COVENTRY residents are being encouraged to take to the water along the city’s historic canals this weekend.
The Canal & River Trust, the charity that looks after Warwickshire’s 200 year old canals, has teamed up with Drifters Waterway Holidays to offer residents the chance to try canal boating for free as part of an open day this Sunday (April 17).
Encouraging people to hop onboard this weekend, Mike Grimes, head of boating at the Canal & River Trust, said: “For many people, a boating holiday is the start of a lifelong passion.
“These free taster sessions are a great way to test out whether this sort of holiday could be for you, before committing to a full weekend or week’s break.”
The free trips on skippered narrowboats will set off from Valley Cruises in the Coventry Canal Basin.
Tim Parker, chairman of Drifters Waterway Holidays, added: “Travelling at just 4mph through peaceful countryside, sleepy villages and exciting waterside cities, canal boat holidays are often described as ‘the fastest way to slow down’.
“Last year, over 1,000 people got afloat at our open day events held all over the country.
“We hope this year’s taster sessions will introduce many more people to the joys of a holiday afloat on Britain’s wonderful inland waterways.”
No booking is required, with people of all ages encouraged to just turn up.
Events open at 11am and close at 4pm.
Visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/drifters-open-days-2016 or call Valley Cruises on 02476 393333 for more information.
