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If you're a fan of stately homes and enjoying visiting historical buildings as often as possible, why not make this central to your next break and choose boating holidays in the UK? There are many waterways in the UK that run past and through towns and cities where you'll find some stunning antique buildings. In fact, there are plenty right by the water's edge, so taking a trip by boat can be a great way of seeing some magnificent views. A particularly popular watercourse for this kind of break is the River Thames. Running all the way from the Cotswolds to London, the river dates back as far in time as the Ice Age and was historically an important trade route. Now, the waterway is popular among those looking for a holiday where the freedom to do as you please is paramount. Staying on a boat removes the hassles of airports and hotels, as well as check-in times and noisy neighbours. Thames boating holidays allow you to make your way into London if you like but have a tranquil spot to return to in the evenings; or visit the towns villages and cities en route to the capital. As you travel, you can expect to pass through Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey, where you're sure to spot some beautiful buildings on the riverbanks. Among the places of interest you may come across are the palaces of Hampton Court, Kew, Richmond, Whitehall and Greenwich and the vast Tilbury Fort. But there is one stately home you're sure to want to see in greater detail as you catch sight of its magnificent appearance. Cliveden House in Taplow, Maidenhead, is well worth a visit if you journey through Buckinghamshire on canal boat holidays in the UK. A country retreat on a grand scale, the mansion is set in a vast estate maintained by the National Trust and kept in pristine condition. The building has been admired for centuries and really is breathtaking, especially if you view it from the river below, as the structure is set 40 metres above on the riverbank. Countless monarchs have visited the estate since the reign of George I and it was particularly popular in the 1920s as a meeting place among a group of political intellectuals known as the Cliveden set. A house was built on the site in 1666 but burned down in 1795. Another was erected in its place in 1824 but around 20 years later was also destroyed by fire. The current building is Grade 1 listed and was established in an Italianate style in 1851, built for George Sutherland-Leveson-Gower - the Second Duke of Sutherland. The site has been home to an earl, two dukes, a Prince of Wales and the Viscounts Astor over the years. Formerly the residence of Nancy Astor - the first woman to sit as a member of parliament in the House of Commons - the house's past became colourful when its mistress became involved with Adolf Hitler. It was also at the centre of the scandalous Profumo Affair of the 1960s, which entailed an affair between the then secretary of state for war John Profumo and a call girl whom he met at a party held in the house. The beautiful building is now a hotel but tours are held on certain days so you can see inside this fascinating structure. Additionally, the wonderful grounds are open to the public. If you fancy stretching your legs in idyllic surroundings, there's nowhere better than the 376 acres of formal grounds and woodland surrounding Cliveden House. Perched atop chalk cliffs, the grounds offer a fantastic position from which to look down over the countryside and take in some lovely views of the River Thames. Take a break from your England narrow boat holidays to wander through the gardens and you'll be able to see up close the famous parterre created by John Fleming in 1855 and filled with colourful flowers. The triangular beds have been maintained in the same style since then, as you'll see. Meanwhile, in the woodland areas, keep your eyes peeled for daffodils, snowdrops and bluebells. As you make your way through the gardens, you're also likely to note the numerous sculptures dotted throughout. These have been amassed by the Sutherland and Astor families over the years and include the magnificent Fountain of Love by Thomas Waldo Story. Once you've explored the grounds and taken a tour of the house, treat the little ones to a go on the storybook-themed play area and challenge them to find a way out of the maze before heading back to your boat. Canal boat holidays in the UK are a great way of exploring the River Thames. And with Thames boating holidays widely available, you're sure to find something to cater for your needs on England narrow boat holidays. Check out Le Boat for a wide selection of boating holidays in the UK.
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