Boater by Jo Bell: I sold my home to buy a narrowboat
Boater by Jo Bell (HarperNorth £16.99, 304pp)
What should you do if you feel overwhelmed by all that clutter in your house?
For archaeologist Jo Bell the answer was simple: get rid of almost all your possessions and move to somewhere that is just 7ft wide and 65ft long, where you can 'stay in motion but always be at home'. In short, get a narrowboat.
After working on a project to conserve a collection of canal boats, and spending time living on boats, she began to feel 'encumbered' by her tiny cottage near the Stratford canal. 'I didn't have much, but it felt too much,' she writes.
Bell decided to sell the house and buy a narrowboat instead.
Narrowboats, designed to navigate locks and canals, are skinnier than barges. To confuse narrowboats and barges 'is like mistaking a whippet for a St Bernard', Bell says sternly.
People who travel on narrowboats are called boaters, not sailors, and saying 'river' instead of 'canal' is a terrible solecism.
Bell regards Britain's canals – most of which are no more than 5ft deep – as 'one of the great achievements of human endeavour… more precious than Stonehenge'. In the 18th century, as rutted roads made transporting goods cumbersome, the idea of a network of canals became increasingly attractive.
Privately funded canals linking rivers such as the Trent, Mersey, Thames and Humber were built in a decade.
The sturdy green and red boat that was to be Bell's new home was named Tinker. She rather skates over the bathroom arrangements but says that, contrary to popular belief, narrowboats aren't freezing cold in winter. If anything, the small space tends to get overheated thanks to a log-burning stove.
Her early months as a boater were full of trial and error, but gradually she got more confident, even mastering the knack of hovering mid-channel with perfect control while waiting for a lock to open.
(The double mitre canal lock, still in use today, which uses the force of water to keep the gates sealed, is one of the great Leonardo da Vinci's inventions.)
She makes life on a boat sound a tremendous adventure. Light raindrops on the roof sound like grains of rice rattling on a tin tray. Friends with babies love visiting as the rocking of the boat sends the most fractious child to sleep.
The canal network, Bell writes, is a magical place, 'a parallel country with its own landmarks and place names'. After 12 years she reluctantly replaced Tinker with a new boat, called Stoic. It seems Bell will never give up life on water, where she and her fellow boaters travel at three miles an hour and 'navigate by different stars'.
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Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Boater by Jo Bell: I sold my home to buy a narrowboat
Boater by Jo Bell (HarperNorth £16.99, 304pp) What should you do if you feel overwhelmed by all that clutter in your house? For archaeologist Jo Bell the answer was simple: get rid of almost all your possessions and move to somewhere that is just 7ft wide and 65ft long, where you can 'stay in motion but always be at home'. In short, get a narrowboat. After working on a project to conserve a collection of canal boats, and spending time living on boats, she began to feel 'encumbered' by her tiny cottage near the Stratford canal. 'I didn't have much, but it felt too much,' she writes. Bell decided to sell the house and buy a narrowboat instead. Narrowboats, designed to navigate locks and canals, are skinnier than barges. To confuse narrowboats and barges 'is like mistaking a whippet for a St Bernard', Bell says sternly. People who travel on narrowboats are called boaters, not sailors, and saying 'river' instead of 'canal' is a terrible solecism. Bell regards Britain's canals – most of which are no more than 5ft deep – as 'one of the great achievements of human endeavour… more precious than Stonehenge'. In the 18th century, as rutted roads made transporting goods cumbersome, the idea of a network of canals became increasingly attractive. Privately funded canals linking rivers such as the Trent, Mersey, Thames and Humber were built in a decade. The sturdy green and red boat that was to be Bell's new home was named Tinker. She rather skates over the bathroom arrangements but says that, contrary to popular belief, narrowboats aren't freezing cold in winter. If anything, the small space tends to get overheated thanks to a log-burning stove. Her early months as a boater were full of trial and error, but gradually she got more confident, even mastering the knack of hovering mid-channel with perfect control while waiting for a lock to open. (The double mitre canal lock, still in use today, which uses the force of water to keep the gates sealed, is one of the great Leonardo da Vinci's inventions.) She makes life on a boat sound a tremendous adventure. Light raindrops on the roof sound like grains of rice rattling on a tin tray. Friends with babies love visiting as the rocking of the boat sends the most fractious child to sleep. The canal network, Bell writes, is a magical place, 'a parallel country with its own landmarks and place names'. After 12 years she reluctantly replaced Tinker with a new boat, called Stoic. It seems Bell will never give up life on water, where she and her fellow boaters travel at three miles an hour and 'navigate by different stars'.
