Our Canal boat hire reviews!
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We’re thrilled to share the outstanding results from our most recent Customer Service feed back forms.
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Lucy | September 2015 | Stone to Wheaton Aston
Having sold our own narrowboat earlier in the year , not using it enough , we could not keep away from the canals and took out Lucy for a week.
The boat was spotless and the seating and bedding very comfortable.Lucy handles very well and is a credit to Karen and Peter and their team.
We shall definitely be returning
Elinor | Spring | Stone to Penkridge
I will keep this brief just so you can all appreciate how good this company and their fleet of canal boats are. We actually hired two boats (Elinor and Agnes) for a large group of twelve and every step along the way was simple, from booking through to return of deposit.
Everybody was happy to help out with enquiries even as far as the guys doing the induction when we asked questions they may consider as stupid. All information post booking arrived in the post within a matter of days.
The actual boat was perfect. Comfortable beds, plenty of storage, plenty of space and just generally relaxing and saw us comfortably through three nights of rain, shine and cold weather.
Could not recommend enough and will definitely be booking again!
Maria | June 2016 | Stone-Stourport-Worcester-Birmingham-Alrwas-Stone
Excellent 2 weeks on the Maria travelling down the Trent and Mersey canal to the Staffs and Worcester canal down to Stourport and onto the River Severn to Worcester then up the Worcester and Birmingham Canal through Birmingham and onto the Birmingham and Fazeley canal to Fradley junction to Alrewas where we turned round and came back up the Trent and Mersey back to Stone. Maria was well equipped for our holiday and very comfortable. We would recommend canal cruising as an excellent company to hire from. Staff were very helpful and advised us on our trip and equipped the narrowboat with everything we needed.
Website: www.rewardsforrescue.co.uk/
Email: feedback@rewardsforrescue.co.uk
Telephone: 01604 647770
Up until now most high street stores have offered special discounts to students, while discounts for those who work in the public sector have been rarely recognised. "Rewards for Rescue" have been campaigning to change this, in the belief that employees who work hard to care for us deserve recognition and respect from British businesses in return for caring and saving the public on a daily basis.
Rewarding those that save lives
Alice | September | Stone - Huddlesford - Anglesey - Wolverhampton - Stone
Our chosen trip was slightly unusual and not a trip most people would consider, indeed many people advised us against it. The route we took was a big circle taking in the Trent & Mersey, the Coventry, then the northern waters of the BCN to Wolverhampton and down to the Staffs & Worcester before returning to Stone via Great Haywood. We were told that we would be harassed by vandals, be constantly down the weed hatch and have problems with the locks. None of this happened. We opened the weed hatch once, just to check, and we only removed a handful of plastic, which was causing us no problems.
We had special reasons for wanting to undertake this particular route and we are very glad that we did. It was a very interesting cruise on very quiet canals. For two days we didn’t meet another moving boat and on the third day we met two. Although we went round and through many urban areas the canal was beautifully rural for most of the time yet, if we needed supplies, we were never far from shops and pubs. The locals and the C&RT staff we met were all interested to see us and at locks we were often offered assistance. Everyone was pleased to see us using their canal.
The highlights were many. We spent four days at the Huddlesford Heritage Gathering (organised by the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust and Lichfield Cruising Club). It was the first time we had been to a canal festival by boat – it’s the only way to go!
Despite the fact that there were only two of us the major lock flights, Curdworth 11, Perry Barr 13, the Rushall 9 and the Wolverhampton 21, were all fine, indeed enjoyable. The area around bottom lock of the Perry Barr flight looked a bit dismal, there was a lot of rubbish about, there was the old boat moored right in the middle of the lock landing looked like a permanent feature, and it was raining. That was the low point for us & we did wonder if we had made a bad choice. However, the rain stopped and once we started to move up the locks they turned out to be a very enjoyable experience – with some great services and shops at the top of the flight. We had one low pound at Rushall but there was just enough water for us not to need to run any more down, band there was a C&RT man who had already picked it up on his routine checks and was about to top it up.
Going under Spaghetti Junction at Salford Junction was an unforgettable experience – everybody should do it before they die!
