Pets and holiday narrowboats: a purr-fect combination

Embarking on a narrowboat holiday offers a unique opportunity to explore the serene waterways at a leisurely pace, and for pet owners, it’s a chance to share this tranquil experience with their furry companions. The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal provides an ideal setting for a pet-friendly adventure. Here’s why bringing all the family, including your pets, along on a narrowboat holiday is a fantastic idea, and how you can make the most of it.

Why Narrowboat Holidays are Great for Pets

• New Scenery Every Day: Your pets, especially dogs, will love the changing landscapes and the new scents that come with a different mooring spot each night. The diverse flora and fauna along canal paths can stimulate a pet’s senses and encourage physical activity and help with mental stimulation. 
• Exercise and Exploration: With miles of towpaths to walk, your pets can enjoy plenty of exercise and the excitement of exploring new territories. If well behaved it can follow you while you cruise the canal, or you can walk with your dog as you're only travelling at a slow walking pace. 
• Bonding Time: Walking or playing by the canal can be a bonding experience for pets and their owners. It’s a chance to spend quality time together away from the distractions of daily life.
• Pet-Friendly Amenities: We offer boats equipped with pet essentials, ensuring a comfortable stay for your pets.

Preparing for a Pet-Friendly Narrowboat Holiday

• Choose the Right Boat: Ensure that the narrowboat you select is the right one for you. All of our boats (except Robin) are pet friendly and we accommodate up to two dogs, have a look at each boat and its layouts to ensure you pick the correct one for you and your companions. We would generally advise that you book a boat bigger than your party size to accommodate your pets as well as their beds. 
• Pack the Essentials: Bring all the necessary items your pet will need, such as food, bowls, leads, a bed and any medications.
• Safety First: Consider a pet life jacket, especially for dogs, to keep them safe near water. On request we can provide these for you.

Top Tips for a Smooth Sailing

• Familiarise Your Pet with the Boat: Allow your pet to explore the narrowboat to get accustomed to their new environment.
• Keep Pets Off Furniture: To maintain cleanliness and respect the boat, train your pets to stay off the furniture. Although to ensure an enjoyable experience for all our guests (pet lovers or not!) we also have 5* cleaning standards.
• Be Mindful of Wildlife: The canals are home to various wildlife; ensure your pets do not disturb the natural habitat.

Exploring the Canals with Your Four-Legged Friends 

The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, located in the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park, is a prime example of a pet-friendly destination for narrowboat holidays. With only a few locks to navigate, it offers a peaceful journey through picturesque countryside and quaint villages, perfect for a relaxing break with your pets.

And if you weren't looking for a longer holiday, and instead a day trip, we also have a fleet of electric day boats which you can take your pet on as well!

A narrowboat holiday with pets is not just a rural getaway; it’s an enriching experience that strengthens the bond between you and your animal companions. It’s a shared adventure filled with new discoveries and the joy of the great outdoors. So, next time you’re planning a holiday, consider a narrowboat journey with us at Beacon Park Boats—it might just be the paw-fect choice for you and your pets.

(By the way this was written by Jam the Beacon Park Boats cat so you know you can trust it! See you on the wharf!)