firsttimenarrowboating

Thanks for all the advice everybody. It's been very overwhelming! From your responses it sounds like we will be addicted from the moment we step on board... After further research, we are focussing on the areas around Oxford or Stratford-upon-Avon (basically we have decided it needs to be easily accessible from London). Are there any recommendations for a route that has a few locks to test us out as well as some quaint and picturesque pubs for relaxing after the hard work?

My wife and I are planning a canal boating trip on the weekend of the 9th & 10th of April 2011. I'm hoping some people of this forum could answer a few questions I have about the whole canal boating experience. 1. Where should we go. -We are looking for a canal that will give us an opportunity to experience a bit of everything (ie. locks, rural scenery, local pubs, aqueducts/tunnels, etc). -After doing a bit of research Llangollen seems to include all the above, although I'm a little afraid it will be too busy (we would like a bit of atmosphere without the experience feeling like Disney Land of canals- if that is possible). What is a typical weekend in April like on the Llangollen? -Is there a canal with similar experiences as the Llangollen, but less busy, in a different area in England? (We are flexible on area) 2. How long? -Over a 2 Day/1 Night or 3 Day/2 Night journey what sort of distance and what can been seen? -If we decide on the Llangollen what would be a good town to depart from which would include the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in this time frame? 3. How much? -What is the reasonable cost of a short break trip (2 to 3 nights). Are some canals more expensive to hire from than others. -Do we need to book over the Internet prior, or should we just arrive at a town and ask around the boat yards. -Any tips on where/who to hire from? Does anybody a canal they would like to hire a good rate? Thanks to everyone (in advance) who takes the time to post some advice. I apologise if I sound a bit naive, but I'm really looking forward to experiencing such a beautiful area in such a unique way. Stephen