Canal / Barge Boat Holidays

Anyone ever done a Canal / Narrowboat / Barge holiday in the UK? I was thinking of organising something for next year but was interested if anyone had any experience with them??

I haven't done it yet, but Tim and I plan on doing it Summer 2010.  He has done it before, and loves it but he said it's a lot of work between sailing the boat and operating the locks!

I haven't done it yet, but Tim and I plan on doing it Summer 2010.  He has done it before, and loves it but he said it's a lot of work between sailing the boat and operating the locks!

I heard depending on where you go, you can choose a Locks trip or a pub stop trip....I want the latter 

I heard depending on where you go, you can choose a Locks trip or a pub stop trip....I want the latter 

haha NICE! 

I don't know, since Tim and I were planning on doing the locks.  What kind of information did you need? I can ask him tomorrow about it, and he might welcome the distraction. 

Just would like info on the company used, did you rate them and where was the trip?

Just would like info on the company used, did you rate them and where was the trip?

I'll ask him and get back to you!   I know he's at least done one, possibly two...and I can also get the name of the company we're going to use in 2010 .

(I know whichever company we're using has a boat named "Rebecca" on the website, because I joked that we needed to request the boat with my name )

(I know whichever company we're using has a boat named "Rebecca" on the website, because I joked that we needed to request the boat with my name )

Sweet! you should get that one next year!! That would make for some great piccys! 

We did one up on the Leeds/Liverpool Canal about 4 years ago when my Mom was visiting.  We really liked it.  It is a very stress free holiday, and you figure out the locks really fast.  In fact we are going to do another this year, probably in September, but a little closer to home and start in Reading on the Avon/Kennett Canal.

but a little closer to home and start in Reading on the Avon/Kennett Canal.

Thats where I am looking at doing  I like the idea of relaxing and also doing something different from the Norm...

One of the reasons we like the Canal Boat is that we can bring our dog.  And while Yorkshire was gorgeous, getting up there by train with a dog was a wee bit of a pain.  Starting out of Reading will mean less time on the train, more time on the boat!

I would love to hear what you decide on doing Duckyfuzz.  We haven't booked yet, but will probably do so in the next couple of weeks.

The Norfolk broads is a great place if you want to hire a boat and moor up next to a different pub each night. No locks either  

a few other ideas here too - http://www.waterwaysholidays.com/cgi-bin/webdata_pro.pl

http://www.broads.co.uk/

tim said you can email him directly with questions, I'll PM you his email (and he really welcomes the distraction, so please ask him stuff )

I've done the Broads before, and we would have done it this year if it were not for the wedding.  My (almost) in-laws do canal trips quite often too.  I think they are brilliant.

Vicky

i don't know much about renting a canal boat....but we do own one. our current plan is to live on it during the winter months. we've travelled from derbyshire to london, and all the canals and rivers around london....including a trip down the thames. i'd be happy to help...just let me know.

Cheers guys!    And thanx becca! I will take you up on that offer in a few weeks time    I am going to ask some friends and family if thier up for doing it too