The next big highlight was Anglesey Basin. Unfortunately, we didn’t spend enough time there as we wanted to get to Wolverhampton that night. Certainly down for another visit. Pelsall Common was an absolute delight. The water on parts of the Wyrley & Essington Canal was so clear that we could see the bottom and we were often sailing through immense shoals of fish. A fisherman on the Staffs & Worcester later told us that the water was now so clean that there were trout living there.
At Wolverhampton Broad Street Basin we spent a very happy hour being shown over the Narrowboat Trust’s working pair who were laden with coal for their annual coal run to the south.
The ultimate highlight of the cruise was getting a good mooring at Tixall Wide and waking up in time to see the lunar eclipse. I doubt that we’ll ever be able to repeat that experience!
The weather at the start of our two weeks was a bit wet but later we had great autumnal conditions of cold misty mornings and afternoons of sun with dramatic evening sunsets. Pure magic – and we forgot all about the rain.
We had no problems, but we had planned the trip quite carefully (on canalplan.org - a wonderful website) to make sure that we had a safe mooring to make for each night. I think we may have been over cautious as we saw plenty of safe moorings – we were also outside school holidays, which may have helped.
We have hired Alice once before so we knew what to expect, and she performed perfectly for us. We did have a problem with the central heating not wanting to work too well, but a call to the yard & Peter was out to us sharpish. He found a bad connection on the pump & had it fixed very quickly. In fact the service from everyone at the yard is excellent – relaxed and a efficient.
We have grown to love our canal holidays and this was about the best – mind you we said that last year when we went up the Caldon!
Agnes | Fall 2015 | Stone - Penkridge - Stone
This was our first narrowboat trip and we settled on the Stone - Penkridge route for a leisurely cruise. "Agnes" was superbly outfitted and ran without a hitch, Night one got us to Tixall Wide and a lovely boat dinner on the shore. Our next 2 days included Penkridge and further points west. Our final day got us back to North of Stone with an early morning return to the yard on Friday. There are lots of pubs along the way, and plenty of time to enjoy them on this route.
"Agnes" is an excellent design and not at all claustrophobic - lots of room to move about, and well-designed for 2 to 4 for sleeping. If you have imagined a narrowboat holiday, don't hesitate - do it! - and Canal Cruising is a fine company to do it with.
Agnes | september 2015 | Stone Fradley
To start with I would like to give a big thank you to all the staff at Canal Cruising Ltd . My wife, daughter and son-in-law had a great time on board Agnes , from the time we turned up we were looked after and given some great instructions before we set off . This was our first time on a narrow boat and was a bit nervous at the start but once you get into it , it becomes very natural . The boat was very well kitted out and comfortable . We got down to Fradley Junction in two days and had a lovely meal in the Swan right next to the canal . Everyone we met on the way were very friendly and helpful . If you were thinking of hiring a boat I would go for it and make sure you use Canal Cruising .
Lucy | Summer 2015 | Trent-and-Mersey C. / Coventry C. / Oxford Canal and back
Once again we had a lovely holiday on the canals. This time we stayed for four weeks and thus were able to visit Oxford. (To be honest - we moored Lucy at Lower Hayford and took the train - no bother with mooring or turning in Oxford).
The way back brought us to the Foxton locks - very impressive!
This was our eighth holiday with Canal Cruising - certainly not the last one! We can highly recommend this boatyard!
The narrowboats are well kept, spacious, excellently equipped and very comfortable.
The boatyard´s staff is nice and helpful, especially Karen who is the soul of Canal Cruising.
Thanks again for everything!
Martha | Sept 2015 | North
Karen,
Many thanks for a very enjoyable trip on your boat Martha last week. The boat was very good, and we were especially impressed by the amount of storage space that had been created on the boat.
Also a much apreciated thank you for the way you organised things following the problem with the lock above your boatyard. I hope you soon get all your boats back where they should be.
I am sure we will be hiring another boat from you some time in the future.
Regards,
David Crookes
Alice | September | Four Counties Ring
Very friendly reception, and although we arrived early, the boat was ready to go. Well equipped and good handover. Would definitely book again if we choose nearby area to cruise. Nice to get email on our return home.
