Holidaying on British canals is a step back in time to a slower era.

To this day, owners of canal boats still personalize their floating homes with unique touches. And that sums up the type of travel perfectly, 'personal'.

According to the Telegraph, however, the British inland waterways are facing a crisis. Last year, the Government announced a cut in funding for the Canal & River Trust (CRT).

The CRT manages 2000 miles of British inland waterways, another 3000 is managed by other authorities.

The heyday of canal boating is sadly long gone, but campaigners are championing them to become popular again in a bid to secure their survival.

Many hire boats belong to companies with fleets at bases across the country; however, small firms with a handful of boats, featuring characterful interiors, are beginning to emerge.

Fancy one in Oxfordshire? Look no further.

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The Telegraph said: "The Thames is navigable as far as Lechlade, a Cotswold town on the borders of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.

"You moor in fields of curious cattle who like nibbling boats. Cruising down the twisty waterway is a test of steering skills. In summer, locks are usually operated by lock-keepers. There are historical houses to visit, such as Kelmscott Manor, William Morris’s country retreat, which he reached by boat from London, more than 100 miles and 40 locks away.

"Voyage onwards to the former homes of other artists and writers, such as Stanley Spencer and Kenneth Grahame.

Need somewhere to go? Anglo Welsh (0117 463 3419; anglowelsh.co.uk) has a four-berth boat, at Eynsham on the Thames near Oxford, from £1,112 for a week.