The English countryside is tranquil and relaxing and is why narrowboat holidays are rising in popularity. One of the best ways to relax and enjoy the scenes in the heart of England is by narrowboat hire on the many inland canals. One of the UK’s largest providers of narrowboat hire is Anglo Welsh who’ve 10 bases across England and Wales, offering the choice of over 150 narrowboats, from cosy two-berths to 12 berths for bigger parties. Anglo Welsh also have some great last minute narrowboat hire deals so keep an eye out for those.
Here we look at 5 of the most popular canal routes in England that you can take when hiring a narrowboat:
1. Caldon Canal
Running through the Staffordshire countryside, Caldon Canal offers lovely views all along its route. Some of the points of interest on the way are the River Churnet, the Churnet Railway and Consall Forge. The canal ends at Froghall Wharf in Staffordshire just north from Cheadle.
2. Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Easily the longest of England’s canals, Leeds & Liverpool Canal is in the north of the country. In the hills of the Pennine Mountain Range, the canal passes through over 20 locks. Mill towns along the canal feature architecture from the Victorian era. The amazing Foulridge Tunnel stretches for a mile. Near the small village of Skipton are some of the most beautiful countryside landscapes.
3. Oxford Canal
Dropping down through rural England and rolling hills from Coventry to Oxford, the Oxford Canal cruises by some of the most beloved rural lands in the entire country. Passengers can start on the canal in Oxford and travel north to Coventry. The trip can continue from there on canals into the midlands. One of the interesting canal villages is Banbury, a market town from the Middle Ages. Then, one of the most famous historic sites on the way is Blenheim Palace, where Winston Churchill was born. Parts of the canal are rather winding around hills, ridges and charming villages.
4. Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal
Also known as “Staffs & Worcs Canal,” this waterway parts the Cannock Chase farmlands. The canal was built in the 1770s. Many improvements and restorations are happening in the canal town of Stourport, and canal cruisers can see its historic buildings like warehouses and the clock tower. Kidderminster, Botterham and Bratch are some of the other historic places along the canal.
5. Trent and Mercy Canal
A leisurely trip on this canal brings historic sites and the lovely Cheshire plains. The trip includes an incline up over 30 locks. The adventure continues through Harecastle Hill’s long tunnel. Three smaller tunnels are also on this canal. Other rural sections through which the canal passes are Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Some of the historic sites along the way include Shrugborough Hall and the ancient salt towns of Northwich and Middlewich.
Hiring a narrowboat with family and friends is a great way to share some relaxing quality time together and share in an adventure. People find that travelling through the tranquil English countryside is a relaxing and romantic experience whilst others (especially children) love the excitement of seeing the countryside wildlife and the whole adventure of living and travelling on a boat. A narrowboat holiday offers something unique for everyone.