The Independent
14 hours ago
- The Independent
15 best things to do in London with the kids this summer
London is a city so packed with superlative attractions and activities that deciding what to do and where to go next can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Such feelings are amplified if you're constricted by time, money or when travelling with children. While the UK capital is home to some of the world's most respected museums, historical sights, award-winning shows and restaurants and all-round vibes, selecting something to keep children of all ages entertained is another matter. Thankfully, we've done the work for you to ensure you have the best trip this summer. Forget Madame Tussauds: we've selected some of London 's most weird, wonderful and awe-inspiring experiences to ensure both you and your little ones are entertained and inspired by everything this marvellous city has to offer, whatever your budget – and whatever the weather. Best things to do in London 1. Ride the world's longest and tallest slide Whizz down The Slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the world's tallest (76 metres) and longest (178 metres) slide. Designed by artists Anish Kapoor and Carsten Höller and architect Cecil Balmond to mark the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, this iconic landmark is located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, east London. Composed of 12 twists and turns, including a tight corkscrew known as the bettfeder ('bedspring' in German), it climaxes with a thrilling 50 metre straight run to the ground. Expect to reach speeds of up to 24km on a journey that takes 40 seconds from beginning to end. Visitors can either take the lift to the viewing platform or tackle the 455 steps. There's also a glass floor to peer through, for those brave enough. 2. Visit a city farm London's 12 city farms are educational and fun green spaces aimed at serving the local community, and home to a plethora of creatures, from the curious to the cuddly. Mudchute Park and Farm covers 32 acres in the Isle of Dogs, making it one of the largest inner city farms in Europe. It's home to over 100 animals and fowl, including llamas. In south London, Vauxhall City Farm is London's oldest, and resident to alpacas, ferrets, goats and more. Visitors can also enjoy animal experiences, including being a farmer for the day, or simply just enjoy petting their furriest residents. Vauxhall City Farm also has a riding school, which is currently closed for renovation until September 2025. Other city farms can be found in Hackney, Spitalfields, Kentish Town, Stepney and Crystal Palace. 3. Watch a film on the UK's biggest cinema screen Towering at an impressive 20 metres by 26 metres, the BFI Imax cinema in Waterloo is the UK's biggest cinema. A 12,000-watt digital surround system makes a visit here the ultimate immersive experience for film lovers, with the sheer scale of this film experience certain to widen young eyes. Films showing this summer include The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Superman in 2D and 3D. From £14 4. Splash out If the heat is getting a bit much (and even if it's not), head to Royal Victoria Dock's Summer Splash. This free, family-friendly experience features lifeguard-supervised swimming, a shallow section for children, sandy play areas, relaxing deckchairs, exciting activities for kids and a vibrant evening programme. Take a load off in a deckchair, take a dip and soak up the views of this vast stretch of open water, framed by the city's skyline. From 25 July to 17 August, free 5. Discover London's world class museums London is blessed with some of the world's most illustrious museums, many of which offer a whole host of activities and experiences to engage young minds, particularly during school holidays, from zine-making to sculpture, collage to finger painting. 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Climb 118 steps to discover a complex ecosystem teeming with birds, insects, lichen and fungi that live in the trees' uppermost branches. At ground level, sculptures carved from tree trunks illustrate microscopic elements of trees to explain how they grow. There's also a Children's Garden, which is a fun and interactive space for little ones to climb, run, jump and explore, complete with trampolines, stepping stones, periscopes, hammocks and a living bamboo tunnel. 7. Jump on the Harry Potter bandwagon The magical world of Harry Potter continues to resonate with children of all ages – and there's plenty to explore in London for Muggles and magical folk alike. The big hitter is undoubtedly the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Here, fans can see sets, props and costumes from the hit film franchise and step inside film locations such as Dumbledore's office, the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest. Buses travel regularly to the site from the centre of London, while trains take 20 minutes from Euston to Watford Junction, with regular shuttle buses. And if that's too pricey, head to Platform 9¾ at King's Cross station where you can cosplay as your favourite character and bag a fun selfie. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter tickets from £56; free to visit Platform 9¾ at King's Cross station 8. Get lost in the UK's oldest surviving hedge maze Whatever your age, getting lost in the Hampton Court Maze is an experience you won't forget in a hurry. Commissioned around 1700 by William III, it covers a third of an acre and is known for its confusing twists, turns and dead ends. On average, it takes around 20 minutes to reach the centre. As it's a multicursal maze – meaning a visitor needs to make decisions about which route to take next, rather than simply following a single path – it's great for stimulating the grey matter and getting kids off their phones as they attempt to conquer this puzzle. Children under four go free, tickets for those aged 5-15 start from £13.60, including entrance to the palace, maze and Magic Garden 9. Take a street art tour Score points with teenagers on a tour of London's best street art. Hear the stories behind some of the city's most fascinating artworks, from giant murals to tiny hidden sculptures, on a tour that takes in artwork by Roa, Shepard Fairey, Invader, Stik and Vhils. There's also the option to add on a workshop, where participants can try their hand at creating their own artwork in the purpose-built studio. 