Traditional boats for hire on the UK canals and Norfolk Broads
Traditional boats for hire on the UK canals and Norfolk Broads
Are you thinking about holidaying in the UK this year? Looking for something that isn't all fish & chips and tea? If you're looking for a quintessential break that encompasses the Great British spirit, I recommend discovering the UK through its treasured waterways on a classic boating holiday. There are a huge variety of traditional boats available; they are located along the UK canals and on the Norfolk Broads and Rivers. Lots of boats have different traditional elements and all of them cruise different spots of the UK, so there is something to please everyone! I thought I would suggest a few boats to get you thinking about the key things to consider, such as different hiring options, traditional features and facilities onboard different boats.
UK CANALS
For starters, do not fret that you will be left to pilot a traditional boat without any guidance. All the boat yards will provide enough guidance for you to feel comfortable manoeuvring the boat yourself- don't panic! However if the idea of being responsible of a classic boat doesn't sound like something you want to manage, all is not lost: a skippered hire boat is the perfect answer. For example, Hawkesbury,' a 1937 'Big Woolwich' and former cargo carrying vessel, which cruises the Trent & Mersey Canal, comes complete with its own crew, (you even get a boat dog!) Not only will the crew operate the boat for you, but you are given the option of which route you would like to take and whether you would like to try to steer the boat yourself, so the holiday is still unique to you. The crew also provide teas, coffees and refreshments for short breaks, along with catering options for those wishing to cruise for longer holidays!
Facilities on board include:
* Master cabin- with a fixed double bed
* Solid fuel stove
* Spacious 18ft galley with plenty of seating.
TUG STYLE NARROWBOATS
These boats have a large flat decking section at the front- with a stowage area underneath. This area provides a perfect spot for all parties to enjoy, take in the summer sun and picnic off the boat. For tug style Narrowboats check out Larch' from Middlewich and Minervois' from Whilton. Both boats are traditional in terms of the layout: complete with boatman's cabin, traditional controls, solid fuel stove and a classic engine. Furthermore Larch' is kitted out with modern essentials' such as a TV/DVD player, and a 2 kW inverter to allow for hair dryer/straighteners and even games consoles! All of which makes this boat perfect for those who want to combine a boat with traditional charm with technological necessities.
NORFOLK BROADS
Along the Norfolk Broads the style of boat can either be cruisers or sailing yachts. Both styles of boats still offer the opportunity to travel on either the more traditional or modern styles, depending on your preference. In terms of cruisers, personally I favour the traditional all wooded boats, such as Merlin' from Chedgrave and Juliette' from Martham. These boats are particularly handy for those wanting to catch the rays whenever possible as they include:
* Sunshine hatches over saloon and galley
* Centre cockpit with all-weather protection
* Collapsible side sections
* And easy stow-away canopy.
Also available for Norfolk Broads boat hire is Zo from Horning. She is a classic example of a traditional sailing yacht, built in 1897. This is the only Victorian counter stern yacht on the Broads and an exhilarating yacht to sail. She sleeps two people, so ideal for a couple with a little yachting experience. She is kitted out to a high standard with comfortably furnished interior, including:
* Fully equipped galley
* Cooker, grill and oven
* Electric cool-box
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