FAQ | Willow Wren

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When will my boat be ready and what time do I have to bring it back?

Our collection time is between 12 noon and 3.00pm, but we endeavour to get your boat ready for you as early as is possible. We are sure you understand that your boat must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared before you arrive

We always call the week before your holiday to arrange the best time slot for you. If you are unable to collect the boat during these times we can arrange a handover at a different agreed time but there may be a charge.

We have to insist that your boat is returned by 9.00am and that you have vacated by 9.30am to give us the best possibility of providing the same level of service to the next customer (we do charge for late returns).

I have never been on a narrow boat before

We give comprehensive instruction on canal etiquette and also on the workings of the boat and engine; we also give steering and locking instruction to crews that need it – usual time is 1½ hours to new crews and around an hour for experienced boaters. Your boat has a full manual and a pdf file is available to download at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk.

There is also a very useful video available at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/safeboating. Please instruct all of your crew to watch it prior to you arriving for your holiday. If you require that little bit more TLC we will always spend that time to ensure you are confident and happy before you leave us, but we are at the end of the phone should you need us.

Is there car parking?

We provide parking within our secured yard free of charge.

What items does the boat have?

There is a full inventory on our website; but you will need to bring personal towels (we do provide for overseas customers) but if in doubt about any inventory including bedding please ring us.

Can I bring pets?

We welcome pets; first dog is free, any more £15 each, but please ring to discuss if you have unusual requirements. Please bring covers to make sure the upholstery is kept clean.

Groceries

We are happy to accept your grocery delivery, please arrange for this delivery one hour prior to your arrival time. There is a Tesco that (if traveling south) is canal-side 10 mins away or there is a small Co-op 20 mins away (if travelling north) so why not shop off the boat.

Can we bring bikes?

We allow a maximum of three per boat but please bring old carpets/blankets to protect the roof.

Can I return earlier than planning?

This isn't a problem we have a process that we will explain to you on your arrival.

We are a group but we can’t all arrive at the agreed time

If you are a fully experienced group we are happy for a minimum of two people to arrive at the agreed time to have the safety and boat instruction and then wait for the remainder of the crew to arrive. If you are an inexperienced group we need a minimum of three people to arrive at the agreed time to have the safety and boat instruction plus lock instruction and then these crew members take responsibility for imparting all the information given to the crew arriving later but will need to cruise down to the main canal to have steering instruction where they can moor to wait for the rest of the crew to arrive.

Where can I go on my holiday?

Please look at our page that gives you a visual of routes available but please don’t hesitate to ring the office when we will be happy to discuss the best route for your party. Some routes are very complicated for the inexperienced so it’s best to ask prior to arrival. We do sell the canal companion guides.

We have a crew member who has limited mobility can we still have a canal boat holiday and will we be able to manage?

We have a four berth boat, Beatrice which is designed for customers with limited mobility. Please look at her profile pictures but if you have any specific issues or questions please give us a call to discuss any concerns you have and to plan the best route for your group.