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7 reasons why a boating holiday is the perfect slow-paced adventure
Puttering along England's meandering waterways in a boat is one of the most relaxing holidays you can have
From Oxford to Essex, Norwich to Bristol, Britain's inland waterways stretch for more than two thousand miles. A boating holiday on the Thames is a great way to explore the rural nooks and crannies of southern England. Over in France, the waterways are even more extensive. Cruise the Canal du Midi down to the Mediterranean, explore the flamingo-filled coastal lagoons of the Camargue or follow the oh-so-scenic Saône River as it winds and wends its way through the Burgundy wine region.
And like all the best things in life, the fun is in the journey not the destination. Well, unless you count the many riverside pubs you'll encounter along the way.
Boating life has its own rules. Waving at everyone is compulsory. No speeding – the backwash upsets the river dwellers – and don't tease the wildlife. Remember, it's hard to outrun an angry swan when your top speed is five mph.
If you're looking for a slow-paced adventure, here are seven good reasons why a boating holiday should be at the top of your wish list. What's more, Good Housekeeping readers can now save a generous 25 per cent off boating holidays with Le Boat, which has departures across the UK, France and Ireland.
It encourages you to slow right down
There's something about the gentle pace of life on the river which slows the metronome of life right down. Putter along the waterways in a quiet boat and you can exist quite happily in the company of the resident swans, mallards and grey heron. A boating holiday is great for amateur twitchers. Bring your binoculars and you could spot grey crested grebes, reed buntings, kingfishers and many more as you slowly cruise the waterways.
You can explore remote waterways
A far cry from those itinerary-heavy city breaks or busy beach holidays, if you want to really relax, a boating trip is just the ticket. With thousands of miles of waterways criss-crossing England, Le Boat has several departure points dotted along the Thames. Wind through ancient tunnels, duck under mossy bridges and navigate locks as you putter through some of Britain's most beautiful countryside.
It's fun for all the family
Whether you’re working the locks, manning the helm or cycling along the towpath to race the boats, a self-drive boating holiday in England or Europe can be a brilliant low-key adventure for all the family - even the furry members. From riverside walking paths to dog-friendly pubs, life on the water can be as much fun for hounds as it is for their humans.
Boating is the best pub crawl
Of course, the main attraction of a boating holiday is coasting from riverside pub to riverside pub on a beautiful sunny day. Whether you fancy a ploughman's lunch, a snifter at sunset or to moor up and settle in for the night, the River Thames is peppered with some incredible waterfront pubs. On the Oxford leg, look out for The Head of the River at Folly Bridge, which has a charming floral garden. While foodies will love the fine dining menu at the Compleat Angler in Marlow.
No experience is necessary
Life at the helm is not only the domain of salty sea dogs and swashbucklers - boating holidays are accessible to everyone. Le Boat's vessels have been designed to be incredibly easy to pilot. Driven with a steering wheel and a forward/reverse throttle, absolutely no experience or boat licence is necessary. After a short introduction to the boat and controls, Le Boat's team will accompany you for a short distance until you're comfortable before sending you on your merry way.
It's an easy way to sightsee
One of Le Boat's most popular routes is along the River Thames. Stretching for more than 200 miles from Gloucestershire down to the Thames Estuary, there's plenty to see and do on a Thames boating holiday. Moor up and visit Hampton Court Palace or take a stroll around Richmond Park. On their French itineraries, the scenic Canal du Midi passes through medieval villages and Loire vineyards on its way from Toulouse down to the Mediterranean.
You might spot a celebrity boater
Canal boating holidays have attracted a celebrity following in recent years. Keira Knightly is often seen noodling along the Regent's Canal on a narrowboat, while Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart spent a week cruising the canals of Llangollen. And there are few corners of Britain's extensive canal network that Prunella Scales and Timothy West have not uncovered for Channel 4's Great Canal Journeys series.
Good Housekeeping readers can save 25 per cent on a Le Boat boating holiday by using the code HRST. Terms and conditions apply. Visit Good Housekeeping's leboat.co.uk page for more information.
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