We bring all the family together for an unforgettable water adventure!
Superb attention to detail, wide spacious boat (unlike a narrowboat) and first class skipper tuition!

Why hire from us?

Luxury Kennet and Avon canal boat holidays upon a wide spacious boat with 2-3 hrs tuition for beginners. Explore the beauty of Bath and Somerset in style and comfort. Woodburner and pet free. Family run. 5 star reviews! Need we say more?

View and compare our high specification to that of other hire companies

View our luxury boat!

‘Larkspur’ is a modern widebeam canal boat that sleeps up to 6 people and incorporates many home creature comforts including a wood burner.

Family Canal Boat Holidays

Never hired a canal boat? F.A.Q!

Over 50% of our guests have never hired before! Have as much tuition as you like including doing a lock!

Our canal boat holiday prices include linen, fuel and logs

Prices and Booking!

Call us or book now online by filling out the booking form! 2019 prices out now!

map-kennet-avon

Location + where can i go?

We are based in Bathampton, nr Bath, Somerset, UK on the Kennet and Avon Canal. Clients can cruise through Bath, Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge, Devizes and beyond!

Top ten boatels in Europe

Top 10 ‘Botels’ in Europe – The Independent!

Don’t just take our word for it!

Thanks Angus! – 2021

We had an amazing week on Angus’ wide beam barge. The vessel is kitted out superbly and is so comfortable- Angus gave us a very thorough briefing before we set off and the week went completely to plan – I would thoroughly recommend hiring from Bloomsbury Canal Boats – 5 star experience and service. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Richard Lobeck
UK

Another Larkspur holiday! – 2020

Larkspur is magical and we’ve had two holidays on her, enjoyed enormously. The interior is exceptionally beautiful and comfortable, and Angus a great teacher, instilling the confidence to take Larkspur on canal travels and thoroughly enjoy doing so.
We’ll be back!  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Simon Pain
UK

Larkspur – our 2nd time! – 2020

So we have just returned from our 2nd holiday on the AMAZING Larkspur and we have to say that we had just as good an experience as we did in 2018. Our 2018 holiday gave us the most stunning weather. We also did the full trip from collecting the boat to navigating the amazing Caen Hill locks and back to Bath. 2019 saw good but mixed weather but it made no difference to us. The canal boat experience results in complete calm and chill but activity as well. Being our second time we were more experiences as to where we chose to Moor up / pubs to choose etc. However we also went to places that we missed last year so all in all it still felt like a first to a degree. With WiFi available I could still keep an eye on the footy and we also had a couple of cosey movie nights as well. Once again the beds were some of the most comfortable EVER and don’t get me started on how good the oven is. Granted we didn’t use it that much as there are so many great places to eat at along the way but it is just one of the things that highlights the care and attention taken to ensure the boat is top quality. Angus (owner) was as fabulous this year as last. Me thinks we will be going for a hat trick in 2021 as well. So a HUGE recommendation from us once again. Oh I must say that I am / was a laze by a pool abroad somewhere sort of guy. NOT ANY MORE.

Steve Bishop
Hampshire

Amazing canal boat adventure – Thank you!! – 2020

Boat is well kitted out and very comfortable on a beautiful spot on the canal too! Friendly and comprehensive hand over. Great pub a minutes walk if you arrive late in the day and don’t want to cook before moving off. We have booked again for next year!! ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Stu H
Hertfordshire

‘Our First Canal Boat Holiday’ – August 2019

We hired the Larkspur for a little under a week in late August 2019. We had a terrific time. The boat was wonderful – fantastically well-appointed, immaculately presented, and undoubtedly spacious. It had everything we needed. On our first day Angus came with us for the first hour, to show us the ropes, the tiller, and the locks – and much else besides. Angus was an experienced and patient teacher, expert in guiding novices to crew his boat.

After Angus left us (at Bath) we travelled back past Bathampton, through Bradford (where we moored for one night) and thence further east (another mooring). We refuelled at Trowbridge before heading back to Bath, stopping on the way. Pottering along at just over walking pace, we did not cover many miles perhaps, but had a wonderful time taking things slowly, seeing lots of wildlife (kingfishers, coots, herons etc) and admiring the countryside that flanks the Kennet and Avon canal.

Strongly recommended.

Robert Jones
Leeds

‘Slow boat to Foxhanger (and back)’ – August 2019

We really enjoyed our week on Larkspur, the boat was very comfortable, spacious and well equipped. We had never been on a canal boat before but the tuition provided by Angus was excellent The boat was easy to manoeuvre and moor and we navigated our way to Foxhanger and back during the course of the week. There was plenty of space for the four off us (All adults) to eat and relax. There was a plentiful supply of wood for the burner – not that we needed it as temperatures reached 30 the week that we were aboard. Despite this the interior of the boat stayed comfortable with all the windows open.

It was a super week full of fun and relaxation. We discovered some lovely pubs and met some interesting people along the way. We would certainly recommend Larkspur for a canal holiday. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kevin & Sara Wortley
Beaworthy Devon UK