Home & Lifestyle > Travel
> UKUK Vacation Idea for Couples
- Enjoy a Relaxing holiday on a Narrowboat Hotel
If you fancy taking a romantic and relaxing holiday on the
canals of Britain, but don’t fancy steering the boat, working
the locks and cooking, why not try a narrowboat hotel?
 What is a Narrowboat?
Narrowboats are named after their special design, which
allows them to fit in the locks on the UK canal system. Usually
a narrowboat is no more than 6ft 10in wide and the maximum
length is 72ft.
What is a Narrowboat Hotel?
The name says it all. You will travel on a narrowboat (or
pair of narrowboats) that are floating hotels. This is one of
the most relaxing holidays you will ever find as everything is
done for you. You don’t even have to decide where you are going
to go each day – just let the boat take you. The only decision
you have to make is whether to stay on board and relax, or
perhaps disembark and walk along the towpath for a while.
You will be served delicious, home cooked food for breakfast,
lunch and dinner. Your morning coffee will come with home cooked
biscuits and your afternoon tea will be accompanied by home
baked cakes.
A Typical Day at a Narrowboat Hotel
Your day will begin with a cup of tea at around 8am. If it is
a nice day, you might fancy a walk before enjoying your choice
of breakfast. There is always a cooked breakfast available.
While you are having breakfast a crew member will usually tell
you about the menu for the rest of the day. This gives you the
chance to say if there is anything that you don’t like, or would
prefer not to be served. Usually, when you book your cruise, you
will be asked if you have any special dietary requirements or
specific dislikes. If you do, it is important to say so that the
crew can buy appropriate supplies.
 After breakfast your boat will slip her moorings and start
the day’s journey along the canal. You can stay on board and
relax, watching the scenery move gently past, or you can walk
along the tow path. You won’t get left behind as the boats move
at a maximum speed of 3pmh. You can usually walk for as long as
you want. Ask your host before you start about possible
rejoining points.
Morning coffee is usually served with homemade biscuits to
keep you fortified until lunch. Your boats will probably moor up
for lunch. Lunch is always homemade and often a light snack. If
the weather is good, lunch may be served as a picnic.
After lunch, your boat will continue on its leisurely journey
past constantly changing scenery. At mid afternoon you will be
served afternoon tea, with homemade cakes.
Your boat will usually moor up for the day around 5 – 6pm, to
give the crew time to cook your excellent homemade dinner. Some
boats even allow you to prepare your own dinner. Wine
is usually served at dinner time and there is usually a bar if
you fancy a drink after dinner whilst relaxing with your fellow
passengers and reflecting on your day.
Every evening your boat will moor in a different place.
Sometimes you will moor close to a town, sometimes you will moor
in the peace and tranquillity of open countryside. Sometimes you
will moor surprisingly close to an excellent hostelry!
If your journey takes you past historic sites or towns, the
boats will often moor up to give you a chance to explore.
Where can I go?
The canal and river network of the UK is extensive. Most
narrowboat hotels leave their winter moorings in Spring and
travel extensively around the country, before returning to their
winter moorings in Autumn.
When can I go?
Most companies operate between March/April and Sept/Oct,
giving you the opportunity to enjoy your favourite season afloat
– from the spring sunshine and wildflowers, through heady days
of summer to the subtle colours and shades of Autumn.
Travel Tips
Narrowboat hotels, as the names suggest, are narrow since
they travel in canals. Take soft luggage and minimum possible
luggage.
Narrowboat hotel companies
You can choose holidays offered by a range of companies, and
this excellent website
http://boatingbreaks.org.uk has all the information you
need, including schedules, prices and contact details.
http://www.moonboats.co.uk/ offers more luxurious holidays
on the canals.
If you fancy a relaxing, get away from it all break then you
can’t beat a trip on a hotel narrowboat. Travel with friends or
family, or travel alone and make new friends. Whichever company
you choose to travel with I am sure you will have a wonderful
holiday and return home, rested, relaxed and rejuvenated.
|
