Our Boats
The Cygnet Luxury Steel Narrowboat
Cygnet is a 30ft traditionally styled steel narrowboat built to a high specification and available for self steer day hire from Newbury. Up to eight passengers can enjoy cruising this section of the Kennt and Avon Canal and the beautiful surroundings of the Berkshire countryside.
We offer thorough tuition in the handling of the boat and operating the locks and swing bridges. Cygnet is powered by a very quiet, modern diesel engine with easy to use single lever controls.
Whether you are looking for something to entertain the kids, relax and get away from it all, celebrate a birthday or special event, organise a team building day or simply to do something different, Cygnet is ideal.
The 'Avon' motor barge
The 'Avon' is a wide beam motor barge which was purpose built as a passenger trip boat in 1973. Operating from Newbury Wharf on the Kennet and Avon Canal, she is 70 ft in length and 11ft 6 inches wide. Built from steel, Avon is powered by a 35 hp Russell Newbery marine diesel engine. The engine is separated from the passenger accommodation by a soundproofed, steel bulkhead.
Avon is licensed to carry 93 passengers but to increase passenger comfort and space we restrict passenger numbers to 70 on daytime boat trips and 60 for evening trips. If food is being served then numbers are restricted to 53 passengers.
The horse drawn - 'Kennet Valley'
The 'Kennet Valley' horse drawn barge is a wide beam passenger trip boat which was purpose built in 1976. She operates from Kintbury on the Kennet and Avon Canal and is 67ft in length and 10ft wide. A part of England’s heritage, Kennet Valley has no engine on board so is powered solely by the towing action of the horse making her a tranquil and environmentally friendly method of transport. Kennet Valley is licensed to carry 75 passengers but we restrict this to 70 to increase the comfort for our passengers. If food is being served, passenger numbers are limited to 53.
On Board Facilities
- Well stocked bar serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and confectionary.
- All weather protection.
- CD facilities (motor barge Avon only)
- Jazz band/disco available at extra charge
- Small gift shop
- Toilet
