Boating holidays
Slap on the sunblock and grab a lifejacket because taking to the high seas – or lake, canal, river or broad – on a narrowboat holiday provides an exciting way to view our amazing coastline and explore our peerless countryside. Most of our major towns and cities were built on rivers as trading ports and their history comes to life before our eyes from a watery vantage point on a boating holiday. Row along the River Thames, take a canal boat through The Fens, kayak through white-water rapids in the Lake District and sail the Solent amidst the gentle waves of a perfect summer’s day.
Romantic punting on the River Cherwell
Ever watched people punting and felt you’d like to have a go? Pick up a few tips at Cherwell Boathouse, grab the pole and off you go.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Stand astride the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Stand with one foot in the east and one in the west and feel on top of the world at this historic observatory.
Location: Greenwich, London
Go sailing in Scilly
Indulge in an exotic island escape… just off the Cornish coast.
Location: Isles of Scilly, Cornwall
Recreate the real Alice in Wonderland’s river trip
Take an Oxford River Cruise trip along the Thames just like the real Alice in Wonderland many years ago.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Go barging round Lancashire
Abandon the hustle and bustle of everyday life and head for the peace and stunning scenery of Lancashire, with a canal boat cruise
Location: Burnley, Lancashire
Explore Lancashire's great coastline
With its stunning sunsets, wonderful wildlife and infinite skies, Morecambe Bay is a photographer’s dream.
Location: Fleetwood, Lancashire
Enjoy a river tour of Durham City
Set off in your very own rowboat on the beautiful River Wear or enjoy a guided river cruise aboard the Prince Bishops River Cruiser.
Location: Durham City
Stay and sail along Suffolk’s Heritage Coast on a sailing course
Enjoy the gentle pace of Suffolk’s rivers and coast, then bed down in a boutique hotel at night, with Viking Mariners’ stay and sail packages.
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Ride a Venetian gondola along the River Avon
Experience all the romance of Venice in the heart of Shakespeare’s hometown in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Enjoy tiger walks and water sports in Norfolk
Try out a variety of family-friendly watersports on the broads. Discover rare animals from Asia on a tiger walk, all close to Great Yarmouth.
Location: Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Hop aboard for a luxury canal boat holiday in Lancashire
Cruise along England's waterways on a five-star hotel boat.
Location: Burnley, Lancashire
Explore the River Wye by canoe
Spring is one of the most picturesque times of year to navigate the Wye Valley by water.
Location: Wye Valley and Forest of Dean
Paddle through living history on the Heritage Canoe Trail
This brand new route leads to the edge of the Peak District, and features special markers to guide canoeists along the 20-mile canal-based route.
Location: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire