Page 12 - Flipbook

1.
Slow Boat
take a
EXPLORE
a different way of touring
England’s canal system has a lot to offer the holidaymaker. Explore an amazing network of over 3,000 kilometres
of sedate waterways, complete with friendly travelling companions and excellent pubs.
For a unique view of England, there’s nothing better than a narrowboat holiday sailing picturesque canals that stretch between historic towns and ancient woodlands. The heart of England, better known as the Midlands, is an area best explored via its many waterways. The joy of a canal boat is that you can moor up in the heart of a city one night, and anchor in a secluded spot amid meadows and woodland the next. Pottering along at a snail’s pace gives you the opportunity to relax as well as take advantage of the many canal-side attractions – from countryside walks through bluebell woods to award-winning pubs, historic houses and farmers’ markets. Before heading off expert instructors show you how to navigate and run the boat, making it your own private transport through history.
Here’s our pick of the best canal boat trips in the UK:
Nottingham
Hire a boat from Sawley Marina
on the border of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire. Cruise through the historic lace-making city
of Nottingham itself, then on past the pretty villages of Fiskerton and Farndon, towards the market town of Newark, famed for its cobbled streets, castle and antique shops.
There are several detours you can take. One that travels via the Attenborough Nature Reserve and another that passes the town of Southwell, justifiably renowned for its Regency architecture, tea shops and National Trust-owned Victorian workhouse.
Heading north from Nottinghamshire, the Chesterfield Canal is a trickier 74-km
run, though there are several National Trust properties that can be explored en route, as well as acres of woodland and farmland to enjoy.
On your way back, don’t forget to visit Sherwood Forest, home to Robin Hood. Several events take place in the forest throughout the year, including a Robin Hood Festival and ghost hunts.
12 JULY 2012