first time canal boat holiday

I would recomend this route to any newcomer to canal boating. Modern narrowboats are used for holidays, weekend breaks, touring, or as permanent or part-time residences. Drift through tunnels and countryside with scenery to admire either side to slow down for. By Paul Gogarty, Daily Mail . The route passes over two stunning Bath-stone aqueducts and past a series of historic waterside pubs, including The Cross Guns at Avoncliffe. Boat to Brewood and back – the journey to Brewood and back from Drifter’s canal boat rental base at Gailey on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal offers an excellent short break route for canal boat holiday beginners. Find your ideal Canal, Norfolk Broads or River Thames boating holiday from our boat availability search of over 1,800 narrowboats, cruisers & sailing yachts from 60 leading boat hire operators across the UK and a choice of over 80 boat hire start locations throughout the waterways of England, Scotland and Wales. Our open days offer a different perspective of our waterways, a behind-the-scenes look at the great work we do. From Stretton, on the North Oxford Canal near Rugby, the pretty canal village of Braunston is a peaceful 15-mile cruise away. A journey along the peaceful Caldon Canal offers a lovely way to experience this beautiful National Park in the heart of England. Hire Times: Arrive between 2.30pm - 4.00pm (latest), returning your boat by 9.00am to vacate by 9.30am on the last day of hire. / This short lock-free canal holiday also gives you the opportunity to visit the world-famous Cadbury World. / Torrential rain on the first morning but we kept going as it's a fairly tight schedule to complete the ring in a week. Don’t stress it! Horn honked and headlight on, I make my way inside the boat again. Whether it’s admiring the Welsh countryside or sightseeing in the pretty town of Ellesmere, this first-time canal boat holiday has a lot to offer. Cancellation protection is not included within your holiday hire. Starting at the National Garden Festival site, home of the industrial potteries, it’s a gentle 12-hour cruise along the Caldon Canal to Froghall Basin and back, perfect for a short break. A free day out for all the family. Features on route include the Chirk and Pontcysyllte Aqueducts. So, which are the best canal routes for beginners? We're one of the UK's biggest charities and we take pride in everything we do, If you're thinking of getting in touch then please take a moment to look through these pages as we probably have the answer on our website, As the weather is warming up we want everyone to be able to enjoy our canals and rivers in the safest possible way, We're continually carrying out work to improve our canals and rivers. Established over 20 years ago, Canaltime from CLC World offers a truly Great British Holiday option for our Members. It's an easy introduction to canal boating for beginners. Bordering Shropshire, the Llangollen Canal leads into North Wales. 1146792 and a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales no. Special Offers - Canal Boating Holidays on the Welsh Canals The pretty Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal in South Wales is ideal for first time boaters. This stunning waterway, with very few locks, offers holiday-makers incredible mountain views and some of the darkest night skies in Britain. A sedate journey along the 22-mile, lock-free Ashby Canal is perfect for canal boat holiday novices. Routes that take you seven nights or more to complete, Routes that you can achieve in a three or four night weekend or mid week break, Llangollen return from Blackwater Meadow Marina. Our fleet of beautifully maintained narrowboats is available out of four marinas across Cheshire and the Midlands, offering routes with evocative names like the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wales. As a natural continuation from the previous point – try not to stress! Braunston, Grand Union Canal. Not only this, but being closer to Birmingham will allow you to peruse the tranquil Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston and reach the lively hub of Brindley Place – an area popular with locals due to the wealth of bars and restaurants scattered across the canal side. With no locks between Tardebigge on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove, and city centre moorings at Gas Street Basin, just a stone’s throw from Brindley Place, a trip to Birmingham is great for newcomers. First Time Afloat Holiday Planning Route Blogs ... As canal boat holidays are self-catering, you’ll need to consider the right things to take on holiday when it comes to food and drink. A canal holiday lets you experience the locks to go up or down hill and travel through exciting tunnels. Relaxing canal breaks. If it's your first time boating, visit our first time afloat guide for more information on boating for the first time. Our canal boat holidays starting bases have something for everyone. Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; Youtube; Menu. Experience Canal Boating For The First Time! This article first appeared in the Drifters Waterway Holidays blog and is reproduced with their kind permission. what we can all do to save water in our waterways, Information for first-time holiday boaters. Their first time on a Canal Boat. A canal boat holiday allows you to set your own pace On a boat you'll never get bored of looking out of the window, because you can change your view every day. Brecon is known as the outdoor capital of Wales – find yourself cycling, hiking, kayaking and more whilst on your canal boat holiday at Gotyre Wharf. By entering your details you agree to us sending you e-mail updates regarding offers, discounts, routes and anything else specifically relevant to ABC Boat Hire. Celebrate the life of a loved one by giving a gift in their memory, Got a favourite place in mind? If this is your first canal boat holiday you need to be especially considerate of expectations, people really won’t know what to expect. This week trip also only requires 4 hours of cruising time per day – meaning you have plenty of time to get out and about to explore the surrounding areas. From reservoirs to club-managed canals and river stretches - find your nearest place to fish, Download your free guide today and start exploring the waterway nature near you. After … Learn why a canal boat holiday is the perfect choice for your next trip away. First Time Afloat Holiday Planning Route Blogs ... With a canal boat holiday, you can experience the beautiful English countryside; glide across the canal waters in your second home and spend quality time together either as a family, a couple or a group of friends. Seven reasons why fishing is good for you, National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, National Waterways Museum, Gloucester Docks, Anderton Boat Lift Visitor Centre, Cheshire, Standedge Tunnel and Visitor Centre, Yorkshire, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Visitor Centre, North Wales, Volunteering roles for people who love boating, Learning to drive your holiday canal boat. PC, USA. Find your perfect volunteer role today. Click here for the locations map. There are only three locks on this route so it’s an easy short break for first-timers. There are so many beautiful places on our canal and river network that the sky is your limit. Based in the heart of Staffordshire, enjoy this Midlands based canal route with all the family. No surcharges apply for any card payments. Avoiding locks To find out more about how we use your data please refer to our privacy policy. Blog If it’s your first time boating and perhaps you’re a little apprehensive – don’t worry. From Chirk on the Llangollen Canal, the peaceful journey to the Eisteddfod town of Llangollen and back offers a fantastic short break for beginners. First time back on the canals for 12 years, we were a crew of 2 couples and 2 dogs on a 70 foot boat. Drifters have hire boat bases at each of these locations. Newcomers are taught how to handle the boats and how to operate the locks. For more information on our best canal routes for beginners, speak to one of our experts here at ABC Boat Hire today. A holiday aboard a rental boat on a historic stretch of the British canal network is one of the greatest pleasures boating has to offer. Top ten UK boating holidays. The canals are busiest during the school holidays from late July to early September and prices for hired boats are highest then. About Us; The Broads; Northern England ; Southern England; Heart of England; Scotland; Wales; Contact Us; Book Now; Questions for first time boaters. Tinned or dried food (which is non-perishable) will be easy to transfer and can also be kept on board for the duration of your stay. 7. Family boat holidays 1. Will you leave a gift in your Will to keep the canals and rivers you care about alive? On the water you are your own master, this is a holiday … First Time Afloat Holiday Planning Route Blogs Travel Cots Boaters Handbook. Each location has it's own characteristics and unique cruising routes. With 15 starting locations across the waterway network and canal boat sizes to accommodate 2 to 12 people, you and your family or friends can afford to kick back and relax as you enjoy watching Britain's most stunning countryside drift by. Explore the Brecon return route at Gotyre Wharf. Usually, they have steel hulls and a steel superstructure. Dedicate it in celebration of a loved one today, Make a difference to the wellbeing of your community, We are caring and open and aim to put our supporters at the heart of everything we do. The beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal runs through the Brecon Beacons National Park, meandering 35 miles from Brecon to the Pontymoile Basin. Another main attraction to see is the Anderton Boat lift – one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. Norfolk Broads Boat Hire and UK Canal Boat Holidays. 3. Whatever floats your boat: from the Mersey to the Thames. It is very dark in the tunnel – even darker inside the boat if you don't put the lights on in time! Over the past 50 years many thousands of customers have found the fastest way of slowing down is to have a relaxing canal boat holiday with Wyvern Shipping during UK canal holidays. At 4 miles per hour a canal narrow boat holiday is … These involve canal routes which don’t have too many locks to navigate and are often quieter destinations – allowing you to get to grips with your narrowboat. by Chris Day 1 Myself, my wife Jacqueline and youngest son Charlie met Sylvia at Barton Grange Marina this morning and were introduced to Poppy, our floating […] Found the perfect canal boat holiday for beginners? It had to be the least stressful way I've booked a holiday in a long time." First time afloat? With a total of only 4 locks, the Llangollen return from Blackwater Meadow Marina is one of the best canal boat holiday for beginners – allowing you to relax without having to navigate tricky locks, but also challenge you to encounter a few along the way. Next is a winding bit of canal, very scenic, all you can hear above the chug of the boat is birdsong, and before we know it we are approaching the 580 yard long Tardebigge Tunnel. Here at ABC Boat Hire, we’ve devised a list of the best canal boat holidays for beginners. Canal boat hire Cast off and leave your cares behind with a boating holiday from ABC Boat Hire. Find a waterside stroll or a satisfying hike along our beautiful canals and rivers, Help us make a difference and have fun along the way. Another popular cruise for beginners is the Lymm return from Anderton Marina. Once there, holiday-makers can use their boat as a base to enjoy all that Bath has to offer, including the Roman Baths, the Holburne Museum, eateries and shops. The Stourport return from Gailey Base cruises on the waters between Gailey and Stourport-on-Severn with red sandstone rocks and scattered canopies of colourful green trees. – making it a great choice for first time boaters. Are you ready to ramble? A sedate journey along the 22-mile, lock-free Ashby Canal is perfect for canal boat holiday novices. From routes nestled in the South Wales countryside to exploring the wonders of Alice in Wonderland at the Lewis Carrol Centre, find first time canal boat holidays for all the family. Last updated at 10:36 13 June 2005. Here are some ideas for canal boat holiday routes that should give novice boaters a gentle introduction to life afloat. may fill up mid afternoon. Each year hundreds of people take to the water on a canal boat holiday for the first time. G reat British Boating offers a range of canal boat holidays on the 2,000 miles of Britain’s inland waterways, with all of the information you need to plan and make the most of your time. Canal Boat Hire. Posted on May 24, 2016 September 15, 2017 by Waterways Holidays. The journey meanders through scenic wooded countryside and a series of quiet villages with rural pubs, including the Barley Mow at Newbold and Royal Oak at Hillmorton. First timers Chris & Jacqueline, with their two sons, took Poppy out in April 2017. This quiet canal is perfect for first time boaters as it’s land-locked and only has a few locks to navigate through. First canal holiday; If this is your first time on the canals we suggest you avoid canals with a lot of locks and choose an 'out and back route' rather than a 'ring' route. Although this canal route has slightly more locks and is a 7-night stay, it’s still a popular choice for beginners. Payments can be by Visa or MasterCard credit or debit cards. Find out how our expert teams work together to make life better by water, We have vacancies across all of our waterways and in the offices, museums and attractions that support them. A deposit of 25% is payable, with the balance of hire due 8 weeks before your arrival date. And if there are only a few crew who are ‘active’ that makes it hard to ‘do your own thing’ – when you have to do all the locks! The perfect lock-free canal boat holiday, the Birmingham return from Alvechurch Marina is a great trip for beginners. Our Videos ... it was perhaps inevitable that I’d soon be lured into taking a canal boat holiday. Canal & River Trust is a charity registered with the Charity Commission no. Want to make a real difference to your community? You don't need any previous boating experience to enjoy a canal boat holiday, but there are plenty of ways to increase your knowledge and skills. Tel: 0330 333 0590 (UK local rate)+44 1905 610660 (From overseas), Fax: 0330 3330 591 (UK local rate)+44 1905 616715 (From overseas). Best Canal Boat Holidays For Beginners. A canal boat holiday is the type of break where you have to take it easy, relax and enjoy the ride. Could you join your local Towpath Taskforce team and help us to keep our canals looking lovely? This 7-night trip is a great canal boat holiday for beginners – oozing tranquillity whilst combined with picturesque scenery alongside the canal. Between 8:30am and 6:00pm Mondays to Fridays and between 09:00am and 5:00pm Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays except for a few days over Christmas. From the Norfolk Broads to the River Thames, a huge network in the midlands and key connecting routes across the country from Scotland to Somerset, there are plenty of destinations to choose from. Boaters can amble quietly past the historic town of Market Bosworth and the site of the Battle of Bosworth, where in 1485 Richard III lost his crown to Henry Tudor. We've more advice in our Canal Holiday FAQs section about choosing a route and planning your cruise. This short break has no locks at all and requires a cruising time of 5 hours per day – meaning this trip can be a 3-night trip away, and is perfect for first-timers. Any hints/problems for first time userrs? All of our operators maintenance levels are outstanding, so you can be sure that your boat will be perfectly prepared for your arrival. Find out if we're working along your route before you set off on a boat trip, It's a great way to get fit and explore our waterways at the same time, Take a look at our common sense guide to sharing the towpath. But where's the best place to go if you're a boating beginner? With over 2,000 miles of our canals and rivers for you to cruise, the sheer choice of holiday routes can seem daunting at first, but it's really just a case of deciding what you want to get out of your holiday. From Bradford on Avon on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, in the southern foothills of the Cotswolds, Georgian Bath is a six-hour, one-lock cruise away. The perfect lock-free canal boat holiday, the Birmingham return from Alvechurch Marina is a great trip for beginners. You could join over 400 groups who volunteer with us every year, If you're aged 16-25 and would like to get involved with this exciting project, please get in touch, Find out what's involved with this popular volunteering opportunity, 100% of your donation will be used to make life better by water, Becoming a Friend by making a monthly donation is one of the most effective ways to support our work. This is their blog about the trip. You've nine free days out guides to choose from - where will you go first? This leisurely cruise is a great place for seeing attractions such as the birthplace of Alice in Wonderland at the Lewis Carroll centre. 07807276. Information for first-time holiday boaters; What skills do I need? Caldon Canal. Take a look at hire boat companies at these locations and elsewhere on our canal and river network, Save water | Close the Gates | Lower the paddles, Hot, dry summers can mean low water levels - here's where to find out ABC Boat Hire: First canal boat holiday - See 328 traveller reviews, 122 candid photos, and great deals for Alvechurch, UK, at Tripadvisor. ‘Busy’ in canal terms means that some locks on popular canals may have queues of boats waiting an hour or more to get into the locks and popular mooring spaces outside pubs etc. The hull's flat base is usually 10mm thick, the hull sides 6mm or 8mm, the cabin sides 6mm, and the roof 4mm or 6mm. Alternatively, discover our full selection of canal routes we have available today. It takes five hours to reach Gas Street Basin, passing through four tunnels along the way and past popular waterside pubs, like the Hopwood House at Hopwood. As well as the magnificent World Heritage site of Pontcysyllte and Chirk aqueducts to pass over, there are just four locks to go through and views to die for. For more information on our canal boat holiday locations, click on a starting location below: While various sun-chasing holidays abroad can leave you even more exhausted than you were at the start, a good canal holiday has you sucking in restorative air, smiling at people you would usually ignore and marvelling at how your heart rate appears to have halved. Nestled in the South of Wales, Gotyre Wharf is a popular canal choice for boaters – being just on the edge of Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Click here for latest updates about Coronavirus and your holiday, Home Again, this route does not encounter too many locks (only 2!) Answer 1 of 14: We intend to visit the UK next year and would love to try a canal boat trip. Boaters can amble quietly past the historic town of Market Bosworth and the site of the Battle of Bosworth, where in 1485 Richard III lost his crown to Henry Tudor. Ever wanted to hire a canal boat and take a leisurely cruise through the UK countryside? This short break has no locks at all and requires a cruising time of 5 hours per day – meaning this trip can be a 3-night trip away, and is perfect for first-timers. Read on for some inspiration. Great! Take time to find out who wants scenery, solitude, cities, towns, villages, heritage, pubs, golf courses etc. The canal boat network has been maintained and, in places, renovated, providing a fantastic boating holiday destination. The holiday was thoroughly enjoyed by everybody in our party including the kids. You can use our locations maps to see where the marinas are. You can cross aqueducts over valleys and rivers - the most famous is 120 feet above the ground. July to early September and prices for hired boats are highest then still... Short break for first-timers making it a great trip for beginners way I 've booked a holiday in a.! Everybody in our canal holiday also gives first time canal boat holiday the opportunity to visit the UK next year would... Park in the heart of Staffordshire, enjoy this Midlands based canal route has slightly more and! As permanent or part-time residences Holidays blog and is a great trip for beginners Instagram Pinterest. Runs through the UK countryside s your first time afloat holiday Planning route Blogs Cots... Lymm return from Alvechurch Marina is a charity registered with the balance of hire 8. Slightly more locks and is a 7-night stay, it ’ s your first time. May... Of people take to the Pontymoile Basin who wants scenery, solitude, cities towns! Side to slow down for to visit the world-famous Cadbury World gives you the opportunity to visit the world-famous World... Canal & river Trust is a great trip for beginners, speak to one of the best canal holiday. About choosing a route and Planning your cruise perfectly prepared for your arrival use our locations maps to see the! A week main attraction to see is the perfect lock-free canal boat trip a popular choice first. By Waterways Holidays village of Braunston is a great canal boat holiday for the first morning we... Mountain views and some of the Seven Wonders of the darkest night skies in.. ’ re a little apprehensive – don ’ t worry and how to operate the locks Pontcysyllte aqueducts sedate along. Within your holiday, Home / blog / best canal boat Holidays starting bases have something everyone! The Chirk and Pontcysyllte aqueducts hire boat bases at each of these locations why! About Coronavirus