Boutique Narrowboat Holidays
On the Lancaster Canal
Escape the noise of modern life and drift slowly through the peaceful landscapes of rural Lancashire.
From our small, independent boatyard at Catforth, just north of Preston UK, we offer relaxing, week-long narrowboat holidays on the beautiful Lancaster Canal — in carefully designed, 57 foot narrowboats, sleeping up to 6 people — perfect for couples, families or friends looking for escapism and adventure on the water.
No locks. No rushing. Just water, wildlife and open countryside.
42 miles of gentle, lock-free cruising
Discover hidden treasures like...
Brant Beck Bridge 91. It marks the entrance to Burrow Heights Cutting, better known as “Deep Cutting.” Carved through glacial deposits to avoid a long detour, it stretches about 2km on the Lancaster canal and reaches depths of up to 10 metres in parts. Lined with arching greenery and frequented by darting kingfishers, the cutting has a timeless, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
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Explore by narrowboat the places traffic can't go...
At Swillbrook Bridge 32
Just 6 miles north of Preston, Swillbrook in Catforth is the perfect starting point to exploring the Lancaster canal from the bottom to the top and back.
Explore our narrowboats
Columbina Interior layout
Our flagship narrowboat, sleeps up to 6 people in 2 doubles and 2 small single berths
Columbina is a beautifully crafted 57ft cruiser stern narrowboat, thoughtfully designed for comfort and relaxation on week-long holiday breaks. Her shell was built by XR&D Boatbuilders in 2020, before being expertly fitted out and finished by Swillbrook® Boatyard and launched in 2026. Ideal for couples, friends and families, Columbina offers a stylish and comfortable way to experience life on the water.
Full helm induction provided
Columbina
Take a tour onboard
The convertible dinette looking back into the galley and lounge cabin
Close up view of cosy dinette from side hatch doors. Table and seats convert to double bed
Columbina Shower room with electric flushing toilet
Rear lounge leading to galley. Featuring long bench sofas converting to small single beds
Rear lounge cabin.
Featuring entrance and long bench sofas converting to small single beds
Foreward cabin. Featuring fixed double bed and wardrobe with doors to front deck.
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Boat services
We offer bespoke design and fit-out services for boats at our canal-side workshop, The Boathouse in Catforth. [contact us]
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Narrowboat holidays
Gentle, lock-free and dog friendly narrowboat holidays on the Lancaster canal, 6 miles north of Preston. [learn more]
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The Galley micro bar
Tucked behind the Boatyard is our cosy micro bar. A welcoming spot for boaters, walkers, cyclists and local residents. [learn more]
Holiday prices
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Low season from - £999
March and November
Holiday prices include diesel, gas, car parking for your vehicle and a linen package for 2 adults. Additional linen bundles including bedding (duvet, blankets & pillows) hand towel and bath towel may be added. A child's bedding will include a sleeping bag rather than a duvet. Additional car parking is subject to availability and a £50 weekly charge per vehicle * All prices include UK VAT and are subject to the terms and conditions of hire.
Holiday availability
To see if we have a week available simply click through the calendar below. If the week is shown in green, it is available.
We are currently taking bookings personally, through WhatsApp and also the contact form on this page. This means that we can also answer any questions you may have at the time of booking. To book, either message directly by clicking the Enquire button to open the App or if you prefer not to use WhatsApp please contact us through the enquiry form [Here].
We will contact you to confirm your booking and make arrangements for payment.
