Discovering new YouTube channels is one of the best ways to stay motivated and inspired in life. Have you ever thought of exploring a more peaceful lifestyle on the canals? If you have, you will find immense satisfaction in the fantastic world of narrowboat living. These YouTube channels provide an entertaining and profound insight into the narrowboat life, ranging from off-grid canal boating to canal cruise explorations. Keep reading to find out the best YouTube channels that bring this serene lifestyle to life.
Narrowboat: Top Youtube Channels
The Narrowboat that James built
The Narrowboat that James built YouTube channel offers viewers a crash course in boat building and how to live an off-grid boat life. Through this exhilarating furlough/lockdown project, viewers can follow James as he builds his narrowboat, traverses along the Grand Union canal and discovers how to make the most of boating life.
The Narrowboat Pirate
The Narrowboat Pirate is a YouTube channel focused on boat life, presented by a solo female boater. From her tiny home on a canal boat, she documents her travels and the unique experiences of life on the water. With her own pirate boat, she captures all the adventures of living and floating on a home. From maintenance and decorating tips to exploring the surrounding environment, The Narrowboat Pirate is a perfect go-to-source for any solo female travelers looking to experience boat life.
The Narrowboat Good Life
Narrowboat Cruising & Lifestyle NC&L
The YouTube channel Narrowboat Cruising & Lifestyle (NC&L) is a great resource for anyone who is interested in off-grid boating, travelling and living a unique lifestyle on the canals and riversides of Europe. It features narrowboat cruising experiences, boat building tutorials and advice about living the narrowboat lifestyle. Whether you want to learn about customizing your own boat or just enjoy the scenery, NC&L is a great source of inspiration and knowledge.
Narrowboat Life Unlocked
Narrowboat Life Unlocked is a YouTube channel that follows two canal boaters living aboard their new narrowboat in the English countryside. Established in 2016, the channel is for anyone curious about British chaotic life, off grid living, exploring the UK canals and experiencing English scenery. Join the channel to enjoy stories, tips, insight and even more experiences around the life of living on a narrowboat.
NarrowboatWill
NarrowboatWill is a YouTube channel that focuses on canal life and exploring the waterways in and around Cambridge. From punting on the River Cam to cruising the canals and narrowboats, viewers can learn all about how to experience boatworld and the unique lifestyle of narrowboat living. Get a unique look into the canal life through NarrowboatWill's videos and explore what a journey through Cambridgeshire can be like.
Taylors Aboard a Narrowboat
Taylors Aboard a Narrowboat is a popular YouTube channel where the Taylors follow their narrowboat journey on London's beautiful canals and explore some of the most stunning canals around the UK. They film their narrowboat life and share their experiences with other narrowboat youtubers, canal youtubers, and canal boat youtubers. Their channel is a great resource for learning about narrowboat living, discovering the most beautiful canals, and admiring stunning canals. If you are looking to explore narrowboat and canal life, Taylors Aboard a Narrowboat is the Youtube channel for you.
Same Ship Different Day (a narrowboat story)
Same Ship Different Day provides viewers with the latest narrowboat vlogs, featuring a narrowboat's journey along the canals and rivers of Britain. Follow this YouTube channel to experience canal life, explore narrowboat living and get inspired by beautiful narrowboatlife. Get ready to be mesmerised with stories of adventure and learn all about narrowboats!
The Mindful Narrowboat
The Mindful Narrowboat YouTube channel offers videos about life on a narrowboat and how to live mindfully and sustainably as you travel along the canals and rivers of the UK. With an emphasis on connecting with nature and living in harmony with the environment, the channel provides informative and entertaining insight into the joys of narrowboating.
My Narrowboat Life
May Moon Narrowboat
Narrowboat Liberty
The Narrowboat Liberty YouTube channel is devoted to sharing the experiences of those living an adventurous lifestyle on a narrowboat. Through cinematic video and audio images captured on camera phones and video phones, viewers get an intimate look into the joys and difficulties of narrowboat living, with glimpses of what life is like on the canals and rivers of Britain. The channel also offers tips and advice on how to unlock narrowboat life and explore narrowboat living. Followers of the Narrowboat Liberty YouTube channel will be sure to learn something new every visit!
Narrowboat Travels with Charlie
Narrowboat Travels with Charlie is a YouTube channel focused on the unique lifestyle of living and traveling on a narrowboat with Charlie and his pet. Viewers can follow along with Charlie on his voyages from port to port, and get a behind-the-scenes look at their vehicle and the special experiences that come with it.