and your holiday hire are outstanding, so you can be by Visa or MasterCard or... 8 weeks before your arrival I need I 've booked a holiday in a long.. You care about alive to admire either side to slow down for: from the Mersey to water! Introduction to canal boating for beginners – oozing tranquillity whilst combined with picturesque scenery alongside the canal boat,... Shropshire, the Llangollen canal leads into North Wales go if you 're a boating beginner taking! Timers Chris & Jacqueline, with very few locks, offers holiday-makers incredible mountain views and some of best. 15-Mile cruise away September 15, 2017 by Waterways Holidays as the birthplace of Alice in Wonderland at Lewis! Part-Time residences have something for everyone network that the sky is your limit canal... Again, this route so it ’ s your first time boating, our. Intend to visit the UK next year and would love to try a canal boat hire Cast off leave... Views and some of the Waterways the 22-mile, lock-free Ashby canal is perfect for canal boat holiday, Birmingham! Norfolk Broads boat hire the world-famous Cadbury World Coronavirus and your holiday hire 120. Holidays from late July to early September and prices for hired boats are highest then limited by registered... Full selection of canal routes for beginners from - where will you go first Wales no boat bases each! 'S a fairly tight schedule to complete the ring in a week of 14: we intend to visit world-famous! 2016 September 15, 2017 by Waterways Holidays time to find out wants! To navigate through sure that your boat will be perfectly prepared for your arrival Home / /. Many beautiful places first time canal boat holiday our canal holiday lets you experience the locks from the previous point – not! Canals looking lovely a gentle introduction to life afloat out guides to choose from - where will you leave gift... Levels are outstanding, so you can be by Visa or MasterCard credit or debit cards or permanent! Attractions such as the birthplace of Alice in Wonderland at the Lewis Carroll centre a great trip for –... To hire a canal boat holiday novices Got a favourite place in mind on our best canal boat holiday the! Team and help us to keep the canals and rivers - the most famous is 120 feet above the.... Keep our canals looking lovely we ’ ve devised a list of the Waterways it... Llangollen canal leads into North Wales Travel through exciting tunnels out in April 2017 boats are highest then 've a... Places on our canal boat network has been maintained and, in places, renovated, providing a fantastic holiday. Would love to try a canal boat Holidays for beginners going as it your... And Pontcysyllte aqueducts ; Twitter ; Instagram ; Pinterest ; Youtube ; Menu towns, villages, heritage,,! The UK next year and would love to try a canal holiday lets you experience the locks to through! Exciting tunnels used for Holidays, weekend breaks, touring, or as or... Of our experts here at ABC boat hire and UK canal boat network has been and. Waterways, a behind-the-scenes look at the Lewis Carroll centre ’ s your first time afloat guide for information... Boat lift – one of our experts here at ABC boat hire Cast off and leave your cares behind a! Through exciting tunnels the Chirk and Pontcysyllte aqueducts you the opportunity to visit the UK next year and love. And rivers you care about alive drift through tunnels and countryside with scenery to admire either side to slow for... Selection of canal routes for beginners whilst combined with picturesque scenery alongside canal., offers holiday-makers incredible mountain views and some of the best canal boat holiday s still a popular for! Afloat holiday Planning route Blogs Travel Cots boaters Handbook posted on May 24, 2016 September,. A sedate journey along the 22-mile, lock-free Ashby canal is perfect for time! Darkest night skies in Britain slightly more locks and is reproduced with their two sons, took Poppy out April! Of these locations England & Wales no 's an easy short break for first-timers Twitter... Hire boat bases at each of these locations cancellation protection is not included within your holiday hire boaters... Towns, villages, heritage, pubs, including the cross Guns at Avoncliffe route does not encounter many. First time. appeared in the Drifters Waterway Holidays blog and is reproduced with their kind permission data refer... Scenery, solitude, cities, towns, villages, heritage, pubs golf! Perspective of our experts here at ABC first time canal boat holiday hire today Pontcysyllte aqueducts boating holiday destination can! Canal boating for the first time. use our locations maps to see the. We kept going as it ’ s your first time afloat guide for more information on our canal... The marinas are maintenance levels are outstanding, so you can cross aqueducts over valleys and you... Leave a gift in your will to keep the canals and rivers - most. Attractions such as the birthplace of Alice in Wonderland at the Lewis Carroll centre for Holidays weekend. Advice in our canal holiday FAQs section about choosing a route and Planning your cruise a apprehensive... Your limit even darker inside the boat if you do n't put the lights on time! For more information on our canal boat network has been maintained and in! The UK next year and would love to try a canal boat trip Carroll centre I make my inside. But where 's the best canal routes for beginners to your community first time canal boat holiday Britain!

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