Narrowboating is truly a choose-your-own-adventure getaway. Howes notes that the company generally offers directions to its customers, but you can go in any direction. His dream trip is to complete the so-called “Thames Ring”, a journey which Howes estimates would take around four weeks and which connects London’s famous Thames with the Oxford Canal and the Grand Union Canal across 245 miles of waterways. Highlights include views of Windsor Castle, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the 176 locks to pass through and the Blisworth Tunnel, one of the longest navigable tunnels in England. You can moor your barge just about anywhere along this and all other UK paths if you are on holiday (those looking to moor a boat permanently on a full-time basis must pay a fee if they plan to stay more than 14 days). .
Howes says the peak barge season, which runs from April to October, is just too hectic to get away for that long, as they’re busy helping customers navigate the waters for the first time, rather than to concentrate on their own adventures. And, while it would extend their busy season, Howes notes that travelers should look beyond peak hours, because “it’s always nice out there during the winter,” too.
Both Howes and Caruana agree that narrow navigation is ideal for those looking for slowness and simplicity. “It’s a bit like a caravan holiday on the water,” says Caruana. But the reward is that you can sit on top of the boat and experience pure immersion in nature. Owls, herons, kingfishers, ducks and all the baby animals. You’re just immersed in it. This is unlike anything else I have ever had the privilege of experiencing. »
Oh, and Caruana has one more critical piece of advice: “You have to really love the person you’re with. It’s a very small space,” she says. “Luckily,” she added with a laugh, “my husband and I get along well.”
Want to get out on the water? Here are three ways to try it.
Private boat rental: Prices at Kate Boats range from approximately £1,070 ($1,354) to £1,700 ($2,152) for a week and include boat rental, fuel, collision damage, linen, towels and life jackets. There are also other companies across the UK who hire narrowboats for a few days or weeks at a time, such as Black Prince, Drifters and ABC Boat Hire.
Houseboat holidays: Travelers who are unsure whether they want to drive the boat themselves might consider using a houseboat vacation rental company. Companies like Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays offer skippered getaways, while Waterways Holidays helps guests book narrowboats as well as waterside accommodation if they want to sleep on land.
Moored ships: For those who just want to spend the whole day and night in peace and quiet, there are plenty of boats for that too. Your best bet is to search vacation rental sites like Airbnb for narrowboats to rent. And you’ll find the same option in other canal-friendly destinations around the world, including Amsterdam and Rhône-Alpes, France.
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