If you want a vacation to experience Britain at a slow pace, consider hiring a canal boat to see the countryside in its full glory. There are more than 2,000 miles to choose from, taking you through a scenic timeless Britain.
The Avon Ring
Taking you through Shakespeare’s home-town Stratford upon Avon, this stretch of canal is a 109-mile circuit with 131 locks. Enjoy the picturesque mills and countryside, but make sure you know how to navigate a lock, as there are a fair few!
The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
If you want to purr along the waterways, hire an electric narrowboat in Wales. The boat is much quieter and cleaner, so you can really take in the stunning surroundings. The waters here are shallow, so there is a 2mph speed limit.
The Llangollen Canal
Travel back in time and take a trip along the River Dee to explore a steam railway and horse-drawn narrowboat. This stretch is not for the faint-hearted as the canal just has a short steel lip between the boat and the valley floor 126 feet below.
The Magna Carta Barge
If you want to navigate British waters in style, consider the Magna Carta barge. It boasts four spacious double cabins and a hot tub. Cruise from London to Henley-on-Thames where the famous annual Regatta is hosted.
Gloucester Docks
If you are interested in early 19th century docks, this is the vacation for you. This harbor was once the hub of transport carrying timber around the world. Still historically preserved, take in the sights of this old English waterway.
