Which route should I choose?

Our Cruising Schedule for the coming season describes the routes. All our cruises have been carefully chosen to capture the essence of a particular waterway – each with their own collection of unique sights and features in the towns and villages en route, as well as the enchanting countryside through which they pass. There is also the choice of canal or river - canals often provide more opportunities for being active, as they have more locks and better towpaths, whereas river cruises have more frequent historic places to visit en route, and there is more time for sightseeing.

Start and finish points (for all routes) are well served by road and rail connections, so that travel to and from the boats is straightforward.

If you cannot decide and would like some helpful advice, please give us a call. We will be happy to discuss routes with you and to share our love and enthusiasm for the waterways.

Will I be on the boats all the time?

We place great emphasis on giving our guests the opportunity to discover delights off the boats, from walking the towpaths to visiting historic houses or gardens nearby. Our local knowledge and the maps and guidebooks aboard will assist in choosing what you would like to do.

Furthermore, there is the constantly changing countryside to explore: villages and hamlets, fields and hedgerows. The boats only travel at three miles per hour and most towpaths offer good walking. Bridges span the canal at frequent intervals and it is easy for the boats to pause there to pick you up from the towpath. The crew also welcome help at the locks.

On the other hand, many people take pleasure in the carefree relaxation a hotel boat holiday offers. Just to sit and watch the world slip past, to read a book and be spoilt. Each evening there is the company of fellow passengers to share or a cosy country tavern to visit. Whatever your interests, they will be met by a holiday afloat.

How do I join the cruise?

By car or public transport, whichever is more convenient for you. Each cruise is carefully chosen to start and finish within easy reach of a railway or coach station. Other exceptional cruises have special transport arrangements, details of which can be found in the cruising schedule. Once you have booked, we will send comprehensive joining instructions, and can provide advice and assistance with travel arrangements and bookings. Some guests are brought and picked up by relatives or friends: therefore we also include information for the disembarkation point.

Who travels on hotel boats?

People from all walks of life and from many countries enjoy holidays aboard Snipe and Taurus. Some are retired, some are travelling alone - others want a break for the hustle and bustle of the working week. Many are interested in photography and wildlife, some in the history or architecture of the area: all are assured of being able to relax in their own particular way. Everyone onboard appreciates the opportunity to take a relaxing break.

What if the weather is changeable?

With central heating on board, you will still be cosy on cooler mornings and evenings. The well decks at the front of both boats have covers to protect you should we encounter any showers, although we do advise everyone to pack a light raincoat, in case you get caught out!

Smoking

For everyone's comfort, as well as for safety reasons, we do not permit smoking inside the boats. You may smoke in the well decks with the consent of your fellow guests, and the towpath is never that far away.

Packing

As this is an informal holiday, there's no need to bring a huge wardrobe - casual clothes should suffice, and perhaps a warm jumper for the odd cool evening returning from the pub! Bring walking shoes if you intend to explore, and something soft-soled for wearing aboard.

A single soft case will be easiest to stow away in the cabin. A torch can be useful, as can binoculars, sketchpad and camera with spare film! Towels and bed linen are provided, with extra blankets available if necessary.

When does the holiday start?

Your cabin will be ready, and afternoon tea will be served at 4pm. If you are arriving earlier in the day, to explore the town, you are very welcome to leave your luggage with us.

Please plan to be with us before 5pm, as sometimes we cruise a short distance on the arrival day. Should you be delayed, just contact us by telephone.

Cruising usually finishes on the afternoon before your departure day, to allow time to see your final port of call. Guests are requested to vacate the boats by 9.30am on the day of departure, to enable the crew to prepare for the next cruise that day.

We are happy to advise on return transport, organise taxis to rail or coach stations, confirm flight departures, or just help with your luggage.

Booking

As we are only able to carry a small number of guests on each cruise, you are advised to book early, especially if you have set your heart on a particular cruise or date. If you can only decide at the last moment, it is always worthwhile phoning to ask if we still have cabins available. Our phone is on board, so you can speak to us personally, any day of the week. We will be glad to answer any query, no matter how small, and you need feel under no obligation when enquiring about cabin availability.

We accept bookings by phone and email, and then ask you to send the booking form within a week.

Why not call us for an informal chat?