Since the introduction of AI into the mainstream media, companies are becoming ever more reliant on it. Creating posts, articles and automations to help streamline processes and quicken operations. But it can do so much more. Does it give an insight into what a boating holidays of the future might look like?
We asked ChatGPT and Gencraft, an AI Art Generator, what narrowboat holidays may look like in 50 years time. Let’s see how narrowboats will change and adapt to accommodate the customers of the future.
Are we that far away from these predictions?
In 50 years, narrowboat holidays could be a delightful mix of tradition and advanced technology, creating a unique experience for travellers. Here’s a vision of what they might look like:
Overall, future narrowboat holidays could beautifully blend adventure, sustainability, and technology, creating a unique way to explore the waterways.
Everything is centred around sustainability, “smart” technology and comfort. Travelling by boat will be better for the environment, easier to operate and to maintain. All this whilst still enjoying a relaxing and comfortable break on the water. The way it should always be.
Whilst the images produced by Gencraft show a more futuristic style of boat, we can’t help but wonder, will we miss the charming and classic nature of a traditional narrowboat?
We’ve already seen updates to fleets, such as on board wifi and hybrid cruisers now on the Norfolk Broads.
Rest assured, boat operators will always do everything to make sure the customers have the most stunning holiday, whether it be now, or in 50 years time!
Let’s enjoy the charming canal boats for now shall we! The future can wait.
The post Narrowboat holidays 50 years from now appeared first on Waterways Holidays News - Boating Holidays on the UK Canals and Rivers.
With the 2024 season now in full swing and the weather finally changing, now is the perfect time to show off the new boats we have added to our catalogue this year, just in time for your next boating holiday.
All our boats below can be found on our website along with route information and suggestions for each one.
Location: Horning, Norfolk Broads.
Sleeps: 6
A luxury cruiser designed for the highest level of comfort. Offering modern electronic features onboard including LED mood lighting, pop up Smart TV and thermostatically zone controlled heating. Also offers a raised steering position with a hydraulic full sliding canopy.
Location: Devizes, Wiltshire
Sleeps: 9
Semi cruiser stern narrowboat, ideal for extended families or large groups. The bow deck offers a social area for up to 6 people and underfloor heating throughout plus a bow thruster for easier handling. There is a large stern deck with bench seating too, allowing the helmsman to have some company as you travel.
Location: Hilperton, Wiltshire
Sleeps: 6
Suitable for couples or family groups. There is LED lighting throughout with a TV/DVD in both the saloon and rear cabin. 4-speaker radio/CD. Quiet water-cooled diesel engine with simple controls. Removable front deck table. Full radiator central heating. Situated on the interesting and attractive western stretch of the Kennet & Avon Canal.
Location: Burbage Wharf, Wiltshire
Sleeps: 9, 6 & 2
The recently updated luxury widebeams at Burbage Wharf.
These stunning boats have been refreshed throughout and are perfect for couples, groups of friends or families looking for a little bit of luxury and space.
Enjoy cruising through the stunning Wiltshire countryside passing through the Vale of Pewsey which is part of the North Wessex Downs AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
As you can see, whatever your taste in boat, we cover it all and with these new additions, catering for everybody is crucial to us. Perhaps it’s time to step out on the waters?
The post New Boats for 2024 at Waterways Holidays appeared first on Waterways Holidays News - Boating Holidays on the UK Canals and Rivers.
The Norfolk Broads is the perfect destination for your next holiday. Known as ‘Britain’s magical waterland’, the Broads offers 125 miles of navigable waterways, and of course, the best way to discover it all is by boat! With picturesque towns and villages, waterside pubs and plenty of visitor attractions, the Broads is just waiting to be explored on your next boating holiday. All ages are catered for, making it a fantastic choice for a family holiday and with dogs welcome on most of our boats; you can even bring your four-legged friend. Read out guide to Norfolk Broads boat hire below or visit our website to find your perfect boating holiday. Al;ternatively, call our boating holidays team on 01252 796400 for help choosing your boat and start location.
