Frequently Asked Questions
See our Canal Boat Holidays FAQS.
If there is something we haven't covered below and you wish to know more, please don't hesitate to contact us.
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. Comprehensive cruising information is in a manual on the boat and details are sent out with the holiday documents to introduce you to the theory of locks and the 'rules of the road'. We provide our own 24hr emergency helpline.
Maps & Guides
Please refer to our maps and guides page >
Licenses & Restrictions
You do not need a driving licence for a canalboat 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.
Buoyancy Aids
There are buoyancy aids available free of charge for both children and adults at the marinas (compulsory for children under the age of 18 and non-swimmers). They do not need to be booked in advance and should be requested upon arrival at the marina so the correct size can be fitted.
Young Children
A canalboat holiday is superb for families. Cot-sides can be provided for very small children on standard berths. Simply indicate this on the booking form.
Cots
If you would like to use a travel cot or you are bringing your own to use, please contact the booking office. Space is obviously limited and for health and safety reasons we can advise on suitable boats that they can be accommodated on.
Bedding
On all our boats freshly laundered bedding is provided for each person on the crew list to the bed layout requested.
Towels
Towels and linen and provided free on all boats.
Pets
This really is a holiday the whole family can enjoy together. Many of the boats accept pets and there may be additional charges for them (please see the booking form). We obviously request that the boat is returned in a clean and tidy condition and reserve the right to refuse pets or charge for any additional cleaning or repairs required as a result of pets being on board during your holiday.
Fishing
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.
Mobile Phone Charging
All of our boats have a 12-volt electricity supply with a car-type cigar lighter socket that can be used with a mobile phone car adapter lead (bring your own lead). On some boats there is a 240-volt electricity supply that can be used for your own equipment at your own risk. 110- volt AC supply is not available in the UK .
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.
Look before you book
We welcome inspection of our boats before you book. Please phone the bases before you arrive to ensure they are open and boats are available for viewing.
