VisitBritain has launched a brand new tourism website that may prove of benefit to those on Canal Boat Holidays in the UK.

It embraces the growing trend of social media and attempts to drum up enthusiasm for holidaying on home soil.

The site offers a range of features to help people not only book the perfect holiday, but also decide on the activities they take part in.

'If you see a picture in the interactive gallery, it also shows you where it is located on a map of Britain along with what there is to do around the area, places to visit … and directs the visitor to our online shop,' director of marketing Laurence Bresh commented.

Office for National Statistics figures show the total number of UK residents' visits overseas, not seasonally adjusted, fell by 13 per cent during the 12 months leading up to April.