Me and my family of 3 hired mr otter for the day and we all thoroughly enjoyed it the boat was well equipped with on board wc, gas hob,hot and... read more cold water. We have done boating holidays before but never on a canal. The staff showed us how to use the locks which I was worried about having not used them before.
Just a shame they don’t do holidays as we would 100% do it

  I hired Mr Owl (10 person) narrowboat for a day trip with six colleagues who had never been on the canals before.

The site has plenty of parking and... read more a short walk from Broxbourne railway station. It is also a short walk from a great little café that does breakfast.

Our boat was ready at 9.30. We were given basic instructions and this may be because I am an experienced boater. Not sure if it would be enough for the uninitiated to get through a lock but one of the men did walk down to the first lock to make sure all was well.

The boat was well equipped although we couldn't get the oven to fire up to warm some croissants. There were cleaning materials and a proper bin and the WC was a good size and clean.

I wouldn't rely on being able to moor and eat out during the day as the towpath towards Ware was extremely busy with people clearly not there on a quick stopover so take food or have a long walk.

I wouldn't want to have 10 adults on board. You can only have two people on the stern at a time so getting the other 8 in the well deck would be a struggle and if it is a nice day people won't want to sit inside. Seven was a reasonable number in a boat of this size but if you have kids then it would be less of an issue. there was a different boat that had more outdoor space so look at the options before you book. I am sure the marina staff will advise your best option.

Booking was easy and the staff accommodating when I had to change arrangements twice.

There is a great pub with excellent food directly opposite so maybe snack during the day and go for dinner when you give the boat back. That's what we did and it worked really well.

At least one of my colleagues is now booking to take his family so pleased to have been able to introduce new people to the delights of the canal network and a good marina.

  What a great time we had today with our our family including 3 grandchildren. We boarded the boat and the children started writing letters to Santa then posted them on... read more boat. Then santa arrived alongside us in another boat. Kids and adults loved it. Mulled wine and mince pies served to adults whilst kids went up and got small gifts from santa. Whilst cruising along the lea valley santa started a sing a long and even played his guitar. Great time had by all. Only complaint was kids wanted a mince pie so maybe one for everyone or a small charge to buy one beings as tea and coffee was available. Thanks for a different and great time.