Trip FAQs

From the Book Your Trip page, select the boat you wish to book.

The Calendar Search for each boat will give an overview of all trips for each day of a month.
Months can be selected directly from the drop down menu above the calendar.

Charters

Charters are shown by Red icons for Reserved, Green icons for Charter Available.
Clicking a Charter Available icon will allow you to make a Charter Request, sent automatically
to the Booking Team.

Public Trips

Mauve icons identify Public Trips.
Clicking an icon provides more detail, and access to Booking with secure payment by card.

Themed Trips

Blue icons identify a Themed trip.
Clicking an icon provides more detail, and access to Booking with secure payment by card.
A complete list of Theme trips for John Pinkerton is available from the John Pinkerton page by
selecting the Themed Trips link.

Please check the weather conditions and dress appropriately for a boat trip. It is advisable to check the weather forecast before the trip.

This includes footwear, for example high heels are inappropriate, soft shoes being more comfortable for any towpath access to boat.

Except for assistance dogs, we regret that dogs cannot be taken on public trips.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Babies are not charged for but are included in the overall headcount for a boat. If you are unsure please check with the Booking team.

Why not buy a Gift Voucher?

A voucher is an ideal gift for a boat trip in the peaceful surroundings of the delightful Basingstoke Canal.

Vouchers can be purchased using our online shop for use on either the John Pinkerton II or the Kitty.

Terms and conditions:

Unless stated otherwise a voucher will last for 12 months from the date of purchase.

A voucher has no cash value. A trip boat skipper cannot accept vouchers as payment in lieu of cash.

A cash refund cannot be given.

Redeeming your gift voucher:

We sell three gift voucher types in our online shop.

1. Boat Trip Gift Vouchers (£5 – £50) – Once your purchase has been made, your voucher will be emailed to you. Search for Public Trips or Theme Trips in the calendar, and redeem your voucher by selecting your required trip, and book and pay online, entering the voucher code in the Coupon box.
   If the value of the voucher exceeds the price of a trip then the residual amount may be used towards another trip.
2. Public Trip Family Ticket Gift Vouchers – Once your purchase has been made, your voucher will be emailed to you. Redeem your voucher by selecting your required trip, and book and pay online, entering the voucher code in the Coupon box. Voucher codes are only valid for one boat trip.
3. Public Trip Couple’s Ticket Gift Vouchers– Once your purchase has been made, your voucher will be emailed to you. Redeem your voucher by selecting your required trip, and book and pay online, entering the voucher code in the Coupon box.

All crew are trained volunteer members of The Basingstoke Canal Society and are appropriately certificated.

Public and theme trips are popular.

To avoid disappointment make an advanced booking using our secure on-line booking system.

Please check carefully your entered email address before submitting; errors can result in your ticket not being received.

We cannot guarantee seats will be available at the last minute.

You can check the availability of each boat based on your chosen trip type, day and time from the trip booking page before you start the booking process.

Trip prices vary depending on trip type and duration.

The trip boat season can vary but generally runs from mid-March to mid-October.

You can see what we have available during the season on the Booking page.

If you want to discuss a boat trip at any other time then please contact our Booking team.

If you have a question or need to contact us then please contact our Booking Team.

An on board toilet is available.

Please note that access into John Pinkerton is by five steps down from the rear deck, with handrails on each side. There is no mechanical lift for wheelchair users.

Group organisers must provide able-bodied helpers for those that need looking after, and to lift wheelchair users if necessary.

For those with limited walking mobility, with prior notice, we can arrange vehicle access to the wharf for drop-off.

Our smaller second trip boat Kitty, which operates from Woking, is fitted with a hydraulic lift for wheelchair users.

Alternatively, our sister charity Accessible Boating, based in Odiham, operates purpose-built boats to cater for disabled persons and their carers.

For more details visit the Accessible Boating Association or call them on 07934 926683 .

Souvenirs are available on board to help remember the occasion. You can also visit our online shop by clicking here.

Charterers may organise their own entertainment subject to the advance approval from the Booking Team.

Details of some acts that have worked on John Pinkerton are given below, to add to the party atmosphere of your cruise:

Enjoy a canal boat shuffle with
the Excel Jazzmen.
Contact tonykaravis@gmail.com

Join in singing sea shanties with
The Kings Pond Shantymen
web: https://www.kingspondshantymen.org.uk/
Contact stephen_duff@outlook.com

If you prefer Jazz,
Contact William McCoy at Trad’s Army Jazz
wtmcc@hotmail.com

For Latin Jazz
Contact Dom Hall
web: salonprivejazz.com

Makin’ Whoopee Duo Singers: Emma & Chris
or
Solo: Emma
web: https://www.makinwhoopee.co.uk/
Contact ejcarver134@yahoo.co.uk

Singer and Ukuele: Matthew Quilliam
or
Saxanduke Duo: Instrumental & Singing
Contact info@matthewquilliam.co.uk

Saxaphone quartet: 4 in a Bar saxaphone quartet
Louise Rayner
Contact lou.r13@talktalk.net

When booking, any entertainment staff must be included in total passenger numbers.