About us
We’re based in Oldbury, West Midlands, at the ‘Heart of the Black Country’, in the true heart of the canal network.
Our Boat 'Florence'
She’s a 70ft Northwich Trader Class Tug, a replica of a Working Boat.
She was built by R.W Davis in 2000. ( a sought after name in the Boating world ).
This is a rare opportunity to experience one of the best narrowboats on the canal system. You won’t find another holiday hire narrowboat like this one!
Unlike other holiday hire narrowboats she’s very traditional yet modern and comfortable.
She has a traditional shell with portholes throughout, an engine room with a Lister HRW3 engine with Dynawatt alternator-inverter supplying 240V.
At the rear there is an authentic boatman’s cabin with pull down bed and a Epping Range solid fuel stove.
She has a large bathroom, with large walk in shower with massage Jets, a cassette toilet, glass bowl hand basin and heated towel rail.
There is also a newly fitted galley kitchen (Apr 08) with storage cupboards, a large Belfast sink, fridge, gas hob, oven and grill.
Then there is a fitted dinette. This provides ample storage underneath and also converts to a double bed.
She also has a large saloon with a comfortable 3 seater sofa TV/DVD and a diesel fire. There is a double bed under the tug deck in the saloon.
The large Tug deck makes a great sun deck to relax in the sun as you’re cruising down the waterway, or a place to enjoy a drink on a warm summers evening.
Unlike other narrowboat hire companies we offer a truly traditional quality boat, something more than some of the floating caravans and chalets that are out there! To look at her you wouldn't even know she was a hire boat.
We like to keep the traditional aspect of the boat and feel that you should have plenty of room aboard to enjoy her. That’s why, although she’s 70ft, we haven’t filled her with bunks here and there to squeeze as many people on board as possible.
She was entirely re-painted August 2008.
You are very welcome to arrange to view before you book your holiday, just give us a call. Or you can see her from the outside at the canal side 'Valencia Wharf Coffee Shop' at A&D Aquatic and Garden Centre in Oldbury. (Well worth a visit for the Garden Centre and canalside cafe).
What we ask from you
Because of the quality of the boat and deepness of the draft, we do stipulate that some Narrow boating experience is required. You must be able to handle her competently.
We also operate a strict No Smoking and No pets policy aboard.
How many can she sleep?
There is a small double pull down bed in the boatman’s cabin. There is a further double bed under the tug deck in the lounge and another in the dinette. Therefore accommodating 2-6.
The Layout
How long can we hire her for?
Our prices are based on 6nights holiday hire, starting on Sunday 11am (return to base Saturday 12pm)
Short breaks may also be available at the last minute.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements.
What Route can you take ?
Rather than dictate your holiday for you, we’ll help you to tailor-make the route that is best for you. Starting from, or near our base in Oldbury.
We will consider, where you want to see, how many hours you want to travel in a day and what type of narrowboat holiday do you want? Then together we’ll plan the route that accommodates your needs best.
Standard 'British Waterways' License fee is included in the cost of your holiday. If you wish to travel on any other waterways an additional license fee is payable (This is not included). Fees vary but are usually around £50.
If you would prefer not to tour but just want somewhere unusual to stay, we can also offer static hire nr Birmingham city centre. This provides an excellent self catering base for those who want to explore Birminghams attractions.
Hire Cost and availability ( £,all Inc,6nights,2-6 people )
05th Jul £ 995 | 02nd Aug £ 995 |
12th Jul £ 995 | 09th Aug £ 995 |
19th Jul £ 995 | 16th Aug Not Avail |
26th Jul £ 995 | 23rd Aug Not Avail |
| 30th Aug Not Avail |
No hire available after August 2009
We will also require a £150 deposit against any damages prior to commencing your journey. This is refundable if no loss or damages have occurred.
What’s Included
No hidden costs, all diesel included!
Bedding and Bed Linen is provided free of charge, along with towels and a collection of guest toiletries.
Alternatively you can choose to bring your own bedding, bed linen and towels and receive £50 off the holiday cost. If you choose to do this please advise us when making your booking.
You’ll also find a fully equipped kitchen.
There is a TV/DVD player. (And a small collection of DVD’s).
She is a very ‘Secure’ and ‘Safe’ boat. She has hatch locks, smoke alarms, CO2 detectors, Fire Blanket and Extinguisher, Life jackets ( if required ) and a life ring. We also offer an optional fire guard in the lounge.
We can offer free parking for you throughout your stay. Although this is secure parking, we must state that vehicles are left at owners own risk.
How to book
To arrange a viewing or to make a booking, just call us on 07912 352673 or 0121 552 9496, or email at blackcountry.narrowboathire@virgin.net
We will then send you a booking form for you to sign and return along with a £250 deposit (non refundable).
What happens next
Upon receipt of your booking form we’ll send you confirmation and advise when balance is to be paid.( 6 weeks before hire date ).
Upon final payment we’ll send you final confirmation along with joining instructions and some additional information in order to help you plan your route and make the most of your narrowboat holiday.
On your departure date, after a hand over we’ll wish you ‘Bon Voyage’ and you can be on your way. However, we’ll be only a phone call away if you need any advice or run into difficulties.
What if I have to cancel
We strongly recommend that you take out holiday Insurance to cover this eventuality.
All payments are non refundable. (However if we can re-let the boat we may be able to offer a partial refund in certain circumstances).
Photo Gallery ( Scroll Right )
