THE UK'S BEST SELF DRIVE CANAL HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OUT ABOARD SUPERB NARROWBOATS
BIG BOATS FOR LARGER PARTIES
We are the UK's largest provider of self drive narrowboats for larger parties.
Choose from a day out (see our Self Drive Day Hire page) with each boat able to accommodate up to 10pp, or a weekend, midweek, or longer holiday afloat on our Big Boats.
You're allowed up to 12pp per holiday boat but there's no reason not to book two of more boats to accommodate all your friends or extended family in a flotilla - and our boats can be hired as 6, 8, 10, or 12 berths so almost any party size can be catered for..... in 2019 we even had a party of 50 Australian veteran cricketers and their partners head for Oxford - quite a sight to see 8 boats all headed south together!!
Booking a big boat is easy - simply study the boat plans for your party size but if you're unsure (especially if your party needs a mixture of single and double beds) simply email us with your party make up and we'll advise on best use of boat(s)/layout(s)
Our bases are within an easy weekend’s boating to/from the famous English cities of Oxford and Bath with plenty of culture, sport, and entertainment to keep all of you occupied, complemented by outstanding rural cruising along the way. There's no reason for you not to simply enjoy the countryside and go rural - there are several good pubs which will usually accommodate larger parties with some notice - and loads of great locations for an alfresco evening/ BBQ.
Novices and boating virgins are welcome - we provide comprehensive tuition for both boat handling and use of the canal locks - you'll soon get the hang of canal cruising.
We're very happy to help you plan your weekend, especially if you're hiring more than one boat and can offer up to date help and advice upon request.
Please note that whilst boating along the canal you will be expected to behave with consideration to all other users and so drunken antics should not be the order of the day - please save these for the evening out :) Note also that at least two of your party will not be allowed to drink alcohol whilst navigating, so it makes sense to save the drinking for when you've moored up...
If you are a single sex Stag/Hen group of 6pp or more (only) we will ask you to sign the Single Sex Group Terms and Conditions on arrival at either our Heyford or Bradford-on-Avon base, prior to your trip. (You can view these at the Links below). We do not insist on this for more mature single sex parties e.g. groups of friends on a reunion etc - please ask before you book if you are unclear whether these extra conditions apply to you.
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO DOWNLOAD THE RELEVANT DOCUMENTS:
SINGLE SEX STAG/HEN GROUP TERMS AND CONDITIONS
HOLIDAY HIRE TERMS AND CONDITIONS