Union Canal Carriers is a family run hire boat company, celebrating 52 years in business. We understand all about family canal holidays. Over the years we have taken our own children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends on boating holidays. Our small fleet of boats are built and fitted out by ourselves at our boat yard in Braunston. Each boat is uniquely different from the next. Our staff are all boat owners and have spent many years living and working around canals.  We pride ourselves on the time we take to introduce first time customers to the canals. Together we will make sure that you feel comfortable with handling the boat, so that you feel relaxed throughout your boating experience. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you know you are in safe hands. If you’ve ever wondered what it must be like ‘Barging around Britain’ like John Sargent, or ‘The Great Canal Journeys’ that Timothy West and Prunella Scales love so much, then why not give us a call +44 (0)1788 890784.

Braunston is a busy canal village set in Northamptonshire’s rolling green countryside. It’s church with its splendid steeple, can be seen for miles around, which is one reason it is called the Cathedral of the Canals. Braunston Junction, with its twinned black and white cast iron bridges, is famous across the canal network as the Junction of the Oxford Canal and the Grand Union Canal. Union Canal Carriers is a picturesque boatyard at the bottom of Braunston Locks; unlike many hire bases, ours is actually situated on the towpath. There is no large, impersonal marina full of boats, just a small interesting collection of historic buildings, recognised for their part in Canal Heritage. The surrounding countryside is fascinating, with lots of geocaches to hunt for and the Jurassic Way crosses the canal just a little further on from the boatyard.  With over five different routes to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect one for you, whether it’s a leisurely cruise or a more an energetic holiday.

We have several choices of narrowboats available for weekend, midweek, week or longer holidays, sleeping from 2 to 12 people. Our 3 Barney Boats are unique in the fleet and look very much like private boats, with their coal fires, rose and castle designs and single cylinder engine giving the satisfying ‘pop pop’ sound of a traditional canal boat.

We believe a boat should be handcrafted to cut through the water well, aiding steerage, with a quality interior and the vital large outdoor space. You are welcome to come over and take a look around our boats – please ring to check availability of the boat of your choice. Many customers come back year after year –  to find out why call +44(0)1788 890784 and speak to one of our knowledgeable, friendly team about boating holidays, and how we can help you.