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DESPITE a Canal and River Trust announcement that it may close the 55-mile stretch of water along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal unless there is significant rainfall, the rest of Britain’s waterways are very much open for business. Here are three of Britain’s best boating holidays:
Cruise the Oxford Canal:
Head north on the lock-free Ashby Canal where you are spoilt for choice for riverside pubs and restaurants. At Snarestone, hop on the steam railway before enjoying traditional afternoon tea. The quaint canalside village of Braunston is perfect to moor and watch the boats go by.
Stay on canal boat Peggy, with flat-screen TV, DVD, galley kitchen with cooker and fridge. A week for up to six this summer from £1,190.
Wiltshire from the water:
Devizes Marina is an ideal base for canal boat beginners as the 14-mile venture to the Vale of Pewsey has no locks. Cruise the blissful Kennet and Avon Canal, stretch your legs on one of the walking and cycling routes and enjoy coffee at a riverside café. At Pewsey, a charming village with halftimbered houses, enjoy lunch at the Waterfront bistro. Stop at Wadworth Brewery and explore the 12th Century castle.
Stay on Tulip, a canal boat with flat-screen TV, DVD, galley kitchen with cooker and fridge/freezer. Three nights for up to six from £1,463. Broads by boat: With lockfree waters, the whole family can try skippering on the Norfolk Broads. Starting in Brundall the River Yare takes in the nature reserve of RSPB Strumpshaw Fen and onto the famous Reedham Chain Ferry. Dozens of waterside pubs and restaurants provide excellent excuses to practise mooring.
Stay on a Clean Sweep cruiser with flat-screen TV, DVD, rear sundeck and shower. There’s also galley kitchen with electric cooker. Three nights for up to four this summer from £1,567.
Book all boating breaks at hoseasons.co.uk or 0345 498 6130.