bestboatingholidays

On the Broads there are all sorts of boats. Cruisers, yachts, barges, canoes, dinghies etc. All of these can be hired for weekends, mid-week breaks and longer holidays throughout the year. The largest range of boats for hire is offered by Hoseasons, who have been involved in this business for many years and are experts.

The Broads largely follows the line of the rivers and natural navigations of the area. There are seven navigable rivers, the River Yare and its tributaries the Rivers Bure, Thurne, Ant, Waveney, Chet and Wensum.  All the waterways are subject to tidal influence. The tidal range decreases with distance from the sea, with highly tidal areas such as Breydon Water contrasted with virtually non-tidal reaches such as the River Ant upstream of Barton Broad. So plenty to see and visit while you are on holiday!

As mentioned in a previous post the Broads are accessable from the sea by going through Lowestoft harbour into Lake Lothing and from there to Oulton Broad. This does involve a lock, Mutford lock, because of the different tidal ranges. However, for most holidaymakers access to the sea is not a consideration. Your boat hirer will inform you all about where to go, whether it is busy areas for sightseeing or more relaxed quiet spots away from the crowd.
There is something for everyone on holiday around the Norfolk Broads.

There are loads of things to do on a canalboat holiday! However, it really depends on what you want out of your break? If it is a relaxing time with a good book, then what better place than pottering along at 4 mph passing wonderful countryside?

Tying up for the evening beside a pub, and going in for a lovely meal and a drink. If it is a more adventurous holiday break then why not use the boat as a means to get to exciting places, tie up and get on our mountain bikes to visit the surrounding places of interest.

For the kids, a visit to a theme park etc. can be slotted into the holiday because you have your mobile accommodation with you. The best of both worlds. Kids can also get involved in the lock operation, steering for short intervals, mooring up and all the other messing about on a boat that will make the holiday go well.  Remember to take some games with you – either board games or computer games that the kids can play at certain times of the day and evening. Think ahead and bring stuff that will keep them busy – Bikes, Kites, football, roller blades, dolls etc. can all be used either on board or on the tow path and surrounding areas once you tie up for the day. Fishing rods, toy boats, romote control toys, are all useful. Give them a camera to record the holiday or scrap book to collect items of interest. The list can go on, but do consider the kids because if they are busy being occupied you will get peace to enjoy your holiday too!

When near busy towns or cities you can moor up and go shopping or site seeing. There are loads of activities to do once you do a bit of research before hiring the canal boat.

The amount your canal boat holiday will cost you depends on several things.

1. How many people are staying on the boat?  If there is just two of you it will mean you can hire a smaller boat and reduce the cost of the break away on the canals.  So for example a short break may cost between £300 – £400. A week long break will cost between £500 – £800.  A family of 4 to 6 people will cost more due to the larger boat and other costs.  For example, a short break may cost between £500 – £700, while a holiday lasting a week may cost between £700 – £950.  Look out for special deals to reduce these figures.

2. What time of year are you going on your boating holiday?  Most boat hirers split the year into 3 groups. Low season – winter normally. Mid season – spring and autumn. High season – the summer and school holidays. Prices will vary considerably depending on these seasons. Other factors for short breaks are weekends only or mid week breaks.
If you can manage a 4 day mid week break say in April or May, you should get a bargain price!

3. Where do you want to holiday?  Different areas are able to charge more because of their popularity than others. That’s not to say the cheaper areas do not have as much to offer, just different.  So a holiday that takes you along the canal through Manchester will probably be cheaper than some parts of the Grand Union, around London. However, each has its own benefits and pleasures.

So do a bit of research with the holiday companies featured here on this blog. Set yourself a realistic budget and start putting some money aside each week or month for your dream holiday on a canal boat.

Before you go ahead and book your boating holiday, ask yourself a few questions.

1. know which dates you are available to travel – this will dictate the price. Prices vary widely from low season to high season. Some hirers also have mid season prices. You may be able to book a weekend only or a mid week break. So consider these options when booking.

