An education on the UK waterways
Teach your children something new this October half term. A canal boating holiday can be a great way to get children outside and active, learning whilst having fun. Each canal and river has something different to offer and gives children the chance to engage and experience something completely new.
The canals and waterways of the United Kingdom have played an important role in our history. Before railways, the canals were used as the main method of transporting goods around the country. There are many canalside museums available to visit on a narrowboat holiday, including the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne on the Grand Union Canal, the Black Country Living Museum in the West Midlands and also the MAD Museum in Stratford-upon-Avon.
There are some impressive feats of engineering to discover along the 3000 mile canal network. Work from some of the greatest architectural minds is showcased along the waters, including the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal, designed and built by Thomas Telford and William Jessop. The Anderton Boat Lift is another impressive structure, standing at 72ft, it provides passage from the River Weaver down onto the Trent & Mersey Canal below. More modern marvels include the Falkirk Wheel; the world’s only rotating boat lift, connecting the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals in Scotland.
Learning how to operate locks, swing bridges and lift bridges is all part of the experience of a canal holiday. Furthermore, children can get hands-on from around the age of 7 operating the canal and river structures under supervision. After a day in the fresh air, full of activity and sight-seeing, your family can relax onboard with some more traditional features including solid fuel stoves, perfect for those autumn evenings. Some of our narrowboats have surprisingly modern features including, a TV/DVD with freeview, Wi-Fi and in addition, iPod docking system.
No previous experience is necessary to hire a narrowboat; full tuition is provided as are buoyancy aids for both adults and children.
To search for your half term family boating holiday:
Visit our website www.waterwaysholidays.com you can also give us a call on 01252 796 400.
