Princess River Cruises

The River Trent winds through Nottinghamshire like the town's main artery, and Princess River Cruises is your chance to actually see the city from the water rather than trudging along the towpath. You're aboard a proper boat, moving at a pace that lets you clock details you'd miss from the bank - the Victorian bridges, the industrial heritage, the green spaces tucked between the city centre and the outlying villages.

It's straightforward stuff: you board, sit back, and let someone else do the navigating. The cruises work well for families who've had enough of museums for one day, or walkers who fancy a rest. Older kids won't find it thrilling if they're expecting white-water rapids, but it's genuinely relaxing. The route takes in Nottingham's riverside character, which beats a coach tour by miles.

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks within striking distance - Gunthorpe Camping and Peacock Lake Glamping are both under seven miles away - this slots in nicely as a half-day activity. You could easily combine it with a morning around Nottingham's city centre or an afternoon walk along the towpath.

I'd ring ahead before you go. Opening hours and prices aren't listed anywhere obvious, and availability can be seasonal. Summer weekends fill up faster than you'd think. Allow a couple of hours all in, depending on which route they're running that day.