Boutique Narrowboats
Boutique Narrowboats
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About
Boutique narrowboat hire for couples, through the stunning Leicestershire Grand Union Canal landscape. Year-round mini-breaks in luxury, with king-sized bed, central heating and pot-bellied stove. Novices most welcome, full training provided. We are based at Union Wharf Marina in Market Harborough.
Market Harborough, Leicestershire, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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5.0
83 reviews
Excellent
82
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Maggie R
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
We had a superb holiday on narrowboat Chalkhill Blue. The boat was clean and had everything you needed including the warmest wood stove. Boutique narrowboat has great friendly staff who make sure you know what you are doing. When they wave you off down the canal they are only a phone call away to help and nothing is a bother to them. They make sure you have a good holiday and are genuinely pleased that you did. This was our second holiday with them this year. We can't wait to go out again.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phill N
Malaga, Spain38 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Being only a couple we were looking for an upmarket canal boat experience and after much research Boutique Narrowboats seemed to tick all our boxes. We booked the boat called Marbled White, which is a 60ft boat, which as it was our first ever narrow boat experience did seem a little daunting at first! After around two hours of very informative instruction and having done all the recommended homework prior to arrival we headed off on our weeks vacation. The boat was as good as if not better than the pictures and videos we had seen and after a couple days we were cruising and mooring very happily. The route we took, South towards Crick was a very scenic and serene route. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Boutique Narrowboats and will be
Written 10 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Phil, we are so glad that you enjoyed your first time on a narrowboat. We love your description of the "serene" route - well said!
Written 13 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pammie
Norwich, UK13 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
WoW! Just returned from a one week holiday onboard Chalkhill Blue. What a beautiful narrow boat. The layout and finish of this boat is definitely superior.
We have done alternative luxury canal boat holidays over the previous 5 years and this one has exceeded all of our expectations.
1st class in every aspect of the holiday from booking through to completing the actual holiday.
Comprehensive, thorough and friendly collection of the boat and smooth, easy handover/ delivery back. What more do you want??
The planned routes on offer are well thought out and cater for all levels of experience without detracting from the enjoyment to be had whilst trying them!
We have been lucky with the weather aside from the first morning rising up the Foxton locks. Wet through to the skin! Hey, it’s the UK on a narrow boat. Part and parcel of the fun!
I can’t say enough great things about our holiday experience with Boutique Narrow Boats.
If you want some wonderful fresh air, a slow pace, great eateries, new places to explore all with lots of fun, I cannot recommend this more!
You will come home with at least one great memory if not memories from every day!
We have immediately booked again for 2024 on Marbled White! Want to try all the boats now!
We have done alternative luxury canal boat holidays over the previous 5 years and this one has exceeded all of our expectations.
1st class in every aspect of the holiday from booking through to completing the actual holiday.
Comprehensive, thorough and friendly collection of the boat and smooth, easy handover/ delivery back. What more do you want??
The planned routes on offer are well thought out and cater for all levels of experience without detracting from the enjoyment to be had whilst trying them!
We have been lucky with the weather aside from the first morning rising up the Foxton locks. Wet through to the skin! Hey, it’s the UK on a narrow boat. Part and parcel of the fun!
I can’t say enough great things about our holiday experience with Boutique Narrow Boats.
If you want some wonderful fresh air, a slow pace, great eateries, new places to explore all with lots of fun, I cannot recommend this more!
You will come home with at least one great memory if not memories from every day!
We have immediately booked again for 2024 on Marbled White! Want to try all the boats now!
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You sound totally relaxed and refreshed after your break. What a wonderful advert for spending time on our canals! Thank you for taking the time to write your review. We look forward to seeing you next year.
Written 13 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicky F
Playhatch, UK37 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Incredible weekend on the beautiful Marbled White. We slept so well and loved every minute - got used to the locks really quickly and felt as though we could have stayed for weeks. We bought a portable speaker with us because we can’t really function without music and it was lovely to drift along having a little bit of a boogy 😊- thank you Boutique Narrowboats
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You are very welcome! We have a wonderful image of you both, now, having a dance on the deck as you cruised along :-)
Written 13 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The_Wilsons180
Bourne, England, United Kingdom6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
On Saturday 26th August 2023, we hired the 'Watervole' for a work outing. The Watervole is a beautiful boat, so well laid out and perfectly equipped.
The induction was very thorough, and we were even accompanied for a few minutes out of the yard - just to ensure we knew what to do.
