Most of the non tidal Thames above Teddington is now used mainly for leisure purposes, passing through beautiful water meadows in the meandering stretch above Oxford, and cutting spectacularly through the southern end of the Chilterns around Marlow. The Rivers Severn and Avon have long trading histories too, the Severn being an important trading route to Shrewsbury and Wales in medieval times. The Avon was navigable up to Stratford in the 17th century. The Grand Union Canal was part of the late 18th century 'canal boom', as was the Mon and Brec Canal in South Wales. Cambrian Cruisers are a friendly family run firm who offer modern hire cruisers on the beautiful and tranquil Monmouth and Brecon Canal in South Wales.
All details are here in their on-line brochure.
Castle Narrowboats offer you a fleet of modem, comfortable canal boats, including electric powered boats, in which you can enjoy as much, or as little, of the Mon and Brec canal as you please. Red Line Boats offer a fleet of narrowboats specially developed for the Mon and Brec, plus day boat hire and chandlery and boatyard services from their picturesque base at Goytr Wharf. The Blue Riband Club comprises six owner operated companies who guarantee to give you the highest standards of both comfort and service. All boats are Tourist Board annually inspected. From its boatyard on the Grand Union Canal at Berkhamsted, Bridgewater Boats offers self-drive, traditional narrowboats for holidays exploring the unspoilt countryside of South England.