With thousands of holiday narrowboats on the water in the UK from over 100 companies, how do you choose one for your perfect holiday getaway? One consideration should surely be the reviews of the companies you are considering, sometimes it can be difficult to compare for example who you prefer: a company that has a single 5 star review or one that has 500 reviews of an average of 4.9.

To help you make a decision we’ve compiled a list of the UK’s best canal boat hire bases as rated by their customers.

We are pleased to see that 3 of our partners have made it into the top 10 and the rest all rank very respectfully in their given geographical location.

A special mention for Union Canal Carriers on the Grand Union Canal who ranked number 1 with over one thousand positive reviews. To achieve more than 1000 5-star reviews is an extraordinary achievement which the family-run team at Union Canal Carriers should be proud of as it represents tens of thousands of happy days spent on the canals making priceless memories with loved ones.

Union Canal Carriers Founder Iris Hewitt (left) with Heather Hewitt (right). Union Canal Carriers started to run camping boats from Braunston in 1968

Heather Hewitt of Union Canal Carriers, based on the Grand Union Canal in Braunston, says: “Sharing our extensive boating knowledge with our customers, a warm welcome and helping them plan where they want to go, it’s the little things that can make a big difference. When customers haven’t boated before we understand that a boating holiday can take customers out of their comfort zone, so we take our time to show those hirers the ‘ropes’.”

Roam And Roost partners Wyvern Shipping on the Grand Union Canal and The Boat Co North in Yorkshire also ranked in the top 10. You can view the rankings here including ranking by a given canal.