Martha | Summer August 2015 | Four Counties Ring
Our second time with Canal Cruising and again extremely impressed with the company. The staff were helpful and friendly, the boat was well equipped and laid out. It was great not to have to make beds up at night and take them down in the morning! The website is easy to use and very informative.
We had a brilliant holiday, although in order to complete the ring in a week it meant a lot of cruising time each day. We found the canal routes advice on the website invaluable as it kept us on schedule.
We would like to thank Canal Cruising for an excellent service and would highly recommend the company.
Once again a big THANK YOU!
Lucy | summer 2015 | Stone Rugeley Wedgewood Stone
Our first time on a canal boat and boy what a time we had although we never went far we got down to Rugeley where we met friends, then all the way back up to visit the Wedgewood factory.
We had some good instruction from the staff before we headed out of Stone on our own, but we soon got the hang of it.
I can recommend the fantastic Sunday dinner at the Saracens Head, Weston and very friendly staff.
Loved going through the locks and my granddaughter loved feeding the ducks and swans.
The weather was mixed and we had one damp day but it never put us off, a great holiday but over far too quick.
Francis | Summer | Stone to Goldstone Wharf
We had hoped to complete the Four Counties ring but a fallen tree necessitated a change of plans, thanks to Dominic for getting us out of the cutting!
We had a fantastic trip and would certainly recommend Canal Cruising. The boat was fantastic and with solid tuition before we set off it was relaxing from start to finish.
The locks are great fun, we took turns operating them and steering the boat. Great scenery and plenty of wildlife to be spotted.
Martha | July 2015 | Caldon
Thank you for splendid cruise week.
Your boats Martha and Carey are very homely and well-equipped and it was really enjoyable vacation format for us. The cruising starts to feel very right and comfortable on the third day, but thereafter it was fun even with rainy-windy weather.
We'd like to thank also your lovely crew, who showed us the ropes.
Thank you very much for your help.
Warm regards
Priit Sasi
Angela | July 2015 | Hardcastle Tunnel and Caldon Canal
I had a lovely week on board Angela, touring the Caldon Canal, with a friend of mine over from New Zealand. We both thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would certainly do it again. The initial tuition was very thorough, and I soon got the hang of steering the boat, whilst my friend from NZ really enjoyed operating the locks.
Martha | Spring | Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canal
Our third year with Canal Cruising and our second on board NB Martha
This isn't just a thank you to Canal Cruising Ltd it's also a brief introductions to anyone that may be contemplating a narrowboat holiday
The Caldon Canal was to be our aim with destination Froghall in mind. From start to finish this canal has everything, engineering, heritage, scenery, peace and above all the feeling of complete isolation from the crazy world outside. The Trent & Mersey canal leading to Stoke on Trent is full of interest. From rural to urban everything blends in well and there are times when you are in the heart of the city that you may feel you are in the countryside. It isn't perfect but it isn't bad either
The weather behaved most of the time and even when it didn't the comfort on this boat would more than make up for it. The central heating came into its own a few times and the on board entertainment added much when the weather was inclemant during the evening
The galley certainly provided the means for all that our hungry trio could eat and it is a matter of fact that the kettle was overworked and untroubled from being constanty on the boil
As usual nothing is too much trouble with this firm and you quickly realise they are totally professional, they simply want you to enjoy the holiday that you have paid for. Our boat, Martha, purred along from start to finish and was a complete pleasure to handle
If you are in a hurry then this may not be the holiday for you, if on the other hand you want to relax, unwind and enjoy mooring in the middle of nowhere or perhaps the little village with its pub is more to your liking, usually with real ale on offer and food at reasonable prices then welcome aboard
Carey | June 2015 | Stone to Chester back and the rest of four counties
Had two weeks on Carey myself and my wife plus my brother and his wife. Weather poor for a couple of days but not to worry it all picked up and it was great for the rest of the holiday.Went to Chester ,while there took the bus to portsunlight very peacfull place to go and had a good look round Chester then went back and finished the four counties. Boat great as usual we go on this boat every year now had lots of laughs met some nice people on the way round. On the way back had a meal at the sarasons head pub good food and atmosphere. Used this boatyard for about ten years Karen and Peter just can't do enough for you even start your car when you've got a flat battery. Thanks Karen and Peter all the best Gill and Derek Blackpool
Elinor | June 2015 | Leek& Froghall
We can't say enough about how great this trip was. We took it with another couple who live in the UK. Their help was great in planning the route. We all had a great time. Sleeping accommodations worked out well. We reserved a 70ft we had plenty of space to spread out. We thoroughly enjoyed getting a chance to see this "side" of the England which is beautiful. I highly recommend this type of vacation to anyone and definitely use this company.