1. Visitor attractions
You won’t be short of options on the Norfolk Broads! There are plenty to choose from for adults and for children. BeWilderwood, an award winning forest with tree-houses, zip wires and wooden bridges is great fun for a family day out. Thrigby Hall also comes highly recommended, take a tour of the gardens or go and visit the tigers and red pandas!
2. Norwich
The beautiful city of Norwich can be easily reached from the Norfolk Broads. Norwich is the most complete medieval city in the UK and hosts an abundance of restaurants, pubs, bars and shops. It is in the top 10 UK shopping destinations, with four department stores, independent and boutique shops, and not one, but two shopping centres.
3. Food and Drink
Let’s just say you’re not going to go hungry or thirsty! Many pubs and eateries include locally sourced produce on their menus, giving you a real taste of Norfolk. There are many independent, unique places to choose from, including some lovely quaint tearooms and coffee shops.
4. Fishing
There is an incredible variety of fish to catch, making it one of the best known angling locations in the UK. No matter how experienced an angler you are, fishing on the Broads can be a rewarding experience. There are free fishing platforms located on the Broads, or alternatively, why not fish off the back of your very own hire boat!
5. Spectacular Scenery
The views on the Broads are like no other, with wide open skies, day and night you’ll be surprised by the breathtaking scenery. It truly is an area of natural beauty, with the lakes, streams and waterways surrounded by rolling countryside. It’s a great location for budding photographers so don’t forget to take your camera!
6. The Coast
The seaside town of Great Yarmouth is accessible from the Norfolk Broads. We recommend mooring at Acle and jumping in a taxi. For a fun day out pop down to the pleasure beach and visit the arcades near the sea front or just have a day sunbathing with an ice-cream or two! If you’re more of a sports enthusiast, pop to Greater Yarmouth and try out some water sports or go cycling or horse riding.
7. Rest and Relaxation
They say that boating is the fastest way to slow down, so if you feel the need to get away from it all, the Norfolk Broads could be just the place! Travelling between just 3-6 miles per hour you’ll experience a completely different pace of life. Hire a boat with a sundeck and make the most of the sunbathing opportunities in the summer months.
8. Pubs
As expected, there is a great deal of choice when it comes to pubs! Some are set in stunning locations, offering great views of the Broads while enjoying a drink or a pub meal. The pubs on the waterfront give you a great opportunity to sit and watch other boaters cruising past, or maybe even to spot some wildlife. Many of the pubs are dog-friendly so you can bring them along with you!
9. Shopping
As mentioned before, Norwich is somewhat of a must to visit for shopping fans. Gift shops and farm shops are aplenty on the Norfolk Broads, giving you a chance to sample some of that local produce, and get some presents for those back home. A visit to the Broads wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the infamous ‘Roys of Wroxham’ department store, where you can find anything from gardening tools to toiletries.
10. Wildlife
The Broads are well-known for its wildlife, no matter what time of year you decide to visit. Home to a selection of birds and mammals, including otters, hares, bats, deer and even seals! It’s a haven for keen bird-watchers, being home to kingfishers, owls, grebes, marsh harriers and if you’re very lucky you might even spot the super-rare bittern!
No previous experience is necessary to hire a cruiser on the Broads; full tuition is provided as are buoyancy aids for both adults and children.
Visit our website: www.waterwaysholidays.com/norfolkbroads or give us a call on 01252 796 400.
The post Norfolk Broads- 10 reasons to hire a boat on the Broads appeared first on Waterways Holidays News - Boating Holidays on the UK Canals and Rivers.
This year, why not enjoy a family Summer holiday afloat, exploring the Broads National Park on your own hire cruiser or yacht? The Broads is ideal for all of the family, whether or not you have any previous boating experience. Full instruction is provided for all of the family when you collect your Norfolk Broads hire boat to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure together.
The Broads National Park spans both Norfolk and Suffolk and offers visitors some of the safest and most scenic boating experiences to be found anywhere. There are plenty of riverside villages with a great choice of pubs and shops, plus many tourist attractions to suit all of the family. Many boats welcome pets too, so there is no reason to leave your four legged family members behind.
