Canal Boat Essentials – What to pack for your 2017 waterway holiday
Anglo Welsh’s customised fleet of 160 modern narrowboats are designed and built to exacting standards so that canal boat lovers who book their holidays with us can enjoy memorable journeys around the UK’s waterways in the greatest comfort.
Whether it’s a 2-4 berth moored in Bradford-on-Avon, Bunbury or Bath, or a 9-12 berth cruising the Shropshire Union Canal, Pennine Circuit or Kennet and Avon, every Anglo Welsh boat offers spacious layouts, comfy beds, stylish livery and all the mod cons. The only thing you need to bring on board are your ‘canal legs’ and a few basic essentials.
So what are those vital basic items you should pack before boarding your narrowboat at one of Anglo Welsh’s 11 bases spread across England and Wales?
“On the one hand, it’s practical things like a First Aid kit, torch and waterproof clothing,” says Matt Anderson, manager at Anglo Welsh’s base at Trevor in Llangollen, North Wales. “On the other, there are those personal things that will ensure you get maximum pleasure from your canal holiday – you’ll want your favourite biscuits with your morning cuppa and your dog won’t forgive you if you leave his favourite blanket at home!”
“Every Anglo Welsh narrowboat has a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, TVs and DVD players,” continues Matt, “but every holidaymaker will have their own ‘must have’ accessories, whether that means fold-up chairs and a flask for towpath picnics, or films and games to keep the kids amused in the evenings.”
“Most people like to record the amazing sights along the canals, too, and we’ve got some unforgettable views close to our base here in Trevor, not least the World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which carries the Llangollen Canal 126 feet above the River Dee. Imagine looking down from that spectacular height and suddenly realising you’ve forgotten to pack your camera and binoculars!”
Needless to say, what goes for Pontcysyllte Aqueduct applies equally to the canal-side panorama at hot spots on other Anglo Welsh circuits like Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, the Foxton Locks in Leicestershire or the bustling waterfront in Birmingham. As any good boy scout will tell you: ‘Be prepared’!
Narrowboat essentials – What to pack to get the most out of your Anglo Welsh canal holiday
- Soft bags instead of suitcases (easier to store away)
- Torch
- Waterproof clothing
- Mobile Phones/tablets/chargers
- DVDs, games and books for the kids
- Canal guide with info on moorings, locks, tunnels and canal side pubs
- Sunglasses and sun creams
- Gloves – to work the locks
- Camera
- Binoculars
- First Aid Kit
- For pets – bedding, leads, towels, life jackets and food
- A diary to document your holiday
- Tea/Coffee and Milk
Choosing the right boat for you. Click here to look inside our narrowboats and discover what facilities and appliances you will find on board.
