You see, the UK has a intricate network of over 2000 miles of artificial canals that were used for transportation / commerce. These have been restored / converted for recreational use.
The point / experience of this is as follows :
- You coast down these canalways at 5 miles per hour
- Locks, locks and more locks - never operated a lock ? Well here is your chance to get your fill of an amazing piece of engineering. When you start out, I guarantee you all of you will jump out and run to operate the lock and then realize, everybody did .. so, nobody is left steering the boat (no worry .. it cant go very far). By the end of your journey, you will be pushing each other out to do the deed.
- each evening, after you moor, you should venture out into the countryside and perhaps into the local village (may be a mile or two walk). There, you will find a PUB which will have local beer and in some cases, you will find a local chef (who really belongs in a world class restaurant), however, has retired here due to the peace and beauty. Now you are in for a treat !!! Each village / town, has its own beauty / story. This is really the best part.
These boats are quite interesting. Also called narrow boats. Top speed is 5 miles per hour. Driving them is a no brainer, however, do understand that these beasts are sloooow and loooooong. You only have to be 11 yrs old to drive them legally. If you miss a turning point, you may have to go 4 hrs to the next turning point. Reversing is impossible as these boats are not designed to do this. The boats are longer than the canal is wide, so, doing a 180 turn is impossible except at a designated turning point (don't try it !). People get very very upset if you do not operate the lock properly. Also, watch your speed at all times as these things do not stop quickly and there are always people moored around the corner or boats on the other side of the narrow underpass that you cannot see.
- The canal network is through the country side, often through areas that don't have roads / rails. Sights are pristine.
- You dock / stop whenever you want. All through the canal network, there are annotations on where you can pull up and tie up your boat. If you find a pretty sight, hop out anytime .. you ain't going to miss your boat as you can walk faster than these things
- Locks, locks and more locks - never operated a lock ? Well here is your chance to get your fill of an amazing piece of engineering. When you start out, I guarantee you all of you will jump out and run to operate the lock and then realize, everybody did .. so, nobody is left steering the boat (no worry .. it cant go very far). By the end of your journey, you will be pushing each other out to do the deed. Now the best part :
- each evening, after you moor, you should venture out into the countryside and perhaps into the local village (may be a mile or two walk). There, you will find a PUB which will have local beer and in some cases, you will find a local chef (who really belongs in a world class restaurant), however, has retired here due to the peace and beauty. Now you are in for a treat !!! Each village / town, has its own beauty / story. This is really the best part.A good site is http://www.canalboat-holidays.com/boats.htm . The place we rented from was Chas Hardern Boats. Tel # (+44) 1829732595. Experience was great. Highly recommended
These boats are quite interesting. Also called narrow boats. Top speed is 5 miles per hour. Driving them is a no brainer, however, do understand that these beasts are sloooow and loooooong. You only have to be 11 yrs old to drive them legally. If you miss a turning point, you may have to go 4 hrs to the next turning point. Reversing is impossible as these boats are not designed to do this. The boats are longer than the canal is wide, so, doing a 180 turn is impossible except at a designated turning point (don't try it !). People get very very upset if you do not operate the lock properly. Also, watch your speed at all times as these things do not stop quickly and there are always people moored around the corner or boats on the other side of the narrow underpass that you cannot see. 
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