5 tips for memorable family holidays on a narrowboat

Looking for a holiday that will keep families of all ages and sizes happy? Here are five good reasons why you should choose a boating holiday on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.

1. Children love helping out

They may not like being asked to help with chores at home but, in our experience, children enjoy getting stuck in to the many tasks involved in cruising along the canal. They learn boating skills by helping out with mooring the narrowboat and going through locks. Some find even the most mundane tasks rather interesting – like setting up the picnic table up on the canal bank for an evening BBQ, or walking along the towpath to the local shop for milk and bread. For many families who come to the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, it’s their first time on a canal and they often remark on the great sense of freedom their children have experienced on the holiday.

2. Our narrowboats offer privacy and plenty of space

No matter how well you get on with your family, everyone needs their own space occasionally. So within our fleet we’ve designed narrow boats that offer private en-suite cabins, each with their own LCD television/DVD player and CD/radio. All our narrowboats feel spacious, with at least 6’ 2” headroom, and many of our boats are wider than traditional narrowboats. The large windows in the open plan living areas let in lots of light, and are perfect for older members of your party to sit and enjoy the magnificent views. Outside, you can relax on the open front deck (except on Condor) while the helmsman (the person who’s in control of the boat) takes up position on the large rear deck. You’ll never be falling over one another!

3. Wet weather attractions are close to hand

Believe it or not, it may rain while you’re on holiday in the Brecon Beacons but the fun doesn’t stop. There are plenty of indoor attractions – some within walking distance of the canal, others a short taxi ride away. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the museums, leisure centres, theatres, cinemas, independent shops and cafés, while our younger guests will have the time of their life at places like Cantref Adventure Farm, The Play Barn, Kingdom Come, Aber Rocks and Llangorse Multi Activity Centre.

4. Dogs are very welcome

A family boating holiday can be made even better if you bring along your dog. They adore all the fresh air and walks along the towpath. On our narrowboats there’s space on the deck or even on the roof for your dog to rest. Most importantly, we’re fully geared up to welcoming one or two dogs on each narrowboat and we provide a dog towel, just in case you forget yours! Choose a canal boat with a front canopy and side screens, and you've got a ready-made luxury dog kennel. Most importantly, our cleaning regime is so thorough you wouldn’t know that a dog has been on the boat.

The lovely village of Crickhowell is just a 20-minute stroll from bridges 114 and 115 in Llangattock  (Photo credit: Visit Wales 2015) 

5. Discover a new location every day

Possibly the best thing about cruising through the Brecon Beacons, is that fact that each day you’ve got a new location to discover without the need to get in the car and drive anywhere. There are heritage sites and pretty villages to explore, mountain walks and horseriding, canalside pubs and perfect picnic spots. Our suggested itineraries provide ideas for weekend, midweek and week-long holidays; some are slow-paced for a truly relaxing time, others pack as much into your break as possible. Take your pick!

Find your perfect narrowboat here: https://beaconparkboats.com/search/