Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes

Monday 7th July 2008

Top five summer boating holidays

Now summer’s officially on its way and we’re all planning our holidays in the sun, so where would you like to go cruising while the weather’s nice? Check out our summer boating suggestions for some ideas...

Cross the Pennines
Enjoy northern scenery at its best as you cross the Pennines. The Huddersfield Narrow Canal weaves its way along the ‘backbone of England’ from the market town of Huddersfield to the thriving metropolitan city of Manchester. With twists and turns through rural Yorkshire and Lancashire, the 20 mile waterway boasts some of the most dramatic views on the network.

Huddersfield Narrow Canal
Hire a boat on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Boating on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal near Standedge Tunnel

Climb Neptune’s Staircase
One of the great waterways of the world, the Caledonian Canal takes boaters on a spectacular journey through the majestic mountains of Scotland. Neptune’s Staircase is the longest of three staircase flights on the ‘Caley’ and energetic visitors enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel up the historic locks while being looked over by the magnificent Ben Nevis.

Caledonian Canal
Neptune’s Staircase
Hire a boat on the Caledonian Canal

A boat sails towards Corpach after negotiating Neptune’s Staircase (A set of 8 locks raising the Caledonian Canal 64 ft) north of Fort William, Highland. Picture: P. Tomkins / Visit Scotland / Scottish Viewpoint

Capital cruising
Explore the hidden parts of the capital with a cruise along the Regent’s Canal. One of London’s best-kept secrets, the canal winds its way from vibrant Little Venice to Limehouse Basin. Listen for the animal sounds as you cruise past London Zoo and head through the bustling markets of Camden before settling down in the quieter areas of north east London.

Regent’s Canal
Hire a boat on the Regent’s Canal

Boating through London on the Regent's Canal

Garden of England
Cruise through the 'Garden of England' on the River Medway. Popular with canoeists and anglers, the river also welcomes boaters in both powered and unpowered crafts. Close to the river you will find tranquil parks, pretty villages and numerous places to stop for refreshments. Try something new on your trip to Kent with a paddle in a canoe or a row in a boat.

River Medway
Take a boat trip on the River Medway

Cruising on the River Medway in Kent

Queen of the English lakes
Lying peacefully in the heart of the Lake District, Derwentwater is the perfect destination for a holiday with opportunities to spend time fishing, walking, canoeing, sailing or simply enjoying a family picnic. There are two marinas from which you can hire a boat for the day and if you’re lucky enough to have your own, plenty of slipways to choose from too.

Hire a boat on Derwentwater
Derwentwater

Looking north along Derwent Water from Secret Views. Bassenthwaite Lake and the lower slopes of Skiddaw can be seen behind. Picture courtesy of Ben Barden / CTB