 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 misgiving 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.
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