The Purple Boat - Narrowboat Hire

15/08/2024

The Purple Boat spotted moored up in Shardlow, right outside the pub!

There is still availability in September if you want to spend a relaxing holiday on the canal ⚓️

18/07/2024

The Purple Boat is offering a 3 night stay in August from the 14th - 17th. These are the last available dates for the month, don't miss out on an extraordinary experience!

09/07/2024

The Purple Boat moored on the Trent and Mersey Canal on a beautiful sunny day - what a lovely stretch of the canal!

03/07/2024

The Purple Boat is published in Derbyshire Life! A very proud and happy moment, not only for the boat - but for the village of Shardlow where she is located.

You can pick one up in a local supermarket or read online to see the whole story.

29/06/2024

Our Japanese visitors sent some photos of their holiday, fully embracing British culture it seems with a pint of ! You too can enjoy a drink in a pub garden on your holiday with The Purple Boat! ☀️🍻

27/06/2024

On Saturday a couple who came all the way from Japan embarked on their adventure aboard The Purple Boat! They have had perfect sunny weather so far, and it’s meant to be getting hotter! This summer is perfect for a holiday on the water ☀️

21/06/2024

The Purple Boat has limited availability in August. This is your last chance to book in August, offering a 4 night stay from 14th-18th August. Visit the website or send an email to book!

31/05/2024

Shardlow Lock is the first lock you will pass through on your adventure with The Purple Boat. Located next to The Clock Warehouse and the Shardlow Heritage Centre it is the perfect place to begin your holiday. The canal running through Shardlow was completed in 1777, and Shardlow Lock has been in operation ever since!

17/05/2024

The Purple Boat returned from an 8 day trip with some guests from Germany! She went cruising along the Trent and Mersey Canal, and also had a trip along the River Soar. A wonderful photo and amazing review was left - be sure to book your adventure aboard The Purple Boat!

08/05/2024

Katie modelling our doggie life jackets! We are pet friendly and provide life jackets to keep your dogs safe when navigating along the canal. Katie weighs 7 1/2 kilos and wears a size small or medium. We have 2 size smalls, 2 size mediums, and 1 size large.

04/05/2024

The Purple Boat is all clean and ready to go out on her next adventure this afternoon. Spring has finally arrived and the sun has come out, it’s the perfect time for a holiday aboard The Purple Boat! https://www.thepurpleboat.co.uk

02/05/2024

Two swans and their nine cygnets came and said hello this morning to The Purple Boat. When cruising you will find they like to follow you around, hoping for a bit of bread! Maybe purple is their favourite colour?

30/04/2024

The Purple Boat has a brand new orange Le Creuset kettle. Make your self a cuppa in the Captain’s mug! How do you like your scones? With cream? Or without?

17/04/2024

August Bank Holiday is coming up soon, why not spend it cruising the canals aboard The Purple Boat!

We are offering a 4 night stay from Friday 23rd August to Tuesday 27th August for £850 including fuel.

Send me a message to spend the bank holiday with The Purple Boat.

10/04/2024

Want a break away in May or July? We have limited availability so make sure to book now so you don't miss out!

Available Dates:
13th-17th May - 4 nights.
18th-24th May - 6 nights.
20th-26th July - 6 nights.
27th-31st July - 4 nights.

Book directly on the website via the booking page, or send a message on the contact page.

Relaxing canal boat holiday hire starting at the historic inland waterway port of Shardlow, England. Book now for the perfect short break or long vacation.

08/04/2024

Going to Download Festival this June? The Purple Boat is the perfect place to stay. Just a 2 minute walk to the bus stop which takes you into Castle Donnington and to Download for only £2. Enquire now about staying on The Purple Boat before it’s too late!

03/04/2024

This lovely family just got back from their Easter weekend break, and took some amazing photos. Three and four night hires are available in April only. Message for details or visit the website!

20/03/2024

Why don’t boats rust in the water? The hull being blacked helps prevent this, but the main helpers are the anodes! These are the silver metal blocks which you can see on the hull - they help protect it from electrolytic corrosion, and are designed to corrode instead of your boat!

16/03/2024

The Purple Boat came out the water on Wednesday to get blacked. This is done to protect the bottom of the boat (or the hull) from rusting. This is done every two years so her coming out the water is a very special occasion! She is ready to get back in the water on Monday and start her next adventure.

04/03/2024

SOLD! To celebrate Easter, we are offering a special adventure of a four night stay aboard The Purple Boat. This will be Friday 29th March (Good Friday) to Tuesday 2nd April for £750 including fuel. Send me a message to spend your Easter weekend with The Purple Boat!

29/02/2024

The Purple Boat is now available to hire in April. She is excited to begin her adventures with new friends and furry friends!

How do you book? Easy! Head over to our website or send us an email, we are taking both mid-week and weekend bookings all throughout April and May.

Book now to begin your adventure with The Purple Boat.

24/01/2024

As well as owning The Purple Boat I organise the annual Shardlow Inland Port Festival which takes place every September and it’s a fun family weekend. There are free visitor moorings, if you prefer to come by car to DE72 2GP (£5 car park charge.) This year we will have a fun dog show, craft stalls, historic and working boats, floating market of narrowboats, Live Entertainment and much more.

22/12/2023

Wishing everyone a very festive and “Merry Christmas”

20/11/2023

Support Shardlow Village Hall and pop down to the Christmas Fair this Sunday 26th November starting at 3pm, get ready to bid in the Shardlow Village Hall Christmas Fair - Craft Stalls & Promise Auction for a chance to bid on the purple boat.
Shardlow Village Hall Christmas Fair - Craft Stalls & Promise Auction

03/11/2023

Wondered what a lock looks like under the murky canal water? Derwent Mouth Lock is the gateway to Shardlow from Nottingham off the River Trent. This Grade ll listed structure was emptied in 2017 for repair works. Interesting to see the sluices & paddles - how does it all work?

19/10/2023

I’ve been voted back in as Chair of the Shardlow Inland Port Steering Group and delighted to announce the 2024 festival dates as
Saturday 7th September
Sunday 8th September
Date for your diary! 😁

13/06/2023

Had a lovely few days out on The Purple Boat, certainly had the weather for a cruise. Trip into Nottingham, stayed near the centre on the Nottingham and Beeston Canal. Spotted Nottingham Castle just after we left Castle Lock. Just got a couple of weeks free in July for your holiday on the purple boat, please message me if you are interested.

05/06/2023

So grateful for these fabulous reviews for the . It is a pleasure to greet complete novice boaters, send them on their way and meet them when they return, happy & relaxed. 😀

28/05/2023

This has to be the best line up of trading Narrowboats for the “Floating Market” ever! Some new boats and some returning favourites - this list doesn’t do justice to all the exciting goods on offer, I can hardly wait. As we get closer to the Festival I will do a write up and photo of each trading boat