Going to sleep in a gently rocking boat is a pleasant experience on holiday

Canal Boat Holidays

canal boats on the Grand Union Canal in Northamptonshire  

I'm sure you will agree snails live a laid back life. No one expects or makes a snail hurry. He moves at his own speed according to an agenda that is strictly his own. As he views the countryside, he snacks and strolls along. Should life get too bothersome, or tiredness sets in, he makes a pit-stop and under his shell he disappears. The snail is fortunate that he and his home travel together. A canal narrow-boat holiday is very similar.

From the beginning to the end of your holiday you and your home from home will travel together. And I mean home from home. Narrow-boats are beautifully, individually, decorated little palaces on the water. Each has one or more bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and a lounge – plenty of room for a family or group of friends to spread out. Despite only being approximately 7 feet wide, to fit through the narrower canals, they can be up to 70 feet long, equal to the maximum length of a lock (sluice).


Navigating Locks


Canal boating is fun, but locks are serious business. It's vitally important to follow all the instructions given by the boat hirer as well as those found at each lock. Getting through those locks will provide you with all the exercise you need to work off those pints and ploughman's you'll no doubt be enjoying. A little strength in the upper arms is useful but, worry not, by the end of the holiday you'll be proudly showing off biceps developed without a gym subscription in sight.

swans and ducks make freinds for treats on canal holidays

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Canal Boat Rentals - Self-catering Breaks on Water

operating the lock for canal boats in Stratford upon Avon

Take your boat into the heart of Stratford upon Avon

Hire a canal boat for a week or long weekend and explore Britain's waterways. It is possible to take the boat into the heart of Stratford upon Avon and many other fascinating towns.
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Canal boats offer compact self-catering accommodation and a novel experience of navigating Britain's canals.



Holidays at snail's pace on the canal

An all inclusive perk of a canal holiday is the opportunity, like the snail, to enjoy and appreciate the beautiful UK countryside, free of smog and noise. Spend your days sunbathing and lazing on deck as you chug along to your next destination. Alternatively stop to fish or visit local attractions. The choice is yours. In the evenings sample the local brew and fare at one of the numerous canal-side pubs or restaurants then moor up at a nice quiet place for a peaceful dream filled night.

Canal holidays are for all age groups. Go with the family – kids love to be on the water or with a group of friends. The UK has an extensive waterway system, so your choice of destination is pretty good. As long as you adhere to your hirer's instructions and wear life-jackets you'll stay safe and have a great holiday.


Possible UK locations for a canal boat holiday

One of the best known UK canal boat holiday destinations is the Norfolk Broads in east Anglia. Generations of families have sailed the Broads, admiring the scenery and large population of waders. It is the ideal holiday for birdwatchers because there is no better place from which to observe birds than the water.

There are extensive canals throughout England, several in Scotland and the Llangollen Canal in Wales.

Houseboats can also be rented for a unique self-catering experience on the water but without the need for any navigation and lock operation. Take a look at selfcatering houseboat holidays.

Suggested canal boat holiday destinations

The larger Canals in England Counties they traverse  
Birmingham and Fazely Canal Birmingham  
Grand Union Canal Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Birmingham  
Kennet and Avon Canal In south west England  
Leeds and Liverpool Canal From the City of Leeds across Yorkshire to Merseyside  

 

 
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