Most of us live in houses or apartments, which are, despite vague differences, just about the same the world over.

Boats - well, they’re different. Narrowboats are different again and are built for the special purpose of cruising the inland canal waterways of Britain. Narrowboats really are a special breed. They are narrow and tight, long and heavy and our boats hold within them all sorts of surprises.
Be aware that beds can often be smaller or narrower than at home.

Always remember, if you want lots of space and prefer to dress in designerwear during the evening, choose a different style holiday!

The four-burner hob, grill and oven are all gas operated and for those of you unfamiliar with this form of domestic energy, don’t worry. This will all be covered during the training programme.

On the other hand, if you want to slow right down, get away from all the commotion in the world, prefer wearing your old clothes or, as this is England, your waterproofs and you have that special spark and spirit of adventure.... well, this is the holiday for you. Designed in - house, the boats have been created specificaly for for holiday use. Purpose built in the North East of England, local craftsmen blend traditional skills with contemporary methods and modern materials. The results are vessels operated solely to fulfil the needs and satisfy the expectations of todays discerning timesharer.

However, please don't expect everything to happen by magic. If you decide to remain moored within the marina, staff will link you into mains electricity. However if you are cruising, the boat is wholly dependent upon you to generate and conserve the electrical power. Cruising will, subject to you following the proper procedures, generate power and charge the batteries. Thus, you will be able to use the on - board facilities. However, be warned - if you are out on the canal, do not cruise sufficiently each day and drain the batteries of their charge by improper management the power will go down!

The same principle applies to the water supply. The narrowboat's holding tank will need to be replenished every couple of days on average. This can be done by yourself at one of the many freshwater points along the canal. These are shown on the map supplied to you on arrival. Public points are generally open access though some commercial enterprises may levy a nominal fee. Please note that whilst water is delivered through the mains system. Canaltime-at-Sawley recommends that all water delivered into and from the boat is boiled prior to consumption purely as a precaution.

The point with both the electricity and the water is that you can only draw out what you put in! Suddenly, all our assumptions that there is always water and the lights will always work are thrown out of the window. On this holiday, you need to make sure that they do by, at the risk of sounding melodramatic, managing your own space and environment.

Plan - 45ft craft, sleeps 4- click image to enlarge view and see boat inventory

For your information, all toilet waste is flushed into a holding tank built into the hull of the narrowboat. Generally, there is enough volume within the tank for one week. However, if the tank fills to capacity during your holiday, it is your responsibility to arrange a 'pump - out'. This facility is available throughout the canal system and like the freshwater points is shown on the supplied map.

The service varies in cost though if you budget for about £15.00, you will be fairly close to the mark. Luggage space is at a premium and we suggest that you bring as little as possible and folding canvas or nylon bags are best. Avoid bulky suitcases at all costs. Bring flat shoes, trainers and wellington boots if you can. Try to plan your arrival having done your main shop for supplies prior to check - in.

Plan - 55ft craft, sleeps 6 - click image to enlarge view and see boat inventory.

Omitting to do this will impinge on the training time. Many guests tend to eat at least one meal a day at a canalside pub. Food tends to be good and wholesome and in the main, reasonably priced. Breakfast is the main concern so do think about stocking up on eggs, mushrooms, cheese, milk, bread, cereal etc as well as lots of snacks for the day. The captain and crew will always welcome a mug - of - soup or a cup of tea or coffee.

^Top of the page