>>> Please confirm by 31st March 2025 <<<
Dates
Departing: 31st August 2025 @ 1.30pm
Returning: 7th September 2025 @ 9:00am
Leaving From
Gayton Marina, Blisworth Arm, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN7 3ER
Approximately one hours drive from St. Albans
Touring the Grand Union Canal
Gayton Marina is situated on the Grand Union canal, England, and just a short cruise away from the historic 2,813-metre-long Blisworth tunnel. The choice of routes is excellent, including short breaks, ring routes, and the popular Oxford and return taking in historic sites, such as Blenheim Palace.
Possible Cruises
#1 Warwick & return
TOTAL LOCKS: 72
CRUISING TIME PER DAY: 6 HOURS (38 HOURS IN TOTAL)
A very popular week cruise with Warwick Castle en route. A stunningly preserved 14th century castle overlooking the River Avon (above navigable waters) with the grounds and gardens laid out by Capability Brown. Hosts special themed attractions and events throughout the year.
Within a mile of the Grand Union Canal in Warwick – walk from Bridge 49 or take local buses.
#2 Market Harborough & return
TOTAL LOCKS: 48
CRUISING TIME PER DAY: 6 HOURS (40 HOURS IN TOTAL)
Market Harborough and return is a tranquil rural route through rolling Northamptonshire countryside. It is a 7 day cruise and has 48 locks. It is popular with those seeking something different – there are at least 4 moveable bridges, 20 small aqueducts/underbridges and 4 tunnels including Crick Tunnel (1528 yards) and Husband’s Bosworth Tunnel (1166 yards).
#3 Banbury & Return
TOTAL LOCKS: 70
CRUISING TIME PER DAY: 7 HOURS (43 HOURS IN TOTAL)
Gayton Marina is just a short distance from the heart of Northampton, via a 17-lock flight along the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal, but your route meanders northwards along the Grand Union Canal through open farmland. The canal mainly skirts round the villages which dot the landscape, and activity is centred on boatyards and pubs which create occasional diversions from the calm.
#4 Coventry or Snarestone & return
Duration: 7 Nights
TOTAL LOCKS: 34
CRUISING TIME PER DAY: 6 – 8 HOURS (40 – 54 HOURS IN TOTAL)
With only 17 locks each way between Gayton and Coventry, this is one of the easiest one-week routes. The remote and rural Ashby Canal for Snarestone offers 23 miles of lock free cruising after Marston.
Moor at Shenton for Bosworth Battlefield Visitor Centre.
Three Canal Boats
The Gull is a 66ft Cruiser stern narrowboat that is part of our ‘Alvechurch Fleet’. It sleeps up to 6 people, ideal for families and groups.
BOAT DESIGN FEATURES
All of our boats have full radiator central heating with hot and cold running water supplied from a 150 gallon water tank.
We also include a double filtered drinking water system. The Thrush has a 2kw Inverter that supplies 240 volt electricity to certain appliances and sockets on the boat. There is carpeting in the saloon and bedroom. Also features a security box / safe.
BEDDING ARRANGEMENTS
Sleeps up to 6. Two cabins, both can either be configured as one double bed or two singles.
The seating area in the saloon can be converted into a double bed in the evening, if required.
There are wardrobes located throughout the boat (see layout options) for storing clothes. Freshly laundered bedding for each crew member.
WELCOME PACK
Includes: 1 bottle of washing up liquid, 1 dish cloth, 1 tea towel, 1 floor cloth, toilet roll & bin liner. Helmsman’s waterproofs & umbrella.
BATHROOM
Two bathrooms complete with hand basin, electrically operated flush toilet, and shower. Includes a 240v shaver socket.
KITCHEN
Fully equipped galley with 4 burner gas cooker complete with grill and oven, refrigerator, sink and drainer, work surfaces and storage space. Microwave, toaster and cafetiere. Saucepans, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery etc included.
ON BOARD FEATURES
Free Wi-Fi, Radio CD player with USB, LCD TV and DVD player, hairdryer, vacuum cleaner, 12v socket. 1 medium size towel per crew member, plus 1 hand towel per bathroom.
Pets are welcome on board (a maximum of 2 pets per boat).
https://www.abcboathire.com/our-boats/6-8-berth/alvechurch-gull
Food & Drink
Unfortunately, this isn’t an all-inclusive holiday! We would kindly ask that you bring enough breakfasts and alcohol for the week!
It would be great if each boat could plan to do a Come Dine With Me event for one night!