Lillian | Spring | Stone - Great Haywood - Stone
This was our first time on a narrowboat and we pick Lilian a 70ft boat. She sleeps 8. We took our nephews with us (10 and 8 years). We went for 3 days, arriving on Saturday we had full training including 2 locks before being allowed on our own. After our initial getting used to her we found her easy to steer and found it very relaxing. There were 7 of us on the boat and we all had a go at steering, the 2 boys under supervision. The lads loved it and couldn't wait to get off the boat to do the locks. The route south was very scenic with lots of wildlife to see and lots of places to moor on the route for free. All in all it was very relaxing break and my husband and myself are already planning our next holiday with them for 2 weeks next year to explore even more of the canal but as only 2 of us thinking of going on Maria. We had mixed weather but that didn't dampen our spirits.
Website: www.lymestonebrewery.co.uk/
Email: mrsbrad@btconnect.com
Telephone: 01785 817796
Lymestone Brewery is a family run micro brewery that is proud to be single handedly upholding the tradition of brewing great beer in the town of Stone. Stone has a fascinating brewing history that extends back in time for almost 1000 years. The Lymestone Brewery is continuing that story once again by producing quality hand-made ales in the traditional manner. We produce and supply a range of cask ales and bottled beers. Why not visit the new 'Bore Hole Pub' which can be reached from bridge 96 and lock 30.
Elinor | Spring | stone-stoke and back (3 days)
We hired this wonderful boat for our friend Carl's stag weekend.
Karen and the staff were fantastic, knowledgeable, friendly and patient and showed us and talked us through all we needed to know.
The boat was well equipped and comfortable for 7 men including 2 well over 6 feet with ample storage
I would heartily recommended this company to anyone looking to experience our wonderful waterways.
Ps the Toby Carvery at Etruria Junction is lovely and the staff are great.
Ginette | April | Trent and Mersey to Rugeley
An excellent introduction to narrow boats - the first time for both of us, and I am sure we will be back! The initial instruction was very good and although there is room for improvement in our manoeuvring skills there were no major problems. We were very comfortable on Ginette and were lucky to have fantastic weather. One tip for those who are new to narrow boats - bring a good pair of gloves with you!
Maureen
Thank you for your kind review. Glad you enjoyed yourselves. KPW
Carey | March 2015 | Four Counties Ring
Following a great week on Carey Ginger I had to leave the boat early on the morning of 28th March so didn't get a chance to see you. I just want to say thank you - the boat was absolutely perfect and we had a super trip around the four counties ring. For my parents it was their first canal boat holiday and they thoroughly enjoyed it - they wish they had done it years ago.
Best wishes for a busy and successful rental season - when we choose to do another canal boat holiday I shall not hesitate to get in touch.
Rosemary | Summer 2014 | Grand Union Canal to London
We have just returned from a wonderful 3 weeks of perfect weather and a perfect holiday.
We vary from two to three weeks and hope for a whole month one year.
We have booked with Canal Cruising for many years and as there is just us two and Scooby the mini dachs Rosemary or Angela are perfect for us.
Both boats are spotless and perfectly maintained and perfectly well equipped.
Staff are so helpful and friendly.
Rosemary is easy to handle and we take turns to steer and do locks.
We made our way along the Grand Union Canal to Paddington Basin, stayed the night there and slowly potterd back.
Locks are every twenty minutes and double locks though.
Sometimes you make the greatest friends by sharing the locks and travelling together for several days.
Actually got to one double lock and the woman didnt want to share the lock, threw her rope down in disgust, put her fenders against our boat and wiped down her boat with her tissue. She nearly imploded when I laughed LOL.
Another great holiday and we have akready booked Rosemary for the same weeks in 2015.
Thank you Karen and all at Canal Cruising.
Stopping to see the film locations of The Bargee, and the Great Train Robbery.
