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When I took the train from London to Bath, I noticed canals with longboats, also called narrowboats, all along the way. They were all different sizes, and had various forms of decor and frills, but are meant to head down the narrow rivers and canals all through England. I loved spotting them from the train window. Finally, in Bath, I was able to get a closer look as they sat along the stone walls on the Avon River.
Longboats resting in Bath. Photo by me.
It was midweek in November, so very few were out working, but they were ready for a mild weekend when guests would take a leisurely trip down the river through the Limpley Stoke Valley and to Bathampton.
Ready for the weekend. Photo by me
One of my favorites was this funny green boat because of its name– the “Uncle Albert”. Anyone who has ever been a fan of the classic British sitcom Only Fools and Horses gets the reference. He was the beloved old character who had spent his life on the sea.
Uncle Albert. Photo by me
And if you have nothing better to do with your afternoon, you can always use your boat to remove nature’s debris from the river while the tourists watch.
Trying to remove a long branch from the Avon. Photo by me
Life on the river. The British are never far removed from their boats and the sea.
I’ve noticed those boats a million times, and never had any idea what they are there for, lol. Do you know, does anyone actually live in them, like a houseboat? I saw lots of them on the Thames last March and thought they were just carrying tourists.
I asked my live-in authority, My Beloved Brit, and he said yes many do live on them like houseboats all across the country. They also use them for holidays for the summer. He remembers as a boy his dad taking him to an area of north London, and getting on a longboat to take them to the London Zoo near Regent’s park. It confirms my suspicion that much of England’s culture revolves around the water and boats–natural for an island nation.
Thanks Pat. 🙂
I guess I can see where they would be handy for a “holiday” home. And much, MUCH cheaper than trying to buy property on land, lol.
They do seem to still be “invested” in their water transit, probably out of tradition now, since its no longer the necessity it once was.