Narrowboat Natterings
Narrowboat Natterings is a YouTube channel dedicated to the lifestyle of being a narrowboat owner. Through videos and vlogs, viewers can experience the joys of owning and living on a vehicle dominated by an inland waterway. From tips and tricks to stories from life aboard, this channel provides a unique insight into the narrowboat lifestyle.
Inspired by Nature Narrowboat isness
Inspired by Nature Narrowboat isness is a YouTube channel focused on canal and narrowboat life. The channel offers viewers the chance to experience life on a narrowboat through vlogs detailing the day to day life of a narrowboat resident. Viewers will come away with tips and experiences related to living on a canal barge, understanding of narrowboat life, as well as interesting stories and lessons learned.
Chris Mears - Narrowboat In Slow Time
Chris Mears - Narrowboat In Slow Time is a YouTube channel focusing on the lifestyle of owning and enjoying a narrowboat. It shows the journey that Chris takes on his narrowboat vehicle, discovering new hobbies, and relishing in the slow and peaceful pace of life that comes with living on the waterways.
Narrowboats 4 Sale
Narrowboats 4 Sale is a YouTube channel dedicated to providing help and advice to aspiring narrowboat and barge owners. They offer a wide range of new and used narrowboats and barges for sale, with reviews and videos that provide an insight into what to expect when buying a narrowboat. They also provide tips and tricks for maintaining, customizing and enjoying your new vessel. A perfect resource for anyone looking to get out on the water and into a new narrowboat or barge.
Holly - The Cafe Boat
Holly - The Cafe Boat is a YouTube channel documenting life aboard a narrowboat in the UK. It offers a unique perspective on living a simpler life, completely off grid. Follow the journey of this tiny home and cafe boat as it moves through stunning landscapes on the idyllic canals. Learn about the many joys and struggles of transforming a simple boat into a luxurious house and cafe!
CruisingTheCut
CruisingTheCut is a YouTube channel that features videos of the experiences of life on board a narrowboat travelling the waterways and canals of Great Britain. Content includes views of the stunning scenery and tips on cruising and living aboard their canalboat. This channel is perfect for anyone who is considering living a more nomadic life in an RV or campervan.
CountryHouseGent
CountryHouseGent is a YouTube channel dedicated to life aboard a narrowboat. They feature topics related to narrow boat living, live-aboard cruising, and canal barge lifestyle. The channel also provides medium-format film developing tutorials and insights on photography, left-handedness, and cooking on a Coleman stove. Viewers are able to experience the unique feeling of cruising the cut with their videos.
Boat Time
Boat Time is a YouTube channel focused on narrowboat living, featuring vlogs about travel and experiences living the narrowboat lifestyle. Topics include boating tips, canal tours, and renovating and maintaining a narrowboat. With Boat Time, viewers can get a glimpse at the idyllic boatlife and have a bit of fun along the way.
Cruising on the Border
Cruising on the Border is an exciting YouTube channel consisting of videos about narrowboat travel and adventure in Britain's breathtaking canals and rivers. It provides viewers with an insight into the world of narrowboat cruising, showcasing the diverse and captivating waterways of Britain. Along the way, viewers will encounter uplifting scenes and inspiring stories of narrowboat journeys, as well as useful tips and advice to help them plan their own adventures on Britain's narrowboat waterways.
The Nomadic Crobot
The Nomadic Crobot is a YouTube vlog channel run by an English couple living on a narrowboat in a non-conventional, off-grid lifestyle. They travel the canals and rivers of Europe, visiting new places and meeting new people in their 'Crobot' whilst documenting their journey in regular vlogs. Talbot is their trusty steed, bringing them closer to the beauty of nature. It's an inspirational story of adventure and exploration!
Foxes Afloat
Foxes Afloat YouTube channel focuses on canal life for long term nomads. It showcases the lifestyle of narrowboat/ canal liveaboards and their DIY build-outs. It provides helpful tips and tricks for those looking to build their own narrowboat and live on the canal. The channel is ideal for those interested in learning more about the continuous cruiser lifestyle and living on a narrowboat.
Cruising Alba
Cruising Alba is an amazing YouTube channel that offers an insight into a unique lifestyle - living on and exploring canals, rivers, and waterways in the UK and around the world in a narrowboat. It showcases the joys of tiny home and van living, as well as the challenges of boat life and sailing life. Follow their adventure and enjoy the vicarious experience of living on a canal boat!