We had a great time cruising up the river towards Foxton Locks. The bridges were slightly heavier than anticipated to move, but still great fun and provided plenty of laughs.
We thoroughly enjoyed our day out on board the watervole and would definitely recommend.
The induction was very thorough, and we were even accompanied for a few minutes out of the yard - just to ensure we knew what to do.
We had a great time cruising up the river towards Foxton Locks. The bridges were slightly heavier than anticipated to move, but still great fun and provided plenty of laughs.
We thoroughly enjoyed our day out on board the watervole and would definitely recommend.
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You sound like you had a lot of fun on your work outing. There's nothing like a few canal features (and swing bridges) to bond a team! Thank you for your review, we are really glad that you had a good time.
Written 1 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Explore622126
London, UK4 contributions
Aug 2023
We hired Woodland Grayling - a boat for two and small well-behaved (but capable of barking for 1 hour through Foxton Locks) dog. Foxton Locks was daunting for just two, but the Lock Keepers are just FANtastic. So supportive and helpful, that it felt like an achievement getting through. Pre-departure advices were invaluable. The boat is wonderfully kitted out, everything you need and the crisp cool bed linen just sumptuous to sink into after a day in the fresh air. Ultimately, the best bit, mooring in the middle of the countryside, dark, quiet, peaceful and a comfy bed - best nights sleep you could have.
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you've had the best night's sleep in Britian, we've done our job :-) Thank you so much for your review. We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay on Woodland Grayling.
Written 24 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rungless
Burgess Hill, UK5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We have just had a week on Gosling and I can say we had a lovely time the kids loved the locks and tunnels! We had an issue when the toilets were full and there was nowhere to get a pump out but Andy came out and emptied both toilets and wouldnt take any payment for it, he even moored the boat up for us so we could eat in the resturant in the wharf. Five stars from us!
Written 7 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your comments. Boating is such a great activity for the different generations and it's great that you had such a good experience.
Written 24 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mathew400
London2 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
It's over two months since we spent a weekend on Marbled White, which for one of us was the first narrowboat we'd driven for over 30 years, and whilst it took a little time to get used to it and its size, it was an amazing weekend which we recall with fondness. The boat is brilliantly appointed, and it was a joy to pootle along the canal, be guided up the staircase of locks at Foxton, through the tunnel of Husbands Bosworth and moor for quiet nights. Only a few awkward moments, but we found many barge owners happy to help us (either turning around or getting out of some tight spots). We think we were fortunate; it was the coronation weekend, with rainy start, and perhaps quieter than usual - wouldn't have been so confident on a busy canal (and a few barge owners, perhaps understandably, appear to resent 'day-trippers' given some comments we heard). Upon returning to Union Wharf, we realised that we should have refilled with water en route (we hired Marbled White for three nights), and that getting back to the Wharf in time to return the boat suggests mooring up the night before a little closer than we did (by Foxton village), as barges and small boats start sailing out from the basin from 9-ish making the canal a little crowded over the final kilometre. It was a wonderful experience, and we intend to book again some time in the future, but perhaps on a smaller boat.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review, Mathew. There is a lot to learn with narrowboating, but it sounds as if it all came back to you over the weekend!
Written 24 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
piedwarbler
Preston, UK147 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We picked up the boat and had a helpful advice session from the manager.
This is our second time taking a boat out from Boutique Narrowboats. We are return guests. We went up the Foxton flight last time so this time we decided to go to Leicester. We wanted to see what cruising on a river is like and also we wanted to moor in the city and see the Richard III exhibition.
The itinerary was 46 miles long, with 2 tunnels and 48 locks.
A warning that the swing bridge and locks were stiff at the time of writing this review, and we were told that this route is known for the stiff paddles. If this is a concern for you then you would be better doing the Foxton flight. The locks there are very easy to navigate, and it is very picturesque too.
There are some pubs on this route. The Navigation has a great selection of beers, but be aware it is not currently serving food. Leicester is a really great city. You sail right past the football ground. The locks are bigger and there is a weir too, so perhaps not a route for a complete novice, but it’s easy to navigate. The Castle Gardens moorings are okay, but the ones at Friars Mill are preferable, and have water but no pump out. Having said that, we didn’t need to pump out all week. Both moorings are secure and fully gated off using the BW key. A short walk into the city gives you access to many nice pubs and restaurants and was bustling in the evening. There is a big student population, a thriving arts scene, with lots of street art, and no trouble at all. There was a buzzing atmosphere too. Also, the King Richard III visitors centre is really first class - well worth a visit. We would have liked to do the space centre too, but didn’t have time in a week.
