Narrowboat Living
in the UK

Welcome to our Narrowboat information page, here you'll find everything you need to know, from insuring your vessel to holiday hotspots. If you have any questions, please watch the video below.

 
 

 

 

Life aboard a narrowboat is one of peace and tranquillity. It affords you some of the most beautiful views of the UK at a leisurely pace. It isn't without its challenges; these beautiful boats require heaps of care and attention, with considered renovation, and lots of love poured into upkeep and maintenance.

Narrowboat insurance is essential for peace of mind out on the canals, whether you’re a permanent resident or weekend cruiser. Whatever you're skill level, we've compiled a range of resources to brush up your narrowboat knowledge and aid you on your journey around the waterways.

Narrowboat Tips & Advice

Autumn Cruising: 6 Hidden Gems Found Along Kennet and Avon Canal Route

Why is the Kennet and Avon canal route different? Discover the top 6 hidden gems you don't want to miss on your next autumn cruising on your narrowboat.

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Living on a Narrowboat: What You Need to Know

Learn everything you need to know about living on a narrowboat in the UK. Costs, security and more.

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Is The Future Going To Be Electric-powered Engines?

Recent years have shown a rise in the demand for hybrid diesel-electric narrowboats, but is the future looking greener by choosing fully-electric vessels?

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The Costs of Living on a Narrowboat

Discover everything you need to know about the costs of living on a narrowboat, from personal expenses to maintenance and insurance.

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Buying a Narrowboat: What You Need To Know

Are you thinking of purchasing a narrowboat? We've put together a guide detailing everything you need to know before purchasing.

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4 Must-have Narrowboat Holidays


In honour of the rising trend that is UK staycations, we've chosen 4 must-have narrowboat holidays which exude breath-taking natural landscapes.

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A Buyer's Guide To Narrowboat Insurance

Our simple guide will walk you through all the elements of narrowboat insurance you should consider for adequate cover before moving aboard.

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Your Narrowboat DIY Guide

Looking to save money on your narrowboat running costs? Discover helpful tips and advice on performing boat maintenance with our Narrowboat DIY Guide.

 

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narrowboat diy guide

Narrowboat Design

Narrowboat Interior Layout: Top 5 Tips

Whether you’re a weekend boater or live aboard your vessel permanently, we have the perfect narrowboat interior layout for you.

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Creative Ways To Spruce Up Your Narrowboat Garden

Living on a narrowboat doesn't mean you have to sacrifice having a luxury garden. Take a look at our top tips for ways you can bring life to your boat.

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The Best Narrowboat Interior Layout For Your Needs

Re-arrange your narrowboat interior layout to best suit your way of life. Find helpful tips on colour scheme, furnishings and fittings.

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6 Innovative Space-saving Solutions For Your Narrowboat

Simple storage solutions and clever interior design hacks to make your narrowboat feel clutter-free and spacious.

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Incredible Interior Design Ideas For Your Narrowboat

Take a look at some amazing interior design ideas for your narrowboat to help inspire your next DIY project!

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Tips For Modernising Your Narrowboat

Whether it's your favourite hobby or your narrowboat home simply needs a makeover, we highlight our top tips for modernising your narrowboat.

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Tips for Space Saving on Your Narrowboat

Many narrowboat owners struggle to find space for all of their belongings. Discover our top tips for space-saving on your narrowboat.

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20 of the Punniest Narrowboat Names We've Seen

One of the greatest ways to personalise your boat is by choosing the perfect name. Here are our personal puntastic favourites...

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Tips For Naming Your Narrowboat


Choosing the name for your narrowboat is a big decision and one not to be taken lightly! We've got a few tips and ideas to give you some inspiration...

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Narrowboat Name Generator


Discover a new name for your narrowboat with our handy generator tool!

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Insure Your Vessel

Get a quote for your narrowboat insurance

Narrowboats are vulnerable to the elements and with your worldly possessions contained onboard, it’s crucial to choose insurance that will give you adequate cover. If it’s your first time buying narrowboat insurance, or you’re looking to change insurance companies, read our Buyers Guide to Narrowboat Insurance to find out what a typical policy includes and what specific features to look for.

Some of the features include*:

  • Contents Cover – Including downloadable content, money and cards
  • 0% finance
  • River Canal Rescue cover included at no extra cost

*subject to exclusions and limitations

Get A Quote

Narrowboat Resources

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Narrowboat Safety and Security Tips

Keeping your narrowboat safe and secure is probably one of your main priorities, read our blog to find out our top tips...

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narrowboat safety and security tips
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5 Ways To Guard Your Narrowboat Against Theft

The prospect of thieves and vandals targeting your vessel is a big worry as a narrowboat owner - follow our 5 steps to help keep your belongings secure.

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Narrowboat FAQs

Are you a new narrowboat owner? Or seasoned in canal life, but wanting to solve some unanswered queries? We answer those niggling questions...

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narrowboat FAQs
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5 Things Every Narrowboat Owner Should Know

From finding a mooring spot to knowing the local speed limits, our blog delves into the 5 things every narrowboat owner should know.

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things every narrowboat owner should know
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6 Beautiful Narrowboat Holiday Routes in the UK

Whether you're after a peaceful weekend escape or a two-week adventure, we've selected 6 of the most beautiful narrowboat holiday routes in the UK. Take your pick!

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narrowboay holiday routes
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The Best Floating Shops & Cafes

Found along the rivers and canals of the UK, narrowboat based businesses are providing unique goods and services to those travelling the inland waterways. Here are a few of our favourites.

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best floating shops and cafes
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5 Easy Meals To Cook on Your Narrowboat

Make cooking aboard your narrowboat even tastier with these 5 easy meals.

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5 Tips For Staying Eco-friendly on Your Narrowboat

Living on a narrowboat can be a very eco-friendly way of life. So with our top tips, here’s how to keep being eco-friendly on your narrowboat.

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Tips for Staying Eco-friendly on your Narrowboat
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How To Make Your Barge Pet-friendly

Making your barge a comfortable, roomy place to live can be a task in itself, and that’s before you’ve even begun to try and make it a pet-friendly space, too.

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how to make your barge pet friendly

Narrowboat Destination Inspiration Quiz

Get inspired with new places to cruise your narrowboat with our destination quiz!

 

Inspire Me
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Discover MyBoat

What is MyBoat?

MyBoat is a free online portal for the boat owner community. It’s the only free boating service in the UK! MyBoat keeps all of your important boat information in one place and sends you alerts using its easy-to-use digital organiser. It also keeps you updated with the latest news, views and weather, tailored to your travels as well as offering you some amazing discounts, including:

 Safety products
 Boat fittings
 Cleaning products
Narrowboat accessories
 Holidays

How can I receive discounts with MyBoat?

To gain these discounts you have to have insurance from GJW Direct and have an account on MyBoat. Once on MyBoat, navigate to the My Discounts tab, where you’ll be able to see all of your own discounts. We’ve partnered up with some amazing companies to ensure you receive great discounts off boat essentials.

Sign up now
  • Store all boating documentation
  • Set reminders for servicing equipment
  • GJW Direct customers can receive exclusive discounts