Canal holidays have never looked so appealing for families, with flotilla bookings for bubble breaks proving more popular than ever.
Narrowboat operator Black Prince Holidays has seen a 190% increase in bookings over the past four weeks, with almost three times the normal level of searches for narrowboat holidays in under-the-radar destinations including Worcestershire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire.
There’s been a big rise in ‘flotilla’ bookings for two or more boats, with extended families attracted by the seclusion and ease of social distancing on a narrowboat.
Leighton Jones, operations manager at Black Prince says: “Holidaymakers are swapping lockdown for locks.
“Canal holidays are about as socially distanced as you can get, but they are great fun too. Families groups who haven’t seen much of each other over the last few months can book multiple boats and share the experience without stepping on each other’s toes.”
Black Prince has launched a selection of new routes that are tailored to families. They include Canal & Castle, which can be taken as a 10 or 14-night cruise from Napton along the Warwickshire Ring. Boaters can stop for attractions that include Warwick Castle, Cadbury World and Drayton Manor Park & Zoo and conquer Hatton Locks, nicknamed the Stairway to Heaven for its steep incline.
Says Leighton Jones: “Our new routes have been a great success. Creating routes for families gives parents the confidence that there will be plenty to keep their children active and entertained.”