We have already booked Rosemary for same weeks next year.
Website: www.blacklionpub.co.uk
Telephone: 01782550294
Black Lion Pub is a little gem on the Caldon. Just a minute's walk from the Churnet Valley Railway Station. Families Welcome. Wholesome Meals available daily. Traditional Cask Ales and Ciders. Moorings available. Children's play area. Call before you arrive and book to receive 20% off you total bill for parties of 4 (bookings only/Mon - Thur). CAMRA Members save 15p on a pint (membership proof required) Visit there website for further savings.
Our holiday accommodation is listed on lovetoescape.com, which also has a great range of Hotels
Ginette | July 2014 | Four Counties Ring
‘You can do it in a week!’ What? 110 miles? 94 locks? Are you sure?!
Starting from Stone, we travelled clockwise around the Four Counties Ring in Ginette, taking in beautiful scenery and memorable moments. The three of us were very pleased with the narrow-boat – plenty of room to relax when not enjoying the outdoor experience; great fridge and cooker; lovely hot showers. The sofa converted into the third bed easily.
Being advised, we took the southerly route (‘If you make it to Market Drayton by Monday evening, you can decide to go on, or turn back.) We rounded Great Haywood on the first night, settling into the cruising/lock-travelling life at an easy pace. We visited Penkridge market, got drenched at Brewood and enjoyed the beauty of the Shropshire canal, making it to Market Drayton a day ahead of schedule.
On our way through the famous 15-lock flight at Audlem, we saw a coal-batty being pulled by an enormous rope – memories of horse-drawn days; we visited the marvelously creepy Nuclear Bunker at Hack Green before turning the corner at Barbridge. The canal was surprisingly quiet for holiday season, but often there was time to chat with other boaters, whilst my son expertly threaded Ginette past the lock gates.
Under the M6, and round back onto the Trent and Mersey, to visit Stoke and the nearby Wedgewood factory. We took our time, working hard when needed (usually starting by 8.00am and going on –til 6.00pm), but having a fabulous holiday, with so much to see and at a perfect pace.
Seeing the ‘Stone’ sign and completing the 94th lock felt like a victory. We had a celebratory meal in the ‘Star’ and spent our final night aboard.
The Four Counties Ring in a week? No problem! Thanks to all at the boat-yard who gave us such a great holiday.
Good morning Mrs Wyatt Would you please pass on our thanks to everyone involved in the excellent work carried out on our boat last week. We are really pleased with the result and will be sure to recommend your company for quality of work and attention to detail. Thanks for your assistance! Best Regards Gill […]
Sir just a thank you for looking after one of my customers Sharon on canal boat Roxy . She spoke very highly of the service you showed her I would have no hesitation in recommending your boat yard to any of my other customers that are on there travels in your part of the country […]
Maria | Summer 2014 | Trent Mersey/Shropshire/Llangollen /Chester and return
My husband and I spent two weeks travelling along the canals, our ultimate goal was to reach Llangollen, which we did, spending an enjoyable afternoon on the horse drawn narrowboat and exploring the town. We then returned with a trip up to Chester and back, and also a short trip along the Macclesfield Canal. We had an interesting stoppage for 5 hours after some thoughtless canal user had not shut the lock gates and a pound was empty at the bottom of Heartbreak Hill. Once water was released from further up the canal, the pound began filling but we had to wait hours before we could proceed. The whole two weeks of travelling was enjoyable and enhanced by the fact we had terrific weather with only a few hours of rain in the fortnight.
Our narrowboat was clean, well equipped and perfect for two people. We had a slight problem with the electric toilet but Peter came out promptly and sorted it out.
I would definitely recommend this company and will use them again.
Maria | Spring 2014 | Trent & Mersey
A week's cruising as far as Burton and back was somewhat spoilt by rain 70% of the time. However, the boat we had, Maria, was very comfortable, meeting all our needs and even the TV signal was good! The added bonus of 240V and cancellation insurance/fuel included in the price, was what made us choose Canal Cruising. A welcoming staff, we were pleased with their attitude to us from booking to saying, 'goodbye'.
Angela | 3 Weeks in June 2014 On Angela | Four Counties Ring
Thanks for the immaculate boat, really value for money.
