Grand Union Narrowboat Holidays

First ever canal boat holiday, what an incredible experience. My wife and I are both frontline NHS so this was a perfect way to de-stress from the workplace.Everything was effortless. The booking, the choice and directions etc.As we hadn't done this before, Steve & the team were thorough in their tuition. Taking us through the boat, the controls and then sailing with us until they (and us) were happy for us to motor along on our own. We met Steve the next day and he guided us through the locks, again with very good instructions.Ours was a party of 8 so we had plenty of help for locks etc. More than enough room and storage on the boat.The beds were comfortable, and the shower was amazing!I recommend you buy a canal book (either from Steve or elsewhere) that shows all the locks, water points, pubs(!) and shops etc along the canal. So many places to moor up, so very quiet and peaceful. Lots of rich history along the way depending on which route you take.We sailed south for 20 miles before turning back. All within 7 days and never did we feel like anything was rushed. As an ex-photographer, i got off the boat a few times to capture some amazing sights.We took a couple of bikes and would also recommend this if you have a large party as the tow paths run alongside so you can venture off for a while.Definitely doing this again.Enjoy!

We spent a long weekend on a narrowboat of the company and could not have asked for more. It was our first time on a Narrowboat and were smoothly taught the ropes by Steve and his team and then enjoyed the fully equipped and flawlessly working boat for the time.It was wonderful and I can fully recommend them!

This was the first time in a narrowbboat for myself and my wife. We were absolute beginners and Steve and company made sure we had a great experience.On day 1 they walked us through all aspects of the boat and when we were ready to go they took us down the canal for 45 minutes and made sure we were comfortable steering, stopping.and starting. We were then left to our own devices for the remainder of the evening.The following day we were given a meeting point before the locks. They again held our hands through the first two locks and then left us to the rest of the holiday.We came back as experts (ish).We had so much fun and would definitely use them again. We had a 45ft boat which is 3 birth for the two of us. Linen, bedding and towels are all provided. We even had a complimentary bottle of wine and tea and coffee. There is a small fridge and gas cooker and well appointed utensils. To be honest, we had no plans to cook. Our intention was to eat breakfast and lunch snacks on board and to eat at pubs in the evening. We achieved this goal and stopped at many nice pubs..As beginners we were recommended to go south from Weedon as there are 7 locks a big tunnel and some good pubs. We got as far as Milton Keynes and back in 4 days.Everyone speaks to you going down the canals. You meet many characters, so my wife definitely got her 10,000 words in each day. At night we moored at the more secluded locations as we like the peace, quiet and wildlife. There are many pubs either on the canal or a short walk.My only comment would be, if you intend to cook make sure you take some food with you. There weren't many shops where you could buy snacks or supplies. Villages are small when heading south so you might get one pub and school.Stoke Bruerne is a lovely stopping off point and the narrow boat museum is a must see.I forgot to mention that boats are fully fuelled and watered but you need to fill up with fresh water every day. We bought the map book from Steve at £17 and this gives you everything you need to know and see on your travels. Good for other locations as well.I had to drag the wife off the boat, she didn't want to go back home. Which is a good sign.My only top tip is to take a couple of camping chairs because if you want to sit on the canal bank you might want something. Steve can also provide these if you ask.

This might not be the right place to write a review on some paint work carried out by this company, but I have to spread the news that Steve and his team are quite simply excellent.I purchased a 60' narrowboat a couple of months ago and it needed a few things doing and in particular the name changing and a new name sign written.After a quick call to Steve, I could tell things were going to go well. He popped down to the boat and we chatted for some time. He quickly understood my desire to maintain my boat well and sympathetically to its traditional style.We reached an agreement as to what needed doing and shortly after this the boat was out of the water and work had started. By this time I was some 4 hours away in Devon, so calling in to monitor the progress just wasn't possible. However, regular updates by Steve, providing photos of the progress being made and also suggestions as to what could be done were reassuring and very professional.When I returned to collect the boat, it not only looked stunning with its new paintwork, but the interior had been fully cleaned.A massive thank you to Steve and his efficient and friendly team. I look forward to meeting up again in the future for any annual maintenance required.

We have just returned from a lovely long weekend away on the Grand Union Canal in the lovely Knotweed. We were a large party of 7 and the boat was beautiful inside and out and suited our every need. Steve and his crew went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time and great tuition. Even providing a wonderful gift and balloons as it was a birthday celebration. Highly recommended. We will definitely be returning!!

Rented one of their smaller boats for my wife and myself. The boat was in top shape and served us well. Steve and his crew spent more time than I expected to ensure we were fully comfortable running the boat. I give them 5 stars for their service and quality of boats.

We have just come back from a long weekend on 'Hawkweed' and what an amazing time we've had. Steve and his team couldn't of been more helpful. The boat was spotless with everything you'd need and more! We were given a thorough lesson before we set off, Steve even met us the following day to go through a couple of Locks with us which is more than we expected. The locks are great fun, especially if you manage to pair up with another boat to half the work load! We've come away feeling so relaxed after a few days chugging up and down the canal and we've met some lovely people along the way. We will definitely be returning!!!ThankyouKatherine & Simon

We have just returned from a week's holiday on the Grand Union Canal. What a fantastic company. The customer service was excellent, with Steve (the owner) and his staff making you feel so welcome. They spend plenty of time making sure you know everything you need to know about the boat and then accompany you for the first couple of miles making sure you are completely happy before they leave you to enjoy the canals. The boats (we had Hawkweed) are in excellent condition and are very clean inside and out, with lovely little extras like fresh flowers in the cabin and a bottle of wine. The boat performed perfectly, everything worked as it should without a single snag. I will definitely use Grand Union Narrowboats for our next canal holiday.

We have just come back from an amazing holiday on Driftweed, beautiful boat that soon felt like home x the whole experience with Steve and his crew was seamless and no a stone was left unturned x so much thought and attention was given which made our holiday! We went out and to the Ashby canal route which is very stunning

We had a wonderful week staying on narrowboat ‘Ragweed’! Steve and the team at Grand Union Narrowboats were super friendly and helpful - Steve even took time away from his evening, weekend and family to help us with a minor problem we encountered.Ragweed is a 5* boat - well equipped, cosy, warm shower, a proper bed! The finishing touches were very much appreciated - quality blackout curtains, fresh flowers and even a pint of milk, tea, coffee and a bottle of wine to welcome us onboard :-)We travelled from Weedon to Leighton Buzzard and really enjoyed the experience of cruising through Blisworth Tunnel! There were plenty of canal-side pubs to stop at and some really lovely picturesque spots to stop at overnight.We’d highly recommend a narrowboat holiday Grand Union Narrowboats, with Steve and his team - we’ll certainly be back!