Start the New Year Doing Things That Make You Happy
The start of a new year often brings a quiet sense of reflection. After the rush of Christmas and the long, dark days of winter, January feels like an invitation to reset — to focus less on resolutions and more on what genuinely brings joy. For many of us, that means slowing down, reconnecting with the people we care about, and choosing experiences over routines.
Sharing time with friends and family doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be meaningful. Sometimes, the happiest moments come from simple experiences — fresh air, unhurried conversation, and the freedom to be fully present. A day on the canal offers exactly that, providing space to breathe, laugh, and begin the year feeling grounded and content.
Choosing Experiences Over Things
As the new year begins, many people are consciously shifting away from “more stuff” and towards experiences that create lasting memories. Unlike material purchases, shared experiences strengthen relationships and give us something to look back on long after the moment has passed.
Experiences allow you to:
Spend uninterrupted time together
Step away from screens and busy schedules
Try something different without pressure
Create memories that last beyond the day itself
Starting the year this way sets a positive tone — one focused on connection, presence, and enjoyment.
Why Shared Time Matters More Than Ever
Modern life rarely slows down on its own. Work, responsibilities, and digital distractions can easily fill every gap in the week. Choosing to plan time together — intentionally — can be a powerful act of self-care and care for others.
A shared day out gives friends and family the chance to reconnect naturally. Conversations flow more easily when there’s no rush, no agenda, and no background noise competing for attention. On the water, time stretches in the best possible way.
The Joy of a Canal Boat Day Hire
A canal boat day hire offers a gentle escape from everyday life. Cruising at walking pace along the Grand Union Canal, surrounded by greenery and wildlife, encourages a slower rhythm that feels restorative rather than indulgent.
A day aboard a narrowboat like Tilly — our 30-foot semi-traditional boat based at Apsley Marina — is ideal for:
Families looking for quality time together
Friends celebrating a fresh start to the year
Couples seeking a calm, shared experience
Anyone wanting to reconnect with nature and each other
There’s no need to rush, perform, or plan every minute. The joy comes from simply being there.
A New Year Experience That Feels Achievable
One of the best things about a canal boat day hire is how accessible it is. Located at Apsley Marina in Hertfordshire, Tilly is easy to reach by train from London, making it a realistic and refreshing day out even during the quieter winter months.
Guests often enjoy:
Bringing their own lunch or warm drinks
Cruising gently and spotting wildlife
Stopping to chat, laugh, and enjoy the scenery
Ending the day feeling calmer than when they arrived
It’s not about ticking off attractions — it’s about enjoying the time itself.
Making Happiness Part of Your Year, Not Just January
Starting the year with something enjoyable sets the tone for the months ahead. It reminds us that happiness doesn’t need to wait for holidays or special occasions. By prioritising shared experiences early in the year, you’re more likely to continue making space for them as life gets busy again.
A canal boat day hire is a simple but powerful way to begin — relaxed, meaningful, and shared with the people who matter most.
Learn more about booking a day on the water here:
Hire Tilly for a day or evening trip
Explore all our canal experiences here:
Canal Boat Day Hire
Conclusion
The new year doesn’t need grand resolutions or strict plans to feel positive. Sometimes, the best way to start fresh is by choosing joy, connection, and experiences that bring genuine happiness. Sharing a peaceful day on the canal with friends or family offers exactly that — time together, space to breathe, and memories that last far longer than January. If you’re looking for a simple, meaningful way to begin the year, a canal boat day hire could be the perfect place to start.