The choice of cruisers is extensive. From classic wooden boats from the early 1900’s up to the latest high tech ultra-luxury cruisers. These include hybrid power, onboard WiFi, Smart TV’s, LED mood lighting and a host of other features to make life on board a real home from home experience. There are also boats to suit every budget, from great value no-frills cruisers to top end Elite cruisers. All feature a full inventory of cooking utensils, cooker and fridge, bed linen, car parking, life-jackets and comprehensive handover instruction. Whichever type of you choose, you will have a family adventure to cherish and remember.
For those that prefer to sail, there is also a large choice of sailing yachts to choose from although you will need some previous sailing experience to hire a yacht. If you have no previous sailing experience, it is possible to arrange tuition with and RYA skipper to teach you the ropes.
To find out more about Norfolk Broads boat hire this Summer, check out our Norfolk Broads boating holidays and find your perfect Broads boating holiday today!!
The post 2023 Family Boating Holidays on the Broads appeared first on Waterways Holidays News - Boating Holidays on the UK Canals and Rivers.
We thought it would be useful to put together some of our most frequently asked questions for those of you considering your first boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads!
ooo 1. Do I need previous boat hire experience?
No previous boating experience is necessary as full training will be given on arrival.
2. How many people do the boats sleep?
Our cruisers sleep between 2 and 12 people. If you are a larger group of more than 12, you will need to hire two boats (there are no boats for self-drive hire permitted on any of the UK waterways).
3. Can I take my pet?
Yes- pets are welcome on the majority of our cruisers. Usually a maximum of 2 pets are allowed on board. If you have more than 2 pets coming with you, please check with us as we may still be able to help. Some of our boats are kept pet-free for people will allergies etc.
4. Is a Norfolk Broads boating holiday suitable for young families?
Yes! There is plenty to keep young children occupied on a boating holiday. Children of all ages love the Norfolk Broads. Being outside in the fresh air, watching all of the other boats go by, keeping an eye out for birds and animals along the banks is usually entertainment enough! There are many family friendly attractions to visit on the Norfolk Broads including Bewilderwood, Wroxham Barns, Wroxham Miniature Worlds, Bure Valley Railway and Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens.
5. How far can I travel?
This does depend on how many cruising hours a day you would like to do. If you are on a short break, starting on the Northern Broads then generally we recommend sticking to the Northern side and exploring all of the Broads and villages there. Same on the Southern Broads, if you start there it is best to stay south on a short break, you could still reach the City of Norwich easily. On a weekly holiday both sides of the Broads can be explored if willing to cruise for longer hours and spend less time off the boat. It is always best to check cruising times between each place and if travelling from North – South or vice versa, check the crossing times for Breydon Water. Check out our boating holiday routes guide here
6. Can I fish on the Norfolk Broads?
Yes you can – as long as it is not closed season. Closed season is between March 15th and June 16th each year. During open season you will need to purchase a licence from the local Post Office. No live maggots are allowed onboard and you must only fish whilst the boat is stationary.
7. Can I go on my own?
Yes, solo experienced boaters are accepted at a couple of our boatyards. At our other boatyards they will only accept a minimum of 2 adults due to their insurance requirements.
8. What is the speed limit?
The speed limits vary between 3-6mph on the Norfolk Broads. There are very clear round signs that will tell you the speed limit for each area.
9. Where do I moor?
The Broads Authority provides free 24 hour moorings at a number of locations on the Norfolk Broads, see the list here: http://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/facilities/moorings. You are also able to moor at any British Hire Boat Federation Boat Yard. Other moorings are privately owned so there will be a charge to moor there, typically between £10-£20 per night. Some pubs have their own moorings, sometimes there is a small charge to moor there but this is usually redeemable in the pub.
10. Will I need to do locks?
No! The Norfolk Broads offers 125 miles of lock-free cruising.
