Canal Boat Holiday- recommendations

[massivepants]

has anyone got any top tips/ recommendations for a family canal boat holiday. We think it looks really fun...........but seems to be effing expensive, it costs more than a holiday cottage!!
Any tips would be appreciated.

[fifitot]

Really expensive but great fun. I did it before kids though. How old are yours as I think younger ones could get bored spending alot of time on the water.

We did Caledonian Canal in Scotland which was stunning. Hoseasons seem to do the better boats but you are right it's expensive. Nothing nicer though than tying up wherever you fancy for a nice lunch or sitting on deck with a glass or two of wine of an evening.

They usually give you a small dinghy as well so we used that alot to get around and for playing on! Did some swimming in the lochs too but it was freezing.

Don't know about down South or even in the North of England but would recommend Scotland for this. You get lochs, canal and scenery plus there are really well kept toilet and shower blocks along the canal which canal users have a key for so you can get a nice hot shower now and then - the ones on the boats are pretty rubbish to be honest.

If I think of anything else will post again.

[PortBlacksandResident]

The Thames is another good one. We 'parked' right outside Runnymede and Hampton Court. Also - parked in Windsor for a couple of nights. All very historical and nice restaurants too.

Agree re: Calendonian canal - not been on a boat, only in a cottage; but it looked like a fab holiday - even / especially with the Lochs at Fort Augustus (delete as applicable).

[PortBlacksandResident]

Sorry meant Locks

[LIZS]

We're off on one at half term with friends. Last one we did together when our elder kids were little was along the Kennet and Avon from Bristol. We turned back just before the very long flight of locks at Devizes and but still had gone a fair way in a week.

[massivepants]

thanks everyone