Canal Boating can be the perfect holiday for you and your four-legged friends. Beacon Park Boats is open to all, so why not bring them along so they can enjoy all that the Monmouth and Brecon Canal has to offer? 

The towpath alone provides a great space to walk your pooch, with access to many wide-open spaces, a variety of unique wildlife and places to explore. As Alasdair Kirkpatrick, owner of Beacon Park Boats says: “A boating holiday is a great holiday for you and your dog. We don’t charge for your dog, and we even provide you with a dog towel and a biscuit on arrival!”

Recently returned from their trip aboard Kite, the Crockett family brought along their border terrier, Ralph. “Ralph's had a fantastic time, we all have,” said his owner, “he enjoyed it all; the nature along the banks is fantastic.” 

As you can see in the images, Beacon Park Boats have had many a satisfied canine aboard our 20 boats, each boat having plenty of room to fit all manner of dogs, from Chihuahua to Saint Bernard.

The Brecon Beacons National Park, through which the Mon and Brec Canal runs, offers hundreds of miles of scenic walks, with the vast majority of pubs along the canal being dog friendly. “There are walks to suit dogs of all ages and abilities,” said Alasdair.

Next time you’re planning a visit aboard our narrowboats or our dayboats, consider bringing yours along. And in case you are not a doggie person, all our boats are cleaned thoroughly, so you would never know a dog has been there.

To hire/book one of our boats, please go to our website beaconparkboats.com where you can browse our fleet of self-contained, dog-friendly canal boats. 

Click on the image below to watch this short video.

Dog friendly canal boat holidays UK

Canal boating: a dog-friendly holiday!

Falcon is our first eight-berth boat and the biggest on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.  She boasts three luxury double cabins and a panoramic lounge at the front with an electronic slide-out bed which converts into a fourth. We've added a demisting feature to these windows, so the wrap-around views of the fantastic scenery are clear to see, even in chillier weather.

She had entered the boathouse over a year ago as a shell, and now, fully fitted out with bespoke joinery, a brand new engine, electrics, kitchen, two showers and 5ft sprung mattresses, she was ready to come out again.  Skylights added to the roof increased her height, and the slope at the back of the boathouse didn't help. "Do you ever wonder about your calculations at a time like this?" Alasdair was asked, "Not at all!" he replied, which a nervous laugh.  But with a combination of a specially made 6-tonne boat trailer, which can raise or lower at the hitch end, we managed to get the bow clear, and out she came.  It took several attempts to navigate the car park and past the corner of the building, but eventually, the 20-tonne boat made it to the water's edge.

It was a proud moment for Beacon Park Boats' owner, Alasdair Kirkpatrick, who toasted the new narrowboat and thanked the staff for all their hard work. And today, Falcon sets off on her first journey to explore the wonders of the Mon and Brec Canal. 

Falcon is 60'11" (18.59m) long and 8'6" (2.6m) wide and has a maximum headroom of 6'3" (1.93m).  She is the perfect vessel for families or larger groups (when restrictions allow) to spend time together.

The tightest squeeze: launching Falcon

We design and build every boat we operate at Beacon Park Boats because we believe our customers enjoy holidaying aboard bespoke hand-crafted vessels which are something out of the ordinary. 

Beacon Park Boats Owner, Alasdair Kirkpatrick, says: “We are so used to shopping online or at a superstore and buying whatever is available immediately. It’s easy, but we end up with the same product as everyone else. We don’t build the Ikea of narrowboats here, instead we lovingly build unique and beautiful boats of the highest quality.”

We don't want the 'Ikea of narrowboats', so we build our own!

Read all about Beacon Park Boats in the February edition of Waterways World Magazine.  

We had the WW team here at Beacon Park Boats to look round two of our favourite boats, Owl and Coot, and their verdict was glowing: they are "Something Special." You can read the full review at www.waterwaysworld.com or on the images below.

