Gayton Marina, Northamptonshire

Discover the hidden delights of the Northamptonshire countryside on a dog-friendly canal boat cruise beginning at Gayton Marina. Together with your best furry friend, meander along the gentle waterways on a comfortable berth packed with modern amenities through routes around the midlands. Stop off for some fabulous walking opportunities and make sure to visit fido-friendly sights along your route starting in Gayton. Enriched by the rolling Northamptonshire arable landscape, these routes pass through the countryside hills and woodland areas, as well as towns and villages along the way which are all easily accessible from the canal side. All ABC Boat Hire canal boats at Gayton Marina berth two to twelve and come equipped with all you need to swap the hustle and bustle of life in the city for an idyllic boating escape with your canine companion.

Begin your boating adventure for the first time or as a more experienced crew member with full tuition provided at the start of every journey. A handover ensures you are comfortable operating the canal boat and includes where you can moor and how to operate locks, lifts and swing bridges. Most visitor moorings on canals and rivers are governed by the Canal & River Trust and are free of charge, meaning your boat will be permitted to moor anywhere on the towpath side of the canal as long as no obstruction is being caused. An overnight fee may be charged for overnight moorings at a select number of privately owned sites such as The River Thames. 

A suggested route for more experienced crew members and those wanting a longer escape is The Grand Ring from Gayton Marina. With 175 locks and taking a minimum of two weeks to complete or longer if you want to take in the sights along the way, the delights of the southern waterways including Oxford, Banbury, Leighton Buzzard can be thoroughly enjoyed. Highlights include dog-friendly waterside pubs The Head of the River and The Flowing Well at Iffley lock, exciting walks around Tring Reservoirs and a venture through scenic London waterways including the iconic Richmond Bridge.

If you’re looking for a shorter break or for first-time crew members, the Braunston or Napton & return route from Gayton Marina is a peaceful journey of junctions and battles between two rival canals, the Oxford and the Grand Union, totalling 26 locks and taking a duration of three nights. Highlights include the idyllic canal village of Braunston when travelling down through Braunston’s lock where there are fantastic dog-walking opportunities along the towpath. Dog-friendly destinations worth a visit in the village include The Boat House and The Admiral Nelson for both you and fido to enjoy.

All dog-friendly canal boats are available from April to November. Arrive on Friday, Saturday or Monday for a 3, 4, 7, 10, 11 or 14 night stay. Please note that each route has individual changeover dates. In a canal boat berthing 4, enjoy a 3 night stay from £999 or 7 night stay from £1,399 in the low season, excluding fuel supplement. Supplements apply on summer dates and larger boats.