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  • Grand Union to Warwick
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  • Grand Union to Leighton Buzzard
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Getting the best from your Canal holiday

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.