CANAL  BOATING HOLIDAYS INFORMATION

 

For Terms and conditions of booking, please see the booking form.

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How economical is a canal boating holiday?
A canal boating holiday can be surprisingly economical because as once as you have paid for the canal boat hire the rest of the holiday cost is entirely up to you.

Why should I choose a canal boat holiday?
Because as we claim it really is the fastest way to slow down. Avoid airport strikes and delays, traffic jams and long car journeys. Visit parts of the UK that you never knew existed as you meander along some of our most tranquil waterways. A canal boating holiday is very special because it is a great way to spend quality time with the people who matter to you.

Why book my holiday with Canal Boating Holidays?
We offer canal boating holidays at very competitive prices and with no hidden extras you know exactly how much you have to pay.

When can I take my canal boating holidays?
You can choose to book your canal boating holidays in the spring, summer, autumn or winter – you can even be on board for Christmas and New Year.

How do we book? 
Check live booking and availability and book secure in the knowledge that your information will be safe – check now from our availability page now to find out immediately which canal boating holidays are available. If you require assistance or if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us by email or ring to speak to us in person. We will happy to book, at no extra charge, your holiday for you.

What is on the canal boat?
The kitchen or galley is fully equipped with a gas cooker, fridge and microwave - The fridge is an under counter type with small freezer compartment. The oven has 4 rings, oven and a grill. All of the cooking utensils, crockery and glasses are provided. We also provide a pack containing washing up liquid. tea towels, toilet rolls, cleaning/washing up cloths and bin bags.

Many of the boats have a shower and sink and toilet/s, one on a four berth and two on a six berth, and these have modern fresh water flushes and hot and cold running water.

The lounge/dining area has plenty of comfortable seats and a dining table, Colour TV with DVD, CD Stereo.

What is a canal boating holiday like?
In a nutshell relaxing imagine gently cruising the waterways at your own pace as you watch the countryside drift pass. Get close to nature spot the herons and the kingfishers and the host of other wildlife that make the canal and the canal banks their home.

Will the kids enjoy a canal boating holiday?
A canal boating holiday is superb for families and certainly one that you can all enjoy together.

As you will be in a different place every day seeing something different all of the time you will not hear those dreaded words “I'm board”. There are plenty of family attractions to visit on route and plenty to keep the children, young and old, occupied.

Can I bring my pet(s)?
We know that your pets are an important part of you family and therefore well behaved pets are welcome at all of our marinas. There is an additional charge per pet.  Please see the booking form for more details.

What time to I pick up the boat and bring it back?
Please see the booking form for times as these may vary according to the boat you choose.

What is the minimum hire period?
The minimum rental period is 3 nights, but you can bring the canal boat back earlier if you wish. Our canal boats are not suitable for day hire.

Do you provide life jackets?
There are life jackets available free of charge for both children and adults at the marinas these are compulsory for children and non-swimmers.

Who do I call if I have a problem?
Our dedicated team are on hand twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies. Your safety and enjoyment are our paramount concern. Thankfully problems are very rare but if we do have to attend a breakdown we will do our very best to get you going as soon as possible.

Where do we pick up our canal boat ? 
We have a choice of seven locations to enable you to explore our many canal routes.

Can I leave the car?
Car parking is available at all our canal boat locations.

Where can I go?
The itinerary is yours you decide when to stop, where and for how long. 
Moor in a different place every night and enjoy a change of scenery every day.

Where can I go if I want to eat out?
Within easy reach of your canal boat you will find pubs and restaurants to suit everyone's needs from simple locals who offer first rate home cooking to gourmet restaurants each will give you a a real welcome.

Do I need any form of boat licence?
You do not need a licence as each canal boat is licensed by us with British Waterways.

Will I need insurance?
The canal boat and contents are fully insured. We would suggest that you check your own policies for household and car insurance before you leave home.

Do I need to be experienced?
No, many of our guests are 'first timers' and you will be given all the necessary training you need to get started. You will be fully trained on all aspects at the start of your canal boating holiday.

Please ask questions as you go as we want you to be completely confident. We also leave a manual and training DVD on board in case you need to refer to them.

Is there power on board?
The canal boat has 240v (UK Mains) sockets which accept 3 pin plugs. Power is produced from the engine and then stored in the batteries. An inverter then converts the 12v to 240v which supplies the power to the boat. You will be able to charge your mobiles and the children will be able to use their games.

Does the canal boat have hot water?
There is a shower and sink in the bathroom and a sink in the kitchen so long as you run the engine everyday there will be a supply of hot water which is stored in tanks.

How are the canal boats heated?
Our canal boats are equipped with radiators which are fitted throughout.

Will I be able to shop on route?
One of the pleasures of a canal boat holiday is to be able to stop off exactly where you want to. You will find everything on route from large supermarkets to small farm shops selling fresh local produce.

Will I get lost?
Well we have not lost anyone yet but just in case you are able to purchase maps and guides to help you plan your route.

Can I fish?
Fishing is allowed on the canals at any time of year, but buy a rod licence as the penalties are high if you do not have one. You can get a 1 day, 8 day, or annual licence from the post office, or on-line at the Environment website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk. Some stretches of canal require permits or have fishing rights so adhere to any signs.

When can I cruise?
You can cruise during daylight hours at any time, you cannot cruise after dusk or before sunrise.

Are the locks easy to operate?
The locks are very easy and something the whole crew will want to help with . You will all be given full training on how to operate a lock before you leave on your canal boating holiday.

How fast can I go?
On most of the canals the maximum speed is around 4mph but the average speed is more like 3mph.

Is the canal boat easy to manage?
Steering the canal boat comes easily and after some practice you will find our boats are very easy to handle. The controls are easy and with supervision even the kids can do it. The tiller controls left and right and push the lever forwards to go forward and backwards to stop or reverse – that's about all there is to it.

What should I pack?
Your canal boat will be very well equipped so you do not have to bring the kitchen sink. Specific items you may want to bring to help you get the most out of you holiday are a torch, camera, binoculars, DVDs and CDs. A good waterways guide (such as Nicholson's) which you can purchase before hand is brilliant for planning your journey. Your food for the first day and maybe tea, coffee sugar and milk.

Come prepared for whatever the great British weather may throw at you so pack those water proofs and the suntan cream. Warm clothes and nonslip soft deck shoes and protective gloves (for working locks) and pack them in a soft bag, not a suitcase as this will save on space.

Where can I moor?
Designated mooring on the canals will be clearly marked and will tell you where you can moor and for how long. Within reason you can moor up at any point you choose along the towpath side of the canal but you must be mindful of other canal boat users at all times. Mooring pegs are provided for you in case there are no mooring points.

What if I have any more Questions? 
If you have any questions that we have not covered or if you have a question that you think can be included in this article please feel free to email us or ring us to speak to one of our experienced holiday advisor's. We will do our best to help you with your canal boating holiday query.

 

Please note that not all options above are available on all boats. For full details, please see the individual boat information.