FAQ's about Canal Boat Holidays
Your questions about canal boat holidays answered.....Click on the topic below for more details: Welcome to the world of narrowboating and the charm of our canal system. Steeped in history our 200 year old canal network has become increasingly popular and widely used each year. If this is your first canal holiday please don’t worry – our boat operators all have experienced staff who will ensure that everything is explained and demonstrated to you. Before you begin your holiday adventures you may want to look at the Boater’s Handbook (download from the link on the left of the page) or watch our boating video (again the link is to the left hand side of this page). The Boater’s Handbook introduces you to the basics of boat-handling and details aspects of boat safety. Our boating video shows you some of the canal network and families who have been on a narrowboat holiday. Other useful information for the first time boater can be found at http://www.waterscape.com/watch or on the Considerate Boater website (www.considerateboater.com). Return to the 'Your questions answered' index Our Boat Operators will always endeavour to have boats ready for collection at 3.00pm on the start day of your holiday. If for any reason you are unable to arrive on time please contact their start base (see Contact section) or the Booking Office so special arrangements can be made well in advance of your holiday. A late arrival charge may apply and the full handover of your boat might not take place until the next day. We cannot allow a boat to depart without a full demonstration. Upon arrival to the base please report to reception so staff can advise you what to do next. When your boat is ready you will be shown on board, and when you are unpacked your boat demonstration and instructions will begin. Return Your boat must be returned and vacated by 9.30am on the last day of your narrowboat holiday. It is very import that boats are not handed back late as the turnaround process depends on boats being available at the correct time. Late returns may be charged for, so please inform the base immediately if there is going to be an issue. Return to the 'Your questions answered' index When you arrive at the marina you will be given demonstrations introducing you to narrowboating and your boat, so no previous experience is necessary. If you are new to canal boats marina staff will answer all of your questions and ensure you are comfortable to start your holiday. Don’t worry, the boats are easy to handle, so take it steady and you will soon be an experienced captain of your boat. If this is not your first canal holiday then the tuition will be made to fit with what you require and staff will get you started on your holiday as soon as possible. Each boat has details of its equipment and local information in a manual, so please read this when you board the boat and ask staff any questions. You will also have received information before your hire in documentation, but please look at our downloads for other useful details. Return to the 'Your questions answered' index Along with the tuition and details on the boat, the base can be contacted throughout the day and our Boat Operators all provide a 24hr emergency helpline. Ask your handover staff for details of what to do if you need to speak to them. Return to the 'Your questions answered' index To help you with planning we have a number of maps and guides. Maps show things such as locks, bridges, turning points and marinas, and guides will help you locate places of interest, pubs, shops and facilities along your route. They are inexpensive and a worthwhile investment as they will help you get more out of your holiday. They can be ordered direct (click here) or purchased at the Boat Operator's marina on your arrival. Return to the 'Your questions answered' index Licences & Restrictions The start bases can provide details when you arrive to pick up your boat on current procedures and costs. Our Boat Operators narrowboats are not allowed to navigate tidal waterways except the River Thames between Brentford and Teddington in favourable conditions. You can obtain details about this from the marina when you arrive. Return to the 'Your questions answered' index Buoyancy Aids Return to the 'Your questions answered' index Young Children Return to the 'Your questions answered' index Cots Return to the 'Your questions answered' index Bikes If you are going for a holiday for a week or more bikes can be used, but from feedback from our customers it would appear that they don't use them as much as they thought, particularly on short breaks. The joy of canal boating is for all the family to be on the boat enjoying the scenery or helping each other with locks, so sometimes bikes aren't needed or used. Return to the 'Your questions answered' index Bedding Return to the 'Your questions answered' index Towels Return to the 'Your questions answered' index Pets Return to the 'Your questions answered' index Fishing Return to the 'Your questions answered' index Groceries Return to the 'Your questions answered' index Mobile phone charging Return to the 'Your questions answered' index Extras Return to the 'Your questions answered' index Cancellation ProtectionThe Cancellation Protection Plan Fee (calculated at the rate of 4.00% of the hire charge) is protection offered that covers cancellation of the booking if it becomes necessary prior to the holiday. Where any qualifying circumstances are met, all hire monies paid will be refunded less your cancellation plan subscription. For full details please download the PDF here. 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