Why should I go? When you think of sailing, the Caribbean, the Med, even the Norfolk Broads probably come to mind. Possibly the last place you'd think of is the Midlands.
     But you shouldn't dismiss the area just because there's no coast. There are miles of waterways to explore, because it's the region where England's great canals all meet up. And a cruise through lush countryside and pretty villages on a narrowboat is unforgettable.
     Built over 200 years ago, Britain's magnificent canal network still cuts through some of our most spectacular countryside Much of the landscape, and many of the pubs and villages you'll see as you glide along the canal have hardly changed over those centuries.
     So if you fancy a holiday where every night you stay somewhere new, or a weekend break that's a real adventure, get boating!

What is there to do? The Grand Union Canal stretches from Birmingham to the Thames. It's got easy- to-use locks and there's lots to do along the way.
     Heading south from Birmingham there's a chance to stop off and see Warwick and Kenilworth Castles.
     The canal then passes the genteel spa town of Leamington. There are lots of atmospheric tunnels to negotiate and if you go towards Leiceste r, you'll see the amazing Foxton Staircase of locks.
     Further south is the village of Stoke Bruerne, Northamptonshire, where you can learn about the history of the waterways at the Canal Museum (tei: 01604 862229).
     If at four mites an hour, your narrowboat's pace is a bit too leisurely, there are watersports on the giant lakes at Cosgrove Leisure Park.
     If you don't fancy working too many locks, head up the North Oxford and Ashby Canals. There are only four locks along the way, and you can visit the Civil War site of Bosworth Battlefield, Twycross Zoo, Coventry, Market Bosworth Light Railway, and the Snarestone Tunnel.
     The Shropshire Union Canal goes North to Cheshire. You'll pass stunning woodland, unspoilt villages and great canalside pubs.
     The Trent and Mersey and Coventry Canals take you past the industrial museums and bargain crockery shops of the Potteries. Look out for the Wedgwood Centre. You can visit Burton-upon-Trent and its Brewing Museum, and cruise through the Tixal! Wide Lagoon.
     And the kids won't let you sail past Birmingham's answer to Disneyland - Drayton Manor Park - without stopping!
     The River Severn, Stratford Canal and River Avon take you through Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon and historic Tewkesbury.
     Visit the Little Upton Muggery in the pretty town of Upton, and you'll get a souvenir mug if you eat a whole Desperate Dan Pie - plus pastry horns!  If you fancy a change of transport for a while, try the steam-powered Severn Valley Railway.
     The Worcester and Birmingham Canal has treats like Cadbury World and the Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, with a three-seater toilet!.

Is it expensive? You needn't splash out too much to cruise around in a narrowboat. And you can buy and cook your own grub in your own little galley!
     A family of four can go away from around £275 for three weekend nights or four nights during the week, including all the fuel you'll need. A whole week starts at around £420 for two adults and two kids.

What should I give a miss? Don't go over three or four miles an hour, or so fast you're creating waves that hit the shore. It'll harm the wildlife in the canals, and damages the banks.
     And do slow down and give parked boats a wide berth. If they're cooking a spag bol when you rush past, they won't appreciate you rocking their boat!
 

Charmaine Christie of Wolverhampton explains why she loves boating. 'Its a brilliant way to see some of the British countryside.

Me and a couple of girls went to the canals near Rugby with Rose Narrowboats for a weekend. We had a right giggle.

We were all first timers, but after the first couple of locks it was no sweat.

And mooring the boat is a lot easier than it looks, thought we had a few arguments about taking orders from the captain (me)!

Boating is so relaxing I kept falling asleep because of all the fresh air. . . or may be it was all the riverside pubs!'

Also see www.waterscape.com for full inland waterways tourist opportunities throughout the country.

DRIFTERS is a consortium of ‘award winning’ holiday boat companies www.drifters.co.uk 08457 626252.

Find great ideas for enjoying the waterways on www.waterscape.com.

Visit the waterways museums www.thewaterwaystrust.org.uk
 

When's it best to go? Now is a great time! Prices are a lot cheaper than during the school hols. The season ends in late October and starts again two weeks before Easter. Whatever month you go, pack warm and waterproof clothes - this is an outdoor holiday in Britain!
 

• Take shoes with a good grip to avoid falling in!

• There are lots of pubs, but don't drink too much, too early as you'll be navigating a 60ft boat.

• Working the locks isn't hard, but you'll need to work as a team and give it a bit of we!ly.

• There are no brakes on a boat. To stop, go into reverse.

•Stick to the middle of the canal where it's deepest, and pass boats on the right.

•Many good British boating companies belong to Drifters, call 08457626252, or visit www.drifters.co.uk.

•For canal ideas visit www.waterscape.com.

•For info on canal museums see www.canalmuseum.org.uk.

• Mention Chat/cwp when booking and get £50 off short breaks with Drifters in October 2005 or March 2006, plus two-for-one entry to Waterways Trust museums. 

£50 for your holiday story... if it's printed (send us your holiday snaps, too!). Write to: My Holiday Chat, King's Reach Tower, Stamford Street, London SE19LS.