Why Canal Boat Holidays are more Popular than Ever
There is no denying that UK canal boat holidays have seen a boost in popularity over recent years and there are many reasons why they are being chosen over and above 'an escape to the sun' style of holiday.
One reason why canal holidays are on the increase is that the idea of taking yet another cheap package deal holiday has become a little jaded in people's minds. After a few years, you can honestly say that you have 'been there and done that' with the most common overseas destinations.
Taking a canal boat holiday is a chance to downshift your pace and take the slow-lane for a change. You can allow yourself to chill out and relax from day one instead of rushing around meeting flights and worrying about packing your case right to get through customs.
Economic climate
Another theory about why canal holidays have risen steeply in popularity is also down to the state of the current economic and political climate. With the uncertainty surrounding Brexit causing many upheavals to people's travel and holiday plans, people are taking the safe route by looking at taking more 'staycations' in the UK and taking a canal boat holiday is a very appealing option to explore.
Luckily, the UK has a long and winding network of beautiful canal boat routes to explore. There are areas along the canal route that you can really only explore by boat, so this gives many holidaymakers a rare and unusual opportunity to see sights, landscapes and wildlife that many others never get the chance to see.
A chance to get back to nature
A lot of hard work has gone into the restoration and maintenance of the UK's canal system so many routes have become very well protected because they are home to a great deal of rare, native wildlife.
Once you take your very first canal boat holiday and explore the countryside via boat, you get to see why this type of holiday is very impressive and you can understand why it attracts so many people to spend their holiday time enjoying watching wildlife at a slow pace while gently cruising the depths of the British countryside.
Exploring canal-side attractions
As well as enjoying the obvious pleasure of gliding effortlessly along very serene waterways, taking a canal holiday also gives you plenty of opportunities to moor up and explore the many attractions that you will discover along your route.
Hop off and explore one of the many quaint villages or hamlets that are accessible from the canal. If you love whiling your time away sipping coffee and people watching, or love rooting out a bargain in an antique shop, then you can spend as long as you please doing what you love.
There is no pressure or limits put on your time with a canal boat holiday. You can forget all about being hurried along by a busy tour guide or having to be back at your tour coach by a certain time. Instead, you can chill out, relax and let your mind wander without constantly clock watching.
Getting closer to history
Sometimes you can forget that just how historic our canals are because they are so picturesque. Canals were a very important early transport system for goods long before rail and road took over the heavy load.
If you are a history fan, then there are plenty of historical buildings and places of great significance to experience and learn about on your journey. You can lose yourself in your thoughts and imagine yourself as one of the early barge workers travelling the waterways on route to deliver precious cargo.
To be honest, a life working on the waterways was very hard graft, but many people would prefer it to being stuck in an office cubicle 5 days per week!
Narrowboat Canal Holidays UK
If you fancy a change of scenery and a change of pace for your next holiday, then why not discover what a canal holiday has to offer!
Find out more about our Narrowboat Canal Holidays operating from our base in Leighton Buzzard or if you want to chat to our friendly team about your next holiday, do not hesitate to contact us.