Rave review for Beacon Park Boats from Waterways World

The colours of autumn are at their most vivid around now and there is no better way to see them than cruising peacefully along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal on one of our luxury narrowboats.  And if you live in Wales you can get 33% off the cost of a canal boat holiday between the 9th and the 13th of November.

This is your chance to take in the stunning scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park, resplendent in the golden, orange and red hues of the season. Stop overnight in your own self-contained mobile accommodation and watch the sun set, wonder at the stars and wake up to the morning mist (known in Wales as ‘Dragon’s Breath’) as it settles in the valley below.

BBC Countryfile said the Mon and Brec was one of the best places to enjoy the fall and we have to agree with them. Autumn along the canal is a sight to behold, the warm colours reflecting off the still waterways is a truly magical experience. But there are only a few days left before the oak, beech and chestnut trees drop their leaves and winter will be upon us. 

There’s still plenty of wildlife to see on the canal; you’ll often be escorted by a flock of mallard ducks and can see herons or even a kingfisher if you are lucky. This is particularly true with our hybrid boat Coot, which can cruise silently on battery power, slipping almost invisibly through the calm waters.

Our boats offer everything you could need to enjoy a short break; with full cooking facilities, central heating, hot shower (or bath on Harrier), and comfy bed. Cruise the waterways and wake up to a different view every morning. 

The air is so clear at this time of year, you can see for miles. Sections of the canal between our base at Llangattock near Crickhowell and Brecon are elevated and run high above the Usk Valley, offering far-reaching views of the Black Mountains. The Brecon Beacons are also an International Dark Skies Reserve, one of only sixteen in the world, making it the perfect place for stargazing.

We’re certified “Good to Go” meaning we’re doing everything we possibly can to keep you safe by offering Coronavirus Secure Holidays. So if you’re from Wales and looking for a great escape in Wales, give us a call and take advantage of a fantastic late autumn deal with Beacon Park Boats.

Call us now on 01873 858277 or book a boat below.

Take in the colours of Autumn with Beacon Park Boats

1. Luxury staycation away from the crowds

Christmas 2020 is certainly going to be unlike any other so why not set aside your usual plans and start a new tradition. A 5-star narrowboat break on the tranquil Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in Wales guarantees you a relaxing holiday in glorious surroundings, with plenty of space for everyone.

Moor up without another boat in sight, and have the splendid views of the Beacon Beacons National Park all to yourself. Sleeping up to seven people, our well-insulated, centrally-heated narrowboats have beds with luxurious sprung mattresses, crisp white linen, duvets and Welsh woollen blankets.

Some also have a wood burner or log-effect gas fire for that extra cosy touch in the lounge. The shower rooms are immaculate with a constant supply of hot water, fluffy white towels and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Some boats have ensuite shower rooms, Heron has a luxurious wet room with his and her basins, and Harrier has a roll-top slipper bath. Designer fabrics, handmade furniture, wooden flooring, granite worktops and chic light fittings complete the picture. We have designed and built each narrowboat to be unique. We love them all. Which one do you like best?

Your narrowboat has a high-spec kitchen with a full-size cooker and fridge, microwave, coffee machine, Dualit toaster, and every gadget you could possibly need to cook and serve a superb festive meal. Pots and pans include a steamer and roasting tins, other useful utensils include a garlic press, and, off course, there's a corkscrew/bottle opener.

In our nearest town, Crickhowell - winner of the Great British High Street Awards 2018 - you'll find a superb range of independent shops including butchers, bakers, grocers, off licence, bookshops and a department store. Order your celebratory food in advance and collect it on your way here. There may even be chance for some last minute gift shopping. 