11. What are the bridge restrictions?
There are several low bridges on the Norfolk Broads, meaning that passage under them is not always possible in a hire boat. Potter Heigham Bridge, Wroxham Bridge and Beccles Bridge are very low and cruisers may not be able to pass under these bridges depending on the height of the boat and the tide. Bridges are clearly marked and it is recommended to use the bridge pilot to take your boat through. Luckily, each of these bridges are on the edge of the Broads so you will not miss out on too much cruising if you can’t get under!
12. Are the Norfolk Broads tidal?
Yes, the Norfolk Broads are tidal. The tide strengthens the closer you get to Great Yarmouth so extra care must be taken. The Southern Broads (South of Great Yarmouth) are more tidal than the Northern Broads and we recommend that for a first boating experience, you choose to start from one of the bases North of Great Yarmouth, including Wroxham, Horning, Martham and Potter Heigham.
13. What is the difference between the Northern and Southern Broads?
The north side of the Norfolk Broads has more villages, shops and boatyards. The northern side tends to be busier than the south, especially in peak times. The southern Broads are more tidal than the north & it is a lot quieter and more rural, with less competition for moorings.
14. What will I see on my boating holiday?
The Broads is a well known haven for wildlife, so the chances of spotting a rare bird or catching a glimpse of an otter are fairly high! There are several attractions on the Norfolk Broads, including St Benet’s Abbey, Thurne Mill, How Hill, St Helen’s Church and several nature reserves that are worth mooring up and visiting.
15. Where do I park my car?
You are welcome to park your car at the boatyard. Each of our boatyards have their own car park. Most of our boatyards include parking in the cost of the holiday; however some do charge a small fee.
16. What are the extra costs?
Usually, on top of the hire charge for the boat, there is a fuel deposit and a non-refundable damage waiver to pay. The fuel deposit varies between £50 – £200. You always set off with a full tank of fuel, on return the boatyard refuels and works out the exact amount that you have used. If you haven’t used all of your deposit you will get a refund for the difference, if you have gone over you will pay the extra. The damage waiver is usually between £50 – £75 and is a non-refundable payment that protects you against any accidental damage made to the boat. Some of our boatyards have all-inclusive pricing, meaning the fuel & damage waiver is built into the cost of your holiday already.
17. Do you supply lifejackets?
Yes! Each person is fitted with a lifejacket on arrival. We recommend purchasing a doggy lifejacket if you are bring your pet along with you.
18. Do you supply bedding and towels?
Bedding is always provided for our motor cruisers, however towels usually are not always provided. If you are travelling from overseas towels can be provided for you.
19. Can I charge my phone?
Yes you can! On each of our cruisers there will either be a 12v charging point or a 240v plug sockets on board.
20. Can I cook on board?
Absolutely, all of our cruisers have a kitchen on board. This usually includes a fridge, oven, hob, kettle and sometimes a microwave. All of the cutlery and crockery is provided for you.
To search for your perfect boating holiday, visit our website: www.waterwaysholidays.com/norfolkbroads.htm or call our friendly boating team on 01252 796400.
The post Norfolk Broads Boat Hire – Frequently Asked Questions appeared first on Waterways Holidays News - Boating Holidays on the UK Canals and Rivers.
We’ve been busy updating our website to make finding your perfect boating holdays even easier. Our new search functionality includes new, larger images, more route choices and larger boat plans. With so many of our guests now preferring to use a mobile phone to search holidays, we have also focussed on making our website as mobile friendly and easy to use as possible.
As a team of experienced boaters ourselves, we understand that having an easy to use website isn’t always enough. That’s why you can call us to find out more and ask any questions about either the boats or routes. Our aim is always to ensure that we find you a boating holiday that delivers on your expectations. The choice of route is one of the most important decisions you will need to make. Whether to choose an active route with many locks or a chilled option with no locks at all. The choice is yours, but our team are always very happy to offer you advice based on their own personal boating experiences.
For 2023, we have added many new canal boats and Norfolk Broads cruisers to give you the largest choice of hire boats available. Whether your budget is large or small, or you are looking for a specific boat type or features, our new search filters will ensure you always make the right choice.
