|
What should I bring
….
- You come to relax, spending some time outdoors - we do not expect
you to 'dress for dinner'. (We just change to clean ordinary clothes
after a days work.) You will want comfortable clothes which do not matter
if you pick up mud etc. from being outside, remember it can get chilly
in the evenings, even in the height of the summer, it also may rain
so remember a waterproof coat.
- Bring shoes which you do not mind walking on muddy towpaths with,
and which will not slip on metal decks. A pair of slippers is an idea
to relax in for the evening and to change into when you take off your
muddy shoes.
- Your case or bag will go under a bed but it will need to be soft sided
to ensure it fits the restricted space.
- All bedding and towels are provided.
- We also have a varied library of books and even a few videos and some
CDs for you to use.
- To add to your enjoyment bring binoculars, a camera or a camcorder.
We have 240 volt sockets for recharging batteries on the motor and there
is a 12 volt socket in your cabin.
|
|
|
Are there any restrictions?
Unfortunately for the benefit of all our guests we have to point out
that ….
- Although we love pets, we generally are are not able to accommodate
any pets at all on the boats for the safety of everyone. If however
it is part of a booking by one individual for the whole butty certain
well behaved pets are possible. In that case please talk through your
needs with us.
- We can not accept bookings which include children under 14 years of
age, unless it is part of a booking by one individual for the whole
butty. In that case please talk through your needs with us.
- No smoking is permitted inside the boats, although, with the agreement
of your fellow guests you are welcome to smoke in the well decks of
either boat.
|
|
How, where and when
do I join the boats?
- Detailed joining instructions and a map will be sent with your final
invoice.
- Our mobile telephone can be used to tell us of any last minute travel
problems or for urgent calls. Please give us a number to contact you
in the week prior to your arrival just in case we have any last minute
problems.
- On arrival you can claim your cabin any time after 4.30 p.m. If you
wish to explore, then it is often possible to drop off your bags earlier
by prior arrangement. Dinner will be served at 7.30 p.m., however we
will not normally move off until the next morning, and your dinner can
be kept warm if you are delayed!
- You will normally depart by 9.30 a.m. Often bags can be held in our
store room to be collected later in the day if you wish to take more
time at our final destination, again by prior arrangement.
|
|
|
I am not very mobile,
is this holiday for me?
We welcome guests with some physical disabilities, and in fact these
holidays are ideal for those who can not walk far since all facilities
are within a few yards and you can join in by just sitting and watching
life pass by.. But remember that ...
- There is not enough room to use a wheelchair or a walking frame on
the boats although there is always a wall close enough for support,
and we can fit a small folding wheelchair into storage in the engine
room to be used ashore. (But most towpaths are generally not suitable
for pushing a wheelchair along, it would only really be usable in a
town or village away from the canal.)
- You will need to be able to climb, very slowly if need be and with
ample willingly offered help, up two steps and down five steps to get
onto the boats at the start of your holiday. If required you can use
one of the cabins on the same boat as the lounge and dinning room..
- We cannot offer assistance with dressing or toilets/showering, and
in fact the cabins, except for the twin cabin, do not have the room
for a helper. However no one will rush you, you can do things slowly
at your own pace.
If you are uncertain please phone us to discuss what you require. It
should be possible to arrange for you to come and look over the boats
before you book to settle any questions.
N.B. We have had guests arrive on cruthches, in wheelchairs and on a
mobility scooter. They have all enjoyed an adventure holiday not normally
available to somone restricted in mobility.
|
|
What will a typical
day be like?
- We will wake you up with a cup of tea or coffee.
Breakfast will be at 8.30 a.m., cereals, toast and a choice of cooked
breakfast.
- We move off about 9.30 a.m., you can choose
to ride and watch the scenery slowly pass by, to help work locks, or
you can just walk along the towpath. The choice is yours, you are on
holiday!
- At 12.30 p.m. we will moor for an hour or so,
lunch will be served, possibly a home made soup with a speciality bread
and freshly baked cake and fruit to follow. You will also have time
to explore the area around the boat.
- In the afternoon we will continue on our way
or perhaps give you the chance to explore a museum, stately home or
castle near our route.
- We moor up around 5.00 p.m., to give you the
chance to explore the area, or have a quick sleep! We gather for a pre-dinner
drink and snack about 7.15 p.m before our four course evening meal is
served. Perhaps a home made pate, roast English beef and Yorkshire pudding,
or a chicken marinated in red wine, followed by a steamed or baked pudding,
or if you are watching your weight a helping of fresh fruit salad, finishing
with a choice of English cheeses, before coffee and mints.
- In the evening you may have a drink from our
bar, or go to the local pub, sit and read, listen to music or watch
a video. With two separate lounges the choice is yours.
- The difficulty is in describing a typical day
since life on the canals and rivers is so varied. You will not find
boredom a problem, but neither will you have to rush around from attraction
to attraction.
|
|
|
There are foods
I do not eat, is this a problem?
Because of restricted space unfortunately we can not offer you a choice
of menu, so we ask you on the booking form to list any dietary requirements
and any foods you strongly dislike. We will not accept the booking unless
we are sure we can cope. If we are uncertain we will ring you to clarify
points, and of course you are welcome to ring us to resolve any such uncertainties.
|
|
How can I really
be sure what it's like?
It is only human to want to know what the boats are like and to be sure
that you will enjoy your cruise. There are two ways you can ascertain
this;-
- You are very welcome to come and have a look over the boats at any
time. Just give us a phone call to find out where we will be. Obviously
on a change over day or in the winter we have more time to talk to you,
but during the summer you can meet other guests.
- However if you can not come along, then you can be assured that an
inspector from 'Visit Britain' has given the boats a very strict
examination and she says we met their standards and has awarded us three
stars. You can read all about this on our Quality
Standard page.
|
