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here’s something rather relaxing about being out on the water. Everything glides along at a civilised pace, you never get stuck in traffic and you can see parts of England that are inaccessible by road. No wonder random strangers feel the need to smile and wave as you go past.

How about chugging your way along the River Ouse on a stress-free short break with family-run Fox Narrowboats ? There’s a fleet of traditional style boats to choose from, all equipped with mod cons like colour TVs, DVD players and fitted kitchens. What we love best about these brightly-painted vessels, though, is that they’re reassuringly easy to control.

This gives you plenty of time to look out for wildlife like otters and kingfishers as you cruise past historic old towns like Downham Market in Norfolk – stopping off at whichever olde worlde pub takes your fancy.

Or how about cruising the canals of the West Midlands on a four-star narrow boat from Viking Afloat ? In all, there are two thousand miles of tranquil waterways to explore, winding their way through Warwickshire, Staffordshire and beyond.

Alternatively, you could always tackle the Leeds & Liverpool Canal , which is the longest in northern England – stretching 127 miles through the dramatic Pennines scenery. Along the way you’ll pass through 91 locks (don’t worry, they’re easy to get the hang of), with a conveyor belt of rolling green hillsides and isolated farms slipping past you on either side. Ah yes, it doesn’t get much more relaxed than this…