Canal holidays are one of the safest ways to enjoy a holiday afloat, and nobody knows better than Willow Wren that a safe holiday is a happy holiday! We have been hiring boats for thirty years and have an excellent safety record.

As specialists in group waterway holidays we are very aware of the responsibilities of party leaders 'in loco parentis' and have a number of ways to make your task easier!

FREE boat handling guide!
When you book your holiday we will send you our free 24 page 'Safety Information and Boat Handling Guide' . This is packed full of information on how to handle the boat and operate locks, bridges and other waterway structures. It also contains important safety information.

FREE boating safety video!
When you pay the balance of your holiday charges, approximately four weeks before your holiday, we will send you a copy of our Boating Safety Video. This 20 minute, easy to watch tape, narrated by Peter Davison (Of All Creatures Great Small fame), takes you through the operation of locks, bridges etc. with an emphasis on your safety and enjoyment. It is yours on FREE LOAN - all we ask is that you return it to us when you arrive at the start of your holiday.

FREE 'educationals'.
Once you've booked, we will invite you to visit our base to view your boat. Bring your colleagues for a FREE three hour 'show round' and demonstration run to familiarise everyone with the boat, location, canal route information and 'side trips' ahead of the holiday!

FREE tuition.
When you are ready to set out at the start of your holiday, our expert staff will explain the operation of boat and equipment, and take you out for a trial run. This can include passage through a lock depending on your chosen route.

OUR COMMITMENT.
To underscore our commitment to safer boating Willow Wren is an R.Y.A. Recognised Teaching Establishment and our staff are qualified R.Y.A. Instructors. We run the new Inland Waters Helmsman Course for which our Managing Director, Andy Newman wrote the handbook! Click on the link to see information on this new one day course leading to the award of the Inland Waters Helmsman Certificate, the only inland boating qualification available, and on the other courses we offer.