Barge Hire - Frequently Asked Questions

No, our barges (canal boats) are accommodation equipped and our minimum hire is 3 nights, although you can bring the canal boat back earlier if you wish.

You do not need any previous experience, or a boat licence, you will be given all the training you need to get started. The waters are mostly current free and cruising speed is only three to four miles per hour making operating a barge child's play.

We ask that you arrive at 1:30 pm on your arrival day in order to provide sufficient time to check-in, load the barge and receive the training and tour. On your day of departure, you will need to vacate the boat no later than 9:30 am.

You can moor up wherever you want, just tie up by a towpath so you can get on and off the canal boat easily, or better still outside a pub!!

Water is free and we give you a British Waterways key on arrival so you can use the waterpoints. Gas and pump-outs (if necessary) are included in the price you pay.

The narrow boat and contents are fully insured. The only thing that is not insured by us are (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 but please check your own policies carefully.

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

Please view our barge hire crewing information for details.

Free car parking is available at all our barge hire locations. Many of our marinas are also close to main line railway stations.

The barge has 240v (UK Mains) sockets which accept 3 pin plugs. Do not bring any electrical equipment over 1000 watts.

We allow pets at the follow marinas :-

• Aldermaston Marina - £30.00 per pet - maximum 2 pets.
• Alvechurch Marina - £30.00 per pet - maximum 2 pets.
• Blackwater Meadow Marina - £30.00 per pet - maximum 2 pets.
• Gayton Marina - £30.00 per pet - maximum 2 pets.
• Worcester Marina - £30.00 per pet - maximum 2 pets.
• Anderton Marina - £30.00 per pet - maximum 2 pets.
• Hilperton Marina - £30.00 per pet - maximum 2 pets.
• Union Wharf Marina - £30.00 per pet - maximum 2 pets.

These are all provided free of charge, all the beds have duvets.

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

You can fit 2-3 bikes on the roof of the barge, please bring some old matting to protect our paintwork, and some straps.

Part of the barge holiday experience is stopping off and visiting the villages and towns along the way, so you can stock up with groceries as you go along, although There are lots of pubs and some cafes along the canals, some have their own moorings, and some are just a short stroll away.