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A group of us went away recently for 3 nights over a long weekend to the Norfolk Broads, where we rented a boat. I have to say what a fantastic holiday it was. Yes, the weather was superb, and that definitely made a big impact on our experience, but I honestly think even if it had been a bit rough, we would still have had a brilliant time.

Mooring is easy with plenty of free mooring sights for about 3 boats at any one time.

Tip: try to get moored up by 5pm –earlier if high season- as you could be unlucky if you leave it too late.

For those who do not relish the prospect of a night under the stars in the middle of nowhere do not worry. There are plenty of other mooring sites, many free in the small villages and the towns, not to mention the pubs too. Sometimes there is a small charge, but I saw nothing more expensive than £12.00 a night. The major boating companies usually share moorings and can even be free to their customers. These are usually in the villages so access to amenities is easy.

There are ample places to eat along the Broads, including riverside pubs and other restaurants in the villages that hug the waters edge. We did a little of both. We had breakfast and lunch aboard and hunted out a good restaurant for the evening. Good reference books are useful allies for this purpose.

Cooking facilities although very cramped, are generally very good on board. The hire company provides all pots, pans and crockery etc. Most boats have small fridges and they also provide all your cutlery etc. You just need the food and drink! There is nothing quite like the smell of an English breakfast cooking on an early summer morning, wafting slowly across a mirrored water. It is living indeed!

Steering is easy too. You have forward and reverse, slow and slower. Keep it slow and relaxed and you will rarely encounter a problem. Experienced help is also on hand from your hire centre too, and they will give you a full briefing before you set off. It may sound a little daunting at first but it really is not.

Cost wise our boat for 5, although it would sleep 8 people in 4 double/twin en suite cabins, was about £160.00 per person for the 3 nights and included fuel too.

There are much cheaper deals but we chose a luxury model as I am too old now to “make do” with this sort of thing.

Adults and children too will love this holiday. The confined space somehow bonds all concerned together. There are TV’s CD and DVD players on most boats these days for those that wither without technology.

The wildlife in the Spring and early Summer, particularly the birds, is staggering.

Tip: Take plenty of games and reading material. A book on birds and your camera are a must too. Life is a very slow pace at less than 6mph and it is excellent for forgetting your troubles, cares and stresses.

Whilst we decided to do this trip on a whim, I think we were lucky. There was not a lot of choice for our party size. My advice is to book ahead early, especially if you plan your trip in high season. We were originally looking at the Thames but settled with the Broads as a second choice – only because we had been there before – as we could not find a suitable boat for our needs.

TIP: Always select a boat with at least one more cabin than you actually need. The room is very limited in river boats. Trust me you will welcome any extra space that you are afforded.

Whether you choose, like us, the Broads, or the Thames, the Severn, Avon or Welsh waterways to sail, you will have a tremendous holiday. Do not forget the French Canals too of course. If I can be of help to you in your holiday choice, please contact me. Great sailing!