On the way back, we moored near Newton Harcourt where, if you look on Google maps, someone has put a marker “lovely mooring spot” and it was lovely there.
We also moored at Kings Lock, it is a short walk to the town which has pubs, takeaways and a Tesco Extra which is open late. Very safe overnight, and lots of fish in the canal, as it is mostly river there, so you can see and feed them.
The only thing to be aware of is where you might pump out. You need a card to pump out at one place so make sure you have one before you set off, because there is no way round it. The boatyard will give you great advice and help you with this.
As for the boat itself, we took the Woodland Grayling and it was beautiful with a lovely bathroom and proper shower. We appreciated the wine cooler too. The bed is exceptionally comfy. You wouldn’t know you were on a boat at all.
This is our second time taking a boat out from Boutique Narrowboats. We are return guests. We went up the Foxton flight last time so this time we decided to go to Leicester. We wanted to see what cruising on a river is like and also we wanted to moor in the city and see the Richard III exhibition.
The itinerary was 46 miles long, with 2 tunnels and 48 locks.
A warning that the swing bridge and locks were stiff at the time of writing this review, and we were told that this route is known for the stiff paddles. If this is a concern for you then you would be better doing the Foxton flight. The locks there are very easy to navigate, and it is very picturesque too.
There are some pubs on this route. The Navigation has a great selection of beers, but be aware it is not currently serving food. Leicester is a really great city. You sail right past the football ground. The locks are bigger and there is a weir too, so perhaps not a route for a complete novice, but it’s easy to navigate. The Castle Gardens moorings are okay, but the ones at Friars Mill are preferable, and have water but no pump out. Having said that, we didn’t need to pump out all week. Both moorings are secure and fully gated off using the BW key. A short walk into the city gives you access to many nice pubs and restaurants and was bustling in the evening. There is a big student population, a thriving arts scene, with lots of street art, and no trouble at all. There was a buzzing atmosphere too. Also, the King Richard III visitors centre is really first class - well worth a visit. We would have liked to do the space centre too, but didn’t have time in a week.
On the way back, we moored near Newton Harcourt where, if you look on Google maps, someone has put a marker “lovely mooring spot” and it was lovely there.
We also moored at Kings Lock, it is a short walk to the town which has pubs, takeaways and a Tesco Extra which is open late. Very safe overnight, and lots of fish in the canal, as it is mostly river there, so you can see and feed them.
The only thing to be aware of is where you might pump out. You need a card to pump out at one place so make sure you have one before you set off, because there is no way round it. The boatyard will give you great advice and help you with this.
As for the boat itself, we took the Woodland Grayling and it was beautiful with a lovely bathroom and proper shower. We appreciated the wine cooler too. The bed is exceptionally comfy. You wouldn’t know you were on a boat at all.
Written 23 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. There is lots of very valuable information here and I'm sure people will find it useful when planning their holiday.
Written 14 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tom B
Chesterfield, UK584 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Boutique Narrow Boats offer an excellent canal experience in the most opulent boat we have hired and we love it.
There are several routes from the marina and route advice and maps are provided as well as boat equipment and handling the boat.
Now if you are a beginner don't let it put you off boaters are a lovely lot and very forgiving and a steel boat is very tough. I am not saying charge about but you will catch a bridge or lock side hear and there. I have just been stuck broadside in a Winding hole trying to turn a 60 ft boat take your time and everything can be managed.To offer an excuse I had to turn in late while another boat waited for me to pass. Have ago. We are moored up beer opened about to cook tea with the birds singing.
A Boutique boat is modern very well appointed ,central heating, shower, toilet electric hob and oven ,TV it's beautiful.
There are several routes from the marina and route advice and maps are provided as well as boat equipment and handling the boat.
Now if you are a beginner don't let it put you off boaters are a lovely lot and very forgiving and a steel boat is very tough. I am not saying charge about but you will catch a bridge or lock side hear and there. I have just been stuck broadside in a Winding hole trying to turn a 60 ft boat take your time and everything can be managed.To offer an excuse I had to turn in late while another boat waited for me to pass. Have ago. We are moored up beer opened about to cook tea with the birds singing.
A Boutique boat is modern very well appointed ,central heating, shower, toilet electric hob and oven ,TV it's beautiful.
Written 6 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I love that we are the "most opulent boat" :-) Thank you for your review, we are so glad that you enjoyed your time on board one of our narrowboats. The towpath beer to birdsong sounds idyllic.
Written 23 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience