Canal Holiday FAQ
Bring the right gear
Bring a sensible selection of informal clothing, but bear in mind that storage space is not unlimited! Non-slip shoes, boots and a set of waterproofs are essential. Towpaths can be dark at night, so we advise you to bring a torch. At any time during the cruising season the weather could alternate between brilliant sunshine and rain, warm and cold, so come prepared Boating is an activity that is enjoyable in a wide range of weather conditions, but you do need protection for the extremes of climate. However, we are pleased to say that most of the time the English weather is not too unkind to holidaymakers.
Bring your dogs, cats and bicycles.
You are more than welcome to bring no more than two bicycles. Please bring a mat, as they will need to be stored on the roof. Pets are also welcome on many of our boats; we do however make a charge of £25 per pet. We do ask that you keep your pets off the seats and beds.
Prices are inclusive
All you will need is spending money. Our holiday prices include bedding, fuel, gas, VAT and car parking (at your risk, preferably no more than two cars). The options for pets and towels are extra. Please note that we provide towels free of charge for overseas visitors.
Operating the boat and the locks
This is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. At least one member of the crew needs to be fit enough to get on and off the boat, do some walking and operate the lock’s paddle gear; which can sometimes be heavy. From our base it is possible to cruise for a week negotiating only one lock, although there are lots of more energetic routes! The steerer does not need to be active. Controlling the boat comes easily after some practice: if you drive a car then steering a narrowboat should not be a problem. Our experienced staff give you as much instruction as you require before you set “sail”. Before your holiday we will send you an arrival pack which includes the Boater’s Handbook. A DVD is also available on request.
Watch Our Lock Working Animation
Can my groceries be delivered to the boats?
Yes, the nearby farmshop will assemble your order and deliver it to your boat ready for you to begin your canal holiday. Have a look at the Farm Shop website www.maltkilnfarmshop.co.uk for more information Items such as milk, bread, maps, shoes, clothes and souvenirs are available in our well stocked shop and chandlery.
How do I book my canal holiday?
Simply use our Availability panels on each boats page or enquiries@rose-narrowboats.co.uk
How do we find Rose Narrowboats?
Rose Narrowboats’ base lies where the Fosse Way crosses the North Oxford Canal, one mile north of the pretty village of Brinklow on the B4027 (ex-A427). There are main British Rail stations at Coventry and Rugby, both 7 miles away.
Click on the map to see a larger version you can print out.
Coming from overseas? More answers here.
Extend your Holiday
On request, basic provisions as
well as cruising guides, maps,
shoes, waterproofs and souvenirs
are available in our well stocked
shop and chandlery.
All boats may be hired for more
than one week, so why not contact
us for details of discounts that are
available?
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