FAQs

What is the minimum stay?

We have a minimum stay of 3 nights but on some occasions we offer a 2 night mini-break as a special offer if we have availability. We can offer better rates the longer that you choose to stay, so a 7 night stay will cost you less per night than a 3 night stay.

How many people does the boat sleep?

The boat sleeps up to 6 people but some of our list prices are based on 4 people. Additional people attract an additional charge, please choose the

correct number of guests when booking to obtain the correct price. Please contact us if you would like further information on the bed configuration.

How do I book my canal boat holiday?

1. Check availability and prices by clicking the ‘book now’ button or the availability finder at the bottom of the page.

2. Proceed to book option, this then generates a request at our office. Providing the dates and other details work in our calendar we will then send an email confirming your booking and a payment link where you can pay the required deposit.

3. Once confirmed, you will receive a Booking form asking for details of all of the guests coming along for insurance purposes. Please return the booking form to us as soon as possible so that we can prepare the boat for your arrival.

4. 6 weeks before your hire, the interim payment (25% of your balance) will be due. 3 weeks before your booking, the final balance will be due. Payments are taken automatically so please ensure you have available funds. Once this is paid you we will email all the information you need for your epic adventure including how to get here and what to pack.

Do I need to be insured to sail the boat?

No insurance necessary! The boat is of course insured by us in the event of any freak accidents, but you don’t require a licence or personal insurance to captain a narrowboat on inland waters. We do, however, recommend taking out holiday insurance – just in case.

Do I need to be insured to sail the boat?

No insurance necessary! The boat is of course insured by us in the event of any freak accidents, but you don’t require a licence or personal insurance to captain a narrowboat on inland waters. We do, however, recommend taking out holiday insurance – just in case.

Is there parking available?

Yes – We have parking available for two cars. Cars are locked into our parking area at night but are left at your own risk.

How much and how long will training take?

Depending on your experience we allow 90mins for handover and training however this will be extended should we feel that more time is needed.

Is it cold on a narrowboat?

Our boat is fully insulated and fitted with a diesel heating system with radiators throughout, just like your home. You will always be warm whatever the weather!

Where can we moor?

Mooring on the canal network is generally anywhere towpath side for 14 days unless notices state otherwise. In busy spots some are 24 -48 hour max. With the exception of London, moorings are generally free. We will provide a map with good mooring spots on the day of hire.

Can I hire the boat on my own?

The boat is yours for your guests for the weekend – we don’t attend the holiday with you, however we aren’t able to hire the boat to solo boaters for safety reasons – regardless of your experience levels. There must be at least two competent legal adults in the party to hire the boat.

Is there a minimum age to hire the boat?

We require the lead hirer to be at least 21 at the time of hire and for at least two party members to be legal adults (over the age of 18). 

We wouldn’t advise that parents bring children under the age of 5 and we reserve the right to refuse bookings with children under this age. Navigating the canal requires a lot of attention, as do children! 

Can I hire the boat for parties?

While we are are happy for people to hire the boat for special occasions (such as honeymoons, birthdays, etc.), unfortunately we are not able to hire the boat for parties – this includes stag and hen dos. Please be aware that we reserve the right to reject any booking, even at the time of arrival, at our discretion. Please read our terms & conditions for our policy in this event.

Can we bring a dog?

We allow maximum of two small well behaved dogs at our discretion and we charge an additional fee for each. We will ask for details of your pooch before we accept your booking. Unfortunately we have to be a bit strict on this as the owner has an allergy to certain dogs with very course hair. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

We love dogs at Epic, but we do have a few rules when bringing along your pooch. We kindly ask that you bring along all bedding, bowls, poo bags, leads, etc. and it’s a great idea to have a life jacket just in case. Please do your best to keep your dog off of the soft furnishings so they stay nice for the humans, and please don’t ever leave your dog alone on board.

Can we bring bikes/canoes/paddleboards etc.?

Due to the size of the narrowboat, there are no facilities to store bikes/canoes/paddleboards or similar items, so please don’t bring them with you.

Can we fish?

Providing that you have a current Environment Agency fishing license you can fish anywhere on the towpath or on the boat subject to local syndicate terms and conditions and fees. Grand Union South – Luton Angling Club Grand Union North – Milton Keynes Angling Club. Day tickets available at current rates.

Bait must be kept in a cool box outside, not in the fridge.

Is the boat available all year round?

We are happy to hire the boat all year but it is subject to canal closures and weather condition in winter months, and at our discretion. Please contact us for further information.

Can we travel at night?

Good boating etiquette is to travel in daylight hours only. You are prohibited from traveling on our boat outside of these hours for your own safety and insurance purposes. It’s also bad boating etiquette to run the engine at night, so please make sure you avoid this where possible.

Can we swim in the canal?

It is not advisable to swim in the canal at any time of year. It is very unhealthy!

Can you fit two boats in a lock?

Yes you can and it is always best to if there are two boats waiting!

Can we book longer trips or one way hire?

Yes! We are always happy to discuss individual requirements, please give us a call or send us an email for more details

What happens if we break down?

Unforeseen circumstances sometimes occur. We will endeavor to get you back cruising as soon as possible should this happen. We have RCR cover (like the AA for boats!)

I have booked my holiday – what should I pack?

Whatever you decide bring it in a soft bags instead of a suitcase and DEFINITELY NOT a hard shell suitcase. We love a big Costco or blue Ikea bag as they are easier to store away. Remember – this is the UK and we are never guaranteed the weather so do come prepared. Even in good weather the towpaths can sometimes get muddy so a good pair of non slip walking shoes/boots or trainers are ideal and don’t even think about packing the Jimmy Choo’s, a canal boat holiday is not the time or place (although we have seen it in our time in the cut!).
Comfortable non crease clothes are are the key, jeans and shorts in the summer (but make sure there are no dangley belts or ties as these could get caught up in the lock mechanisms if you have to cross them). T-shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces and a waterproof coat are a great idea and maybe a nice top if you plan to visit one of the fabulous gastro pubs en-route. Its all common sense really but here are a few other things that you may find useful to pop in your bag:

  • Baseball cap, sun or woolly hat to shield from the sun or keep your head warm depending on season
  • Torch
  • Waterproof clothing
  • Mobile Phones/tablets/chargers
  • Games and books for the kids for rainy days or long cruising sections
  • Sunglasses and sun creams
  • Gloves – to work the locks (essential in winter)
  • Binoculars (for spotting Kingfishers etc)!
  • For pets – bedding, leads, towels, life jackets and food
  • Bottled water for drinking
  • Provisions
  • Small bluetooth speaker
Anything I should avoid bringing?

Please do not bring any thing electrical that uses a high voltage like hairdryers, travel kettles or hair straighteners. Boat electrical systems work differently to those in a house and may not be able to cope. We have provided a hairdryer, straighteners and a kettle with a whistle (remember them?) for your convenience. If you are unsure of anything, please feel free to give us a call to discuss.

Towels and bedding & Tea towels are provided but if you have a ‘special’ pillow – please feel free to bring it along!

Shampoo, shower gel, hand soap, kitchen & bathroom cleaning products are all provided and are all environmentally friendly, as they ultimately end up in the canal. If you want to bring your own products please make sure they are also eco-friendly to protect the canals ecosystem.

Can I read your terms & conditions?

Yes you can here.