The post What’s New at Waterways Holidays? appeared first on Waterways Holidays News - Boating Holidays on the UK Canals and Rivers.
Escape on a tranquil boating holiday this spring and enjoy crisp mornings, quieter waterways and perhaps even spot ducklings and cygnets. Start your boating holiday at rural Braunston to cruise either the Grand Union or Oxford Canals. Full tuition is always given on arrival. Call us on 01252 796400.
An excellent starting point on the Grand Union Canal for novices. A characterful canal with numerous villages and plenty of pubs. Direct rail links to London.
Explore 125 miles of lock free cruising on a modern Broads cruiser. Visit pubs and waterside restaurants. Full tuition is given on arrival.
Ideal for exploring the northern waterways, a boating holiday from Sowerby Bridge encompasses beautiful walks, friendly pubs and historical architecture.
This is just a small selection of our unique range of boating holidays across England, Scotland and Wales. To see your full choice, please visit our website or to chat with our friendly team, call us on 01252 796400.
Alternatively, why not check out our sister website: www.WatersideBreaks.com to view our waterside holiday properties and lodges across the UK.
A lovely 2 bedroom pet friendly holiday lodge with waterside views and on site fishing. Features include a wood burning stove and an enclosed garden with BBQ. The 2 acre lake is stocked with carp up to 35lb, tench, roach, bream and perch. Call 01252 339020 to book.
The post Springtime Boating Holidays appeared first on Waterways Holidays News - Boating Holidays on the UK Canals and Rivers.
The extra space a widebeam provides in comparison to a traditional narrowboat is a feature that many people are attracted to. Traditionally, a narrowboat is 6ft in width, whereas a widebeam offers at least an extra few feet of space, ranging between 9ft-12ft in width. We have several widebeams to hire, located across the United Kingdom, all the way from the Kennet & Avon Canal in Southern England to the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland.
‘Geanna’ & ‘Georgia’ are both luxury widebeams located at our Reading base on the River Thames, available for both short breaks and weekly hire. ‘Geanna’ is 62ft long and 12ft wide, sleeping up to 8 people maximum, with 3 en-suite bathrooms! ‘Georgia’ is the same size as ‘Geanna’ and offers two cabins, one double and one with bunk beds, ideal for a family getaway.
‘Sancerre’, sleeping up to 6 people, is a 60ft by 11ft widebeam located at Marlow on the River Thames. ‘Sancerre’ has been fitted out with lots of mod-cons including, Bluetooth, Wi-FI and an audio system. There is also an electric bowthruster for easier manoeuvring and mooring. The master cabin has a king-size double bed with an en-suite, with double doors opening out onto the bow for alfresco dining. ‘Sancerre’ is available for both short breaks and weeks.
‘Serenity’, is one of our smaller widebeams, located on the Grand Union Canal at Milton Keynes, available for weekly Saturday hire. ‘Serenity’ is 55ft long and 10ft wide, sleeping 4, ideal for a couple’s getaway or for a small family. She is fitted out to a very high standard with a touch of added luxury, including a very handy wine cooler, flat-screen TVs in both the saloon and the cabin and an iPod dock!
‘Larkspur’ is 65ft long x 10ft wide, located at Bathampton on the Kennet & Avon Canal, available to hire for 6 night breaks from a Saturday morning until Friday evening. ‘Larkspur’ sleeps 6 , with one double cabin and one twin cabin and a comfy sofa bed in the saloon. Also in the saloon area is a solid fuel stove- ideal for cosy evenings on board!
Located on the Slough Arm of the Grand Union Canal at Iver, ‘Pendragon’ is 57ft x 10ft, perfect for family groups, sleeping up to 6. There is one master cabin, with a double bed and excellent storage space and a second cabin with bunk beds. There are a few added extras on board: a heated towel rail in the bathroom; a widescreen projector in the saloon and a Bluetooth Boombar speaker for music. ‘Pendragon’ is available for weekly hire from Saturdays.
