Celebrity boaters

Whether high-flying Hollywood actors or home-grown stars, the lure of the waterways has been irresistible to them – acting as the perfect escape from their normally hectic lives. Read about their love of the waterways, and see if you can be inspired to try your hand at boating.

Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart
In the summer of 2005 the stars of 'Indiana Jones' and 'Ally McBeal' enjoyed a peaceful family canal holiday in Shropshire. Shunning the five-star luxury they’re used to, this Hollywood couple opted for a sixty foot narrowboat on the countryside-laden Llangollen Canal instead. They followed a route from Llangollen to Wrenbury Mill, tackling the magnificent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on their way.

What’s more Harrison is said to be keen to repeat the experience, saying that it was very relaxing and gave him the chance to enjoy a few pubs along the way. And it’s no wonder the couple long for the waterways again since the Llangollen is said to be one of the prettiest canals in the UK, showcasing the best of British countryside.

John Hurt
Just like his former on-screen companion; Harrison Ford, actor John Hurt also shares a love of narrowboating. The famous thespian’s passion for the waterways stems from when he navigated a 70ft narrowboat around England’s canals. On what was an enjoyable but nerve-wracking experience, the star of such films as 'Elephant Man' and '1984' said: “You have to keep your nerve on those things [narrowboats], particularly when going through tunnels.”

Kevin Spacey
A couple of years ago Hollywood actor, Kevin Spacey hired a narrowboat and took a canal holiday on the Kennet & Avon Canal, stopping off at every pub along the way! For Kevin, boating on the canals is the best way to kick back and experience the great British countryside. He said of his first foray into canal boating: “What better way is there to experience the spectacular Avoncliff Aqueduct in Wiltshire and the nature that surrounds this man-made canal?”

While travelling along the canal Kevin said he managed to avoid one of the few pitfalls of boating – falling in. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for his little dog, Mini, who got elbowed off the side of the boat! Despite this England’s peaceful canals and gorgeous scenery obviously had an effect on Kevin, as he now permanently resides in London.

Prunella Scales and Timothy West
This famous acting couple have enjoyed a long love affair with the waterways investing in their own narrowboat, which they use to cruise the English canals in their spare time. Describing it as her favourite way to spend leisure time, the former 'Fawlty Towers' actress has also passed this passion for boating onto her son, Sam. The family have reportedly been holidaying on the canals since 1976, and have travelled as far as the Ripon Canal in Yorkshire and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Although pros at boating now this wasn’t always the case, with Timothy saying he once got stranded at the top of a weir on the River Avon with the cast of 'Twelve Angry Men'!

David Suchet
This actor is most well-known for his portrayal of TV detective, Hercule Poirot, but he’s also made no secret of being a keen boater. David has been an avid fan of the canals since the seventies, and now devotes his time to campaigning for waterway restoration and cruising the network in a 70ft floating palace. In the early days of his career, David used the canals as a way of getting from theatre to theatre, and since then he has spent many treasured holidays out on the water.

Like many celebrities he believes the peaceful canals provide a pleasant break from all the publicity he gets. Although he’s happy to become the public face of the canals – taking on the role of vice president for The Waterways Trust. His mission is for the whole UK canal network to be completely restored saying: “The waterways are one of the brightest jewels in the crown of our heritage and my sincere hope is that they will shine brightly for many, many generations to come.”

Charles Kennedy
In 2007 ex-Liberal Democrat leader, Charles Kennedy followed a route from Elgol to Loch Coruisk and the Cuillin hills. He described the Highland loch as “a magical place”, saying that the tranquil sounds and quietude mean “you really do feel at peace with yourself and mother nature in a location like this.” Although a novice when it comes to sailing, Charles recommends that the best way to visit the loch is by boat, saying you have to “earn your view of Loch Coruisk.”

Phillip Pullman
Although not a boater, author Phillip Pullman is deeply fond of the Oxford Canal – even using it as inspiration for his books. The author says that his favourite spot is the Oxford Canal towpath where he enjoys going on long walks down to Jericho and its historic boatyard. This quirky piece of heritage adds a great deal of character to the area, so it’s no wonder that the boatyard features as one of the main settings in the 'His Dark Materials' trilogy. Pullman says his favourite route “takes some really interesting turns and twists until it meets the Thames nearby.”

Last updated: 11/03/2009