Cruising in and near Rugby

When exploring England's unique countryside one comes across many inland waterways slowly winding their way through the foliage. Aside from being decidedly scenic and having supplied inspiration for a multitude of Impressionist paintings, these watery boulevards also offer visitors an opportunity to experience England from a different point of view. Cruising on these waterways one gains unique insight into many of England's cities while passing through ever-changing landscapes.

Traditionally used to ferry coal and other fuels around England, barges, or narrowboats as they are also called, are now facilitating delightful holidays on England's waterways. Many visitors prefer to rent these canal boats and steer it themselves. Very little skill is involved and this can easily be achieved with a minimum of instruction. Those who fancy a more relaxing holiday, however, have the option of joining up for a cruise with a hotel-boat.

The Heart of England truly is canal country. With the Shropshire Union Canal, the Trent and the Merseyside traversing Straffordshire and the Grand Union Canal ambling through Birmingham, you are bound to find one to your liking. Those who fancy cruising in Birmingham could join up with Away4aWhile Hotel Boat Cruises. A one centre hotelboat that guarantees a no fuss return to your starting point, this fantastic establishment offers a comprehensive choice of holidays with departure points in Birmingham, Great Haywood, Worcester, Stratford and Stoke Bruerne, not to mention cruising in Stratford-upon-Avon.

From walkways to waterways, wild grasses to serene greens, the Pennine district boasts a unique landscape of moorland, hills, rivers and waterfalls. At the gateway to this district of fine scenery and great tunnels one finds one of Canalboat Holidays' departure points, Anderton Marina. Those cruising in Manchester, or looking for an establishment to faciliate cruising in Stoke-on-Trent, can rest easy in the hands of this holiday fleet. Canalboat Holidays Ltd. has over 200 boats available from 11 locations and all can booked directly with the operators. With such a wide choice you should easily be able to find the location, boat size and price that suits your pocket.

To the South East of England, a number of canals and rivers annually attracts millions of visitors. Stretches of these waterways are so quiet that the only sounds for miles around are the gentle splashing of barge making its way down the waterway. Cruising in Chelmsford you would do well to align yourself with Duke & Duchess Hotel Narrowboats, as would parties looking to do spend a holiday cruising in Brentwood. Signing up for one of their cruises will ensure you enjoy the English canals in the friendly atmosphere of a small, moving hotel complete with personal attention, wonderful company and delicious cuisine. Just make sure to visit their website beforehand to ascertain when and where their cruises will be launched. Cruises loop in an annual cycle and you will have to chime in with the established route.

Cruising in Broadway one really gets to experience rural England at its best. Linked by the powerful River Trent and meandering River Soar, a myriad of canals wind their way past sleepy villages. Reed's Oak & Ash Hotel Boats strives to cultivate an atmosphere of total relaxation aboard their barges and all you need to bring is some comfortable shoes, a warm coat for chilly evenings and a sense of adventure. Towpaths meander all along the waterways and those who feel restless can get off to explore surrounding countryside. Launching locations are available on their website and move fast, places are booked out quickly.

Towards the South West of England three of Britain's greatest rivers combine with some rustic canals to make a watery wonderland well worth exploring. Stunning woodland scenery, lively canal-side pubs and a genial atmosphere all make for a scenic experience not to be missed.

Keen to spend some time cruising in Bristol? Tranquil Rose Hotel Boat Holidays offers a range of relaxing cruises, both on the Thames and nearby canals. For example, should you sign up for the Bath to Bradford-on-Avon trip, you would start cruising in Bath and then proceed to meander gently downstream through a wooded valley towards Bristol. Plenty of time is allocated for exploration of the various cities and towns you encounter along the way, so there is no need to rush shopping for those curios. Scenery is marvellous as the canal clings to the side of the valley, crossing it on magnificent stone aqueducts at Dundas and then at Avoncliff.

Tempted yet? Then don't hesitate. Exploring England by waterway is an affordable and novel alternative to traversing it by road. Pack up the binoculars, load the camera with film, make sure you have your deck shoes packed and be off. Britain's canals and a host of quality hotel boats await to steel you away on a dream holiday.