If you're looking for a fairytale hideaway for just the two of you, we have a delightful selection of narrowboats. Wren has a curvy theme and an open-plan design, with a log-effect gas fire, walk-through shower and an oval kingsize bed. In Kingfisher there's a kingsize bed, and you'll find two leather armchairs, a log-effect gas fire, mood lighting and surround sound system in the lounge. Heron's double bed is located in the forward cabin with large picture windows and French doors onto the deck. The stylish metal bed glides to the side to provide a wider walkway during the day, and there's a double shower in the wet room. Harrier's delights include double-ended roll-top bath, 5ft half-tester bed, and cosy wood-burning stove in the lounge, while Owl is particularly special, with a 4-poster bed and on-deck hot tub!

If you're a dog lover, you'll certainly want to spend the festive season with your best friend. Dogs are very welcome on all our narrowboats, and we do not charge extra for them to come on holiday! We even supply a towel for your dog so you can wipe their paws, after exploring the canal towpath or the surrounding mountains.

In our experience, some dogs enjoy sitting on deck watching the world go by as you cruise along, others like to walk along the towpath, alongside the boat. And, if you don't have a dog, you'll be pleased to know that our cleaning regime is so thorough, we're sure you'd never know that a dog had been on board.

We think the fastest way to slow down this Christmas is to spend time by water, and the Monmouthshire & Brecon is a must because it's considered to be the UK's prettiest canal. Families will enjoy the boating experience and the welcome fresh air. There's the chance for all ages and abilities to help out - whether that's operating the locks, choosing where to moor or making a cup of tea for the helmsman (who's steering the boat). You'll discover time to play games, time to enjoy meals together, and time to make new memories. And, of course, it's a far greener holiday than jetting off overseas. For the ultimate green boating break, choose Coot - our 5-star eco-friendly hybrid-electric narrowboat.

Situated within the Brecon Beacons National Park and Blaenavon World Heritage Site, the Mon & Brec canal is rich in heritage and wildlife. There's no end of choice for your Boxing Day or New Year's Day walk - whether you fancy a short stroll along the towpath, or a challenging hike up to a peak such as Table Mountain, above Crickhowell.

Your narrowboat will have a festive touch, with a Christmas tree and decorations, and there'll be a bottle of fizz chilling in the fridge when you arrive. You can simply relax and enjoy a festive season with a difference.

7 reasons to spend Christmas and New Year on a narrowboat | Canal boat Christmas

7 reasons to spend Christmas and New Year on a narrowboat

Be one of an exclusive set of customers who’ll spend the festive season cruising along the Monmouthshire & Brecon canal. For the very first time, we’re offering week-long 5-star narrowboat holidays over Christmas and New Year. Choose between a Christmas break starting on 22nd or 23rd December 2020, or a New Year break starting on 28th or 29th December 2020.

Whatever the weather, our nineteen narrowboats are snug and dry, and all have central heating and excellent insulation. Some boats have an extra cosy feel in the lounge with the addition of a log-effect gas fire (Wren, Kingfisher, Grouse, Merlin and Mallard) or a wood burner (Heron, Owl, Harrier, Hobby, Coot, Buzzard and Osprey).

Onboard, you’ll find everything you need for a festive getaway. Decorations, crackers and a bottle of fizz will set the scene for your celebrations. The superbly equipped kitchen includes a full-size cooker for your turkey (or whatever else you fancy), and all the gadgets you’ll need to cook and serve a delicious meal. If you’re a keen cook, you’ll relish the large kitchen and dining area in narrowboat Grouse. Deliveries can be arranged from local supermarkets, and there are two excellent butchers in nearby Crickhowell who are taking Christmas orders.

Step onto the towpath and there’s the perfect route for your customary winter walk, which your dog will love, too! The more energetic can venture up any number of mountains which overlook the canal. Come home and warm your toes in front of the fire while sipping mulled wine.

If it’s just the two of you, make it a memorable Christmas. Check out our most romantic boats: Harrier offers a roll-top bath, Wren has a curvy bed and shower for two, while Owl has a 4-poster bed and on-deck hot-tub. Sheer bliss!

After dark, the deck of your boat becomes one of the best stargazing spots in the Brecon Beacons, an International Dark Sky Reserve.

