Top destinations for a fishing holiday in the UK and Europe

Thursday, 15 December 2011 1:39 PM

Planning a fishing holiday for your next break from work? There are several destinations in the UK and Europe where you can hire a boat and take to some beautiful waterways to reel in a great catch.

These locations also offer plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and other activities - read on for our pick of the top holiday hotspots.

Norfolk Broads

A Norfolk Broads holiday could be ideal for relaxing on a boat with a fishing rod in hand, as the region is both naturally beautiful and a haven for wildlife.

It is in fact one of the most popular cruising grounds in England and is famed around the UK and beyond for its boat-building traditions and rural lifestyle.

There are great opportunities for fishing around here, including in the Yare and Wensum rivers, as well as the manmade Broads. Reclaimed quarries and the North Norfolk Coast are also well worth visiting.

Carp fishing is perhaps the most popular sport of this kind to be had in this part of the UK, with the quality of fishing here attracting many specimen and trophy hunters over the years.

Fly fishing on the River Wensum is also a big draw for tourists from around the world, so you may want to head to this particular destination. You might also have the opportunity to take part in a competition, as tournaments take place regularly throughout the region.

Of course, there are other activities you can enjoy here, including lock-free cruising on rivers and shallow lakes, as well as sailing and other watersports.

You can even try your hand at a few extreme sports or head to one of the local amusement parks. In Horning, you can join in the fun at BeWILDerwood, which is home to zip wires, treehouses, boat trips, great food, marsh walks and jungle bridges - offering fun for all the family.

Scotland

Head north of the border and you will find you can choose from an array of Scotland boating holidays ideal for fishing and sightseeing.

Not only will you be able to spend a week or two enjoying amazing scenery and spectacular views, but you may also be able to fill your fishing bag with a giant salmon.

A great place to go in Scotland is the Caledonian Canal between Inverness and Fort William. Aside from indulging in a spot of salmon fishing, you could also be lucky enough to see a few dolphins. If you take young children along, consider a trip on the West Highland Railway Line - which was made famous when it was featured in the Harry Potter films as the Hogwarts Express.

If this isn't enough, a Caledonian Canal boating holiday could also see you take a gondola ride to the summit of Ben Nevis for some truly stunning views, as well as go shopping in Inverness and learn about Highland culture in Fort Augustus. To keep active, make your way down some of the championship mountain biking tracks to be found in the region.

Camargue, France

Tempted by the idea of an overseas jaunt? France canal boat holidays could be perfect. The country has a lot to offer and, depending on where you go, you will have a different experience each time you travel to the nation.

The Camargue could be a great choice for keen fishermen looking to spend some time in the great outdoors. Here, you can explore ancient fishing villages, ports and historic towns such as Bouzigues, Le Grau du Roi, Marseillan and Aiges Mortes, as well as head to beach resorts like Carnon, Palavas les Flots and La Grande Motte.

You will also find the Camargue is a great place for wildlife photographs, as it is the only nesting place for flamingos in France.

Whether you choose to go on a fishing and boating holiday in the Norfolk Broads, Scotland or France, you will find these destinations are ideal for your desired activities.

Thanks to the diversity of all of these places, you could go on holiday to each one of them time and time again and still not manage to do and see everything these regions have to offer. So, why not book your boating break today?