2. How many of you are going on the boating holiday? This will effect the size of boat. Smaller 2 berth boats are for couples whereas larger boats can accommodate up to 8 people. So will it be a quiet week away for you and your partner? Or a party atmosphere with all 8 of the family and friends? Handling a larger boat need not be anymore difficult than your average 2 berther. Mainly because you will have more hands on deck! Especially when mooring up for the night.

3. This one is similar to the first – how long are you going away for? The reason for this question is to do with your clothes. A long break will require lots more gear to be taken than just a weekend away. Clothes for the day and something warmer for the evenings.

4. What type of boating holiday is it? A canal based break may require slightly more work ( with locks) than say a break on the Norfolk broads or river. Houseboating on the river or lake will be very relaxing.
Sailing offshore will offer it’s own challenges, but can be very exciting!

5. So, where are you going? Canals, rivers, norfolk broads, sailing or houseboating? All offer a tremendous holiday. Also the whole family can get involved with each day being different in some way from the previous.

6. Reality now kicks in. How much can you afford to spend on this boating holiday? This may be quite easily in your price range or you could team up with your close family or friends and split the cost between you. Hiring a slightly larger boat and sharing the cost may just prove cheaper than paying for the whole holiday yourself.

7. Finally, what extra gear do you need to take with you? Ask when booking what equipment such as bedding, cleaning etc. is included in the rental. This is useful to know before you load up the car with unnecessary stuff!

Think about these things before booking your boating holiday and have a great time.

Boating holidays are one of the best ways to rest and relax away from your stressful work. One very popular way is an inland water holiday on a canal, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery. Boating on canals and rivers, is very entertaining. In the UK narrow boat holidays have become very popular.

There are a range of different holidays you could choose, so do some research or ask at the numerous boating holiday companies for advice. Here on this website you will also find loads of information. Whether it is for a family function, romantic excursion or a personal relaxation trip, your boat holiday company representative will create whatever is necessary to make your trip comfortable. The small narrow boats will only sleep 4 or 6 comfortably so if you are taking a larger group for an overnight adventure, then you must find a larger boat to accommodate your group. Many people will take a boating holiday cruise down one of the canals and then stop at a village pub for an afternoon or evening and then hop back onto their boat the next day to continue their cruise.

These boat cruises are filled with incredible wines and beers and wonderful meals while watching the beautiful rolling hills pass by. All of the senses are in tune to the quiet gliding through the water under branches of large weeping willow trees. It is an experience that everyone needs to have at least once in their lifetime. You will certainly be relaxed and feel at peace with the world soon after boarding one of these boats.

However, if you are going on holiday with young children then the family holiday will probably require a bit of adventure. Eating on deck is like having a picnic or perhaps your captain will stop and let you pick a spot where you can get off the boat and picnic under an apple tree that has a another beautiful scenic view of the countryside. Visiting old castles and old ruins is always great fun with the kids and returning to your boat with its historical value can be a wonderful history lesson. There are boating holidays geared just for cathedrals and churches; there are boating holiday cruises that follow the old paths of ancient warriors; and there are boating holiday cruises that just slowly and lazily cruise the canals. These latter cruises are sometimes the very best. There is nothing fancy, just you, the boat, the water and nature. Also, of course, there is always the boating holiday that you design yourself!

To find a boating holiday that suits your needs then looking for ads on the internet is probably your best source to find a boating holiday adventure. You can find the websites of the companies that specialize in these holidays and read about each specialty. You can also see a picture of the narrow boats that they own and decide if they have what you are looking for. Check off each item that suits your needs and then narrow in to the company that is the best fit. But do not hesitate with your plans because boating holidays on the canals of Great Britain are very popular and are filling up fast. Most people have to book in advance to reserve their boat. Allow time to do the research and book your holiday, you will really enjoy it!