And, of course, you’ll sleep soundly in luxurious beds with crisp white bed linen, duvets and traditional Welsh blankets.

Remember, our prices are totally inclusive so there’s no extra charges for; fuel to run the appliances and central heating, bringing your dog with you, cotton bed linen, fluffy towels, boat insurance or for parking your vehicle in our gated car park.

To help you make all the necessary arrangements with family members and friends, we’re happy to hold your chosen boat and dates for up to seven days. Just complete the online booking form and click HOLD. Check Christmas and New Year availability now.

FIRST EVER Christmas & New Year boating holidays

We are currently building our largest boat yet: Falcon. She's a super boat in every sense of the word, and is aimed at groups of friends or larger families who want to holiday together in 5-star luxury.

After we designed Falcon, our good friends at Alexander Boat Builders created the boat shell for us. Falcon's bare steel structure was transported to the Mon & Brec canal by lorry, then craned onto the water at Llangynidr. A team of us manually pulled Falcon through the lock before hitching her to one of our existing narrowboats, Buzzard, to tow her the few miles to our wharf at Llangattock. It was a pretty busy day!

Measuring almost 61' long, Falcon squeezed into our boathouse, after we arranged a few things! We've just completed the first job - painting the entire hull black.

On board, there's space for two shower rooms and four luxurious double beds with sprung mattresses - one of which slides away under the front deck during the day, creating a spacious sunroom with panoramic windows at the front of the boat.

After painting the roof cream, we covered up the windows and applied our glossy green paint to the sides.

There's work going on inside Falcon, too. The steel structure has been coated with insulation to ensure that the boat is an ideal temperature whatever the weather!

Keep an eye on our blog posts for updates about Falcon's progress over the next few months.

Our first 8-berth boat: Falcon

After the Christmas break, we got stuck into building our latest narrowboat, Hobby. It sleeps four people, and has the option of twin beds instead of a double in the bedroom.

Our houseboats and cottages were busy with couples enjoying winter breaks in the Brecon Beacons, and there were some glorious winter days.

We began hiring our electric day boats for the 2020 season, and offered sweet treats to every child during the Easter holidays.

We added a hot-tub to Incline Cottage. It's in a gorgeous setting overlooking the canal, surrounded by trees and greenery. No wonder it's delighting our guests!

We decided to run a monthly photo competition between July and November, to encourage customers to share their fantastic shots with us, with a view to using the best in our brochure and other marketing activities in 2020.

 For the fifth year running, Beacon Park Boats scored a perfect 100% in the grading visit by the British Marine Federation. Every boat in our fleet was awarded five stars for the sixth year in a row. It’s a superb accolade for our hardworking team.

While we were putting the finishing touches to Coot - our first hybrid-electric narrowboat complete with solar panels, we were busy planning the next addition to our fleet: Falcon - the first 8-berth holiday narrowboat on the Mon & Brec, which will be available for holidays from summer 2020.

We sponsored Crickhowell Literature Festival for the first time; it brought book lovers galore to our local town. There was also good news about awards won by local eateries: The Bear in Crickhowell and The Usk Inn in Talybont-on Usk are both listed in the AA Good Pub Guide 2020 and The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny was crowned Welsh Hotel of 2020 by the Good Hotel Guide.

Alasdair completed his latest challenge: to walk 5km unaided around Bute Park in Cardiff, raising money for the Stroke Association and the Royal British Legion. After passing the finish line, he sat down for a well earned rest, surrounded by his supporters!

We saw huge interest in our holidays after BBC1 Wales aired a documentary which features our business: "Gareth Edwards' Great Welsh Adventure".

The latest boat to join our fleet has been tested on the canal. Unusually, it's not one we're building but a pedal boat made by Dad's Boats in Norfolk. It'll be available for two people to hire for eco-friendly day trips on the canal, beginning in April 2020.

