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If you're looking for the perfect break that allows you to get closer to nature, then consider UK boating holidays to enjoy a relaxed pace and plenty of wildlife. Get away from the strain of daily life and take a leisurely cruise on a boat for a week or so - you're sure to love being captain of your own ship for a while, sailing wherever you please. If you want to experience some beautiful countryside and varied nature during your trip, a great location to consider is the Norfolk Broads. The protected wetlands include 125 miles of navigable waterways and can offer you peace and tranquillity on an England boating holiday. Conversely, the Broads are also close to some thriving cities and towns as well as quaint villages should you feel the desire to explore some urban places during your break. The Broads were once an important transport network but now attract people for another reason - their outstanding beauty. Millions of holidaymakers flock to the region every year to enjoy the picturesque settings and explore the natural surroundings. There is much wildlife to see on boating holidays in the Norfolk Broads, especially if you're a fan of birds. In fact, the area has been dubbed the bird watching capital of the UK, so you'll be in your element if you're a keen spotter. As you wind your way along the riverbanks of the Bure, Ant, Thurne, Yare, Chet and Waveney, you're likely to take in the sight of some rare birds through your binoculars as well as beautiful scenery. But if you'd like to see the flying creatures in greater numbers, why not visit some of the many reserves that dot the area? Be sure to call in at Norfolk's largest ancient woodland, Foxley Wood, which is about 12 miles north of Norwich. The wood is thought to be 6,000 years old and is a great place to spot rare birds as well as various types of flora and butterfly. Another spot popular among bird lovers is Thetford Forest - Britain's largest lowland pine forest. The maze of trees here is home to species such as the tree pipit, woodlark, crossbill and nightjar. Meanwhile, a trip to Breckland should also feature on your itinerary, as Weeting Heath houses the stone curlew, while Wayland Wood is known as the place to visit if you'd like to catch sight of the golden pheasant. Journey on to the heart of the Broads to find Strumpshaw Fen, which has numerous habitats and nature trails that birds frequent. There are also three viewing hides here and you can take a guided walk most weekends to learn more about the nature in these parts. Among the species you can expect to see here are bitterns, kingfishers and, in the summer, marsh harriers. Back aboard your boat, you might next want to head for Hickling Broad as part of your boating holiday in the UK. This is the largest of the Broads and home to all kinds of birds, from common cranes to rarer avocets. In the summer, you can follow a special water trail around Hickling Broad, across open water and through reeds to reach the Tree Tower. Climb to the top and you'll be in for a treat as your eyes feast on the stunning view over the Broads and the coast. You might also like to stop off at Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve, which includes all kinds of habitats such as reed and sedge beds, wet meadows, hazel coppice and wet woodland. This variety means birds flock to the area and with any luck you might spot a marsh harrier or two. In addition to the numerous reserves around the Broads, a number of parks and gardens have been created with the prime purpose of attracting birds, so why not visit some of these locations during daytrips? Make your way to Pensthorpe near Fakenham and you'll find 500 acres of land waiting to be explored. The specially made wildfowl centre boasts a range of nature trails across settings like woodland and fen meadows, as well as by lakes, and has been the home of the BBC programme Springwatch on numerous occasions. You'll also discover large free flight aviaries here, which are sure to delight little ones, while children are also likely to love being able to feed the birds. Another great place to visit is Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden in South Walsham. The land here covers 180 acres and you can take a boat ride over the water gardens to find out more about the nature here and look out for some of the 92 species of bird that have been spotted here. As well as a bird hide, there's also a children's trail that is sure to keep youngsters entertained.
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