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for using this service.

In twenty years of canal boating we think this was
the most comfortable / well appointed boat we have
had and also the easiest to drive by far! Staff were
super at both arrival and departure.

Mrs W.N. Watson - Bedford

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  Canal boat holiday articles

 

A taste of the past.

Whatever you want from your barge hire holiday, it's good to know a little about the history of the canals. The gentle pace of a barge hire holiday is a great get away from the hustle of modern day living. Britain's canals were key to Britain's past and you'll find that your journey on the waterways still has the magic of a bygone era.

During the 18th Century, Britain was booming with the industrial revolution. Cities were growing rapidly with new factories, production lines and businesses. transportation soon became a real issue as there were no motor vehicles at that time. The problem was solved by the invention of the canals; these manmade waterways were dug across the nation so that raw materials could be moved by boat instead of by horse and cart.

The boats of the industrial revolution are a far cry from your barge hire craft. Although the shape and size of the boat are the same, the interior of your barge is designed with the modern day holiday maker in mind.

The boats that you'll find in the history books had coal fires and basic living quarters for the impoverished workers of the times. The boats were originally pulled along by a horse- a slow but effective way of getting heavy and cumbersome goods from one city to the next. Nowadays, all barges are powered by an engine. At the start of your barge hire holiday we will show you how to drive the boat- it's simple and can be picked up in a short lesson with one of our experts. We'll also show you how everything works on board.

Don't worry, your barge is a million miles away from the coal fired boats of yesteryear. Our boats are delightfully designed with a huge king-size bed, a kitchen with everything you could possible need, a lounge and a bathroom complete with electric shower. We want you to have a barge hire holiday in total comfort, and we're convinced that you'll love our narrow, but perfectly formed barges!

If it's a blast from the past that you are looking for, why not head to a tunnel or aqueduct? try a cruise through a tunnel which has been hand carved out of the rock, like Harecastle or Standedge.

For an immense sensory experience, glide across Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal. Wonder at the marvels of 18th Century engineering, and enjoy the peaceful journey over the stunning welsh ravine.

We love the mix of past and present day experiences that a barge hire trip can offer. The slow pace and the sights and sounds of history make this a holiday experience that is never to be forgotten.

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