Canal and River Self-Steer

Specialist Reports Activity Holidays Boating/Sailing Holidays Canal and River Self-Steer Hoseasons 

	Hoseasons
Sunway House, Lowestoft NR32 2LW			MAP
tel: (0870) 902 3113

A Suffolk-based boating agency offering holidays provided by a variety of boatyards in the UK and overseas in two separate brochures. The overseas programme includes Now includes Connoisseur and Emerald Star.

Where

Norfolk Broads, Thames, the lochs of Scotland's Great Glen and the Caledonian canal, Fenland waterways, canals and rivers of Britain, 12 bases in France plus Flanders-Belgium, Germany and Italy.

Type of Vessels

Fibre glass motor cruisers, traditional narrowboats, some with a cruiser stern for more outdoor space. Dinghies can also be hired from some boatyards. In France there are fibre glass cruisers plus wooden barges. From some yards boats sleeping up to 12 are available, suitable for larger families. New boats include a growing range of gadgets including games consoles and DVDs.

Equipment

All linen provided, hot water, plus on board heating, and usually a TV. A handful of new cruisers will run a microwave, fridge-freezer and dishwasher. There is also a boat for the disabled operated in Staffordshire. Bikes for all ages are available to hire on the Continent. Some bunks eg on narrowboats, are suitable for cotsides.
Increasingly, particularly in the UK, boats include items like DVDs and Play Stations along with fully equipped kitchens and even canopied beds.

Safety

Buoyancy aids are recommended for children, available for toddlers up.

Sample Price

A week in late July in the UK averages £700 for a family of four.