Bunglefuzz

Really sorry for asking questions that have certainly been covered elsewhere. We fancy a canal holiday, but please let me describe what we hope to find, and then can people please advise which canal or journey we should choose. Everything full of character to the maximum. Interesting historic industry to see along the way. Preferably no major city centres, I really don't want to be sailing past retail parks because I want to lose myself in the time warp. Really fancy an aquaduct, but not at the expense of losing a degree of character. Want to relax and feel as though I could stop at any point and have a picnic and be delighted with the surroundings. Hope to see plenty of quaint stone bridges and locks. Secondly. A lot of narrow boats for rent seem to be very modern inside, which I personally feel are completely lacking in missed opportunities regarding character. I'd much prefer something more old fashioned, with trinkets and personal items around the place. Also, I'd like an old fashioned engine that goes dong dong dong instead of a modern smooth diesel engine. I'd also like plenty of room around the tiller so we can sit out there whilst motoring along. Can anybody recommend a place to hire such a boat? Many kind thanks in advance for all your suggestions. Lastly, is it true, do holidays like this really need booking a year in advace?