By Parkdean Resorts on 27/03/2017
Home to beautiful highlands, picturesque countryside and pretty villages, Britain also has some of the finest waters around the world. From the very tip of Scotland right down to the beautiful coast of Devon, there are miles of magical waters to explore.
There are so many different activities to immerse yourself in - from satisfying your adventurous side with kayaking and canoeing, to relaxing during scenic cruises and dolphin watching, you’ll be spoilt for choice. For those of you who are wanting to explore the waters around our holiday parks, we’ve unearthed some of the best boat trips and water tours in Britain.
Windermere Lake Cruises, Lake District
Lake Windermere, right next to Fallbarrow and White Cross Bay Holiday Park, offers a range of boat tours. The Yellow, Red, and Islands Cruises are available all year round and each cruise varies in length. Whether you want a quick journey across the lake or a longer tour to take in the views, there’s something for everybody.
Setting sail from Bowness, the tours offer beautiful sights - from the breathtaking mountains to the peaceful bays surrounding the lake.
They’re the perfect opportunity to learn a little more about Windermere’s history, too, as the knowledgeable guides on-board narrate the journey. Visitors also have the option to get off the boat at Lakeside, and begin an adventure of their own.
The Lake District is Britain’s largest National Park, and is home to a number of boat cruises where you can enjoy the scenic mountains, wooded shorelines and tranquil bays. Located in Cumbria and championed worldwide, it’s renowned for stunning open waters and beautiful landscapes.
Video sourced from Windermere Lake Cruises HQ
Stuart Line Cruises, Devon
A tranquil cruise is the best way to see the magnificent Jurassic Coast. You can relax and unwind on the Stuart Line Cruise whilst listening to a live commentary, immersing visitors in The Jurassic Coast’s rich history.
During milder weather, the boat will sail close to the shore at times, allowing you to take photos of the spectacular cliffs. Setting sail just over 30 minutes away from Torquay Holiday Park, this boat trip is a fantastic activity for a family day out.
The coastline is home to the oldest cliffs on the coast of Dorset and East Devon. It stretches across 95 miles of the rocky shore, containing fossils that date back over 185 million years. The rocks embedded within the cliffs are from the Triassic Period, and are renowned for their deep red colour. The coast is known for its fascinating landscape, with signature arches, cliff sides and beaches making it a fantastic place to explore.
Video sourced from davidnightingale
Dolphin Spirit, Inverness
If you’re heading to the Scottish Highlands, there’s a special boat trip setting sail which you won’t want to miss. Located in Inverness, just 30 minutes away from Nairn Lochloy Holiday Park, is the Dolphin Spirit Boat Trip, which gives visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.
This boat tour offers visitors the chance to see some of the most northerly bottlenose dolphins in the world. This is a spectacular day out for all, as it’s not every day that you’ll get the opportunity to see dolphins swimming in the wild.
There are two different types of tours available, depending on what kind of trip you fancy. The Dolphin Spirit carries up to 70 people, and will take you onto the waters of the inner Moray Firth, where you can look out for the beautiful creatures from the cabin windows or the outside space.
The Dolphin Mischief, however, offers a different experience to her sister boat. Taking to the waters in April 2017, this inflatable boat will take you further and faster – with plenty of excitement and thrills packed into the two-hour tour. So, whether you want a relaxing day or an adrenaline-filled adventure, there’s something for the whole family.
Video sourced from Dolphin Spirit
Sea Kayak, Devon
Prefer to explore at your own pace? Kayaking is the perfect way to discover Devon’s coastline, allowing you to get closer to the region’s spectacular cliffs and wildlife.
Sea Kayak Devon offers an enjoyable day out for all members of the family. Here you can take a journey of mystery and adventure, exploring secret lagoons and peaceful, isolated beaches. It’s a great chance for children to learn new skills whilst immersing themselves in the outdoors, as well as exploring the Jurassic Coast’s local wildlife. In between the magical adventures, you can picnic on the secluded golden sands, making you feel like you’re on your own private island.
Under an hour away from both Challaborough Bay and Torquay Holiday Park, this activity is not just for families. It also makes a fun day out for friends, a romantic adventure for couples and an exciting experience for solo travellers.
Video sourced from Sea Kayak Devon
The Yorkshire Belle, Bridlington
Bridlington’s famous pleasure cruiser, the Yorkshire Belle, is one of the best ways to see Yorkshire’s enchanting coast. Setting sail just 20 minutes from Barmston Beach Holiday Park, the Yorkshire Belle offers a variety of cruises - depending on what you want to see. From the 30 minute Seaside Special Cruise, to the three hour Glorious Gannets trip, there’s something for everyone.
As a shortlisted finalist, for the second year running, for the REYTA (Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards) in 2017, the tours sail under the spectacular cliffs of Flamborough and Bempton. Here, you’ll get the chance to see a variety of seabird colonies, including puffins and gannets.
The Yorkshire Belle has been impressing visitors since 1947, and is now celebrating its 70th year in action - promoting nature tourism and the breathtaking views of East Yorkshire’s heritage coastline.
Video sourced from XSDNA
Marine Discovery, Penzance
If it’s a wildlife boat tour you’re looking for, then Marine Discovery in Penzance is a trip not to be missed. Setting sail on the exciting catamaran, Shearwater II, visitors are in for a unique marine wildlife watching adventure.
In 2013, Marine Discovery won the Responsible Whale and Dolphin Watch Operator of the year, and it’s not hard to see why. On your trip, you could see grey seals, various seabirds, dolphins and porpoises, ocean sunfish, minke whales, humpback whales, basking sharks, and even leatherback turtles!
Just over half an hour away from Lizard Point Holiday Park, the catamaran is one of the best ways to see these incredible creatures. There are a few different tours to choose from, depending on how long you want to be out on the water and what you want to see. The Discovery Voyage is the longest tour, and during your 4 hour exploration of the sea, you’ll search for seal colonies, seabirds, bottlenose dolphins, whales and much more.
The most popular trip is The Ocean Discovery; a three-hour voyage to discover Penwith’s wonderful wildlife, panoramic coastline, historic sites such as the Minack Theatre and a number of lighthouses. Local residents, like Malcom, believe Minack Theatre is one of Cornwall's hidden gems, “You must on one of your trips to Cornwall go to the Minack Theatre, which is an open-air theatre on the cliffs, quite close to Land's End, which is absolutely stunning.” If you’re wanting a shorter trip, The Bay Discovery is just an hour and a half. This trip is more suitable for families with younger children, or those looking for just a taste of West Cornwall’s marine environment.
Video sourced from Duncan Jones
Have you been on any brilliant boat trips around Britain? If so, we’d love to hear about them on our Twitter or Facebook page.