Alice | June 2014 | Caldon
Good afternoon Karen,
It’s difficult to believe that it is only a week since we handed Alice Elizabeth back to you after a wonderful trip on the Caldon.
We would like to thank you and your team for a really enjoyable and memorable holiday. Our final night spent in the yard was almost as interesting as our cruise, we felt as though we were members of a hidden village – you do seem to attract an interesting group of customers. Having the privilege of seeing you undock and dock the boats on Friday morning was a fabulous bonus.
We feel that you run a very special business and we wanted to tell you that we greatly appreciated it, and all the hard work that goes into making it so.
You mentioned that your husband was recovering from an operation. Please give him our best wishes for his recovery, we look forward to meeting him next time we hire a boat from you.
Kind regards,
Martha | June 2014 | Trent & Mersey
Freedom of Choice
Once again we had a fantastic time on "Martha Ginger". The weather was good up to the Wednesday of half term,then we had two days which were overcast but that is part & parcel of a canal holiday. We have been keen boaters over the years (36 yrs), my children grew up with being cold & wet, now the next generation are learning the ropes (no pun intended). We have been coming to Stone in Staffordshire for the last ten yrs & we still get the same friendly reception from all the staff as we did when we first met. If you want to get away from the normal holiday ( TV,radio,newspapers & the fast pace of normal life), then this holiday is not for you,unless you want these things which are available on all of "The Family of Ginger Boats". Come with an open mind & try something new, you never know you might become hooked.
Martha | May 2014 | Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canals
This is a long review aimed at saying thank you to Canal Cruising Ltd and also hoping to influence others that may want to experience the Caldon Canal from this ideal base in Stone.
Just had an amazing holiday on NB Martha and it has to be said “This was 70’ of perfection”
We visited the Caldon canal so your base at Stone was an ideal starting point. Approaching the conurbation known as Stoke on Trent as the canal changes from rural to urban is an interesting experience and one soon learned the area was built around the canal. There is a mixture of old and new. There are some derelict buildings alongside the canal that in their heyday would have used the canal as their preferred mode of transport. This all adds to the experience and helps you appreciate the past as you cruise along at a gentle three of four miles an hour
The Caldon Canal is fascinating with its engineering excellence and its rural scenery not forgetting the places along the way from pubs and shops to the remote Consall Forge with The Black Lion sitting there offering a warm welcome for all. You really experience the feeling that you are in the middle of nowhere. On to Froghall and the Uttoxeter Canal basin you cannot fail to be impressed with the way in which it has been landscaped and restored. The Leek arm is a gentle cruise that takes you to the edge of this quaint old town that has everything you could need, albeit a bit of a walk into the centre. Don’t miss the arm because the canal is quiet and well worth the detour from the main line as it meanders along to its feeder from the nearby Rudyard reservoir
Our boat NB Martha had everything we could wish for and was more than comfortable. A daunting 70’ long at first sight handled like a dream and the proximity of tiller and throttle controls made for a comfortable position for the steerer where you could hold both controls at the same time. The engine never skipped a beat. The equipment supplied is first class and it’s no exaggeration to say the galley provided everything we needed for eating aboard (we supplied the food though!) Decent sized fridge and a fan assisted oven and grill make the full sized cooker a pleasure to use. Beds were very comfortable and the roomy showers ensured a feeling of freshness as we sat in the comfortable saloon area. Seating at the front of the boat with half opening doors added the finishing touch.
Why did we choose this firm, easy really. It’s location on the Trent & Mersey made it an idea starting point but of course a bit of research showed us it provides diesel inclusive, where many of the other firms charge extra for this. It’s quite frankly a rip off to do this to people; in our view. These were the reasons for booking with this firm last year. This year’s holiday was based on the same reason plus the knowledge that they know what the customer wants and make sure they get it
Canal holidays are not for everyone and if you are in a hurry this may not be the holiday for you. If, on the other hand, you enjoy the solitude of mooring in the countryside or perhaps close to the little village pub then this really is your holiday. There is an element of physical exercise and plenty of opportunity for relaxation. This holiday will give the novice much confidence as they negotiate the challenge of life on the canals. Do it once and you will be smitten
Thank you Karen and all at Canal Cruising Ltd Stone
Patricia | May 2014 | 4 Counties Ring and Busgsworth Basin - Lovely
We had a lovely trip despite the weather. The boat was clean well designed, Had trouble with the toilet and Oven, quickly fixed, Staff very friendly and very helpful. Going back for another trip in September
Rosemary | Spring
We booked with Canal Cruising as they offered the best value for money and gave a 10% discount for members of CAMRA if you book direct, even if you take off the joining fee it's a great saving!
