Birmingham Canal Boat Services LTD
Canal Camping Cruises
  • Adventure Afloat on Inland Waterways

    • Canal boating holidays are great fun and our economically priced camping boats offer you an ideal way to see for yourselves.

    As well as the novelty and excitement of voyaging along Britain's unique canal network and of living afloat, you will find there are a host of things to do along the way. Your party need never be bored.

    There's help to navigate the boat(s) and working them through the locks, there are interesting towns and villages to stop at and explore.

    Each route has a variety of attractions that you can choose from to stop and visit, from swimming baths, cinemas and amusement parks, to museums, historical buildings and factory visits - whatever you fancy- we can even tailor a corporate event into your cruise.

    Our minimum trip duration is for two days but week long bookings are the norm.

  • Where can you go?

    • Our base in Birmingham is at the centre of the canal system and there are a wide variety of routes available.

    The route you choose can be a heavily locked one, involving plenty of activity or one that is more relaxed.
    You can go for a largely rural trip or one that will include an impression of the part the canals played in the development of industry.
    It could be a round trip or a 'there and back' trip.
    We are happy to discuss all the alternatives with you in detail, including the variety of "off water" activities and attractions available, allowing you to choose the route which will suit you're requirements.

  • What are the boats like?

    • All our craft are canal 'Narrow boats', seventy feet long and seven feet wide.

    They were built to carry goods and did so for many years.
    They have been converted to provide accommodation for up to twelve people on each boat, whilst still maintaining the fine looks of traditional narrow boats.

    You can book a motor boat for up to twelve people, or for larger groups you can book a pair - the motor and a 'butty', or dumb boat, which will operate together as a unit, giving you up to 24 berths
    We can accomodate a maximum of 36 by using two motors and a butty.

    Booking a pair entitles you to a 5% discount on the total charter fee.

  • The Steerer

    • In view of the size of the boats, we provide a steerer who is in charge of each unit hired - a single motorboat or pair (motor and butty).
    He is responsible for the safe navigation of your boat(s) during your holiday and this means that you ca get on with enjoying the journey without worry.
    You are of course free to assist him as much as you want.

    Your steerer will be able to teach everyone in your group how the canals work and will be able to answer most of your questions relating to the waterways.
    He will generally do his best to ensure that you get the most out of your holiday.
    He lives in the traditional back cabin of the boat, which is entirely separate from the passenger accommodation, and so he will in no way intrude upon the privacy of your party.

  • What is included in the price?
  • Services of the steerer
  • All necessary fuel, oil for the engine, gas for cooking, toilet fluid and dustbin liners
  • Licence fees relating to the use of all waterways owned by British Waterways Board (the majority).
    If you choose a route that includes any privately owned waterway, we have to pass on to you the cost of any extra licences or tolls. (A rare event)
  • Windlasses for lock operation. Lost windlasses will be charged for.
  • We do have catering options that we will be more than happy to discuss with you.
  • What do you need to bring with you?
  • Bedding. The bunks include a mattress and pillow, but bring your own bedding - a sleeping bag with possibly an additional blanket or two if the weather is cold. Clean pillowslips are provided but bring your own if you want.
  • Clothing should include some warm, waterproof items and stout footwear. Please bear in mind that space for storage of personal items is limited, so try and avoid bringing any unnecessary items of luggage.
  • Bring torches in case you go out for the evening and rejoin the boats(s) after dark. Don't forget a camera, as there will be plenty of photo opportunities.
  • Your own washing up liquid, general purpose cleaner, toilet soap, toilet rolls, tea and hand towels (possibly a bath towel as well if you are planning to visit a swimming pool along the route.
  • Food. We have various catering options that we can discuss with you. If you are self catering you should aim to bring with you at least enough to start you off (i.e. for the first day). Limited storage is possible for staple stocks of tinned goods etc. There will be no problem in replenishing stocks along the way. Whilst the boats are not equipped with fridges, you will be able to buy perishable goods each day (milk, eggs, bacon, butter, vegetables etc).
  • HEATING. Customers will have the opportunity of requesting 'Calor gas' heating if they think it is necessary. A flat charge of £15 including VAT per boat per week will be made to cover costs.
  • Any other questions

    • Can the sleeping accommodation be separated between male & female?

    Yes. If you can tell us the composition of your group we will discuss the matter with you.

    Will there be adequate facilities along the way for replenishing food supplies, getting water and emptying toilets?

    Yes. Your skipper will be able to inform you in advance of such facilities as you go along.

    Will the holiday be made suitable for my age group?

    These holidays are generally suitable from age seven upwards. Our facilities are generally used by groups of this age up to eighteen. We do however also cater for adult groups, clubs, organisation and corporate adventure trips aboard the same vessels so yes!

    Will there be plenty to do for my party?

    Yes, lots! There's the normal day to day tasks involved in living on the boat and keeping it clean and tidy to share out; there's the operation of the boat and working it through the locks to help with; there will be a selection of 'off water' activities and attractions along the route for you to stop and visit if you wish.

    Where do the boat holidays start? Is it near a railway station or are there parking facilities?

    Nearly all our trips start from Cambridge Street near the City Centre. It is convenient for the main Birmingham New Street station. We do not have our own parking facilities, but we arrange parking for a limited number of vehicles at a nearby boatyard at a nominal cost.

    Whatever your query, please feel free to contact us - we have over twenty years experience of operating our holiday boats and we are happy to discuss fully any of your questions.

  • What to do to book

    • Firstly contact us online or by phone to see if the date you require is available. Try to have an alternative date in mind, just in case.

    If the craft are available for the required date will take up your provisional booking.

    Either download the booking form from the website or we will send you one and your booking will be confirmed upon receipt of the completed booking form and a deposit of 25% of total charter fee.

    We will contact you in writing (and / or by email) confirming the booking, noting the deposit paid, and informing you for your records of the balance payable 14 days before your cruise.

    Don't forget - if you book a pair (motor and butty - up to 24 berths) you can claim a discount of 5% on the total charter fee.

    There is also a 5% discount available if you book for more than one week.