‘Sanderling’ is located at the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland, giving access to both the Forth & Clyde and the Union Canals. ‘Sanderling’ is 60ft long and 10ft wide, sleeping up to 8 people. There is one master cabin with a king-size double bed. The second cabin has 4 bunks- perfect for families with children. ‘Sanderling’ is available to hire for short breaks, weeks or longer from Fridays or Mondays.
To find your perfect widebeam to hire, visit our website www.waterwaysholidays.com. Search using our widebeam filter or alternatively, call us on 01252 796400.
The post Hire one of our wonderful widebeams! appeared first on Waterways Holidays News - Boating Holidays on the UK Canals and Rivers.
Book yourself something to look forward to next year and take advantage of the special offers currently running across the UK canals, River Thames & the Norfolk Broads. If you are looking for a family holiday, couples retreat or a friends getaway, we’ve got you covered! No previous experience is necessary as full training will always be given on arrival. Here are some fantastic discounted boats & locations for you to have a look at below…
Save 10% on boating holidays in 2022 from our base at Linslade on the Grand Union Canal! Visit the pretty village of Stoke Bruerne and travel through the impressive Blisworth Tunnel.
Save 20% on midweek boating holidays from our Wroxham base on the Norfolk Broads between Monday 25th April and Tuesday 17th May.
Enjoy early booking discounts on all boats located at Dunhampstead! Located very close to Worcester, it’s the perfect starting location from which to complete the Droitwich Mini Ring & spend time exploring the city.
Save 10% on all boating holidays in 2022 from our Windsor base on the Thames. Cruise downstream and visit the famous Hampton Court Palace or upstream to visit beautiful riverside towns and villages.
Enjoy early booking discounts on boats from our Devizes base on the Kennet & Avon Canal. Cruise towards the historic City of Bath or head through the Caen Hill Locks to the market town of Devizes.
This is just a small selection of our unique range of boating holidays across the UK, France, Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands. To see your full choice, please visit our website or to chat with our friendly team, call us on 01252 796400.
Why not check out our sister website: www.watersidebreaks.com to view our waterside holiday properties and lodges across the UK.
Save 20% on weekly stays during December at ‘Evening Glory’. This charming Broads chalet is located on the waterfront at Brundall on the River Yare. Sleeping up to 4, it’s a great choice for a family or small group of friends. Find out more…
The post Super savings on 2023 boating holidays! appeared first on Waterways Holidays News - Boating Holidays on the UK Canals and Rivers.
Over the past couple of months we have added lots of boats to our website! Dotted around the country in various locations, our new additions mean we have even more choice for our customers. Work the Foxton Locks on ‘Marilyn Mayfly’, cruise the Fenlands on ‘New Moon’, visit the City of Worcester on ‘Get Knotted’, explore the pretty countryside on ‘Hemplow’ or wake up to a stunning new view each morning on ‘Willow’ – the choice is yours!
A 69ft cruiser stern narrowboat located on the Coventry Canal. A great choice for friends or a family group with lots of space on board.
A wonderfully designed 61ft traditional narrowboat located on the Leicester Arm of the Grand Union Canal. Great for a family or group of friends.
A luxury 44ft cruiser stern narrowboat, absolutely perfect for a couple or small family. Explore the Fenlands and visit the beautiful City of Cambridge.
A brand new boat for the late 2021 season. A beautiful and well thought-out 60ft cruiser stern narrowboat located on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.
Currently being built for the 2022 season, ‘Hemplow’ is a 69ft cruiser stern narrowboat with a versatile bed layout. Great for large families/friendship groups.
This is just a small selection of our unique range of boating holidays across the UK, France, Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands. To see your full choice, please visit our website or to chat with our friendly team, call us on 01252 796400.
Why not check out our sister website: www.WatersideBreaks.com to view our waterside holiday properties and lodges across the UK.
‘Broadway’ is a stylish New England Style lodge in a beautiful lakeside setting on the popular Cotswold Water Park. The lodge sleeps 6 in 3 spacious bedrooms and has a furnished decking area with a BBQ overlooking the lake. Find out more…
The post Meet our brilliant new boats! appeared first on Waterways Holidays News - Boating Holidays on the UK Canals and Rivers.