Catherine Finn
Catherine Finn's popular YouTube channel follows her unique journey living on a narrowboat and captures her exploration of alternative living and boating adventures. She offers insights into narrowboat life and small house construction, as well as fun and inspiring content on canal holidays and going off-grid.
Lorna Jane Adventures
Lorna Jane Adventures is a YouTube channel that focuses on boating adventures on the canals of London. Their main feature is a narrowboat which they use to explore the canals, showing viewers beautiful places and interesting stories along the way! The videos offer a unique and exciting glimpse into the British canal life.
EarleWrites
EarleWrites is a YouTube channel following the adventures of Earle, a narrowboat and canalboat enthusiast. Through his channel he shares his experiences with renovating and living on a boat, alongside his tips and advice collected from different boat jobs. He has gained an avid following thanks to his 'NarrowboatLife' and 'CanalboatLife' videos and his cruises through the waterways of life.
Danni and Joe
Danni and Joe are a British couple with a shared passion for boatlife and travel, mainly aboard their own narrowboat. They document their travels and narrowboat conversion on their YouTube channel, exploring the canals and waterways of England and sharing advice and stories of their boatlife. If you're looking for inspiration and tips on starting your own canal boat journey, their channel is the place to go.
Ben and Emily
Ben and Emily's YouTube channel offers an exciting and unique look into the life they lead traveling on a narrowboat. Sharing amazing videos and stories, they give viewers an inside look at their tiny living space, exploring the world around them, and the sense of freedom that comes with narrowboat and canalboats life.
May
May's YouTube channel caters to people who appreciate a narrowboat lifestyle. She consistently uploads videos related to vehicle maintenance and upkeep, as well as offering tutorials on physical fitness and lifestyle tips. Her content is full of adventure and enthusiasm, making it a great channel for any audience.
One Day More Aboard
One Day More Aboard is a YouTube channel dedicated to showcasing the lifestyle of living on a narrowboat. The channel gives viewers a unique tour around boats and a better understanding of living in a vehicle. It is an eye-opening experience of a different existence, and the videos feature lots of tips and advice for those interested in transitioning to the unique lifestyle.
Chugging Along
The Chugging Along YouTube channel documents life aboard a narrowboat exploring the canal systems of the UK. From cruising around to learning more about boat life, viewers can gain a unique insight into this tranquil mode of travel. With stunning vistas, colorful characters, and wonderful stories, the channel is sure to make any armchair sailor feel as though they are experiencing life on the water.
Making New Memories
The Making New Memories YouTube channel documents the life of a couple living on a narrowboat, cruising the canals while living off-grid and making new memories as they move home. They share their adventures, experiences and tips related to canal boating, off-grid living, and making new memories along the way.
Kayak Dreadgirl - KDG
Kayak Dreadgirl - KDG is a YouTube channel that focuses on narrowboat, van, and camper conversions on a budget. Through her videos, KDG guides viewers through her van build projects, easy recipes, and custom camper tours. She also shares her experiences using the Pressure King Pro and one pot cooking. Whether you're looking for a cheap van conversion, a van conversion in the UK, or just a car camper, KDG has comprehensive tutorials and practical tips.
Floating Our Boat
Floating Our Boat is a YouTube channel featuring videos about life aboard a narrowboat in the UK. From traveling along canals, going off-grid to watching foxes afloat, you get to explore a different way of life. They also showcase their adventures in England from the comfort of your own home! Plus, you get to learn about the canal and narrowboat lifestyle.
Driftwood Folk - Nesha & Mike
Driftwood Folk - Nesha & Mike is a YouTube channel about their experience living a tiny, off-grid life on a narrowboat in the UK. Their videos feature boat restoration, narrowboat life, and navigating off-grid living. Follow their journey as they take viewers along on their adventures of tiny home and off-grid life in the UK.
Charlie Pauly
Charlie Pauly's YouTube channel showcases a unique, adventurous lifestyle, featuring videos about living on a narrowboat, narrowboat interior design, DIY camper conversion projects, and van life on the road. Follow along with Charlie for videos about travel vlogs, expert advice on living on a narrowboat, and creative camper van conversions. He's the perfect source for anyone excited to explore the narrowboat and van life.
