Narrowboating is truly a choose-your-own-adventure vacation. Howes notes that the company typically provides a route for guests, but they can go in any direction they like. Her dream trip is a 345-mile waterway linking London’s famous River Thames with the Oxford and Grand Union canals, and Howes said it would take about four weeks to complete what is known as the “Thames Ring Road.” That’s what it means. Highlights include views of Windsor Castle, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the 176 locks you pass, and Blisworth Tunnel, one of the longest navigable tunnels in the UK. If you’re on holiday, you can moor your narrowboat almost anywhere along this path and all other routes across the UK (if you’re staying longer than 14 days if you want to permanently moor your boat full-time) fee must be paid). .
Mr Howes said during narrowboating’s busy season, from April to October, they were busy helping customers navigate the ocean for the first time, rather than focusing on their own adventures, making it difficult to take such a long vacation. says he is too busy. The peak season will also be extended, but Howes said travelers would be better off traveling past peak travel times. That’s because it’s still comfortable outside during the winter.
Both Howes and Caruana agree that narrowboats are ideal for those looking for slowness and simplicity. “It’s like a caravan holiday on the water,” Caruana says. But the benefit is that you can sit on the boat and be purely immersed in nature. Owls, herons, kingfishers, ducks and all other baby animals. You’re just soaking in it. This is unlike anything else I’ve ever had the privilege of experiencing. ”
Oh, and Caruana has one more important piece of advice. “You have to really like the person you’re with, and it’s a very small space,” she says. “Luckily, me and her husband get along great,” she added with a laugh.
Would you like to go out on the water? Here are three methods to try.
Private boat rental: Kate Boats costs approximately £1070 ($1354) to £1700 ($2152) for a week and includes boat hire, fuel, collision damage, linen, towels and life jackets. There are also companies across the UK that rent narrowboats for days or weeks at a time, such as Black Prince, Drifters and ABC Boat Hire.
Narrowboat holidays: Travelers who are unsure whether to drive their own boat may consider a narrowboat holiday charter company. Companies such as Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays offer skippered holidays and Waterways Holidays can help you book narrowboats and waterside accommodation if you prefer to sleep on land.
Moored ship: For those who are simply interested in spending their days and nights peacefully anchored, there are plenty of boats to do just that. Your best bet is to search for narrowboat rentals on vacation rental sites like Airbnb. You can also find the same options in other canal-friendly destinations around the world, including Amsterdam and France’s Rhône-Alpes.
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