Best of both worlds

MERCIA Marina has launched a combined land and water holiday package, it believes the first of its kind

The Trent & Mersey Canal marina has teamed up with Boating Holiday Rentals narrowboat hire company to offer its unique Water Adventure package.

Lodges and narrowboats

Holidaymakers will be able to spend the first part of their break in one of the marina's new luxury waterside lodges, then cruise the waterways for the remainder of their holiday in one of Shakespeare's narrowboats.

The length of breaks can be tailored to suit individual requirements, though a typical eight days booking in early April 2012, split between four days in a lodge followed by four days on the water, will cost from £1,035 all-in for up to four people. Prices for a short break start at £757 for a family of four, that includes tuition and familiarisation with the boat.

Combined package

Tony Preston, Sales and Marketing Manager for Mercia Marina, explained:

"We came up with the idea of offering this combined lodge and boating package after the launch of our luxury lodge rentals last year. It seemed the perfect way for people to get the most out of our beautiful location.

"It's only more recently that we discovered we may actually be the first marina or holiday park to offer such a package. It's fantastic to think we might be pioneering the idea."

Mercia Marina has recently been rated a four star holiday park by Quality in Tourism, the assessment arm of Visit England, and has just won a gold David Bellamy Conservation Award for its work in protecting and enhancing the natural environment and wildlife.