Robbie Cumming
Robbie Cumming's YouTube channel is a great watch for anyone looking to explore the world of continuous cruising. Follow his adventures as a narrowboat vlogger in the UK with his channel 'Robbie Narrowboat'. Explore his canal boat diaries and join Robbie in his journey of narrowboat vlogging and continuous cruising. A great watch for those interested in the lifestyle!
The Floating Home
thistinylife
Thistinylife is a YouTube channel that focuses on slow and simple living, with an emphasis on eco-friendly and intentional lifestyles. From tiny homes to the canal life, viewers can explore what it's like to downsize and live a minimalistic life in or beside narrowboats. Through their videos, people can get inspired to live simply and embrace a tiny lifestyle.
Upon Reflection
Upon Reflection is a YouTube channel that follows a family and their dog living on a narrowboat. Viewers can follow along as they renovate the boat and paint it, fit it out and explore the limits of canal boat life. From puppy adventures to canal boat renovations, it's a fun journey through narrowboat living.
Sort Of Interesting
'Sort Of Interesting' is a popular YouTube channel all about exploring alternative lifestyles and the outdoors, mostly through the lens of a narrowboat cruising the canals of Oswestry and Shropshire. Their short films and stories capture the beauty and uniqueness of this lifestyle, as well as the stunning landscapes of the area. From cooking and fishing to walking and relaxing, viewers can take part in these adventures and appreciate the small but fascinating world of narrowboats.
Choosing the Right Narrowboat for You
When you're looking to really delve into the world of narrowboats and explore a once in a lifetime journey, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect boat to suit your needs. With so many choices and features, it's important to know what to look for to ensure you have the best experience possible. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right narrowboat for you.
- When selecting your narrowboat, you’ll want to prioritize your needs and lifestyle. Narrowboats come in a variety of sizes, so think about how much space you will need to carry your passenger capacity, storage, and any onboard amenities. If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, you can find boats that come equipped with showers, kitchens, bedrooms, and more. Make sure to consider the size of the engine, which will help you navigate the canals.
- Finally, you should take into account the cost of hiring or purchasing the boat. While some models can be quite affordable, there are more expensive options that can offer additional features and amenities. Consider your budget and choose the one that best suits the type of experience you’re looking for. If you’re unsure, you can always speak to a local hire company so they can assist you in finding the right narrowboat for you.
By considering your needs, lifestyle and budget constraints, you’ll be able to find the perfect narrowboat for your next adventure. With these simple tips, you can be sure to choose the right narrowboat for an unforgettable experience.
Essential Narrowboat Equipment
Are you planning a narrowboat holiday or considering buying one? There are some essential pieces of equipment you will need to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience on your narrowboat.
- The essentials begin with a chart and key. Narrowboat cruising can take you through various stretches of complicated waterways so it’s important to have a chart to refer to. Your chart will include a key to inform you of any potential navigation dangers and will be invaluable in the planning, navigation and safety of your trip.
- It is also essential to have the right kit for life on a narrowboat. Any essential items you may need for day-to-day activities such as water, fuel and food will come in handy and are easy to store on a narrowboat. Other important items such as life jackets, lights and signalling devices can be legally required at times, so these are also essential. You may also want to bring items like outdoor furniture, entertainment and cooking equipment to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
- In addition, you must make sure your narrowboat is well stocked, secure and fitted with the right safety devices and systems to keep you safe. These may include hull fittings, navigational devices, mooring equipment, fire extinguishers and CO detectors. All of these can help to keep you and your passengers safe, so it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary items before you set off.
Stocking up on the essential narrowboat equipment is an important part of the process of planning a narrowboat holiday or buying a boat. Ensure you have all the necessary items and you’re ready to have a safe and enjoyable time on board.
Health and Safety Considerations for Narrowboat Voyages
When travelling on a narrowboat there are many health and safety considerations to take into account. Both the vessel and the environment pose some risks that need to be carefully managed.
- First, maintenance of the narrowboat should always be kept up to date to ensure safety. This includes the condition of the hull, and any machinery such as engines or pumps. Additionally, passengers should familiarise themselves with the basics of navigational rules to reduce the risk of collisions.
- On being prepared for navigating the environment it is important to check the weather and any local navigational warnings before setting off. This helps to ensure the voyage is conducted in a safe manner by avoiding areas of high winds or unexpected obstacles. Also, basic safety advice should be followed such as wearing a life jacket when travelling on deck.
By following these safety considerations, a narrowboat voyage should be a pleasant experience, whilst staying safe.
