Terry's five favourite canal routes in England plus more information and websites

Do you have to use a chemical toilet?

No. Chemical toilets disappeared from hire boats years ago. These days they have freshwater flush toilets, which are clean and efficient and feed into a tank.

Locks look very complicated. How difficult are they?

Barging around England with the kids

Four counties, six days, three young pirates... Caitlin Moran says a barge break in England is great for families

• Boating holidays for feuding families

The 4mph canal boat thrill-ride in Wales

Stephen Bleach crosses the longest and highest navigable aqueduct ever built

BACKGROUND

• Family bonding on a French canal holiday

• Across Sweden by canal boat

• A gastro river cruise in France

• A houseboat holiday in Venice

Related Links

• England's five best canal holiday routes

They can look daunting for the newcomer, because gates and sluices have to be opened and closed, and all in the right order. But there’s no need to worry – the principle is very simple, and once you've done a couple you should get the hang of it. Boatyards will show you what to do before they let you loose on the canal. Here's more information

Is steering the boat tricky? Do you have to steer the opposite way to the way you want to go?

Yes, you do have push the tiller (the long metal handle at the back of the boat) in the opposite direction to where you want the front of the boat to go, but you will quickly get the hang of it.

The boats are much longer than the canal is wide. How can you turn round?

You have to get to a turning point – called a “winding hole” – where the canal is especially wide. These are marked on canal maps and guide books. You need to plan trips so you can get turned; and be careful not to miss a winding hole because it can be miles, or involve many locks, before the next chance to turn around.

Can a couple enjoy a canal boat holiday on their own or is it better with a group?

Either. For two people, there can hardly be a better get-away-from-it-all holiday (and it can be very romantic too). But, depending on your route, it may also need a lot of energy. One person has to open and shut all the locks while the other person has to steer the boat and use the ropes. For first-timers, it is probably more relaxing to go with friends, where the workload is shared, so the prospect of steering and locking is less daunting.

Times recommends

• Oasis of the Seas: the Times review
• The 20 best new year party places to stay
• Green Spaces 2009: are you the winning writer?