Union Wharf Narrowboats

Explore the stunning East Midlands canals with a Union Wharf Narrowboats adventure!

Whether you’re seeking a multi-night holiday or a fun day out, we’ve got the perfect pet-friendly narrowboat for you and your favourite crewmates.

We’re based in the picturesque town of Market Harborough, in the centre of England, only an hour’s train ride from London, and a short cruise from the world-famous Foxton Locks. Step aboard a Union Wharf Narrowboat and explore vibrant cities, award-winning markets, historic locks, and miles of stunning English countryside.

We operate across some of England’s best canals, and we pride ourselves on providing the best experience to match. Let the journey become the destination with Union Wharf Narrowboats.

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Union Wharf Narrowboats Ltd, 1a Canalside, Market Harborough, Leicstershire, LE16 7UW

Description

Narrowboat holidays

With Union Wharf Narrowboats just over the Rutland boarder in Leicestershire, you can choose your own adventure. Cruise through stunning East Midlands landscapes, climb the world-famous Foxton Locks, moor up in quaint English villages, visit award-winning market towns, embrace the bustle of city life, and so much more.

Whether you’re after a weekend away, a midweek break, or a longer stay, we’ve got a route you’ll love.

Our fleet of comfortable, fully equipped, pet-friendly holiday boats offers a charming way to explore the East Midlands’ beautiful canals at your own pace. Each of our holiday boats has separate bedroom areas, double or single beds to suit your party, one or two bathrooms, a full kitchenette and a cosy living area.

We maintain our holiday boats to the highest standard, and we provide you with all the tools you need for the trip of a lifetime. We love beginners! Full training is provided, so no experience is required, and we never charge for fuel.

Day boat hire

Starting at the picturesque Union Wharf marina, just a fifteen-minute stroll from the centre of Market Harborough, you’ll set out on a gentle route with no locks to operate, just easy cruising through to the historic Foxton Locks basin and back. Find out more about the day boat route here.

Our modern, fully equipped narrowboats have everything you need, including a kitchenette (complete with a fridge, running water, gas hob, picnicware and kitchenware), plenty of seating, and toilet facilities.

For larger parties, take charge of Kingfisher or Moorhen, which both have long, open-plan designs perfect for socialising with groups of up to 12 people – and pets at no extra charge! For a smaller celebration, why not try the recently refurbished Dragonfly, or our beautiful boutique day boat, Water Vole. Have a browse of our fleet here.

Girls and dog on Union Wharf Narrowboats

Opening Times

Office opening hours

9am – 5pm Monday – Friday.

Direction

Arriving by car

The turning for Union Wharf marina is opposite Oasis Convenience Store. Drive past The Waterfront restaurant on the left and the marina office is located on the righthand side, at the end of a run of single-storey offices. You should see our sign outside. Once you have unloaded your car, we will direct you to an area where you will have free parking for the duration of your trip.

Arriving by train

Market Harborough train station is on a direct line from London St Pancras, a journey that takes around an hour. Union Wharf marina is a 15-minute taxi ride from the station. We recommend using Murphy Taxis, Random Cabs, or Kwik Cabs.

Girls and dog on Union Wharf Narrowboats
Holidaymakers from Union Wharf Narrowboats enjoy Foxton Locks, the picturesque marina with a canalside pub.
Foxton Locks drone shot by Union Wharf Narrowboats. Aerial drone shot of the ten staircase locks in Foxton, surrounding by open fields and water.
Union Wharf day boat interior
Children helping each other close a swing bridge on a canal during a Union Wharf Narrowboats holiday