The Basingstoke Canal Society operates two trip boats on the Basingstoke Canal
The Basingstoke Canal Society is a registered charity which owns two passenger boats providing pleasure trips on the Basingstoke Canal. The John Pinkerton II which operates from Odiham, Hampshire hosts up to 50 guests; Kitty operating from The Town Wharf in Woking, Surrey hosts up to 12 guests.
Both boats are operated by John Pinkerton Canal Cruises Ltd and are crewed by trained and qualified volunteers. All proceeds go directly to safeguarding the Basingstoke Canal for the future.
Trip Types Available
- Public: Trips run at scheduled times, several days a week depending on boat and season. Seats are priced individually; concessions are available for John Pinkerton.
- Themed: Special events with entertainment, music or food, children’s events or other activities. Limited seat availability.
- Charter: Fixed price for the exclusive hire of the boat and crew. Available for groups to meet friends, celebrate, educate or anything else.
To avoid disappointment pre-booking on-line is advised for all trips. Space permitting it may be possible, to purchase your ticket onboard for Public trips only
Self-drive boat hire is available from Galleon Marine, and ABA Boats have boats suitable for less-abled persons.
John Pinkerton II
The boat provides a comfortable canal experience for guests to enjoy the slow pace of life in pleasant country surroundings.
- Flexible seating arrangements provide the choice of pairs of seats each side of the boat, or the addition of tables each seating four guests.
- The central gangway gives room to meet friends, and aids the safety of crew and passengers.
- The only access to the cabin is by five steps down from the deck level.
- Facilities include a fully licensed bar in the galley, also serving hot and cold non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and souvenirs to remember your trip.
- A flush toilet available onboard.
- Trips lasts about two and a half hours.
- Charter Trip guests can supply music, this can be played through blue-tooth speakers or the public address system.
- The boat normally carries four crew, though on our special ‘Themed’ trips, extra crew act as host manager.
Kitty
The boat provides a smaller boat canal experience in the calm surroundings next to a busy town centre.
- Trips usually last about 75 minutes.
- Access to the cabin is via four steps, or by a hydraulic lift for the less-abled guest.
- Up to two non-powered wheelchairs are accepted, but capacity is also reduced by one for each boarded.
- Fixed seating is arranged on each side of the boat, and a table between can be provided on request.
- No toilet on board, but local facilities can be found in the town centre.
- Food and drink may be brought on board.
- The boat carries a crew of two.
- Public trips are run at three time each scheduled day –11am, 1pm, and 2.45pm. With advance notice, any of these may be converted to a private charter providing there are no prior bookings.
- Charters are available by request on any other day during daylight hours, and can be extended up to 2.5 hours at additional cost.
- Themed trips with cream teas are usually available on the last trip every Saturday, Sunday or bank holiday.