The Association of Pleasure Craft Operators

The APCO Guide to Inland Waterway Boating Holidays

Waterway Gallery

Canals are often the inspiration for artists and keen photographers.

The following images and links, allow those new to the waterways to get an insight to what inspires the enthusiasm of the thousands canal aficionados have known for years.

Enjoy our liquid heritage!

Special thanks to Robin Smithett for permission
to use his photographs on this website.
Garth Allen Canal Artist
The website of the well known Canal Artist, who specialises in watercolours
Canal Photo Journeys
A private website of Canal Photo Journeys aboard Slipstream featuring a number of well known routes
Mike Stevens Canal Photo Journeys
Private site of a well known canal enthusiast, with a series of canal trips some on hire boats illustrated with pictures
Pennine Waterways
This comprehensive website is dedicated to the canals of the South Pennines, UK, including photographic virtual cruises along these canals.
The site also features extensive photo reports on the completed restoration work on the Huddersfield and Rochdale canals.

YouTube has some very good videos made by boaters, which give a real sense of what a narrowboat holiday is all about.

Below are a few links to start off your searches.

Stourport Ring : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJXtfFTOJd8
Canal Lock : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjDZAvA95Gs
Coventry to Oxford Canal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zXg9sFVwtU
Llangollen Canal : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bySYg2ZmlqU
Time Lapse Canal Views: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvimOAIpcsM
Bristol Fashion : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3basOkqn6k
Summer Wine : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qGshpy-T00
Early Morning Peace: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asK4uoAIMdQ
The Falkirk Wheel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mubnYRSQ-J8
Belgian Boat Lift: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqFGrS2lf8k
BCN Time Lapse: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hVE6Ebc1n4
Blisworth Tunnel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-3v0UsZYVA

Boating Holidays
What to expect on a UK boating holiday, different types of holiday and much more.
About APCO
Explaining the purpose and background of the Association of Pleasure Craft Operators.
APCO Members
Listing all APCO member, with their full contact details.
Handover Scheme
When hiring a boat you need to be sure you will be given suitable tuition.
Boat Grading Scheme
Explaining the Boat Grading Scheme from VisitBritain for Hire Boats and Hotelboats.
Boaters Code
British Waterways guide to how all canal users should behave. PDF download.
Boaters Handbook
The BW handbook, available here as a PDF to download, covers everything from Boat Handling, Safety and Rules of the Road.
Kid's pages
Things for the children to do, including a waterways game courtesy of British Waterways.
Useful Links
Links to other useful waterways websites.
Members Section
Information for APCO members, password needed to enter.
 
Association of Pleasure Craft Operators (APCO),  Marine House, Thorpe Lea Road, Egham, Surrey, TW20 8BF
Tel:  0844 8009575 Email info@apco.org.uk