Are you looking for something new to try this summer? Fancy spending the holidays steering a canal boat or relaxing on the deck surrounded by beautiful countryside?

CanalAbility is a charity providing disabled people with the facilities to spend a day, or longer, out on the water in one of their adapted canal boats. With over 25 years of experience and thousands of happy customers you can be sure you’re in good hands. And being situated in the beautiful Essex countryside adds to the experience.

“Once you’re on the river it’s just so peaceful, you just really relax!” says General Manager, Doreen Goodall.

A single boat can cater for a group of up to 12, including 6 wheelchair users and with a range of packages from day trips to week-long holidays there really is something to suit everyone!

“Day-hire is 4 to 6 hours where we provide a professionally trained crew,” explains Doreen. “For holiday hire guests are given a full days training on how to skipper the boat.”

Independence is the aim of a CanalAbility holiday and each boat is fully adapted to allow everyone to participate in the boating experience with wet rooms, disability toilets, ramps, lifts and remote steering (one boat only). Fully equipped galleys ensure you can prepare all of your picnics on board or, if you prefer, stop at one of the many restaurants and pubs dotted along the canals.

If you like the rural life then you can visit historic towns Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford, exploring the beautiful countryside in between. More of a city person? Take a trip to London and a cruise through Regents Park, you already have the accommodation so why not stop over and take in a show! With each boat benefiting from central heating, trips are offered year-round, with Christmas cruises especially popular. There really is something to suit all tastes.

“Give it a go” says Doreen, “you don’t know unless you try!”

For more information on CanalAbility and to see the affordable holiday packages offered, visit their website here.