Back to top
lancaster canal boat hire
lancaster canal boat hire piccolo
canal boat hire near me
narrowboat hire lancaster canal
luxury canal boat holiday
legato canal boat hire
calando canal boat holiday in lancaster
calando lounge
lancaster canal boat holidays

Lock Free Luxury Canal Boat Holiday Hire

Luxury Narrow & Widebeam Canal Boats

Welcome to the
Duck Island Boat Company.

Your luxury canal boat holiday in Lancaster.

Canal boats are not usually associated with the word luxury, but then again, we are not you’re typical canal hire company.

Quite simply, we aim to provide the very best luxury canal boat hire on the lock free Lancaster canal, in the North West and the highest level of service possible, making sure that your narrow boat holiday is everything you hoped it to be and much more!

Book Now

“All our canal boats are bespoke. Designed by us to offer maximum comfort as opposed to maximum occupancy.”

View Boats

Relax in comfort on your smart, luxurious wide beam narrow boat as you cruise down the Lancaster Canal.

It goes without saying, a good night’s sleep is essential for a happy holiday.

Our luxury canal fleet are distinctly painted in aubergine and cream with traditional signwriting. The interiors are finished with quality fixtures and fittings that incorporate many features you would expect to see on luxury narrow boats.

Our narrow boats have fixed, comfortable beds with luxurious mattresses, sumptuous duvets, plump pillows and hotel-quality bed linen.

The bathrooms on all our narrow boats and widebeam have luxury glass shower enclosures, porcelain sinks with elegant vanity units and luxury toilets which flush at the touch of a button.

View Boats
piccolo narrowboat lancaster

Piccolo

  • canal boats sleepsSleeps 2
Discover More
glissando narrowboat lancaster

Glissando

  • canal boats sleepsSleeps 2
Discover More
legato narrowboat lancaster

Legato

  • canal boats sleepsSleeps 4
Discover More
calando narrowboat lancaster

Calando

  • canal boats sleepsSleeps 4
Discover More

duck island boat company lancaster

Things to do on your canal boat holiday.

Lancaster canal is one of the most scenic canals in the country.

Constructed on the natural lie of the land, this stunning Canal offers 41 miles of lock-free cruising, with breath-taking views of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District mountains.

The canal runs through the heart of Lancaster, just five minutes from the pedestrianised shopping centre. Originally a Roman settlement, Lancaster is a pleasant sightseeing or shopping stop with plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes.

Take a look at some of the most popular places to visit whilst on your canal boat holiday.

Places To Visit

Ready to plan your next UK holiday?

Contact us to check our avaliability and to see how we can help.

Contact Us

Holiday Essentials.

Some of the facilities available to you when you come to stay with us

lancaster canal

  • free parkingFree Parking
  • toiletriesToiletries
  • gasGas & Diesel
  • milkMilk
  • canal boats sleepsLuxury Linen
  • tea and coffee providedTea, Coffee & Sugar
  • bath towelsTowels
  • toilet paperToilet Rolls
  • hair dryerHairdryer
  • dish soapFairy Liquid
  • coatWaterproofs

What our happy customers say about us...

Wonderful Holiday on a Beautiful Boat

A wonderful holiday on your beautiful boat. Eamonn & Elaine was most helpful.

Kath & Jim

Luxury Wide Beam Canal Boat

Amazing boat, everything provided along with top quality fixtures and fittings. 5* luxury loved every minute. Thanks

Jason & Lynette

Luxury Canal Boat

Had the most fantastic time onboard Piccolo. Very tastefully furnished 5* luxury - see you next year

Sue & Howard

Beautiful Canal Boats

Fantastic week. Mixed weather. Beautiful boat. Lovely meal at the Mill, Lovely fish and chips at Bolton Le Sands. Thank you for sharing your lovely boat.

Kay & Barry

A Five Star Holiday in Lancaster

Piccolo is a 5* boat. Really enjoyed the Water Witch in Lancaster. We hope to come back next year and do the south.

Bob & Gail

Luxury Canal Boat Holiday

Fantastic week on a lovely boat, very luxurious. Good meals every night but especially Canal Turn Carnforth & White Cross Lancaster.

June & Marcus

Fabulous Time

What a great boat, pity the weather was so bad. We had a fab time and it was all 1st class. C.U again soon.

Sue & Tony

Truly Luxurious 5* Canal Boat

Thank you Eamonn & Elaine for this truly luxurious 5* boat. For our first boating holiday, we could not have asked for better. For food, we can recommend The Canal Turn at Carnforth & The Roebuck at Bilsborrow - great food and staff!! Thanks again.

Jayne & Charlotte

Google Reviews157 Google Reviews with a 5 star rating

join us for a lancaster canal boat hire holiday

Ready to hire a Canal Boat?

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to set sail, but have some questions before you begin your voyage? Here are some common questions we are asked...

Do I need previous experience before booking a canal boat holiday?

No, we welcome bookings from complete novices to the seasoned boater. Full tuition is provided on how to operate the boat and its equipment at the start of every holiday.

We provide a comprehensive handover at the beginning of your holiday to ensure you are happy with all aspects of the boat. We will show you how to drive the boat safely & stay on board for as long as it takes you to feel relaxed and confident to proceed alone.

Before you arrive for your holiday, we do ask that you take the time to familiarise yourself with the boaters handbook. This can be found on www.canalrivertrust.org .

Are there restrictions on booking a holiday with Duck Island Boat Company?

Yes, the following restrictions apply when hiring a boat with Duck Island Boat Company.

You must be 21 or over to book.

We regret that we are unable to hire to single-handed boaters, however, experienced. Operating a boat and canal-side equipment can be physically demanding. For your safety, there must be two onboard the boat at all times.

Can I bring my dog?

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate dogs on board Piccolo & Glissando. Small/medium size well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard Legato & Calando. Please bring your own dog’s bedding & feeding bowls. Dogs are not permitted on beds or soft furnishings and must never be left unattended on board the boat at any time. A charge of GBP30.00 will be added to the cost of your total holiday hire. Please contact us before booking if you wish to bring your dog.

Can I bring my bicycle?

For safety reasons, we do not allow bicycles on the boat.

Is there parking available at the marina?

Parking is available at the mooring.

Why choose a canal boat holiday?

A canal boat holiday offers you a truly unique way to discover and explore some of the most beautiful towns, villages and countryside in Britain. Travelling along at an average 3mph – 4mph, you will soon forget the hustle and bustle of 21st-century life as you meander through the peaceful and spectacular scenery.

A holiday on the canal with Duck Island Boat Company offers you a little piece of floating paradise a perfect way to relax and unwind, celebrate a special occasion, or escape for a romantic retreat.