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Canal Boat Holiday Hire on Self-Drive Boats. |
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A canal boat hire holiday aboard a self-drive boat gives you
total freedom of choice in canal and river cruising. The
freedom to boat along some of Britain’s finest waterways:
the choice of cruising from misty dawns to spectacular
sunsets, to visit market towns, glide through the heart of
busy cities or to just linger leisurely in remote and rural
places aboard your self-contained floating holiday home. |
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Boating is fun what ever your age. Relax,
sunbathe as the countryside slides by – or there is lots to
do for all the crew. Children take to canal boating
immediately and quickly learn the few essential safety
rules. Your hire boat company will also provide buoyancy
aids. Tunnels, aqueducts and locks add to the adventure.
Locks are easy to operate and great places to meet and chat
with other boaters. And it is a holiday where you can easily
take a pet - dogs in particular love boating and towpath
walking!
A modern self-drive holiday boat gives you
the freedom of the waterways. |
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Operating a boat is simple – a single lever
gives both forward and reverse. Engines are reliable and you
will be given all the necessary instructions, along with
tuition on handling the boat, steering and how to work
locks. |
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There are a variety of self-drive boats from
which to make your canal boat holiday hire selection – from a small family
cruiser up to a large 12-berth boat suitable for the
extended family, groups of friends or school parties. Boats
are offered for hire by the week or as short-breaks and
often all year round. Canals are a magical place to spot the
first spring flowers or surrounded by autumn colours, and a
warm, comfortable boat makes for a cosy Christmas afloat.
All this can also be enjoyed as part of a timeshare holiday
scheme, or aboard your ‘own’ shared-ownership boat. |
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Because the 18th century engineers built the
waterways to varying 'gauges' most boats fall into two
distinct types: narrowboats - under 7ft (2.13m) wide,
capable of negotiating the locks of the narrow canal system
and the rest of the inland waterway network - and wide-beam
cruisers (over 2.13m) generally only available on rivers and
the larger canals such as the Caledonian in Scotland.
Whatever their size holiday craft do not differ in general
style - the object being to provide you with a comfortable
and safe boat to live aboard. Modern boats are built to high
standards, fully insulated and incorporate central heating
systems, constant hot and cold running water, showers and
flush toilets. Fleets are continually overhauled and
equipment updated, with new boats being built all the time.
The great choice of holiday boat accommodation available
from APCO operators is all priced at very competitive rates. |
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Your well-appointed holiday boat will include
full-size single and double beds, ample storage space and
accessories such as TVs and radio/cassette players. The
kitchen is carefully planned with a refrigerator and
household-size gas cooker along with a full inventory of
crockery and cooking utensils. On more luxurious boats you
will find extras such as microwaves, hair-dryers, CD players
and mobile phone sockets. Many boats are awarded tourist
board ratings. |
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As far as eating is concerned you can live as
moderately or as richly as you choose. Boats are fully
equipped to cook the most lavish meals on board and shopping
for local delicacies in towns and villages along the way is
always fun. But waterside restaurants and friendly local
pubs abound and you can eat out every day if you wish. There
need be no ‘galley slaves’. |
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With a choice of start days for short breaks,
weeks, or longer holidays, how far you cruise depends on how
much holiday time you have available. Remember much of the
central network of waterways is inter-connected so circular
cruises are possible as well as out-and-return trips. The
choice of locations from which to start your waterway
holiday is enormous, many operators have more than one base
and also offer one-way cruises.
Shared ownership and time-share are
becoming a popular way to get involved in boating. |
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The route your canal boating holiday takes will
also depend on how long you wish to cruise and how much time
you wish to spend sightseeing. For those who like to plan in
detail your chosen APCO holiday company can supply
appropriate waterway maps and guides in advance. |
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There is perhaps no comparable experience to
living in comfort aboard a well-appointed holiday boat right
next to the wildlife of the waterways: Swans, herons and
kingfishers are almost within reach – fascinating for
photographers, artists and for those who just love the
countryside. History is all around – heritage craft,
wharves, stately houses and fine grooves worn in bridges by
the towing ropes of horses long passed. |
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All the family and friends young and old will
find delight in a boating holiday. Contact APCO or one of
the holiday companies listed in the following pages to find
out more. |
