‘Drift along, stop for a picnic and immerse yourself in nature’: your favourite boat trips in the UK and Europe | Boating holidays

Norfolk is ideal for sailing

Hunter’s Yard Norfolk’s Ludham looks after a fleet that includes dayboats and cabin yachts from the 1930s. Some of these boats have electric motors. They are easy to sail and beautifully maintained, making for a relaxing, peaceful holiday. As a teenager, I would go on spring and summer cruises. Then as an adult, I skippered young people’s boats on those same cruises. The Norfolk Broads are wild and full of animals and birds when you get away from the popular and obvious spots. Early in the morning, you can hear water, ducks or rigging. Sail early past sleeping gin castles. You can moor up near a pub to enjoy your evening drinks. Hunters Yard is a friendly company that offers advice.
Rupert

The Cheshire Ring inspires poetry

While cruising, I was able to see the Cheshire Ring On a narrowboat, I began to write poetry. Why? I had never seen such glorious, contrasting scenery in England from this angle before – from old mills and factories casting their shadows on the water, to gliding through verdant countryside watching wildlife, to hearing the hustle and bustle of street-life above the canal in Manchester city centre. The 97-mile circular route includes six different canals, and can take up to two weeks. Who knows, you may even be able to write poetry by the time you finish.
Graham Lilley

From Dresden to Saxon Switzerland, the Elbe river

Catch the Game paddle steamer from Dresden, nicknamed Florence on the Elbe, to Bad Schandau (about €30 for adults) in Saxon Switzerland with its rock formations, views and its walking. Steamers passing each other blast their funnels to welcome one another, waking up somnambulant day-trippers. We passed a number of beautiful villages, regal palaces, and birds flying in the air such as herons. The waiters provided a constant supply of refreshments, including pilsners.
Dave Henry

Herefordshire, Herefordshire: An idyllic getaway on the River Wye

A canoe trip down the River Wye is a great way to escape. Many companies offer trips that range from a half-day trip to a four-day excursion, which are suitable for all levels and abilities. We chose to camp at Ross-on-Wye, a picturesque town located between Hoarwithy and Symonds Yat. The river is ideal for novice canoeists – it’s calm throughout, surrounded by constant, stunning scenery. Immerse yourself in the natural world as you drift, stop to have a picnic, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. A perfect summer adventure – just remember, canoes don’t offer much shelter from the elements.
Harry Crane

The Lancaster Canal has no locks, but it is full of fun.

My two sons and I spent four days on the Lancaster Canal. You don’t see any locks along the 41-mile route. The boys were enthralled and did not look at their smartphones once. Even when it rained, we had a great time. Our boat was hired from Bluebell Narrowboat.
Tony

Portugal: sun rays, vineyards and wine.

My 12-hour, €70 river cruise along the Douro River last autumn was a beautiful way to embrace the benefits of slow travel and enjoy the subtle, soulful vibe of the colours and atmosphere of Portugal. As we chugged away from Porto, the sun’s rays cast magical shadows as we slid past green rolling vineyards tinged yellow and gold. It was surreal to watch the sun go down over the hills as we sailed along. The village of Pinhão was a delight, with the grape harvest drawing a lively crowd for festivities.
Yasmin

Seabirds in East Yorkshire

The Mediterranean is not all about blue lagoons, glass-bottomed boats and other tourist attractions. Yorkshire Belle (adults from £25) at Bridlington. This historic boat takes you around the craggy bulk at Flamborough Head and to the vertiginous Bempton cliffs for a puffin’s eye view of UK’s largest sea bird colony. You will first be hit by the sounds and smells before you are brought up close to the cliffs. During nesting season, you can see thousands of gannets and guillemots as well as kittiwakes, and puffins diving and wheeling above and beneath the water. From a viewing platform on grassland, north of the town, you can observe the birds.
John

Birders’ delight at the Scottish Highlands

Recently, I enjoyed a wonderful cruise on Loch Shiel in Fort William. Loch Shiel is the fourth-longest loch in Scotland without any roads. It’s a beautiful cruise, but it is also a birder’s paradise. There are many species of birds to be seen, including white-tailed, golden, and black-throated diver eagles. A variety of cruises by Highland Cruises on the MV Sileas are offered, from about 90 minutes long to a full day, and cost from about £25, but consult the timetable to find one that suits you.
Pete Dale

Lake Lugano: From Italy to Switzerland

While travelling through northern Italy, last year I followed the advice of an Italian waiter and went to Porto Ceresio on the lakeside. public boat Lugano is in Switzerland. The open-air deck on the white boat was a great place to see the pine-covered hills and the snow-capped Alpine peaks in the distance. The trip took a little over an hour. It was possible to visit the town, and swim in the energizing waters of the lake before returning. The early evening light was stunning.
Nick

The winning tip: Kingfishers, vines and western France

We rented a cottage on the Marais Poitevin (known as the Green Venice), which is partly in the Vendée between La Rochelle and Niort, which came with its own large canoe. Instead of exploring the area as we had planned, we spent most of the week paddling along the marsh’s network canals, full with kingfishers, and in some cases, grape-laden vines that hung down to the boat.
Jo Baker