The den has a TV with VCR which was great for the movies we brought!! The broadcast reception is good in Bath and fuzzy in Bradford on Avon, but the rest of the time it was pretty bad. Good thing for the movies and CD's we brought. Next comes the kitchen area which is all part of the same room.

There is heating which we used some of the evenings. Our visit was 9-25 through 10-2 and the weather was around 60 during the day and 45 at gear handy in case of a sudden shower. It never just poured rain, but it did rain a little every day. The bathrooms were one with just a toilet and one with a sink, toilet and shower.

You can walk along the side rails to get to the front (bow) - but be sure to hold on tight! It's a great view from up there, just not a lot of room to sit. I enjoyed sitting on top and sketching as we meandered through the countryside - listening to my favourite CD. The boat is easy to drive once you get the hang of it. They come with you for a short while to make sure you're comfortable.

Kitchen Features : Gas Stove, Gas Oven, Sink with H/C water, mini-refrigerator, and microwave. The cabinets include all of the dishes, silverware and pots & pans you'll need, but REMEMBER to take your condiments, salt & pepper, sugar, etc. I began collecting these at fast food joints that we went to a few months before. When we got there, I had all I needed and more!! This will keep you from having to buy large quantities of them when you go to the grocery store before you set out on the water. The kitchen also has two bar stools and a hinged flip-up breakfast bar if you don't want to set up the table or you have too many folks and need room for more than 4.

Resort Amenities : Well, it's wherever you are - no telling!! The marina is limited, but within walking distance is the centre of the city of Bath. There is a small grocery store across the street as well as a wine / beer store. We got a 10% discount there because we were with the narrowboats (try the South African Columbard they had for around £4 -or $7- it was great!) The guys in the marina office were always very helpful with information and even let us download our e-mail there (of course we paid for the long-distance call on our calling card). They give you a key to the gate in case you leave for dinner and come back after they close, etc.

Size of Unit : Ours (Furness Railway) was 322 square feet, 55' long and 6.5' wide. You might have some trouble if you're really tall - say over 6'2". Check with the resort on the height inside of the particular boat you have.

Condition of Unit : Seemed brand new. Everything was in working order, although the microwave works better when you're on shore power or cruising. Plenty of linens for beds, but you may want to take an extra towel if you like big ones like me.

Suitability of Resort for couples, families, relaxing, partying, etc.: You need at least 3 adults (or one could be a teenager) to cruise - because it's a hassle to do the locks with only one person and one person on the boat. We took another couple with us and it was great. I think more than that would be a little crowded. We've heard others say that their kids liked it better than any other vacation they've ever done.

It is VERY relaxing and a MUCH SLOWER pace of life than we're used to. It takes about 24 hrs. to wind-down to that pace, but once you do, you won't want to go home. The people on the canal are very friendly - not like city people. Just be sure to slow down when approaching other boats - especially when they're moored at the side of the canal. As far as partying, etc., it's a calm, peaceful environment and you might run the risk of upsetting others around you if you get too wild. However, there is a CD player on board and we used it a lot. Just remember the golden rule and you'll do fine. (hope this isn't too corny!!)

Our favourite town was Bradford-upon-Avon. It has so much history and is a very quaint village. We ate at a Thai restaurant by the River Avon & bridge. There is a 14th Century Tithe Barn, a Saxon church, & wonderful other historical walks, etc. This is also the place where you'll experience your first lock on the canal. There have been several swing bridges to operate previous to this, but this is the1st lock. Be sure to visit the canal bookstore and coffee shop next to the lock. We got several inexpensive souvenirs there. Lots of neat stuff to look at and buy.

Another great place to eat is the Viaduct Inn which is just before the first viaduct you will cross on your way to Avoncliff (which is where the second viaduct is). This restaurant (pub) is about a quarter mile walk from the canal, and great food. Be sure to try the banafe' pie for dessert.

Other restaurants include: Cross Guns in Avoncliff - awesome! and the George Inn in Bathampton. The old church and graveyard across the street are worth a look, too. We heard of a good place near Devises called the Three Magpies, but didn't make it there - saw the sign, though.

Speaking of Devizes, we went as far as the bottom of the flight and got out and walked along the towpath to marvel at all the locks. It takes the better part of a day to go up and then the next day to go back down, so . . . we decided that we'd just go look and spend our time relaxing instead. Good call! If you're really into it, you might enjoy it, but it seems like a lot of work and maintenance.

Tons of wildlife along the canal. An artist's dream (I was in heaven). There are also a lot of ducks, geese and swans. One morning, we woke up to some geese pecking at the side of our boat wanting some bread. I enjoyed seeing the deer and other creatures.

One other thing we enjoyed was picking the blackberries and having them for breakfast. Around the 5 locks between Bradford and Devizes, there were tons of berries along the towpath. They were great on our cereal! The blueberries looked good, but were bitter.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Fair
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Good
• Service: Very Good