There is so much to discover on a traditional canal boat holiday through the English countryside. Home to so many historic cities which you can visit by boat, such as the stone cobbled streets of Bath and Oxford in the south. Birmingham offers more canal networks than Venice, so you are sure to find plenty of activities to enjoy in the heart of England. For history lovers, discover William Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford upon Avon or even stop off for a day at Warwick Castle. Our English waterways also offer a great chance to escape to the country. Avoid the hustle and bustle of everyday life and discover the Great British countryside visiting areas such as the Pennine Hills, the Peak District National Park or the picturesque Cotswolds.
Hire a boat in the North of England and discover some of the most spectacular canal scenery in the UK, navigating through lock flights such as the Bingley Five Rise on the Leeds & Liverpool canal, and stopping off at village pubs and eateries. For a city break with a difference, explore one of the North's industrial cities such as Leeds, Manchester or Liverpool, all accessible by boat. Other waterway attractions in the North of England include the spooky Standedge Tunnel, the longest tunnel in the UK, and the Barton Swing Aqueduct near Manchester. Find out more about canal boat holidays in Northern England.
With so many canals and rivers to choose from in the heart of England, you are guaranteed to find something to suit you. If you would like to do a route which has no locks, the Ashby Canal is a great option. Situated in Central England just north of Rugby, the canal passes pretty villages and you can venture back in time exploring the Battle of Bosworth field, located near Shenton vllage. For the more active holiday, why not hire a boat and complete one of the several ring routes. The Four Counties Ring is a popular option, linking the counties of Shropshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire and Cheshire. Although most ring routes can be completed in a 7 night break, a 10/11 night option would be a more comfortable holiday length, allowing you to explore the many sites along the way. Find out more about canal boat hire in the Heart of England.
There are a great selection of waterways in the South of England, with the Royal River Thames, which passes the dreaming spires of Oxford, before making its way into Central London, passing great tourist attractions such as Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace and the riverside site of the sealing of the Magna Carta. Situated just south of the River Thames is the Kennet & Avon Canal, spanning from the west at Bath to Aldermaston in the East, this waterway is one of the most popular waterways in England. Find out more about canal boating holidays in Southern England.
