About this trip.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Biddinghuizen in Flevoland is close to the Veluwemeer, which makes the village a good base for a boating holiday. The yachts are Linssen motor yachts, and the base is Park Molecaten, on the Veluwemeer right next to the Wolderwijd. From there you can head out onto the Randmeren lakes or take things more slowly on the inland waters of Flevoland. You set your own pace and plan your own route.
Lakes, locks and the wider waters
The Veluwemeer links to nearby lakes such as the Wolderwijd and the Drontermeer. These are good waters for relaxing, fishing or paddleboarding. To go further, you can enter Flevoland through Lock 'De Dromer' at the Lovink pumping station. You can also carry on to the Ketelmeer, Markermeer and IJsselmeer, which lead to harbour towns along the coast. Flevoland has plenty of marinas and mooring points along the way.
Towns and stops along the way
Elburg is a medieval fishing town within 25 km of Biddinghuizen. You can moor up and walk its cobbled streets, visit the Elburg Museum and try some local food. Harderwijk is a short trip away and is home to the Dolfinarium, which the operator describes as the largest marine mammal park in Europe, so it's a good stop for families. To the south, Lelystad has the Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet and the Bataviawerf shipyard, with shopping, places to eat and some culture. Flevoland also has nature reserves such as the Oostvaardersplassen, a wetland that suits birdwatchers, where you may see wild horses and deer.
Aboard a Linssen yacht
Linssen yachts are fully equipped, with roomy cabins and home comforts. Depending on the boat, the amenities can include air conditioning, Wi-Fi and entertainment systems. The yachts are designed to be easy to handle, so they suit beginners as well as experienced boaters. Most don't need a boating licence, and a short tutorial before you set off covers the basics. The best months to go are April to October, when the weather is usually pleasant and the water calm.
Booked through Linssen Boating Holidays
Yachtcharter BLY is one of the charter firms in the Linssen Boating Holidays network. Its page there has the booking and availability links.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in Netherlands. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
