard. Popular Routes: From Gayton, explore the Grand Union Canal to Braunston or head farther to Market Harborough, Milton Keynes, or Coventry.
Bamboo Partridge – Blackwater Meadow
The 66ft Bamboo Partridge sleeps six and launches from Blackwater Meadow on the Llangollen Canal. It offers two double cabins, two bathrooms, LED lighting, WiFi, and twin TVs. Popular Routes: From Blackwater Meadow, cruise the UNESCO World Heritage site including the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, or continue to Whitchurch and Wrenbury.
Blackpoll Warbler – Aldermaston
The new 69ft Blackpoll Warbler joins the fleet at Aldermaston on the Kennet & Avon Canal. It sleeps eight across three cabins and offers two bathrooms, WiFi, and LED lighting. Popular Routes: From Aldermaston, head to Newbury, Hungerford, or Oxford. Longer trips reach Pewsey or Windsor.
Plan Your Canal Adventure
Drifters’ ever-expanding fleet makes exploring Britain’s canals easier than ever.
Every route offers peaceful scenery, engineering marvels, and historic stops along the way.
For inspiration and canal information, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk
