i am thinking about taking a holiday on a narrow boat, any reccomendations . somewhere picturesque and peaceful. Norfolk broads or maybe the Thames , where are the best canals, i need beautiful views and surroundings. I live in southern england so dont want to be travelling silly distances to get to the boat.
2007-08-30 13:10:37 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
Depending on exactly where you live in southern England, it's likely that the nearest canals to you are the Kennet and Avon Canal (Reading to Bristol), the Grand Union Canal (London to Birmingham) and the Oxford Canal (Oxford to Coventry).
The Southern Oxford is popular and is a narrow canal (narrow locks) which some suggest is easier for first-timers. Both the Grand Union and the Kennet And Avon are broad canals with double width locks.
What constitutes "the best canals" is very subjective. Some people love the lock free Ashby Canal, but others (including me :-) ) see traversing locks as an essential part of the experience. Another consideration is that most canals have their remote country parts (potential "beautiful views and surroundings") but also have what you may consider rougher urban parts.
Lastly I am wondering what constitutes "travelling silly distances"? I live on the east edge of London and started my boat holiday this year just north of Wolverhampton. It was only a 3 hour journey from home to boatyard. Is that a "silly distance"?
Have a good look here : http://www.canals.com/hire.htm.
Lots of hire companies listed and associated map showing where their bases are.
I hope you find what you want.
2007-09-02 12:54:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a start the Broads and the Thames are not canals.
If you want an authentic narrow boat holiday in the parochial south then you will have to travel to the Oxford canal or the Kennet and Avon Canal or the Grand Union which starts in London which may suit you for travelling!
2007-08-31 17:40:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Avon ring if you have the time. From Stratford on Avon up the canal to Lapworth Where there is beautiful scenery then on up to Birmingham where there are some fantastic tunnels to go through Then down to Worcester onto the river Severn down to Tewksbury and then up the Avon back to Stratford. Get a brochure for this trip It will tell you a lot more about the beautiful pubs and places to visit than I can There are boat yards all around the ring but I prefer to start at Stratford.
2007-08-31 14:39:14 · answer #3 · answered by rocky 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The broads doesn't need "narrow" boats. They have their own Broads Cruisers that can be more comfortable. The Broads is easy: 'cos there are no locks. There are some low bridges! and it can get crowded, but can also be very forgiving with a great mix of "open" water on the broads and "restricted" water in the rivers.
2007-08-31 09:21:26 · answer #4 · answered by chrisjbsc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Upper reaches of the Thames. The Oxford canal or Grand Union canal. All beautiful canals/ river.
Enjoy yourself.
2007-08-31 07:56:48 · answer #5 · answered by firebobby 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want lots of canals and heritage go to birmingham (More miles of canal than any city in europe) But for scenery go for Shropshire union or the peak forest.
2007-08-30 20:38:55 · answer #6 · answered by Ray W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As you say Norfolk Broads should be beautiful.
Also Lake District should be good.
2007-08-31 04:01:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whales. there are loads of lovely canals over there. we used to holiday on the welsh canals when i was a child and i have fond memories. i can't spell any of the names though.
2007-08-30 20:26:40 · answer #8 · answered by val f1 nutter 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
0n a wide river
2007-08-30 20:18:29 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