Frequently asked questions.
The Llangollen canal really is a wonderful location for your canal boat holidays.
The Llangollen canal really is a wonderful location for your canal boat holidays.
Why should I choose a Llangollen Canal Boat Holiday?
Because as we claim it really is the fastest way to slow down. Visit the beautiful Llangollen Canal and see parts of the UK that you never knew existed. Meander your way through stunning scenery along some of our most tranquil waterways.
Why should I book my holiday with Llangollen Canal Boat Holidays?
With a choice of three locations, Blackwater Meadow, Whitchuch or Wrenbury and with a range of boats sleeping 2 to 12 people we really do have something to suit everyone's needs.
Our bases are easily accessible from all parts of the UK
Blackwater Meadow- North and South take the M54/A5 towards Shrewsbury and then follow A528 to Ellesmere.
Whitchurch - from the South on the A41, from the East on the A525, from the West on the A525
Wrenbury - From the M6 Motorway: (Journey time approximately 30 minutes)
And for satellite Navigation our post codes are
Blackwater Meadow – SY12 9DD
Whitchurch – SY13 3AA
Wrenbury – CW5 8HG
Car parking is free at all of our Llangollen Canal Boat locations so forget all about the car for the rest of your holiday.
How economical is a Llangollen Canal Boat Holiday?
A canal boating holiday can be surprisingly economical because as once as you have paid for the canal boat hire the rest of the holiday cost is entirely up to you.
Will I have time to cross over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct?
Our approximate cruising distances and timings from our bases are
Blackwater Meadow Marina, 13 miles, 6.5 hours.
Whitchurch Marina, 25 miles, 11.5 hours.
Wrenbury Marina, 33 miles, 17 hours.
Don't forget you have to make the return journey so allow the same time for your return. We offer short breaks, minimum 3 nights, one week or two week holidays so you can choose the location to suit your holiday requirements. When planning your journey remember you can only cruise during daylight hours, you cannot cruise after dusk or before sunrise.
What is a Llangollen Canal Boat Holiday really like?
In a nutshell relaxing imagine gently cruising the beautiful Llangollen Canal at your own pace as you watch the countryside drift pass. Get close to nature spot the herons and the kingfishers and the host of other wildlife that make the canal and the canal banks their home. Spend some real quality time with the people that matter the most to you.
Will the whole family enjoy a Llangollen Canal Boat Holiday?
A canal boating holiday is superb for families and certainly one that you can all enjoy together.
There are plenty of family attractions and place to visit along the Llangollen Canal and here are a few of our favourites
Llangollen
Llangollen Railway
Horseshoe Falls
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Ellesmere
Chirk Castle
Chirk Tunnel
Chirk Aqueduct
Ellesmere Mere Visitor Centre
Shropshire Steamboat Company
Plas Newydd
Castell Dinas Bran
Children young and old, will have more than enough to keep them occupied and hopefully you will never hear those dreaded words "I'm Bored" during your Llangollen Canal Boat Holiday.
Can I bring my pets?
We know that your pets are an important part of you family and therefore well behaved pets are welcome at all of our Llangollen Marinas. A maximum of 2 pets per boat (an additional cost is applied during the booking process).
Do you provide life jackets?
There are life jackets available free of charge for both children and adults at the marinas these are compulsory for children and non-swimmers.
Who do I call if I have a problem?
Our dedicated team are on hand twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies. Your safety and enjoyment are our paramount concern. Thankfully problems are very rare but if we do have to attend a breakdown we will do our very best to get you going as soon as possible.
Will I need insurance?
The canal boat and contents are fully insured. We would suggest that you check your own policies for household and car insurance before you leave home.
Do I need to be experienced?
No, many of our guests are 'first timers' and you will be given all the necessary training you need to get started. You will be fully trained on all aspects at the start of your Llangollen Canal Boat holiday. Please ask questions as you go as we want you to be completely confident. We also leave a manual and training DVD on board in case you need to refer to them.
Where can I go?
The itinerary is yours you decide when to stop, where and for how long you can moor in a different place every night and enjoy a change of scenery every day. One of the pleasures of a Llangollen Canal Boat Holiday is to be able to stop off exactly where you want to. If you want to cook your meals you will find everything on route from large supermarkets to small farm shops. However if you decide you do not want to be a Galley Slave then within easy reach of your canal boat you will find a host of pubs and restaurants. We have not lost anyone yet but just in case you are able to purchase maps and guides to help you plan your route.
Are the locks easy to operate and how fast can I go ?
The locks are very easy and something the whole crew will want to help with . You will all be given full training on how to operate a lock before you leave on your canal boating holiday. On the Llangollen canal the maximum speed is around 4mph but the average speed is more like 3mph.
Is the canal boat easy to manage?
Steering the canal boat comes easily and after some practice you will find our boats are very easy to handle. The controls are easy and with supervision even the kids can do it. The tiller controls left and right and push the lever forwards to go forward and backwards to stop or reverse – that's about all there is to it.
What is on the canal boat?
The kitchen or galley is fully equipped with a cooker, fridge and microwave. All of the cooking utensils, crockery and glasses are provided. There is a shower and sink and toilet/s and these have modern fresh water flushes and hot and cold running water. The lounge/dining area has plenty of comfortable seats and a dining table and Colour TV with DVD
What should I pack?
Your canal boat will be very well equipped so you do not have to bring the kitchen sink. Specific items you may want to bring to help you get the most out of you holiday are a torch, camera, binoculars, DVDs and CDs. A good waterways guide (such as Nicholson's) which you can purchase before hand is brilliant for planning your journey. Your food for the first day and maybe tea, coffee sugar and milk. Come prepared for whatever the great British weather may throw at you so pack those water proofs and the suntan cream. Warm clothes and non-slip soft deck shoes and protective gloves (for working locks) and pack them in a soft bag, not a suitcase as this will save on space.
Where can I moor?
Designated mooring on the Llangollen canal will be clearly marked and will inform you where you can moor and for how long. Within reason you can moor up at any point you choose along the towpath side of the canal but you must be mindful of other canal boat users at all times. Mooring pegs are provided for you in case there are no mooring points.
Can I fish?
Fishing is allowed on the canals at any time of year, but buy a rod licence as the penalties are high if you do not have one. You can get a 1 day, 8 day, or annual licence from the post office, or on-line at the Environment website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk. Some stretches of the Llangollen canal require permits or have fishing rights so adhere to any signs.
What if I have any more Questions?
If you have any questions that we have not covered or if you have a question that you think can be included in this article please feel free to email us or ring us to speak to one of our experienced holiday advisor's. We will do our best to help you with your canal boating holiday query.