Keep up to date with future news by coming back to our blog during 2020.

Highlights of 2019

"Gareth Edwards' Great Welsh Adventure", a BBC1 Wales documentary series about Welsh Canals with rugby legend Gareth Edwards, was originally broadcast in autumn 2019. We were thrilled to be included in this series which was filmed during that summer. Gareth Edwards and his wife, Maureen, enjoyed a short break on our narrowboat Harrier, with a film crew capturing their adventure on the Mon & Brec canal. They were an absolute delight!

The four-part series covered the four Welsh canals (Llangollen, Montgomery, Monmouthshire & Brecon, and Swansea), and was originally broadcast in October and November 2019. At various times, the series has been available on Virgin Media 864, Sky 952, Freesat 976 and BBC iPlayer. For those of you who didn't see it, or would like a reminder, we've got a short video about it on our YouTube channel.

Rugby legend Gareth Edwards takes a narrowboat holiday | Gareth Edwards canal series

Rugby legend Gareth Edwards takes a narrowboat holiday

For some people, a holiday's not complete without a hot tub. Beacon Park Boats offers a narrowboat actually with a hot tub on the boat - pure luxury! Enjoy all the wonderful comforts of a hot tub in the most beautiful surrounds of nature the UK has to offer.

For the ultimate experience, choose a hot tub on narrowboat Owl. During the winter, when the air is crisp and there may be a snowy scene around you, Owl becomes a houseboat - permanently moored at Llangattock. It's a tranquil spot at the edge of our private wharf where you'll have complete privacy. Owl also boasts a 4-poster bed and wood burner.

There's plenty to do within walking distance: wander into the pretty town of Crickhowell, climb one of the surrounding peaks or saunter along the canal towpath for miles. With your car parked just a few metres from your houseboat, you also have the option to go out for the day and explore further afield if you wish - perhaps the market towns of Brecon or Abergavenny (below), Blaenavon World Heritage Site or Llanthony Priory - a super spot for stargazing.

From spring to autumn, you can cruise the canal on narrowboat Owl, choosing where to moor up and share some idyllic moments with your partner. There are so many beautiful locations on this waterway, you'll never run out of places to enjoy.

For a hot tub nestled in a wooded glade overlooking the canal and the Usk valley, choose Incline Cottage. The green backdrop gives a feeling of calm and is sure to help you and your loved one relax. Perhaps even more special is sitting out under the stairs with a glass of bubbly.

Expect more luxury inside the cottage - with an amazing roll-top bath in the bedroom and a sumptuous kingsize bed. There's not one, but two, log burners in this 5-star cottage for that extra cosy feeling.

Holidays with hot tubs | Hot tub boat

Holidays with hot tubs

Hobby was launched onto the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in 2019. Although Hobby is the 23rd narrowboat we have designed and built, the launch day was still hugely anticipated. It's a proud moment for the entire team when our hard work comes to fruition and, what started as a drawing on a piece of paper, goes safely down the slipway into the water.

Those of you who've known our business for a while will realise that we've had a narrowboat called Hobby for several years. This brand new narrowboat replaces her namesake; the former Hobby is now in private ownership on the canal and has a new name.

The new Hobby offers generous space for two but will happily accommodate four people. There's a bedroom which can hold a 4ft double bed or two 2ft single beds, and the sofa converts to a double bed.

Keen cooks will love the well-equipped kitchen. 

There's a spacious shower room and an additional loo.

The canopied front deck is the place to sit and watch the world go by. Feel the breeze or turn it into a conservatory by drawing the foldaway side curtains.

On chillier evenings, snuggle up in front of the wood-burning stove in the lounge.

For those interested in even more detail, Hobby is 52'5" (16.0m) long, 6'10" (2.1m) wide and has a maximum headroom of 6'5" (1.96m).

We are absolutely delighted with Hobby, and she's proving very popular with customers. Take a look at holiday availability on Hobby.

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