I think it would be interesting to ride on a narrowboat for maybe an hour or two. Unfortunately, I do not know how one would go about arranging this. Ideally I'd like to be able to leave from London and maybe catch a train back or something.
Any ideas? If possible how much would it likely cost? And what sorts of amenities could I expect? Is it reasonable to expect restrooms on board, for example?
One of the more famous tours is run by the Canal Museum:
Travel by boat through Islington tunnel on the Regent's Canal, opened in 1820, and around three quarters of a mile in length. When it first opened boats had to be pushed through by a process of "legging" where men lay on the boat and pushed against the walls with their legs. Our trips are more easily achieved on board one of London's community narrowboats. We use the historic converted working narrowboat Tarporley, for many of these boat trips. A guide from the museum offers you a commentary on the history of the tunnel as you cruise through it.
Prices and dates
Prices are £8.30 adult, £6.00 children, including admission to the museum. The boat trip is not offered on its own without museum admission. Please visit the museum before the boat departs if travelling on the 1500 or 1600 trips.
Dates for 2014 are the second and fourth Sundays of May to September, and 2nd Sunday of October. May 11th and 25th June 8th and 22nd July 13th and 27th August 10th and 24th September 14th and 28th October 12th
Departure times from the museum:
1100 1200 1400 1500 1600 (no re-entry to museum after this trip, which will return to York Way, close to King's Cross station, or to the museum withoutaccess to the building)
More information is available on their website, and I assure you if you want a tour longer than the hour or so they offer, they'll be able to point you in the direction of other companies. Similarly, if you wanted to hire one yourself for a couple of days.
