(Ad 1)
Canal Boat Holidays are available from Merica Merina from the Shakespeare Classic Line fleet. Obviously these are activity holidays without quite the comfort of a hotel, though that is more than compensated for by the experience. Waterside hotels or even Hotel boats do exist for those not inspired by the adventure.
These Narrowboat Holidays can only be booked by the week, unfortuately short breaks or weekend hire are not available. The weeks advertised are advertised on behalf of week owners and you should use the contact details given for any enquiries. Prices are generally modest, typically undercutting the "Hire market" by 20% and often providing a better quality boat as well, for the money, one of the big advantages of Timeshare rentals.
Other costs include Marinas fees and fuel, which combine to about £145 at the moment, this includes a weeks secure parking for your car and all the deisel and gas ( cooking and heating ) you could use. Futher details are provided eslewhere on the site see sitemap ( menu).
Future developments may see the advertising of Shakespeare Classic Line cruisers as well, which will add a little variety of choice to the site ... when I eventually have time to set up the new facility.
If you are the owner of a Narrowboat Timeshare week and wish to advertise on the site please see the "Advertise" link in the left hand column.
If you are unable to find the week you want, or could do with a little help please contact me at info@canalbarge.co.uk
For those looking for Narrowboat Holiday facilities beyond the scope of the above link you will find a directory of Canal Hire Companies at :http://www.canalbarge.co.uk/narrowboat_interface/Hirecompanies/results2_page.asp
Here you will find a searchable list of about 100 companies offering Canal Holidays broken down by area, number of berths, short breaks, pets and other facilities. I hope this may be of some use ... it took long enough to compile. It probably works best viewed in internet explorer: In case you are having problems getting the searches to work.
It should also be possible to make additions to the list using the appropriate submissions form"Add new hire Company" at the top of the page, please do not worry about making a duplicate entry if you want to ammend and existing entry ... send me an email and I will edit the database appropriately.
The canals also offer a variety of other vacations such as hotel boats. Hotel boats generally consist of a pair of boats one for guests and the other providing vacation hospitality and the practical needs for navigating the waterways. Mercia marina is sited about 25 miles north of Birmingham, the nearest major airport is probably East Midlands Airport, with other airports such as Manchester Airport or Gatwick Airport being well connected by railway to Birmingham, from where bus train or taxi are an option.