narrowboatingholidays.net

Narrowboating Frequently Asked Questions

AREAS - We have a number of locations dotted across the country. Our waterways offer a vast choice of cruising possibilities. Please browse through this website and read our information on each area. You can contact one of our experienced staff by telephone or e-mail if you would like more personal advice on where best to choose.

BATHROOMS – The bathrooms have hot and cold running water to the shower and sink. The toilets have modern fresh water flushes and are usually pumped out at the marina after your stay. Longer stays or in exceptional circumstances they may need to be pumped out during your stay. This can be done at most boatyards for a small charge.

BOOKING - Choose your date and location using our online Holiday Finder and complete the online booking form. The availability on this site is live and current. If you require assistance or if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

CANALS - Canals were originally constructed to meet the transportation needs of a newly industrialised country. The traditional form of transport on the canals was the narrowboat and these boats were long, narrow and flat bottomed. Today, due to an extensive restoration programme the canals offer a whole new era in the leisure industry. They are now enjoyed by walkers, fisherman, cyclists and of course the narrow boaters. Holidays on the canals are becoming more and more popular and narrowboats are now designed to give the upmost comfort and provide for your every need.

CAR PARKING - Free car parking is available at all of our holiday locations.

CRUISING - You can only cruise during daylight hours.

DOG LIFEJACKETS - If you would like to buy a lifejacket for your dog, ABC Boat Chandler sells them here.

DAY BOAT HIRE - Sorry, we do not operate day boat hire.

DIESEL - The boats runs on diesel. Please see booking form for more information

EATING OUT - One of the best things about a Narrowboating Holiday is discovering the local pubs, cafes and restaurants. There will be somewhere and something to suit all your tastes from the local pubs serving local produce to award winning gourmet restaurants.

EMERGENCY CALL-OUT - Our dedicated narrow boat hire team are on hand twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies. Your safety and enjoyment are our paramount concern.

EQUIPMENT - Our boats come equipped with all the comforts of home. The kitchen/galley is fully equipped with a cooker, fridge and microwave. All of the cooking utensils, crockery and glasses are provided and you will be able to cook everything from a boiled egg to a four course meal. Hopefully you will not be spending too much time being the galley slave as part of the fun of a Narrow Boat Holiday is eating out. The lounge/dining area has plenty of comfortable seats and a dining table and Colour TV with DVD.

FISHING - Fishing is allowed on the canals at any time of year but a Rod Licence is required you can get a 1 day, 8 day, or annual licence from the post office, or online at the Environment website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk. Look out for any notices as some stretches of the canal are leased for private fishing. Do no fish near to other canal users or under overhead wires.

FUEL – The narrowboats are powered by a diesel engine.

GAS - The gas for cooking.

HEATING - Our boats are equipped with full central heating. Radiators are fitted throughout the boat.

HEIGHT - The height inside the boats is 6ft 4in.

HIRE PERIOD – The minimum rental period is 3 nights, but you can bring the narrowboat back earlier if you wish. You can book a one week or two week holiday and for the lucky people who have the time you can cruise up to 3 weeks. Our boats are not suitable for day hire but you may like to check out this website for day boat hire providers. www.ukcanalboating.info

INSURANCE - The only thing that is not insured when you hire your boat is (a) your car which is probably protected under your motor policy and (b) your personal possessions which are also probably covered under your house contents insurance. Please check your own policies carefully.

JUNCTIONS - You will encounter junctions on the canal system and these are where two canals meet. Don't worry about taking the wrong direction as they are clearly sign posted at each one, and they will be indicated on your maps or guides.

KIDS - a narrow 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'.

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.

LOCKS - 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 your holiday base. Feel a real sense of achievement as you and your crew navigate your boat through your first lock.

MOORING OVERNIGHT - You can moor anywhere on the tow-path side of the canal providing you are safe, not on private property and not causing an obstruction. Designated mooring places are clearly marked and if there are restrictions there will be a notice informing you of what they are. Mooring pegs or pins are provided for you when there are no mooring points.

NAVIGATION - We recommend buying a canal map for the route you are taking. Maps can be bought online via our Amazon Bookshop or bought at the marina upon arrival (subject to stock).

NUMBERS - We have a range of narrow boats which accommodate 2 – 12 people so there will be a boat to suit your needs.

OFFERS – Look out for any special offers they will be posted on our website.

PACKING - Your narrowboat 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. Sensible outdoor clothes are recommended. Wet weather gear and non-slip shoes are recommended and pack a soft bag not a suitcase as this will save on space

PETS - We know that you pets are an important part of your family and many boats accept pets. (please see booking form for pet cost and options).

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. We will do our best to help you with your Narrow Boating Holiday query.

ROUTES - You can travel anywhere on the canal system that is navigable and you choose a route that will suit your requirements. The itinerary is yours you go where you want to go and stop when you want to stop.

SHOPPING - One of the pleasures of a narrow boating 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.

SIGHTSEEING - Just because you are travelling on the canals it does not mean you have to limit your sightseeing to the towpath. You only have to travel a short distance either on foot, by bike or why not use public transport to discover some of the UK's best holiday attractions. You can buy maps and guides before hand which will show you which towns and villages are nearby

SPEED – There ins't much! The speed limit on the canals is 4 mph but the average speed in closer to 3 mph. It is important to go as slowly as possible past other boats because the bow wave from the boat creates a wash that moves other boats. This bow wave can also erode the canal banks.

TUITION - You do not need any previous experience or a boat licence and you will be given all the training you need to get started.

U TURNS - There are turning points, known as winding holes at frequent intervals along the canals.

VALUE - A Narrow 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.

WATER - Fresh water is stored in tanks on the boat and you may have to fill up your tank during the course of your holiday. There are water points, provided by British Waterways, on route and these are clearly marked. You will be given with a key and will be able to access these water points to enable you to fill the tanks. We recommend that you do not drink the water straight from the tap but either boil it first or buy bottled water. The waste water from the sinks and showers is discharged into the canal so we ask that you think of the environment when using detergents. The waste from the toilets are stored in a holding tank and pumped out after your holiday, if you require a pump out whist on holiday you can do so at a marina or at a pump out point.

WEATHER - You have to come prepared for the inclement British weather so bring your wet weather gear as well as your sun tan lotion. You can keep the kids entertained on board with the TV and DVD player but why not bring a pack of cards and some board games and spend some real quality time together. Put on you waterproofs and get out and enjoy the rain and the natural surroundings. There is always something to do or somewhere to visit not far from your narrowboat.

WHICH WAY - You are able to purchase maps and guides to help you plan your route

WILDLIFE - Nature comes to you on a Narrowboating Holiday 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.

XSCAPE – Escape the stresses and strains of life and relax on a Narrow Boating Holiday.

XTRAS - If you choose to go into another marina at night mooring charges may apply. Some Rivers such as the River Avon and Thames require an additional licence.

YOUR SAFTEY - Full instructions on how to handle the boat, how to do daily checks and how to keep safe will be given at the handover. Your safety is important to and we will spend as much time with you as you want and until you are happy to leave. Don't be afraid to ask any questions and if you do forget don't worry there is an instruction manual and safety DVD on board each canal boat. Sensible outdoor clothes are recommended and non-slip shoes should be worn whilst on deck or when operating the locks. Buoyancy aids are provided free of charge if required, there is a life belt on the boat and a basic first aid kit.

Zzzzzzzzzz - Well just as we claim it is the fastest way to slow down!