Lakes and waterways

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

 

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

 

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

 

Kayak the River Dart

Have some family water fun in South Devon this summer.

Location: Tuckenhay, Devon

 

Take a break on a narrowboat cruiser

Lock, stock and swing bridge.

Location: Rochdale, Lancashire

 

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

 

Cycle, sail or swim in the Norfolk Broads

Sense the sounds, smells and colours of spring at Waveney River Centre in Norfolk, a serene countryside retreat with plenty of outdoor activities.

Location: Norwich, Norfolk

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Take a wildlife safari in The Broads National Park

From the reeds to the trees, get up close to nature and see an incredible 11,000 species, the highest concentration of rare wildlife in England.

Location: Strumpshaw Fen, near Norwich, Norfolk

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