Great Britain: discover the charm of locks

Enjoy cruising waters where houseboats are welcome and be rewarded with stunning views and attractions at every turn.

Did you know that Birmingham, England boast more canals than Venice? Their combined length is almost double that of the Italian city. It's really no exaggeration to say that the UK is a promised land for houseboats. Plus, you don't need a licence to drive one.

The UK's water network density and houseboat conditions rival those of the Netherlands, France, and Germany. While the River Thames running through London, is often the first choice, houseboat captains like to take on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal (over 200km) or the circular Warwickshire Ring. But your interests will tell you best which waterways of Britain to explore by houseboat.

Walking the towpaths

In Britain, it's common for towpaths to run along rivers and canals in Britain. These were utilized for horses, people and later machines to pull smaller vessels and their cargo (such as canal barges). Today they are used as footpaths and cycle paths, offering miles of flat routes to enjoy biking, strolling with a pushchair and taking your dog for a walk. Against the backdrop of England's idyllic countryside or Scotland and Ireland's wilder landscapes, the towpaths provide a scenic experience. 

YACHTING.COM TIP: Speaking of four-legged companions, you can bring your dog to the UK from Europe without having to go through quarantine. Your national veterinary authority can tell you what documents and vaccinations your dog needs. Houseboat rental companies usually have no problem with dogs on board, at most they charge an extra cleaning fee. Of course, we'll be happy to help you choose a dog-friendly houseboat.

A houseboat on the still waters of a canal in England with a stone arched bridge in the background.

Houseboating on the Irish lakes

The unassuming town of Bellanaleck is located in Northern Ireland and is the gateway to two local lakes — Upper Lough Erne and Lower Lough Erne. While the upper lake takes the form of meanders with tiny islands that you can zigzag between with your houseboat, the lower lake opens wide into the landscape after a while. The way to get between them is by following the Erne River.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Scotland is also famous for its lochs. In the past, we have recommended one of the top cruises in our opinion, the Caledonian Canal. It's a 96-kilometre link between the North Sea and the Atlantic, and runs through several Scottish lochs, including the legendary Loch Ness. We also covered the canal in our article 5 best houseboat routes for beginners

From deck to music festival

The Kennet and Avon canals connect Bristol and London, allowing for an almost complete east-to-west crossing of England. However, our recommendation is to explore their 140km stretch between Bristol and Reading. This section boasts tranquil waters that leisurely flow through meadows, forests, and small towns, making it a preferred destination for crews with young children and cycling enthusiasts. If you're intrigued by Neolithic monuments akin to Stonehenge, disembark near Avebury. Alternatively, music lovers may perk up at the mention of Reading. Annually, the world's top contemporary music legends grace the stage at this iconic festival, so why not catch it this year?

YACHTING.COM TIP: You don't always need to return the houseboat to where you set sail from. Many companies allow you to return the boat in another port. If this is the case, contact us and we will help you choose the right houseboat and negotiate the terms with the charter company. 

houseboat on the Kennet and Avon Canal in England

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Wonders of technology on both banks

Britain's river canals were predominantly constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries, serving as a testament to the Industrial Revolution's golden era. As you navigate along these canals, it's allow ample time to marvel at the bridges, locks, and other engineering feats. You'll appreciate the ingenious design, as well as the skilled craftsmanship that went into building these structures. A must-see engineering wonder is the Anderton Boat Lift in Cheshire, which lifts boats between the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal.

YACHTING.COM TIP Check out our guide — First time on a houseboat: 25 things you need to know! You'll find that navigating through locks is not complicated at all. 

Historic cities and UNESCO sites

For those who prefer to explore beyond the technical aspects, you'll be pleased to know that numerous historical towns and UNESCO sites in Britain are situated near rivers, such as Stonehenge along the River Avon and Durham Cathedral on the River Wear. Beautiful cruises can be enjoyed in areas around the university city of Oxford or the town of Coventry, where a significant role was played in breaking the enigma code during World War II.

Additionally, we cannot overlook the Pontcysyllt Aqueduct in Wales, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At 38.7 metres tall and 307 metres long, it is the UK's largest aqueduct. You can explore it on foot or take a cruise boat ride.

Pleasantly surprised by Britain's waterways? Let's choose the right houseboat for you.

FAQs: Great Britain on a houseboat