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Lakes and waterways
Messing about on canal boat holidays is one of the finest ways to enjoy an ever-changing vista against a backdrop of songbirds, wild flowers and the buzz of dragonflies. Board a canal boat and cast off for adventure on a historic network of inland waterways and lakes. You will encounter locks, swing bridges, tunnels and aqueducts. If you feel bold, steer through majestic hill ranges on your canal holidays. Or moor up for shopping and lunch in picturesque small towns. By sundown, you will be ready to enjoy a pint of traditional real ale and a ploughman’s lunch at a riverside pub.
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Take the plunge canyoning in Cumbria
Ever looked at a waterfall and rather than reaching for the camera, thought ‘I’d like to climb down that’? If so, you’re about to discover your new favourite sport – canyoning.
Location: Bowness, Cumbria
Enjoy a boat trip on Canal River Trust's Waterways
Spend your weekend exploring Cheshire’s incredible waterways, at Anderton Boat Lift and the National Waterways Museum.
Location: Anderton, Cheshire
Glide through the waterways of unspoilt Cheshire
Take in quaint villages, welcoming country pubs, majestic industrial heritage sites and even castles on a boat trip through the county’s canals.
Location: Audlem, Cheshire
Take a cruise on the Grand Union Canal
Get on-board for a leisurely cruise into the heart of the Chiltern Hills, enjoying impressive views of the Buckinghamshire countryside.
Location: Pitstone, Buckinghamshire
See the light at the end of the tunnel
Standedge Tunnel, in the heart of the Pennine countryside, is the longest canal tunnel in Britain.
Location: Marsden, Yorkshire
Take a trip on one of England’s last horse-drawn barges
Explore the Grand Western Canal on one of England’s last horse drawn barges, and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding Devon countryside.
Location: Tiverton, Devon
Try a canoeing adventure along the River Wye
Become one with the water as you canoe through the rapid waters of the River Wye.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Explore Leicestershire’s beautiful waterways at Foxton Locks
Enjoy summer walks past the colourful narrowboats and along the unique waterways surrounded by Leicestershire’s picturesque countryside.
Location: Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Spy on endangered wildfowl at Rutland Water Nature Reserve
Visit Rutland Water's famous wildfowl sanctuary, covering a 1,000 acres of bird hides, mucky nature trails and interactive visitor centres.
Location: Rutland Water, Rutland
Canal cruise through Staffordshire’s Peak District
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life by hiring a canal boat and leisurely cruising through picturesque scenery.
Location: Peak District, Staffordshire
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
Discover The Lakes by Canoe
Canoe along the Derwentwater and discover something special about being close to the water.
Location: Keswick, Cumbria
Explore a living canal village
The Grand Union Canal at Stoke Bruerne is like an outdoor museum with historic canal features to explore.
Location: Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire
Sheffield Park Garden
The perfect place for relaxation and nature photography.
Location: Brighton, East Sussex
Aysgarth Falls in the Yorkshire Dales
Aysgarth Falls are a dramatic set of waterfalls in Wensleydale.
Location: Aysgarth, North Yorkshire
Go otter spotting in Norfolk
When it comes to big game spotting in the Broads National Park, there is no prey more sleek, more rare and more exciting than the otter.
Location: The Broads, Norfolk
Take the River Ferry to Beeses
Enjoy a delicious Sunday roast at this scenic English riverside tea garden in Bristol.
Location: Bristol
Kayak the River Dart
Have some family water fun in South Devon this summer.
Location: Tuckenhay, Devon
Set out on a family cycling break in the Heart of Devon
Enjoy a cycling break with friends or family and discover the windswept scenery of the Exe Estuary, just south of Exeter, and its abundant wildlife.
Location: Exeter and East devon, Devon
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