Hiring a Narrowboat for a Canal Holiday
The Canals in England and Wales are Great for Relaxing Holidays
Oct 23, 2009
A canal holiday on a narrowboat in England or Wales is great fun. Cruising peacefully along at 4 mph, it seems extraordinary that the rest of the world is in such a hurry.
In England and Wales the canals are quite narrow so the narrowboat feels very much part of the countryside.
Canal Scenery in England and Wales
The scenery on the canals in England and Wales changes constantly as the canals twist and turn around the contours. Also, as unlike rivers, the canals are not confined to low ground, there are often splendid views.
Going through towns, a narrowboat passes the backside of factories and old wharves or, increasingly, the smart modern developments that are replacing them.
Humpback Canal Bridges, Picturesque Cottages and Pubs
Out in the country on the canals in England and Wales, there are quaint old humpback bridges, picturesque lock-keepers’ cottages and sometimes handsome brick stables built for the horses that pulled the original working boats.
Most canals in England and Wales have pubs dotted along them. Built to serve the original working boatmen, they are ideal for slaking the thirst of today’s narrowboat crews or for meals. Many have mooring rings to enable narrowboats to tie up alongside them.
Life on Board a Narrowboat
Though life on board a narrowboat is laid back, it is never dull. As well as driving the boat, there are locks and swing bridges to operate, tunnels to navigate and frequent pubs.
A big advantage of a canal holiday in England or Wales that the lack of shops and man-made attractions avoids the cost of normal holiday ‘extras’ like ice-creams, snacks, admission fees and souvenirs; also self-catering means that eating is unlikely to be expensive.
And there is certainly no need to buy a holiday wardrobe! Just take an anorak, old clothes, trainers and, if it’s likely to be muddy, wellies.
Canal Hire Boat Bases
Narrowboat hire bases are dotted throughout the 1800-mile canal network in England and Wales. The standard hire period is a week, usually beginning at the weekend.
Start time is usually around 4 pm to give the staff time to clean and refuel the boat after it has been brought back by the previous hirers.
What You Need To Take on a Hired Narrowboat
Narrowboat hirers usually need to provide their own towels. tea-cloths, soap, matches and toilet rolls. Sleeping bags or duvets and pillows are provided, as well as cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery.
Waterproofs are essential for cruising in the rain which may be necessary to get a hired narrowboat back in time at the end of the holiday. Sometimes they are provided.
How a Canal Narrowboat Works
Once everything has been loaded on board a hired narrowboat, one of the boatyard’s staff will explain how everything works, though there is always a detailed instruction manual. Then they stay aboard for a short stretch, usually including going through a lock.
Incidentally it is worth hiring a boat that will accommodate slightly more people than are going as this gives extra space, making life more comfortable for everyone.
Canal Holidays in England and Wales are Suitable for Everyone
Canal holidays in England or Wales are suitable for almost anyone, though couples on their own are likely to find locks quite tiring. Three or more people make an ideal crew and some narrowboats can hold up to twelve.
Children love being on a narrowboat, while older people or anyone less agile can sit at the front watching the passing scene or simply put their feet up inside.
Invigorating Canal Holiday
With plenty of fresh air and exercise, a canal holiday on a narrowboat in England or Wales is always an invigorating holiday and, after being outdoors so much, everyone on board is likely to end up with a healthy glow.
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