We arrived and were parked and introduced to our boat within minutes; our boat was a 2/3 berth called Rosemary. We were shown all of the boat features and controls, ticking each on a form to say that we had understood it; it's a little daunting but the very nice man that showed us was very patient. We were then shown how to steer, 'park' and taken through 2 locks with detailed instruction; once happy we were set free.
It took a couple of days to feel confident, particularly stopping on the right bank as the speed control is on the left, but this gradually became easier. Reversing was daunting and only when we got back to the yard we saw that you have little control reversing so the trick is to reverse and if you need to control direction put it in forward very briefly to correct direction then back in reverse. My partner was not happy steering the boat so she ended up doing most of the lock work, and some of the gates can take some effort to lift. That said there are usually helping hands about.
The sense of achievement and enjoyment after the week was immense, I think we will do it agaan; I can only hope that if we go to another part of the country we can find a boat yard as good as good as Canal Cruising. Whilst on the water we met a number of people who had great things to say about them and nothing bad; this was not true for other companies, particularly the dark royal ones.
We met more than the usual amount of lovely people, with very few of the type you meet anywhere else in life.
In summary - If you are thinking about a boating holiday go for it, take your time, don't be put off by the initial challenge and use Canal Cruising for a great experience!
We will look back on this as a great life experience with some memorable incidents and great pleasure, and Jill is fitter from the lock work!
Carey | Winter/Spring
We've done a dozen cruises and this narrowboat is the best yet. Really clean and great attention to detail - toilet rolls, liquid hand soap, decent size teapot and many other features. We knew it was likely to be cold at this time of year so the central heating was very necessary and the wood burner was a touch of luxury that we loved. The kitchen was really well equipped with plenty of crockery. The beds were very comfortable and there was plenty of storage. All in all a lovely boat, highly recommended.
Month and year Travelled: July 2025
Boat: Alice Elizabeth
Route: Congleton
Name and Origin: Turner Family
Loved the layou, worked well for us. Excellent handover!
Very enjoyable holiday. Superb through the tunnel to congleton, going 1st up and back. Pottery visits ecellent ending with a brilliant factory tour at Wedgewood.
Month and year Travelled: June 2025
Boat: Frances
Route: Four Counties Ring
Name and Origin: Allen Family
| Really enjoyed our week out on the boat. Booked last min due to it being a good weather forecast, but it ended up being a bit too hot on a few days, making the locks a bit hard work. The boat was really comfy with everything you need and more. Lovely and clean with good quality crockery etc. The staff were very welcoming and informative and gave us great instructions to get us on our way. We dud mot have to worry about filling up with fuel as the boat was filled up as part of the hire deal, which is a bonus not having to pay extra for the fuel you use on your return. I would highly recommend Canal Cruising Company if you are considering narrowboat hire. |
Month and year Travelled: June and July 2025
Boat: Emily
Route: Birmingham Canals
Name and Origin: Shepherd
Very friendly staff, helpful. Had a lovely time again. No problems with the boat just a few water issues on the canal, easily sorted by CRT
Month and year Travelled: June 2025
Boat: Ginette
Route: Upper Caldon then to Congelton on the Macclesfield Canal
Name and Origin: Holland Family – Australia
We spent the most relaxing week in the most gorgeous countryside. The staff were amazing and welcoming. We will be back !!
Month and year Travelled: June 2025
Boat:Patricia
Route: South
Name and Origin: Keemar Family
Great Value, Lovely people, Beautiful Boat
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Carey Ginger
Route: South
Name and Origin: Barley Group
We’ve used CCC several times now. The boats are clean and comfortable with everything one needs. The staff are friendly and helpful, so that instruction, handover and return are really quick and easy and part of the excitement of a narrow boating holiday.
