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Your partner for bespoke group travel throughout the UK and Europe!
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Horse Drawn Barge Cruise, Llangollen (Visit Wales) |
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River Thames at Windsor (Steve Allen) |
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Great Britain has a long nautical history to be explored and enjoyed when visiting. Throughout the UK there are great opportunities to include ‘boating’ within a tour itinerary - whether it be a scenic cruise or one of the numerous and fantastic museums. To follow is a selection of ideas to consider when planning your tours, many of which are perhaps less well-known to overseas visitors.
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A cruise is a leisurely way in which to appreciate an area and view the surroundings from a unique perspective. With many journeys lasting around an hour or so, they do not dominate an itinerary, instead enhance the day’s activities. Generally they operate as round trips, with many offering on-board refreshment including afternoon tea.
North Wales – for a very unique experience, include a traditional horse-drawn cruise on the beautiful Llangollen Canal, located between Chester and Betws-y-Coed. Travelling at such a leisurely pace, there is plenty of time to enjoy the peaceful countryside as you sail by. Located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this waterway also includes the iconic and breath-taking Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. You can travel across this extremely narrow and dramatic channel, taking in the spectacular views, via a motorised canal boat.
Windsor – located on the River Thames, this lovely town has much to offer visitors, however one inclusion which is often overlooked is a cruise from the town centre along a stretch of the River Thames not usually viewed by visitors. With various cruise durations and styles of boat, there is something for everyone. Of the many highlights to see from the river are Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, Eton College and Runnymede, where the original Magna Carta was sealed.
Scotland – with the many isles to explore, the opportunities to incorporate a cruise by ferry are numerous. There are other options, however, such as a scenic cruise on Loch Katrine, situated in the heart of the beautiful Trossachs National Park. At no more than 2 hours north of central Glasgow, this is an ideal stop for those travelling across to Oban and the west coast. Alternatively, enjoy a harbour cruise in Aberdeen where you sail past oil support vessels to explore the extensive marine life of the North Sea.
Lake District – known for its serene lakes and stunning beauty, this region is perfect for including a cruise within an itinerary. Perhaps the most well-known to visitors is Windermere, however there are other wonderful lakes should you have time to travel through the region. These include Derwentwater (near Keswick), Ullswater (near Glenridding) and Coniston Water (west of Lake Windermere). All offer small, comfortable vessels in which you are encouraged to sit back and appreciate one of the most stunning and beautiful regions of the UK.
Yorkshire – of the many places to consider visiting, the traditional market town of Skipton is ideally located on the very edge of the Yorkshire Dales. With a rich industrial heritage, a guided cruise along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal brings to life the importance of this waterway, which flows through the heart of the town. A stop here to include this cruise is ideal for those travelling around the county or between York and the Lake District. |
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Pennine Boat Trips, Skipton (Skipton Boat Trips) |
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The Falkirk Wheel (Visit Scotland)
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Along with the many waterways and coastlines waiting to be explored around the UK, there are numerous dockyards, historic ships and museums to consider within an itinerary. All offer a unique glimpse into the past, with their own stories and histories to tell. To follow are a few suggestions to keep in mind.
SS Great Britain – located in the heart of Bristol, this ship was designed and built by Brunel in the early 1840’s. She carried passengers across the Atlantic and to Australia in her many years in service and was considered a luxury liner in her hey-day. Explore and experience life on board for those in 1st class to those in steerage.
Royal Yacht Britannia – for those seeking a peek into royal life, a visit to this ship is a must. Located just outside Edinburgh city centre, this was the floating home for the Royal Family for more than 40 years. With an informative audio guide you explore the five main decks for what is a truly unique visit.
Historic Dockyard Chatham – located on the north Kent coastline, close to London, this dockyard has been an integral part of the Royal Navy since 1588. There are three major historic warships to explore, as well as many exhibitions and a working Victorian ropery. More recently it has reinvented itself by becoming a film location for ‘Call The Midwife’.
RRS Discovery Dundee – berthed in her home town of Dundee, this ship was home to Captain Scott and his crew on his historic Antarctic expedition. Having had a complete restoration, both upper and lower decks are fully open for visitors to explore. Book a guide and see first-hand the conditions these adventurers endured on their dangerous voyage.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall – located on the quayside in Falmouth, this is home to all things nautical, with particular emphasis on the maritime heritage of Cornwall. Exhibitions include a flotilla of small boats, artwork, dedicated exhibitions, a boat building workshop and a navigation station. From the top of The Lookout Tower there are spectacular views across Falmouth and her important harbour.
Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) – for those wanting a more unique experience, it is worth considering including one of these stations. Dotted all around the coastline of the UK, they operate as a charity and are manned by volunteers. Many welcome groups who wish to visit and learn more about their work, the boats, and to hear their many life-saving tales.
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Historic Dockyard Chatham (kentonline.co.uk) |
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If the above boating experiences throughout the UK, are of interest please click on the button and we will get in touch to discuss your individual tour requirements - we will be delighted to assist.
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With over 50 years’ experience in tailor-making group tours, our dedicated and experienced team are here to book all ground services for your trips. Through long standing and trusted supplier relationships, and a wealth of first-hand knowledge, we work with you to create your bespoke tour. The services we arrange include accommodation, executive coaches with professional drivers, informative local tour guides, admission to attractions, ferry and train travel, meals as needed, and experienced tour managers, amongst many others. |
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Visit our web-site to view our inspirational destination ideas and special theme tours covering the UK, Europe and beyond
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We look forward to hearing from you.
With kind regards,
Claire
Claire Thompson
Commercial Manager
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