• A canal with tall reeds on the bank against a blue sky

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  • A swan on the canal under some willow trees

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  • The Richard III statue in Leicester

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  • The old schoolhouse and church in historic Market Harborough

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  • A canal scene reflecting a blue sky

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  • A leafy secluded canal scene

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  • One of the ponds at Foxton Locks

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  • Kayakers enjoying the canal

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  • The ground paddle on a lock at Foxton Locks

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  • Reeds on the bank of the canal

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  • A double lock on the Leicester Line

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  • Foxton Inn

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  • A narrowboat ahead of us on the canal

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  • A view of North Kilworth Marina

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  • A canal scene in summer

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  • A bridge on the canal

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  • Union Wharf at Market Harborough by Day

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  • Union Wharf at Market Harborough by Day

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Discover the English Waterways


The Ultimate Getaway Experience

Dragonfly Canal Cruises

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We offer private, 3 and 6 night scenic cruises aboard our bespoke narrowboat for discerning and international explorers

A drawing of a narrowboat in profile

A World Apart


The origins of the English canal system predate the Declaration of Independence in 1776, offering a secluded window into a tranquil realm of leafy waterways that has been largely forgotten by the modern world.

Conveniently Located


We are conveniently located just an hour away from London by train and 10 minutes from the M1 and M6 highways. Consider adding a delightful canal experience to your European vacation itinerary.

Private & Flexible


Offering 3 and 6-night cruise options.  Unlike other hotel boat companies, our trips are  charters for one couple only. You will never be asked to share your experience with other guests. 

All Inclusive


Our cruises offer a complete and indulgent experience. We select locally sourced ingredients for our all-inclusive dining. Our diverse menus feature British cuisine with a delightful twist, international fusion dishes, or, if you prefer, all-American favorites.

Our boat has a double cabin at the rear, which sleeps two on a full-size double bed.  Our trips are most suited for couples, or for adventurous single travellers who want to get away on their own for a few days.  Guests should be active and mobile as narrow boats are not 'accessible'.  You must be able to climb steep steps and be comfortable around water.

Welcome Aboard!

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of your European sight-seeing adventure and immerse yourself in a few days of pure relaxation and tranquility.


Go beyond the traditional tourist spots like museums, art galleries, and historic monuments, and delve deeper into the English countryside with a truly exceptional experience.

Our guests come from all over the world and are of all ages.  There are many reasons to choose a Dragonfly Canal Cruise.

Our boat Dragonfly entering a lock

We offer a unique and luxurious getaway on the English Canals

You Deserve a Relaxing and Authentic Vacation Experience

A picture of Paul, your skipper

Our Story

When Teresa and I go on holiday we try to find unique experiences that help us to connect with the place we’re visiting. Whether that’s a small Ryokan in Japan, a family vineyard in France, or a hilltop resort in Jamaica, we enjoy a touch of class with a personal touch. We also don’t like to rush around from museum to museum, city to city, but like to take our time settling into a place.


So when we returned to England after 25 years abroad, we thought about opening a small guest house or boutique restaurant. We finally decided on a narrow boat that would allow us to provide the sort of personal service that we ourselves love to receive, while enjoying the amazing English canals.

What We Offer

The East Midlands is a beautiful part of the country, with low, rolling hills that open up to surprising vistas, and winding, tree-lined canals that delve into cavernous tunnels.  Traditionally, the Midlands were the heart of the canal system, bringing together the industry and raw materials of the North, and transporting them to London and the rest of the World.


Cruises

3- and 6-night cruises are available, starting on a day of your choice.  All cruises leave from North Kilworth Marina.  Cruises board early afternoon, and return mid  afternoon of the last day.


  • East towards Foxton Locks, Market Harborough and Leicester
  • West to Braunston Junction and the London-Birmingham Grand Union Canal. 


Walking Holidays

Our cruises can be used as a base for a walking holiday.  Walk the tow path, or explore Englands historic and ancient footpaths.  When walking was the most common form of transport, public rights of way linked every town and village.  Even today, these paths cut straight lines across fields, through woodland, and over rivers and canals.  Dragonfly guests are able to walk the countryside during the day and rejoin the boat for the night as we progress around the chosen route.


What to Expect

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Photo Gallery...

We are sure you'll love our new boat as much as we do!

The Cruising Experience

Start Your Day.  Wake up in your own time,  help yourself to a continental breakfast of cereals, pastries, meats, and cheeses or even fry up a cooked breakfast if you like!


Morning Cruise. Your skipper will rejoin the boat and get under way.  Relax in the boat or on the deck, walk alongside on the tow path, or help on the locks and steering.


Lunch. We’ll find a nice spot to moor up and enjoy a light luncheon.


Afternoon Cruise. We resume our lazy meander through the waterways and the historic Leicestershire countryside.

Evening Mooring. Cocktails and aperitifs are served while dinner is being prepared.


Dinner Is Served.  Three course dining is served in the cabin or on the foredeck.  After dinner you'll have the boat entirely to yourself.


Turning In.  Spend the rest of the evening relaxing on board reading, watching TV, or take an evening stroll along the tow path before retiring to the haven of the double cabin for the night.

Our  boat DRAGONFLY has a  double bed ( 4 foot 6 inches / 1.4m wide) in the rear.  The diagram is not exactly to scale, but will give you an idea of what to expect.

Dragonfly floor plan

The Dining Experience


Paul, your skipper and chef,  trained at Le Cordon Bleu in London.   The cuisine is modern British, drawing inspiration from foraged plants and premium local ingredients.  Reflecting our years in the US and Asia, dishes are punctuated with Thai, Chinese, Cajun, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours. We use local, fresh ingredients, and prepare your meals on board daily.  Our goal is to provide a standard equivalent to a good bistro or higher, but not necessarily fine dining.


Our charter cruises are all-inclusive of food and alcohol.


Select from a menu before your trip starts.


We serve small-vintner European wines and local beers that are carefully paired with our menus by Nick From Duncan Murray Wines in Market Harborough.


Mixers, Cocktails and Mocktails from around the world, which you are welcome to enjoy while we are cruising or moored.  Try our Signature Singapore Sling (but please don't through your peanut shells on the floor(!)


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2025 Cruise Prices

Every hotel boat company is different, based on the type of boat, number of berths, and host style. 
We only book single parties - the price is for the whole boat, so you'll be on your own with no other guests to contend with.

Our trips are for couples looking for a bespoke Getaway.

3 Nights

£2,900

6 Nights

£4,900

Booking Enquiry

Provide as much detail of your plans as you are able to, and we will contact you to discuss your requirements.

Website Booking Enquiry

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