With over 3,000 miles of canals and navigable rivers to explore in Britain alone (and over 28,000 miles of navigable in Europe), cruising the inland waterways with friends and family is one of the most relaxing ways you can spend time on the water.

How can I try it?

There are plenty of travel companies on hand that can provide all the instruction to take a boat out safely for the first time. With so many different places to explore and a variety of different canal or riverboats available to hire, you can tailor your trip to be exactly how you’d like it.

If you don’t fancy taking a boat out yourself, booking onto a hotel boat or going for a meal on a restaurant boat is a great way to get a taste for life on the river. The Canal and River Trust is a great place to find more information about taking a boat trip or holiday.

While anyone can hire a canal boat in Britain, it’s good to know the basics before you set-off. The RYA Inland Waterways Courses will give you all the tips and tricks to make your time on the water safer and more enjoyable.

You can also look into joining a club by visiting The Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs.

Canal and riverboats are hugely accessible for people of all abilities. RYA Sailability can help you to get in touch with canal or river based groups.