Pottering about in boats is a very British pastime. Being an island race, us Brits have always had a strong affinity with water and have a long noble naval tradition, it's in the blood, especially in East Anglia, which is of course the birthplace of Nelson.

The idea of messing about in boats has been encouraged over the years by many literary classics like, "Swallows and Amazons" and "Three men in a boat" which I am certain have had an influence on the popularity of spending a holiday on the Norfolk broads. Today you can enjoy a wide range of boating holidays on the broads, which extend into Suffolk and Oulton broad. The choice of vessels range from small intimate romantic boats (some have four poster beds, how strange is that!) to large multi-berth boats which are ideal for large groups or extended families. The fishing and bird watching opportunities are splendid.

The facilities often match holiday cottages, so you don't have to "rough it" to enjoy a boating holiday nowadays, they often include DVD players, TV, radio, fridges, freezers, ovens and of course showers and toilets. They are not hard to handle, and anyway, many other people will be skippering a boat for the first time, so just be careful and considerate and you will be fine. East Anglia is pretty flat, so there are not many locks! Ideal for the novice captain. Its important to decide where you wish embark from, and how far you want to go before you choose your holiday. Some of the bridges are very low and only small craft can make use of them.