Month and year Travelled: June 2025
Boat: Maria
Route: Rugeley
Name and Origin: Jackson Family
A Lovely Staffordshire Break – Excellent 4 nights spent on ‘Maria’. Extreamly comfortable for 2 with all amenities included. We had a relaxing trip and recieved excellent tuition before heading out to Rugeley with a slow amble back including a stop at Shugborough Hall. Thanks to Canal Cruising Company for a great time. I’m sure we’ll be back!!
Month and year Travelled: June 2025
Boat: Lillian
Route:
Name and Origin: Prittie Family Amerca
Totally enjoyable. We really reccomend! Company was great. Excellent orientaion. Lovely english experience.
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Lillian
Route: Norbury
Name and Origin: Davies Family
As always a GREAT WEEK! Will always come back to the Canal CruisingCompany. Clean boats, well amintained, friendly staff. Thank You PauL and Diane – Wrexham
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Mino
Route: South
Name and Origin: Pearce Group
A suggestion, Would have been nice to have water proof cushions for sitting outside. Great fun, first experience on the canals. Despite the issues we had with water levels, we would definitely do it again.
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Agnes
Route: Shardlow
Name and Origin: Bickerstaff Brothers
Another enjoyable week on the canal. We’ll be back again next next year to explore more of the canal network.
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Mino
Route: Shardlow
Name and Origin: Lucas Family
Very Clean Boat. We found it cosy. Brilliant Customer service. Recommend Canal Cruising. You can get in touch any time you need to. We found the boat very reliable, especially in the wide beam locks going to Shardlow.
Very sorry that the holiday has ended .
Thank you Canal Cruising.
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Angela
Route: South
Name and Origin: Nelson Family
Instruction-Comprehensive – thank you to Kimberley.
Staff – Very Helpful
An enjoyable 4 nightbreak with an unexpected ‘adventure’ at the end owing to a low water event. Angela is a vintage boat but is still serviceable and quite comfortable despite her age.
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Olivia
Route: Norbury and back
Name and Origin: Hankin Family
The whole trip hasbeen fabulous- although great weather definatly helps. Staff friendly and helpful giving clear instructions. Boat clean and well equiped.
Many thanks – we will return.
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Maria
Route: Four Counties Ring
Name and Origin: Quilian Party
Absolutly enjoyed my trip. The boat was very clean. The boat was perfect for me. The instruction was excellent, I felt very confident for my first time. Very fiendly staff. Definatly come again with this company . Briliant.
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Emily Ginger
Route: Norbury
Name and Origin: Stevens Family and Friends .
As returning customers Canal Cruising provided an excellent value package.The boat was well appointed and easy to handle all contributing to an enjoyable holiday.
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Carey Ginger
Route: Caldon Canal
Name and Origin: Weisner Family and Friends – Canada.
Canal Cruising is a great rental company. They gave us lots of instructions, in a very friendly, knowledgeable way. The boat wasfully stocked with all the sishes/pots/untensil one could use for a goremet meal! Definatly rent from Canal Cruising again! 5 STARS!
Month and year Travelled: May 2025
Boat: Emily Ginger
Route: Caldon Canal
Name and Origin: Cannon Family and Friends – England
Beautiful boat, handles really well. A real pleasure. Lovely Portmerion Crockery. Caldon Canal stuningly Beautiful.
Month and year Travelled: Sept 2024
Boat: Carey Ginger
Route:
Name and Origin: Jenkins – Wales
A huge thank you to Canal Cruising Company for making our family holiday in September 2024 truly unforgettable! We rented two boats for our group of 12, and were thrilled to snag a 6-berth boat at half price—what an amazing deal!
We enjoyed a beautiful trip along the Caldon Canal, with a convenient bus ride to Leek, which made it easy to take the kids to Alton Towers for a fun day out. Along the way, we stopped at Hattie’s Tea Room for a delightful break—absolutely fantastic! We also had the pleasure of experiencing a ride on the steam railway, which was a real highlight of our trip.
We’re already planning our next adventure with Canal Cruising next year, and we’re thinking of taking advantage of their buy two, get one free offer to rent three boats for the whole family! We’re also excited to visit the Churnet Valley Railway and try the restaurant train next time. Can’t wait!