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A combination of real images from space and CGI combine for an awe-inspiring experience. There are different shows every day, plus a special show for children aged seven and below during school holidays and on weekends. 15. Hit the West End London's West End is home to some of the world's slickest theatrical productions, plenty of which are created with children in mind. Award-winning shows that are certain to enthral include playwright Dennis Kelly and comedian and artist Tim Minchin's musical of the classic Roald Dahl novel Matilda, the timeless spectacle of The Lion King, which continues to wow with dazzling sets and puppetry, and Wicked, the hit production that inspired the Tony award-winning film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
The Sun
17 hours ago
- The Sun
Five BEST used caravans for a summer staycation are revealed – and they're all under £5,000
THE best second-hand caravans to buy for under £5,000 have been revealed - as Brit travellers look for UK getaways this summer. Caravan specialists told The Sun the best brands to look for when RV hunting on a budget, as well as key tips for second-hand buyers across the UK. 6 Experts weighed in on which campers have the best value for money at the low £5,000 price point. A handful of brands were mentioned by multiple sources, with each specialist detailing which caravans had the best quality at their estimated price. Caravans For Sale told The Sun that shoppers should target "mid to late 2000s models". And they gave tips on what to look for before buying used caravans, including reports and battery checks. Bailey Senator The Bailey Senator is made by Bailey of Bristol, one of the UK's most trusted and long-established caravan manufacturers. Caravans For Sale spokesperson Linzi Oliver said it used to be in the "higher-spec range at the time [it was released]". 6 Once a flagship model, it is still known for its luxury touches, solid build quality, and spacious layouts. She explained: "You'll find older Series 5 or Arizona models just scraping under £5k if well-used, and they still offer great quality for long-term touring." Older models from 2001 can even be snatched up second hand for just over £2,500. But they still boast decent sized rooms and extra premium features that aren't found in entry-level campers. Watch the video to see inside the family-of-seven's caravan home The line was discontinued in 2010, but lives on as a top choice for used caravan buyers in 2025. Elddis Odyssey The Elddis Odyssey is a well-built, mid-to-high-range touring caravan made by Elddis, a trusted British brand based in County Durham. The Odyssey range was a popular step up from Elddis's entry-level caravans, offering more space and cosier interiors — without the sky-high prices of high-end models. "This range has a strong reputation for being robust," Oliver said. How much does it cost to live in a caravan? LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs: Initial Costs Caravan Purchase: £8,000 - £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition) Caravan Insurance: £200 - £800 per year Ongoing Monthly Costs Pitch Fees: £150 - £600 (varies by location and facilities) Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 - £120 Maintenance and Repairs: £20 - £80 Internet and TV: £20 - £50 Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 - £40 Other Potential Costs Waste Disposal Fees: £8 - £25 Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 - £1,600 (one-time) Sample Monthly Budget Pitch Fees: £400 Utilities: £80 Maintenance and Repairs: £40 Internet and TV: £40 Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25 Total: £585 Annual Estimated Cost Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020 Insurance: £500 Maintenance and Repairs: £480 Total Annual Cost: £8,000 Tips to Save Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons. DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself. Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs. While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK. "And with larger 4 berth options, they're great for families." The expert added: "2005–2008 Odyssey models can often be found for £4,000–£5,000, usually in good condition with full service history." Though the line was discontinued in the early 2010s, it remains a favourite on the used market. The Odyssey is ideal for summer staycations, festivals or long weekends on the coast. Lunar Ariva Oliver said: "The Ariva is celebrated for being lightweight, often around 970kg MTPLM, which makes it ideal for smaller tow vehicles. "Older Arivas (2005–2009) are commonly available for £3,500–£4,800." 6 The two-birth caravan may be small, but it still has a well-equipped interior, including a kitchen, living area and a bathroom. It's a great choice for couples looking for an easy to handle caravan for short weekend trips away. Swift Charisma The Swift Charisma 565 is a great family-friendly caravan, with a 2003 model selling for between £4500 and £5000. It features a washroom, a side kitchen and a dinette, with an L shaped lounge. 6 "The seating is generally comfortable and the L shaped lounge is a very sociable area and makes into a large double bed", said caravan expert Andrew Jenkinson. This layout is ideal for four or makes a great 3 berth, plus it comes with a mover and an awning – not a bad buy at all." This caravan is perfect for taking kids away to the beach on school holidays. Compass Corona The Compass Corona 505 is a five-berth caravan with 2003 models of the vehicle selling for around £4,750. It's a lightweight family model with two double dinettes, giving it a spacious feel. "The caravan has a large front layout, side kitchen with a wardrobe and a washroom opposite with a dinette at the rear which comes with a bunk bed too. "This layout is ideal for families and with a spec that includes an oven ,heating, a fridge and a shower it's a great buy and it's also relatively light in weight too. "This is ideal for a family of first timers."
