Kennet Horse Boat

The Kennet Horse Boat sits on the Kennet and Avon Canal just outside Newbury, a working narrowboat that's been hauling cargo since 1923. It's one of the few remaining horse-drawn canal boats in Britain, and seeing it actually operating - pulled by a pair of patient horses - is genuinely special. You get a proper sense of how transport moved goods across the country before motorised vessels took over.

The boat itself is beautifully maintained, all polished brass and traditional paintwork. If you're lucky enough to catch a working day, you'll see the horses being led alongside the towpath, which kids absolutely love. Even if the boat isn't actively running, it's worth a detour for a photograph and a moment of peace on the canal.

Newbury sits right on the canal, so you can reach the boat with a short walk from the town centre. It's a free spot - no admission charge - and you can spend as little as twenty minutes here or linger longer if you're exploring the towpath. The canal itself is lovely for a stroll in either direction.

If you're staying at Hollington Park Glamping, only four miles away, this makes an easy morning outing. Pair it with a canal-side lunch or combine it with a walk towards Thatcham. History enthusiasts and anyone with even passing interest in working horses will find something to appreciate here.