Can I moor a canal boat anywhere?

When planning your canal boat holiday, you may have questions about mooring your boat. Our comprehensive guide covers everything from locating the best mooring spots to providing essential tips for safe and hassle-free mooring. With our experienced advice, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy a smooth and relaxing holiday on the canals. 

Where can you moor a canal boat?

You are permitted to moor almost anywhere alongside canal towpaths, as long as you are not obstructing the waterway. Most visitor moorings on canals and rivers are governed by the Canal & River Trust, meaning they are free of charge. However, some feature private mooring sites. If you plan on stopping at these sites, you will have to pay a fee to stay overnight.  

Some of the rivers and canals that feature private moorings include: 

• The River Thames 

• Part of the Kennet Canal 

• The Avon Canal 
• The Bristol Dock 

What are the different types of canal moorings?

There are two main types of canal moorings: 

• Visitor 

• Private 

However, for the purpose of your canal boat holiday, we will focus on Visitor moorings. 

Visitor Moorings

Visitor moorings are specifically designed for short stays. However, based on the popularity of each route, mooring times can vary. Therefore, you must read all signage carefully, as short-stay moorings can range from as little as 4 hours up to 14 days. 

However long you intend to moor, it’s important to always consider other canal users. So, here are some simple tips for mooring etiquette: 

• Leave enough room for other boats to pass by and/or moor next to you 

• Moor away from bridges, bends and lock approaches 

• Avoid excessive noise in the late or early hours so as not to disturb nearby boaters or residents 

How long can you stay at a short-stay mooring?

As mentioned previously, each mooring site is different. However, visitor moorings offer the following durations: 

• 4 hours – these sites are known as ‘Stop and Shop’ moorings, designed to give you just enough time to pick up those all-important essentials. 

• 48 hours – these sites are ideal if you’re taking a short break 

• 7 nights – whether you’re eager to explore the local area or are splitting your canal boat holiday across different destinations, week-long moorings are a popular choice, offering both flexibility and familiarity. 

• 14 nights – two weeks is the maximum duration for short stay moorings. However, extended stays are available at an additional cost of £25 per night. 

How much does it cost to moor a canal boat?

Canal boat mooring is usually free. However, you will have to pay a fee if you want to moor your boat on a privately owned site or extend your stay at a visitor mooring site. 

Can you book a short stay mooring in advance?

Typically, most parts of the UK don’t offer bookings for their visitor moorings, as they are free of charge and on a first-come-first-served basis. However, you can pre-book moorings in Central London for £25 a night. 

How do you moor a canal boat?

• Approach Slowly: As you near your mooring spot, direct the front of the boat towards the bank and stop the boat gently as it makes contact with the bank. 

• Secure the Boat: The crew should then disembark, carrying the mooring ropes. 

• Tie Up: Using the mooring ropes, secure the boat by tying it to bollards or rings on the bank. Position the ropes at about 45 degrees from the boat, then loop them back onto the boat and tie them securely. 

Where shouldn’t I moor my canal boat?

Naturally, there are places where it would be unsafe to moor your boat so always consider your safety and the safety of other canal users. You should not moor on private land without gaining permission and you should not moor in any of the following areas:s 

• Near swing or lift bridges 

• In lock approaches or lock flights 

• Near weirs 

• By blind spots 

• At junctions 

• Near sharp bends 

For additional help and guidance on where to moor your canal boat, read our boaters guide - a full manual featuring mooring tips and more. 

Ready to embark on your next adventure on the waterways? Explore our routes today! Or contact our team for more information. 

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