Narrowboat Holiday Hire - Questions and Answers
 What
is there to do on a narrowboat hire holiday?
There are things to interest
lots of different people:
Adults and children (under supervision)
will enjoy steering the narrowboat and
operating the locks
Wonderful views and reflections for the
photographer
Plenty of opportunities to observe
wildlife at close quarters (wake up to
the quacking of ducks)
A different perspective on familiar
places (it’s amazing how different
things look from the canal)
Contrasting scenes from tranquil
backwaters to the vibrant centres of
cities such as Birmingham and Nottingham
(fancy sailing under Spaghetti
junction!)
Lots of examples of industrial heritage
Plenty of canalside pubs and restaurants
Who are narrowboat hire holidays suitable
for?
Any age can enjoy a holiday on a
narrowboat. You will need at least two
adults (one to steer the boat and
another to organize opening and closing
the locks (and another adult to keep an
eye on children if they are very young)
Older children will enjoy working the
locks or sailing the boat under
supervision. People with mobility
problems would not want to get on and
off the boat too frequently but will
enjoy the passing views once on board.
Do we need any previous experience or
special qualifications?
No. Narrowboating is not an exact science and
no-one gets it right all the time. We
will take time to explain fully how the
boat and life on the canal works and
ensure that you feel happy about
handling the boat and operating locks.
Boats have a top speed of 4mph and
especially at the beginning it is best
to take it slowly.
There is a comprehensive manual on board
so you can remind yourself about daily
boat checks and how to steer etc.
It is recommended that you get an idea
about what is involved before your
holiday by reading The Boater’s Handbook
or watching The Boater’s DVD - both are
available from British Waterways and The
Environment Agency. Copies of the book
can be downloaded from
www.waterscape.com
The Considerate Boater is another useful
guide that can be downloaded and
explains canal etiquette.
 How
will we know where to go?
There is a range of guides and maps on
board. These give information about what
to expect on the way in terms of locks
and bridges and mooring places etc. They
also give an indication of distances and
facilities on or near the canal. We can
talk through your plans with you and
help you calculate how long journeys
will take. As a rough guide boats travel
at 3-4 mph and you need to allow the
equivalent of a ‘mile’ per lock.
Obviously at busy times you might be
slower than this and have to wait at
locks so it is as well to be flexible.
You will also probably want to spend
time exploring and enjoying the
canalside pubs and restaurants.
Where can we stop overnight?
On the canals you can stop overnight
anywhere along the towpath side without
charge. You must, however, avoid mooring
overnight within 50 metres of a lock or
other navigation landmark to allow other
boats to pass unhindered. On most other
navigations, there will be clearly
marked places where you can moor for the
night or during the day.
What is
included in the holiday price?
We want to keep our prices as low as
possible and have, therefore. decided to
charge for fuel separately. That way
those who only cruise for a few hours
each day are not subsidising those who
cruise from dawn till dusk. We ask for a
cash deposit of £60 per week (£30 per
short break) on the day of departure.
Any money not used will be returned with
the security deposit. Any extra used
will be deducted from the security
deposit. We
have tried to think of all those little
touches which will make your holiday
more comfortable and so bedding includes
mattress and pillow covers and a throw
for each bed: towels are large; we
provide mugs as well as cups for those
who like a larger drink and the pans are
really solid to make cooking more
pleasurable. We also provide cleaning
materials and those essentials such as
foil, cling film, kitchen roll, cooking
oil, tea and coffee for you to use to
save you having to bring them. A number
of board games and books are also
provided suitable for adults and
children. Car parking is available free
of charge at the marina.
 What
do we need to take?
Storage space on any narrowboat is
limited and so it is as well to take
soft bags. Non- slip footwear is needed
on deck and protection from both sun and
rain – a large umbrella is provided just
in case!
Mobile phones are useful when you’re
cruising – they can be charged using the
phone’s normal car adaptor. DVD’s are a
good idea in case you are in an area
where television reception is poor.
Can we bring
pets?
Well-behaved pets are welcome on board as long as they are
kept off the furniture and you provide
beddings/bowls etc. Please include on
the booking form.
Can we bring bicycles?
We are happy for you to bring bicycles
as long as you arrange this in advance
and bring mats to protect the paintwork
– any damage will be charged for.
Remember space is limited on board and
so there is unlikely to be room for more
than two bicycles.
Is fishing allowed?
Yes, fishing is permitted as long as the
boat is stationary and you have the
necessary permits. |
