Call us 0845 126 4098
Your questions answered.....
Click on the topic below for more details:
Arrival & Departure
Tuition
Maps & Guides
Licences & Restrictions
Buoyancy Aids
Young Children
Overseas Visitors
Bedding
Towels
Pets
Fishing
Groceries
Mobile phone charging
Mobile phone hire
Extras
Car Parking
Look before you book
Arrival & Departure
We 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 the start base (telephone numbers page 8) or Booking Office in order that special arrangements can be made well in advance of your holiday. A late arrival charge may apply. Your boat must be returned and vacated by 9.30am on the last day.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Tuition
No previous experience is necessary, as our boats are extremely easy to handle and full tuition is given at the start of every holiday. Comprehensive cruising information is in a manual on the boat and details are sent out with the holiday documents to introduce you to the theory of locks and the 'rules of the road'. We provide our own 24hr emergency helpline.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Maps & Guides
A number of guides are available for planning your trip or locating all the sites of interest, pubs, shops and facilities along your route. The guides relevant to each route are indicated on the route information pages (8 to 23) and detailed on the back cover. These may either be ordered by post or purchased at the start of the holiday at the marina.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Licences & Restrictions
You do not need a driving licence for a narrowboat and the boat itself is licenced by us for BW waterways. There are a few waterways outside their jurisdiction for which you will need to purchase an additional licence as you enter them, such as the Rivers Avon, Thames and Wey. Our start bases can provide details when you arrive to pick up your boat. The maximum number of people on board is restricted to the number of berths, with an absolute maximum of twelve.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Buoyancy Aids
There are buoyancy aids available free of charge for both children and adults at the marinas (compulsory for children under the age of 18 and non-swimmers). They do not need to be booked in advance and should be requested upon arrival at the marina so the correct size can be fitted.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Young Children
A narrowboat holiday is superb for families. Cot-sides can be provided for very small children on standard berths (see pictures on page 26). Simply indicate this on the booking form.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Overseas Visitors
You are very welcome to book direct with us online or you can call us on +44 1905 734168. Payment is required in £'s sterling. Check availability here.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Bedding
On all our boats freshly laundered bedding is provided.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Towels
These are provided free of charge on all Alvechurch and Wessex boats and to overseas Viking Afloat and Red Line customers. If you are from the UK and hiring a boat from Viking Afloat or Red Line you will need to bring your own towels.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Pets
There is no extra charge if you want to bring one pet with you, so this really is a holiday the whole family can enjoy together. The first pet per boat is free, but we charge £25 for each additional pet. We obviously request that the boat is returned in a clean and tidy condition and reserve the right to refuse pets or charge for any additional cleaning or repairs required as a result of pets being on board during your holiday.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Fishing
Fishing is prohibited on British rivers between 15th March and 15th June. Fishing is allowed outside these dates and on canals at any time, but a licence is required. This is available from any post office with a 1-day, 8-day or annual licence to choose from. For reasons of hygiene,we regret that live bait may not be kept on the boat.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Groceries
One of the pleasures of a canal holiday is the option to stop off and experience the towns and villages along the way, shopping as and when you need supplies. If you are unable to bring some groceries with you or stop and shop on arrival, there are details of how to get groceries for the start of your holiday in the 'Holiday Guide' that you will receive with your final holiday documents.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Mobile phone charging
All of our boats have a 12-volt electricity supply with a car-type cigar lighter socket that can be used with a mobile phone car adapter lead (bring your own lead). On some boats there is a 240-volt electricity supply that can be used for your own equipment at your own risk. 110- volt AC supply is not available in the UK .
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Mobile phone hire
We have mobile phones available for hire whilst you are on holiday with us. We require a £50 returnable deposit and a hire charge of £25 for the first week (including £5 of calls) and £10 per week thereafter (no additional inclusive calls - top up cards may be purchased from a number of outlets). Please arrange mobile phone hire with the Booking Office at least two weeks before the start of your holiday.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Extras
The booking section details the items inclusive to your holiday. The only compulsory charges in addition to the brochure price are Cancellation Protection Fee (calculated at the rate of 4% of the hire charge) and Accidental Damage Waiver Fee at £45. We can also arrange Personal Holiday Insurance for UK customers if required (strongly recommended). A 1% surcharge is applied to any payment made by credit card and £25 for second and subsequent pets. Further details can be found on page 44.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Car Parking
There is ample open air parking at our bases which is provided free of charge. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to hirers' vehicles.
Return to the 'Your questions answered' index
Look before you book
We welcome inspection of our boats before you book. Please phone the bases before you arrive to ensure they are open and boats are available for viewing.
