BOATING AROUND BRITAIN

From a pilot cutter in Cornwall to a tall ship off the Isles of Scilly, consider these holidays afloat

CLASSIC NORFOLK BROADS

The Norfolk Broads are probably the first place everyone thinks of when it comes to boating holidays. There are good reasons for this: they offer gentle sailing, lots of great pubs and, perhaps best of all for first-timers, there are no locks! £1,106 for three nights on Jade Emblem for up to six people (waterwaysholidays).

INDUSTRIAL STOKE-ON-TRENT

Take it slowly on a Black Prince narrowboat along the Caldon Canal and enjoy the contrast of the historic industrial backdrop of Stoke’s renowned Potteries and the tranquil, unspoilt Churnet Valley. Seven nights in August cost £1,999 for four people (black-prince.com).

AUTUMN ON THE BROADS

Hang on until the autumn and you could be in luck on the Broads. A compact luxury Herbert Woods cabin cruiser, perfect for a couple or a family of four, with a TV/DVD and heating costs £896 for seven nights, including during the autumn half term (herbertwoods.co.uk).

ROMANTIC IRELAND

The Aghinver Boat Company is based in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. You can charter one of its cabin cruisers on the River Erne and Lough Erne, two joined lakes with more than 150 islands and plenty of coves and inlets. From £504 for three nights on a two/four berth to £3,095 for seven nights on a 10/12 berth (abcboats.com).

STAY IN CHARLESTOWN…

Not much of a sailor but quite fancy being on the water? Down on the south Cornwall coast, Charlestown is a perfect Georgian harbour with historic boats moored for your on-the-water staycation. Our Daddy is a 100-year-old wooden Looe Lugger, roomy and comfortable, with six bunks. Hire the whole boat for

£220 per night for three nights or more (airbnb.com/h/our-daddycharlestown).

…AND OUT OF CHARLESTOWN

If you’re feeling adventurous, sail out of Charlestown Harbour and into a fully immersive sailing experience on board 1930s schooner Anny, pilot cutter Mascotte or ketch Irene. Learn how to set the sails, steer and chart a course around Cornwall’s coast. From £375pp for three nights to £870pp for eight nights, all-inclusive (charlestownharbour.myshopwired.co.uk/voyages).

THE HIGH LIFE

This is a perfect narrowboat cruise for adventurous families. In four nights, cross the world’s highest canal aqueduct and navigate a long, dark spooky tunnel – with heritage rail trips, castles, national parks and Shropshire’s best bird watching en route. Four nights in August cost £1,099 for four (black-prince.com).

HISTORIC THAMES

You can have the same relaxed experience (albeit with slightly different scenery) on the Thames aboard Magna Carta with its four air-conditioned suites and an on-board chef. From £3,390 for six nights based on two people sharing a cabin or £25,200 to charter the whole boat (europeanwaterways.com).

SAIL THE SCILLIES

The Isles of Scilly boast deserted beaches and coves, plus warm crystal sea (with dolphins, if you are lucky). Choose from luxury yacht Skyelark, classic tall ship Maybe or gaff cutter Pettifox (with just four berths, she is also available for charter). From £980 for seven days, all-inclusive (venturesailholidays.com).

Boating on the Thames, where you may see the occasional flash of a kingfisher, below

The Black Prince narrowboat is available for cruising on the Caldon Canal

Sail around Cornwall on 1930s schooner Anny