There's nothing like taking to the water for a spot of boating as part of a relaxing holiday with family or friends. The British Isles are crisscrossed with pretty canals that were once industrial but are now fully restored with leisure boating in mind.
With over 60 canal and boating holiday locations to choose from, here's an idea of where to start.
Boat the Caledonian Canal
This spectacular 60-mile waterway runs from Fort William to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands and will allow you to glide from pretty lochs to canals as you make your way from coast to coast.
Narrowboat on the Caledonian Canal. Flickr: Duncan Brown
Boat the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
This is a great option if you're holidaying with family or friends in Wales. Sitting up high in the beautiful Brecon Beacons, this waterway will provide you with eye-bogglingly brilliant views and, because it's landlocked away from the main cruising networks in the UK, it's particularly peaceful.
Boat the Llangollen Canal
This one in the north of Wales is worth the cruise just to check out the amazing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a true marvel of engineering. You’ll find absolutely stunning scenery stretching from Cheshire's green fields to the majestic mountains of Wales as you sit back for a narrowboating holiday to remember.
Boat the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal
Further south in good old England, the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal and the Kennet and Avon Canal will offer sightseeing fans the chance to see Shakespeare and also the fun of stopping at cute little English pubs. Take some photos as you glide past looking smug on your moving holiday home.
Narrowboat at at Stratford On Avon. Flickr: mick / Lumix
Boat the Norfolk Broads
There's no better way to appreciate the English countryside than from the 125 miles of waterways that make up the Norfolk Broads. As part of the UK's largest protected wetland, it's here that you'll be able to hop off the boat, go for a hike or get on your bicycle and explore all those pretty country lanes.
What are narrowboats like?
There are lots of options available for hiring a narrowboat, but if for example you're travelling with six people, your boat might have one double bedroom, a twin room, and two comfortable pull out chair beds in the living area. This type of boat would easily suit four people as well. A convertible dinette is sometimes used for sleeping, but if you're travelling with children look over the floor plan before you sign an agreement. Your boat will usually have a full bath with shower, a dining area or a sitting area with couches, or both, and a kitchen with a cooker. Think of it more like a recreational vehicle.
