No, our barges are accommodation equipped and our hire is a minimum of 3 nights, although you can bring the boat back earlier if you wish.

You do not need any previous experience, or a boat licence, you will be given all the training you need to get started. The waters are mostly current free and cruising speed is only three to four miles per hour making operating a canal boat child's play.

We ask that you arrive at 1:30pm on your arrival day in order to provide sufficient time to check-in, load the barge and receive the training and tour. On your day of departure, you will need to vacate the barge no later than 9:30am.

You can moor up wherever you want, just tie up by a towpath so you can get on and off the canal boat easily, or better still outside a pub!

Water is free and we give you a British Waterways key on arrival so you can use the water points. Diesel, gas and pump-outs (if necessary) are included in the price you pay.

The barges and contents are fully insured, but we do have an excess on our insurance so we recommend that you take out our £45.00 damage waiver, then if you do have an accident you do not have to worry. The only thing that is not insured by us are (a) your car which is probably protected under your motor policy and (b) your personal possessions which are also probably covered under your house contents insurance but please check your own policies carefully.

We sell maps and guides at our marinas (subject to stock). You can also buy online via our Amazon store if you wish to plan ahead.

Our dedicated barge hire team are on hand twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies. Your safety and enjoyment are our paramount concern.

Please click here for our barge hire crewing criteria.

Free car parking is available at all our barge hire marinas. Many of our marinas are also close to main line railway stations.

The boat has 240v (UK Mains) sockets which accept 3 pin plugs. Do not bring any electrical equipment over 1000 watts.

We allow pets at the follow marinas :-

Alvechurch Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets.

Blackwater Meadow Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets.

Gayton Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets.

Worcester Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets.

Anderton Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets.

Hilperton Marina - £25 per pet - maximum 2 pets.

These are all provided free of charge, all the beds have duvets.

Is allowed on the canals at any time of year, but a Rod Licence is required - you can get a 1 day, 8 day, or annual licence from the post office, or Online at the Environment website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk

You can fit 2-3 bikes on the roof of the barge, please bring some old matting to protect our paintwork, and some straps.

Part of the canal boating experience is stopping off and visiting the villages and towns along the way, so you can stock up with groceries as you go along, although all our marinas are close to towpath. There are lots of pubs and some cafes along the canals, some have their own moorings, and some are just a short stroll away.

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Our booking address is: barge-hire.com PO Box 57 Budleigh Salterton Devon EX9 7ZN
Telephone: 01395-443545
Email: bookings@barge-hire.com