More Information

What's the boat like inside?

• Separate sleeping cabins (some with king sized beds)
• Bath / shower rooms with flushing toilets
• Kitchen with full size cooker and fridge (with ice box)
• Central heating
• TV(s), Radio
• Fresh water on board
• 240v for charging appliances

What's provided?

•  Fuel for your trip is provided free - no hidden surcharges.
• Gas for cooking, heating and hot water.
• Enough plates, cups, bowls, cutlery, pans, cookware etc. for the whole party (see invenmtory for full list)
• Tank full of fresh water, toilet roll for the bathrooms.
• All bedding
• Lifejackets if required.
• Free onboard Wifi (using the 4G cellular network, where available)
• For our luxury fleet, we even have additions such as a toaster, coffee maker and a bottle of Champagne to welcome you on board.

Full Training given

Never been boating before? You needn't worry, our experienced staff will take you through our First Class training procedure, showing you how everything works on board.

They will also show you how to steer the boat, moor up, work the locks, even coming with you for some hands-on training depending on your needs. We'll make sure you're happy with the handling of the boat before sending you off on your holiday.

In addition each boat has an instruction manual with lots of useful information and tips.

Do we need a "driving licence" for the boat?

No, no special licence is required to operate the boat. The boat itself is licensed for all Canal and River Trust canals and rivers. Other waterways, specifically the Thames and the Avon require further licenses at your own cost. Request further information if you wish to cruise these waterways.

How long will I need?

The shortest trip we offer is Friday to Monday, so if all you can manage is a quick weekend getaway, we've got you covered.

Weekly trips are popular, and 2 weeks or more means you can cover a surprising amount of the canal system.

Whichever you choose, you can be sure we have many varied routes from either of our bases, from relaxing easy trips to energetic adventures ideal for a young family.

can I bring my pet?

Yes you can! We've had all sorts over the years, including cats, parrots and of course dogs (big and small), for whom we even provide a complimentary bag of goodies and useful items.

Do we need to bring our own bedding?

No, each boat is equipped with duvets, pillows and bed linen for each berth. You will need to bring your own towels, however, except if you are an overseas customer or booked a regency class boat, when towels are provided.

So what do we need to bring?

We suggest casual clothes, sensible (rubber-soled) shoes, Wellingtons and waterproofs. Don't forget torches, and games for the children. You may wish to bring fold-up camp chairs if you like to sit outside along the canal.

Each boat has on board enough cutlery, crockery, kitchen utensils and equipment for the number of people on board, as well as a standard domestic-sized fridge (with a small icebox) and a four-ring gas cooker with oven & grill. A full inventory list is available.

If you use online groceries shopping, you can arrange your order to be delivered to your boat ready for your arrival.

One concern we often hear is how you will bring food & provisions.Our welcome brochure we email to you contains information about pre-puchase of groceries from various supermarkets and this can be a real help to overseas visitors but you should know that we provide cleaning and washing up liquids/cloths and also all toilet rolls.

What time can we collect the boat?

Unless otherwise stated, your boat is normally available from 2:30 p.m. on the first day of your holiday, so please do not arrive at 1 p.m. expecting your boat to be ready. To ensure a speedy takeover please advise us of your expected arrival time. The boat must be returned and vacated by 9.00 a.m. on your last day.

What routes are available?

The most difficult part of cruising with Napton Narrowboats is choosing your route! To help you choose please look at the Map and route descriptions within this website. In addition we recommend waterways guides available from our shop to show you all of the details and facilities you will need for your chosen route.

Can I fish in the canal?

Many of our customers like to bring their rods with them for a spot of fishing. As well as needing your Rod Licence, you will also need a permit to fish. Comprehensive information about what type of permit, and how to get one is available from the Canal and River Trust website.

What charges are there?

Hire Fees

The hire charge includes VAT.

Damage Waiver

As standard we operate a Damage Waiver where for a once-off and non-returnable payment (Regency Fleet £70. All other boats £60) you will be covered in the event of any damage/loss or accident to your boat or its inventory during your holiday. (Exceptions: malicious or intentional damage or the return of the boat in an unclean condition.)

When you think that this barely covers the cost of a new boat pole, let alone a replacement window, it is a small price to pay for complete peace of mind.

Fuel Deposit

Fuel is now included in the cost of Hire

Extras

Well behaved and clean pets are welcome on all of our boats, but there is a charge of £45 per pet per week. There is no charge for our on-site car park, but at our Autherley Junction site, locked, under cover parking is available at £25 per week if required.

Note that all male or all female parties are required to leave an additional, returnable security deposit of £100 per head in cash at the boatyard before taking over the boat.

Onboard Wifi

Please Note: The free onboard wifi relies on mobile data using an on-board SIM card, and therefore needs a cellular connection to work. Geographic location and environmental factors can affect the signal and thus onboard Wifi / Internet cannot be guaranteed. Each boat is given 1Gb of data at the start of your holiday / every week (for multi-week holidays), which is ample for browsing such as Facebook / Email / Google Maps etc. but can be easily used up by streaming services / live video.

Terms and Conditions

All of our terms and conditions can be viewed here

Of course, if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.