View our frequently asked questions (FAQ's) here
Do you provide day boat hire?
No, our boats have accommodation on them and our minimum hire period is for 3 nights.
Do you provide Tuition?
No previous experience is necessary, as our boats are extremely easy to handle and full tuition is given at the start of every holiday.
Do I need a license?
You do not need a driving licence for a narrowboat and the boat itself is licenced by us for BW waterways. There are a few waterways outside their jurisdiction for which you will need to purchase an additional licence as you enter them, such as the Rivers Avon, Thames and Wey. Our start bases can provide details when you arrive to pick up your boat. The maximum number of people on board is restricted to the number of berths, with an absolute maximum of twelve.
Can I fish?
Fishing is prohibited on British rivers between 15th March and 15th June. Fishing is allowed outside these dates and on canals at any time, but a licence is required. This is available from any post office with a 1-day, 8-day or annual licence to choose from. For reasons of hygiene,we regret that live bait may not be kept on the boat.
Parking?
There is ample open air parking at our bases which is provided free of charge. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to hirers' vehicles.
Toilets?
All of our boats are equipped with fresh water flushing toilets designed to need emptying only once a week with average use. Should the toilet tank need emptying during the holiday it is a chargable service that is provided by most boatyards. Having been emptied during the turnaround, the toilet should be entirley trouble free providing it is used correctly. Only human waste and toilet paper should go down the toilet.
Any other items (including sanitary articles, nappies, wet wipes, kitchen towels and quilted toilet paper) should not be flushed down the toilet, but placed in the bags provided to hygienically transfer these items to a suitable bin.
Cruising?
The maximum speed allowed on the canals is 4mph. If the wash from the boat creates a wave along the back your speed is too high.
The waterways are a resource to be enjoyed by everyone and we would ask you to respect other users. Please slow down when going past other boats particularly when moored.
Fishermen generally prefer you to slow down when going past them. but it is important that you try to stay in the centre of the canal where the water is deepest.
You are not permitted to cruise after dark. The boat is not fitted with navigation lights and the insurance becomes invalid.
Mooring?
Most visitor moorings on canals and rivers governed by British Waterways are free of charge. In fact you are permitted to moor anywhere on the towpath side of the canal free of charge so long as you are not causing an obstruction. However at certain privately owned sites there may be a fee for overnight mooring. The River Thames is a typical example, as well as parts of the Kennet and Avon canal and Bristol Dock.