Whether you're planning a special occasion or looking for a change of scenery, a boat ride around Nottinghamshire provides a unique experience.
With both the River Trent and a network of canals offering routes through the county, as well as the National Watersports Centre, there is something for everyone.
If you're looking for something a bit different for your next day out, we have put together a few places you can spend a day exploring the water ways.
Hire a canal boat for a leisurely afternoon
Stop off at the many canal side pubs, glide through nature reserves and end up in the city centre on your very own narrow boat.
The Nottingham to Beeston canal provides a route through Attenborough nature reserve, while Gunthorpe Lock is a great stop for lunch.
With a skipper to keep you on track, you and your group are free to relax.
The Nottingham Narrowboat Project
Where? Unit 2, CanalHouse Wharf, Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7ET
Located in the heart of the city, this volunteer-led charity operates two 70 foot boats known as Megan and Tinkers Leen and offers half day, full day residential and evening trips for groups of up to 24 people.
Prices range from £135 to £260.
Gunthorpe Leisure Boats
Where? 3 Trentside, Gunthorpe, Nottingham NG14 7FB
Step aboard the Gunthorpe Belle or Gunthorpe Star and take in the scenery of the Trent Valley. Full day cruise from £120 to £190 for a maximum of 12 people.
Paddle out on Highfields Boating Lake
Where? University Boulevard, Lenton, Nottingham, NG7 2RD
Boats to hire at Highfields include rowing boats, canoes, kayaks and katakanus and are ideal for a family day out.
The lake is open during the Easter Holidays and then from May to October, 10am to 7pm daily.
Prices start from £2 for juniors and £3 for adults with family discounts available.
Take a luxury cruise along the River Trent
Perhaps the most glamorous way to enjoy the River Trent is to take one of the many cruises available for either personal, social or corporate events.
Trent River Cruises
Where? The Information Hub, Colwick Country Park, Rover Road, Colwick, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG4 2EW
The Trent Lady, operating since 1991, can carry 74 passengers and boasts the best stocked bar on the river.
The Nottingham Crusader was purpose built for disabled access and is ideal for smaller parties, with a maximum capacity of 45 passengers.
Cruises include Sunday lunches from £25.95 and a three hour trip, afternoon tea for £15.50 and two hours to enjoy the sights as well as party nights from £45, which includes a disco.
Princess River Cruises
Where? The River Lodge, 100 Racecourse Road, Colwick, Nottingham, NG2 4RF
If you're looking to celebrate in style, the Nottingham Princess and Prince vessels are perfect for a special occasion.
With a mix of both day time and night time cruises, you can choose between either a two or three hour return trip taking in the historic sights along the way.
The Princess is licensed to carry up to 150 passengers and the Prince can carry up to 60 passengers.
Cruises start from £13.75 per person for a daytime dine package and go up to £34 for the three hour evening disco, BBQ and drinks cruise.
Adrenaline action at the National Water Sports Centre
Where? National Water Sports Centre, Adbolton Lane, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, NG12 2LU
As well as canoes and kayaks in the Lagoon area, which is perfect for families, for the adrenaline junkies of the group this is a must.
Experience the rush of the 700m course with sessions from one to two hours, starting from £99 up to £320 per raft in peak times.
The minimum age is 14 and there's a maximum of seven people per raft and you must be a strong swimmer.
