canal boat holiday guide

In July Victoria Pollitt and husband took their two children for a canal boat holiday aboard the 67ft barge Askrigg.

They set off from our canal boat hire base at Trevor on the Llangollen Canal in North Wales.

It was their first narrowboat holiday and it included journeying across the famous World Heritage Status Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Victoria says: ‘I quickly discover that canal boating is simultaneously very relaxing and stressful. Once we cross the aqueduct with its amazing views, there are other boats to dodge, tight turns to master and long tunnels to chug through.

‘At first, bridges and locks may be daunting but they quickly become part of the fun, giving the children some activity and making them feel part of the team. Luckily, every boater seems friendly and happy to help if you get in a fix.’

Their journey takes them to the Welsh border village of Chirk, and Ellesmere, in the heart of the Shropshire Lake District.

Victoria says: ‘There’s something pretty awesome about travelling along in a floating home but I recommend mooring up as often as possible to explore the towpath and surroundings. We love stopping where we want, discovering walks through the countryside with just cows for company. This slow pace of travel needs to be embraced.’

To read the full guide, including 10 top tips for taking children on a canal boat holiday, go to https://thefamilyholidayguide.co.uk/canal-boat-holiday/