Looking for a wonderful short break near Bath, UK..

January 23, 2008 1:31 PM

Can anyone help me find a wonderful short break near Bath, UK?

Myself and my wonderful girlfriend thought we were going on a fabulous van adventure to the westcountry between the 9th - 17th February this year. That's fallen through, so we're looking for an exciting trip. Anybody have personal experience of any of the many narrowboat hire companies operating on the kennet and avon canal? Or, a particular favourite self catering property that offers peace and quiet, but within reach of bath? Thanks so much

posted by sann1657 to travel & transportation (5 comments total)

You could take a hot air balloon ride.
posted by backseatpilot at 2:00 PM on January 23, 2008

Alvechurch hires narrowboats out of Hilperton before. I've been on one of their boats out of Anderton before and it was a great experience.
posted by pombe at 2:08 PM on January 23, 2008

Err, drop the first before. And I should have mentioned that Hilperton is on the Kennet and Avon.
posted by pombe at 2:09 PM on January 23, 2008

http://www.bradenford.co.uk/bathcanal/

Five miles outside bath. See if the boat Henrietta is available. It sleeps two and has a wood burning heater I think. Get the girlfriend to take the lesson how to drive it, then that leaves you to open the lockgates (trust me most people do the opposite, and then you like a chump letting your girlfriend do all the heavy lifting). If Henrietta is not available ask them for advice. Remember Valentine's Day. (Dont start me off again about Hot-Air Balloons).

I dont know any-self catering, but if you are looking for a B&B then this is really nice and backs onto the canal:

http://www.tolleycottage.co.uk/

and this is a few doors down and in my view even nicer inside

http://www.alexishousebath.co.uk/

Use the maps on the B&B websites. This is the best place to park your boat for a trip into Bath on foot.
posted by priorpark17 at 3:23 AM on January 24, 2008

Thanks for all the replies, everyone.
posted by sann1657 at 12:18 AM on January 29, 2008