You mean "narrow boats"?

There are several hirers on the Thames and the Wey - good introductory rivers/canals.

Oxford to Birmingham would be quieter and more rural.

haven't done it fopr years. Enjoy, lisa

I once hired a twelve berth narrowboat from Stratford on Avon for a week if thats any help.

Its always worth asking for one thats been most recently upgraded as some can be a bit tired inside.

Is that the same as a barge? People I know have gone to the Norfolk broads for barge holidays.

Canal boats come in general in two types - "narrow" and "broad" beam, for locks of 7ft and 14ft wide. Obviously narrow beam boats can use wide locks but not vice versa. There are really very few boats on the canals which can be described as barges, and very few on the Thames, too, as most are cruiser type boats. The traditional tyope canal boat is 7ft beam and up to 70ft long, and I suppose could be described as a longboat, but it's not a term which is normally used to describe canal craft..

For mid UK I would recommend the Staffs and Worcs or the Oxforsd canals. Canals are much more intimate than rivers such as the Thames.

I cant recommend the Norfolk Broads Highly enough.

You dont mention if you have been on a boating holiday before so the Broads may be ideal as there are no Locks to negotiate and the boats are very simple to handle and the rivers are not too tidal.

You can spend a good few weeks exploring the Broads(you said a long holiday) as you can only travel at 5-6 mph the holiday can certainly take a long time if you wish.Ther is so much to explore and it caters for everyone.

We've just returned and we had a great time.

I recommend you get the Hoseasons and Blakes Brochures and then either go through their booking procedures or get the numbers of the specific Boatyards from the internet and contact them direct.

Thank you all for your help! Some really good advice to help me plan our next break! : )