New hire base to open on Coventry Canal

DRIFTERS Waterways Holidays will open a new narrowboat hire base at Springwood Haven Marina on the Coventry Canal in Nuneaton next month.

Haley Hadley, marketing and sales director for Drifters’ operator ABC Boat Hire, explained: “Along with many other domestic holiday options, we’ve seen an increase in popularity of our holidays over the last two years.

“From rural retreats to vibrant city centres, narrowboat holidaymakers can use their boat as a floating holiday home to explore Britain’s beautiful 3000-mile network of inland waterways. Boaters have the freedom to moor their boats up where they choose, and can enjoy visiting waterside destinations along the way, including historic canalside pubs.”

She continued: “In 2021 we opened a new base on the Coventry Canal at Kings Orchard Marina close to Lichfield, taking boaters deep into the Staffordshire countryside. With bookings for 2022 already up by around 7% compared with January 2020, this year we are opening a new base on the Coventry Canal at Springwood Haven, offering a choice of rural and urban destinations.

“For example, on a short break (three or four nights) from Springwood Haven, boaters can travel to Coventry Basin, in the centre of 2021’s City of Culture. The journey travels 12 miles and takes around five hours. With no locks along the way, it’s perfect for beginners.

“Or on a week’s break, canal boat holidaymakers can travel along the Ashby Canal to Snarestone and back. A six-mile section of this peaceful waterway in Leicestershire is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), recognising the diversity of its plant, insect and animal life, including nine species of dragonfly.

“The route also takes boaters past the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field, where here in 1485 the reign of Richard III ended and Henry Tudor became Henry VII. The journey to Snarestone and back takes around 20 hours.”

Eleven narrowboats will be available to hire from Springwood Haven, ranging from boats for two people to bigger boats with accommodation for up to 10.

Narrowboat hire prices for 2022 from Springwood Haven start at £849 for a short break (three or four nights) on a boat for up to four people, £1189 for a week. Tuition is included in all Drifters holiday packages.

Drifters is made up of nine canal boat hire operators, offering more than 550 boats for hire from 45 locations across England, Scotland and Wales. Call 0344 984 0322 or visit www.drifters.co.uk