Some of the UK’s finest inland boating companies will form a central part in promoting the best of inland boating on London Boat Show 2018’s waterways attraction, the Lock & Waterside Pub.

This is the first time in many years that the Show has showcased narrowboats and inland boating holidays with an imposing, dedicated feature area. Businesses from the canal network, River Thames, Broads National Park and the Fenland waterways will be on hand to provide expertise on the best locations and ideal boats to suit any holidaymaker’s needs.

Incorporated in the attraction will be exhibits from Napton Narrowboats, ABC Leisure Group, Fox Narrowboats, Kris Cruisers, Richardson’s Boating Holidays, Hobbs of Henley and Aqueduct Marina. Together they will be showcasing an array of inland craft, as well as idyllic boating hire and holiday opportunities in the UK – from a week navigating the locks on the Avon to a day’s sightseeing on the Thames.

In addition, the Inland Waterways Association will be at the Show, promoting the beauty and breadth of the nation’s 6,500 miles of canals and rivers, and France Afloat will be exhibiting a selection of boat hire and holidays on the French canals.

The jewel in the crown will be the attraction’s stunning interactive display focusing on recreating the spectacular inland waterways. At its heart will be a replica lock showcasing two of the UK’s most-loved and popular modes of inland waterway travel.

A renowned sight on the Broads National Park, river cruisers are an attractive choice for those looking for a lazy day or relaxing holiday. Richardson’s Boating Holidays will be displaying one of its recognisable 38ft powered cruisers on the lock.

Alongside it will be the historic narrowboat, Sandbach. A steel tug originally built in 1946 for the London Midland and Scottish Railway for towing on the Shropshire Union Canal and the River Weaver, this 35ft vessel is a famous illustration of a traditional narrowboat.

To top it all off, visitors can relax in the attraction’s very own pub, The Lock Keeper’s Inn. The pop-up quintessential British pub with a two-storey façade, will provide the perfect vantage point to the Show and the ideal spot for visitors to ponder their next cruising holiday.