This year is the bicentenary of the London to Birmingham section of the Grand Union
Canal— the perfect reason to consider a holiday
on a canal barge. Setting aside misgivings about the
weather and mild claustrophobia, I did a three-day
trip with lots of children aged between six and 14
(you don't want them much younger in case they
fall in, or much older in case they're too grumpy),
and it was wonderful. Very large people (either
upwards or outwards) might find space restrictive,
but generally the boats are well equipped and
comfortable. On our eight-berth Duchess 6, we
had two loos, central heating, a piping hot shower,
TV, CD player and ample galley kitchen. At 21
metres-long, it wasn't the easiest vehicle to steer,
so we rarely went faster than walking pace and
frequently collided with overhanging trees and
lock gates. But that was the fun of it, for the older
children in particular, who learnt how to master
|
the lock system. I must confess that we were
blessed with sunshine and lived largely outside,
with barbecues on the tow path and drinks in pub
gardens along the way. Had it rained, the story
might have been different, but our route from Stoke
Prior to Worcester and back was idyllic, with rural
England at its prettiest.Black Prince:
Tel: 01527 575115,
website: www.black-prince.com Black Prince has five rental bases for canal holidays in England and Scotland. Prices for a three-night break in a six- to
eight-berth boat range from about £500 to £850. |
